Friends of Deckers Creek (FODC) is pleased to announce the receipt of $5000 in funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust. This funding will be used to enhance the Sabraton Outdoor Learning Park (OLP), an inclusive greenspace that engages users in meaningful educational opportunities and unique  passive recreational experiences.  Specifically, FODC will create three wayside exhibits as well as written educator guides and kits to support educators interested in providing a hands–on, educational experience for their students.

”The new wayside exhibits and educational guide will provide adults and children alike a better understanding of the creek and creekside ecosystems,” says Liz Wiles, FODC Executive Director. “They also will offer simple and easy ideas of what we all can do to restore and protect the health of the creek.  A healthy creek equals a healthy community.”

The goals of the OLP are to protect and restore the land, educate the public on environmental initiatives, be a focal point for acid mine drainage (AMD) and habitat restoration, and explore the use of art in the outdoor environment. In the past, FODC’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) used the OLP for an AMD & Art Workshop, a Water & Wildlife Workshop, creek insects workshops, and a community stewardship garden. With this award, FODC can expand educational initiatives and outreach for the OLP.