Editor:

If you happen to stop by the lower end of the Pond Cove playground near
the fire station this fall you will certainly notice some changes. Back
in September The Cape Elizabeth Land Trust began working with the staff
at Pond Cove to create a natural habitat landscape where teachers could
take their classrooms to expand and enhance their science curriculum as
well as other lessons.  This area would also serve as an
alternative play space for both structured and unstructured learning.
 

Todd Brydson, a local landscape designer and Pond Cove parent, worked
with us to develop a space that best fit the needs and wishes of our
teachers. With support from the school and the blessing of the school
board, in addition to financial support and generous grants received
from the Pond Cove Parents Association, Portland Trails Association,
Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation, and the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust,
we were ready to roll. We have now completed the first phase of the
project with the hardscape in place in addition to many of the larger
plantings, the dry creek bed and water lines.

We are now entering the second phase of the project and will be
creating the garden beds that will be planted in the spring, working on
making and installing a human sundial, constructing arbors and tunnels,
installing a water fountain and spigot so science experiments using
water will now be possible and building an outdoor classroom structure.
The outdoor classroom area will give teachers the opportunity to have a
structured area for teaching and a designated place to gather.  

 We have many opportunities for individuals, families, and
business to make a difference and impact the education of the future
stewards of Cape Elizabeth and the world.

Sincerely,

Lisa Gent

Cape Elizabeth