Hundreds of middle schoolers enjoy the SOLC
(Seguin) — Nearly 500 seventh graders from Seguin ISD recently traded textbooks for trail maps during a hands-on Land, Water & Wildlife Expedition.
Thanks to the collaboration between Seguin ISD and the Texas Wildlife Association (TWA), the middle schoolers participated in a two-day Land, Water & Wildlife Expedition—an immersive outdoor educational experience designed to connect students to the natural world through interactive learning. The event was held this past Thursday and Friday at Seguin ISD’s Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center.
Kassi Scheffer-Geeslin, TWA director of youth education says activities ranged from aquifer modeling and soil testing to plant identification and a high-energy predator-prey game.
“This is one of 12 Land, Water & Wildlife Expeditions we are doing this year. So about 10 or so different properties. The Seguin ISD having taken over and acquired the Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center has been amazing. The facilities, the infrastructure—some of these kids have even been out here before, so that reinforced learning is amazing,” said Geeslin.
While TWA typically partners with private landowners to host these events — reflecting the reality that 95 percent of Texas is privately owned – Geeslin says the Seguin ISD initiative is unique. With the district owning and maintaining the 120-acre Outdoor Learning Center, she says the educational value is amplified through consistent, year-round use.
“We really want to make sure the kids understand that landowners are the ones taking care of our natural resources,” said Geeslin. “Here, they can learn about this land and then actually take care of it. They’re going to throw seed balls out later. So they’re becoming stewards of this property too. I think it’s amazing that a school district recognizes the importance of natural resource education.”
For TWA, Seguin ISD’s ownership of the center offers logistical advantages and models an example that Geeslin says other school districts might want to follow.
“Seguin has been an amazing partner,” said Geeslin. “It makes the lift easier for us. At some private properties, we bring in everything—porta-potties, food for volunteers. Here, it’s all ready. More districts should do this.”
Pete Silvius, Seguin ISD’s director of the Whole Child Initiative, views the partnership as a key step toward realizing the full educational potential of the SOLC site.
“This is where it comes full circle,” said Silvius. “Our goals and our vision for the future of the Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center are really living into its purpose here. We have field trips out here often, but this expedition is being hosted and led by our partner group, the Texas Wildlife Association. It helps us reach that next level — this idea that these 120 acres can and should be the educational center to promote conservation education.”
Silvius emphasized that conservation education isn’t just about science. He says it’s about preparing students for life in a “rapidly changing region.”
“As we enter this state of rapid growth, it’s going to be so important that all of our students recognize and protect all the things that make life possible in our community,” said Silvius. “Partnerships like this one with the Texas Wildlife Association help us do exactly that.”
More than 2,000 Texas students have taken part in Land, Water & Wildlife Expeditions during the 2023- 2024 school year. With the success of the Seguin event, TWA and Seguin ISD say they are already looking forward to future collaborations.