Outdoor Classroom Projects

The Culpeper SWCD works with schools and other public facilities to highlight natural resources and address runoff and flooding issues. Below are a list of projects that are ongoing. For more information, contact Stephanie DeNicola at stephanied@culpeperswcd.org.

  • Eastern View High School (Culpeper): 1,000+ trees plants to reduce runoff, a walking trail highlighting wildlife habitat circles the school campus and a bioretention (raingarden) treats over a half acre of stormwater runoff.
  • William Wetsel Middle School (Madison): part of a parking lot and a garden were transformed into a 2-cell bioretention to address significant flooding and runoff.
  • Gordon-Barbour Elementary School (Orange): Over 60 trees were planted near the Head Start buildings to address soil drainage and managed turf.
  • Pearl Sample Elementary School (Culpeper): a small portion of a mulched garden was changed to a raingarden to address runoff from the awning over the school’s entrance
  • Rappahannock County High School (Rappahannock): a 500-gallon cistern was added to provide water for the school’s greenhouse.
  • Prospect Heights Middle School (Orange): a hill near the entrance that has runoff and drainage issues is currently being converted from managed turf (lawn) to a wildflower meadow. About 40 trees were also planted and mulched beds will be added.