LMACF Donates $25,000 for the Jenni Nichols Outdoor Learning Center

The Lake Mills Area Community Foundation presented a $25,000 check to the Lake Mills Elementary School PTO for the Jenni Nichols Outdoor Learning Center. This project will update and expand the current garden space and create a hands-on learning center named in memory of beloved LMES teacher, Jenni Nichols, who passed away last year from cancer. 

LMACF has committed $25,000 over the next 2 years for Phase 1 of this project which will establish new garden beds, learning areas, rain barrels, a wash station, picnic tables, compost bins, storage, a central community gathering space and more. 

In the garden space, LMES students help plant and nurture the seeds in the spring and then harvest the produce throughout the summer. The produce is then used to create healthy recipes in summer school classes and is also used by the school food service staff for school meals. Like the current garden space and playground areas, this space will be available for public use and the produce is available for public consumption. Future goals of the project include: additional hands-on learning and play spaces, partnerships with agriculture classes, and a partnership with the Lake Mills Food Pantry. 

If you would like to learn more about this project, email: lakemillselem.pto@gmail.com

Photo includes: students, school staff, project committee volunteers, and PTO board members.