Kaylee Steele, a 2023 graduate of Goddard High School, installed new Leopold Benches in the Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site (O.W.L.S.) this past spring. The park previously had benches for students and community members to use; however, through natural weathering and a lot of use during the pandemic years, the old benches were dilapidated and unsafe.
Due to the love of community, environment, and architecture, Kaylee focused her Gold Girl Scout Project on environmentally friendly, replacement benches for the O.W.L.S site. She researched that Aldo Leopold designed a lightweight bench with minimal materials that allowed folks to sit and engage in a natural setting. In fact, the bench is designed so that one sits backward with legs through the opening, while the backrest provides a sturdy support for one’s elbows to prop up binoculars or a camera to observe wildlife.
However one uses the benches, Kaylee wanted to make it easier for either students, fishermen, or passers-by to sit and connect with the natural beauty of the O.W.L.S. educational site. GHS Science Department appreciates Kaylee’s gifts of time, energy, and ten new benches! Goddard Schools encourage folks to utilize the Leopold Benches while visiting the park. When the benches are not in use, GHS Science Department requests that they be respectfully placed back on the windmill platform for the next visitor to use.
To learn more about the Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site or Aldo Leopold, come visit Goddard High School, near the pond on the south side of the building! One will find an “outdoor classroom” of native Kansas flora and fauna for students and community members to appreciate, as well as interactive signs along the nature trail to provide educational points of interest.