02/04/2026
Bringing Back the Magic: The Land Lab Returns!
We’ve got some exciting news to share! At Evergreen Outdoor Education, we’ve always believed that the best way to learn about the world isn’t just through a textbook—it’s by getting your hands dirty in the soil and your boots on the trail. That’s why we are officially working to reestablish and revitalize the beloved Land Lab right here on our campus.
If you grew up in the area, you might remember the original Auburn Land Lab. Established in the mid-1980s, it transformed the landscape of East Auburn into a living classroom that served over 3,500 students annually for nearly 30 years. When it closed, it left a gap in our community’s connection to the outdoors. We’re here to bridge that gap and bring that legacy back to life.
What’s in Store?
We aren’t just resurrecting an old program; we’re reimagining it as a vibrant hub for discovery where the boundaries between nature and culture dissolve. Our campus is being transformed into a dynamic learning space featuring:
• Walking trails for local exploration.
• Thriving gardens and composting systems where the "Five Es Model of Inquiry"—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—comes alive.
• Hands-on science stations where students can dissect owl pellets, build bat and pollinator habitats, and observe the life cycles of local fish.
A Resource for Everyone
This isn’t just for school field trips (though we’ll have plenty of those!). We want the Land Lab to be a cornerstone for the entire community:
• For Schools: We are partnering with local educators to provide experiential science units aligned with state standards. We will also offer science kits, professional development workshops, and specialized "academies" to provide targeted academic support for students who benefit from alternative learning environments.
• For Families: Look forward to Family Discovery Days featuring weekend gardening, nature crafts, and intergenerational learning.
• For Homeschoolers: We’ll offer dedicated programming and resources, including structured science lessons, to help parents provide a robust, hands-on curriculum.
• Summer & Holidays: Our campus will host immersive workshops and holiday programs designed to be accessible to all through scholarship opportunities.
Why It Matters
In a world that feels increasingly digital, the Land Lab offers a much-needed break from screen time. It’s a place where nature isn't something far away in a documentary, but something deeply rooted in our own backyards.
By participating in active stewardship—like maintaining trails or tending the garden—we hope to help the next generation realize they aren’t just visitors to nature; they are a vital and integral part of it.
Join Us!
Reestablishing the Land Lab is an investment in our children, our community, and our planet. We invite you to volunteer, donate, and participate in bringing this invaluable resource back to life.
Let’s ensure every member of our community has the chance to discover the profound beauty and interconnectedness of the Maine environment.
