"Look at those clear eyes," the volunteer exclaimed as she carefully held the baby turtle with the vibrant shell in the air, studying him closely. 

 

After a quick photograph to document the finding, the yellow belly slider turtle was returned to the small Winter Springs pond.

 

The calm and picturesque body of water, located near the Spring Hammock Preserve and Lake Jesup, is an ecological dream. Dragonflies hover over the water as the fish and turtles rise to the surface. This peaceful space surrounded by large trees and native plants will soon house an outdoor classroom for students at Layer Elementary School. 

 

Together, school administrators, faculty, members of the Winter Springs Rotary Club, and the community have cooperated to develop an ecological learning environment at Layer Pond. Gay Staats, Layer Elementary principal, has worked long hours planning and executing the project and is delighted that people in the community share the vision.

 

"We have had as many as 26 people here working," she said with excitement.

 

Despite rising temperatures and oppressive humidity, a dozen volunteers arrived early Saturday, June 7, for their third workday. Donning heavy-duty gloves and work boots, they raked, hoed, chopped and bulldozed the area surrounding the pond to make the property safe and accessible for learning.

 

When volunteers began work on the pond several months ago, Staats said it was almost completely covered with weeds and surrounded by brush.

 

Jim Moriarty, president of the Rotary Club, said the group plans to clear the frontage all the way around the pond and create a footpath. Volunteers are also in the process of leveling off an area where the water comes in and installing piping, along with some stones along the fence line to deter alligators. Once the land is cleared of excess brush and invasive plant species, they hope to plant native flora species and a butterfly garden.

 

The ultimate goal, Staats said, is to refurbish the shed on the pond's edge and make it a floating dock anchored with a boat ramp to make it accessible to the children. A handicap-accessible boardwalk is planned to be built from the school to the pond, and they hope to stock the pond with fish. The group also would like to build a pavilion to be used as an outdoor classroom and is in the process of applying for grants to help make the dream a reality. Nancy Wileden, math specialist at Layer Elementary, and Cricket Scheer, reading specialist, have earned grants toward completing the projects. More funds are needed, however, to make the dream a reality.

 

"I really believe children learn more efficiently through project-based learning, which is more hands-on discovery," Staats said.

 

Moriarty agreed, "If the student learns from observing that it takes smart work to yield a favorable result, they too will be motivated to transform their hard work into further developing their skills through practical experience at this new learning lab and elsewhere." 

 

Linda Lyster, educational technology facilitator at Layer Elementary, has worked closely with Staats as the project coordinator of the cleanup. She was thrilled to find turtles, crayfish and an amphiuma — a type of salamander — at the site. 

 

Over the summer, Staats said, Layer teachers will participate in workshops and campouts so they can prepare to take specimens and educate students next year about the environment.

 

"I firmly believe the only way adults can effectively teach engagement is if they have experience in engagement," Staats said. "Research says that if you teach children to be problem-solvers and to work collaboratively, they will do well on high-stakes tests — and I believe that." 

 

Volunteers Barbara and Bill Poe and their son Michael worked tirelessly to clear the brush around the pond Saturday. As grandparents of two Layer Elementary students, the couple took pleasure in spending time outdoors and wanted to set a good example for the children as people who support the community. "It's hard work but it is only from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.," Barbara said. "Everything is hard work, so you make this fun."