Outdoor Classroom

Fairmount Outdoor Classroom

Station Adoption List
Outdoor Classroom Map
Rejuvenation Plan

The Fairmount Outdoor Classroom was originally built by our sister Boy Scout Troop (Troop 30), but it is maintained by our Cub Scout Pack (Pack 30).  This is our continuing Service Project to Fairmount and the PTO (our Chartered Organization).

Station 1 Weather Station
The Weather Station was donated to the Outdoor Classroom by the United States Weather Bureau.  The unit had been retired and was restored by Boy Scout Troop 30 (as an Eagle Scout project).

  • It is painted white to reflect the sun’s rays and to give more accurate readings.
  • The unit faces North to reduce the amount of exposure to the sun when opened.
  • The unit contains instruments to measure:
    • Temperature (Thermometer)
    • Barometric Pressure (Barometer)
    • Humidity
    • Wind Direction (Weather Vane)
    • Precipitation (Rain Gauge & Snow Gauge)

All of the instruments were destroyed by vandals in 2005, and were replaced by Cub Scout Pack 30 in 2007.

For information about each of the instruments, teaching aids, and weather observer’s forms, click here.

Scouts, for information about how the Weather Station can be used to complete Cub Scout requirements & electives, click here.
Station 2 Wildflower Area
This area is planted with a variety of wildflowers to invite a variety of butterflies and songbirds into the Outdoor Classroom.
Station 3 Geology Field
This area is reserved for the display of rocks and minerals which are native to Missouri.  A field in which students may touch, identify, compare, and contrast rocks.
Station 4 Prairie
Our Prairie was planted several years ago with numerous plants, Forbes, and grasses that are considered “endangered”.  We are pleased that the Royal Catchfly plant was very successful in our prairie.
Station 5 Mini Exhibits
There are several small exhibits displayed in this area:

  • Small Geology Field – can you identify any of the rocks or minerals?
  • Bird Bath – to encourage animal habitation.
  • Sun Dial – built in August 1993 by Cub Scout Pack 30
    • A Time Capsule is buried under the Sun Dial, containing (along with other items):
      • News articles of recent events
      • Roll of paper signed by Fairmount Students
      • List of Scouts in Pack 30 at the time
  • Tree Ring – a “slice” of a fallen tree.
    • Count the rings to determine how old the tree was.
    • Each growth ring contains two colors.  The lighter ring is called the Cambium, or early wood, and is made up of thin walled cells each Spring.  The darker ring forms as the tree slows its growth in Summer.
  • Purple Martin House – built in early 1994 to encourage homesteading by Purple Martin families who live in colonies and feed upon mosquitoes.
Station 6 Upland Forrest # 1
An area displaying trees and shrubs that are found in forest regions.
Station 7 Pine Forrest
An area of Austrian Pine, White Pine, Yellow Pine, and Cedar trees.
Station 8 Butterfly Garden
An area planted with flowers and plants that attract Butterflies.
Station 9 Upland Forrest # 2
An area displaying trees and shrubs that are found in forest regions.
Station 10 Perennial Bed
Perennials are plants that grow year after year without having to replant.  This bed contains Sweet Williams, Shasta Daisies, Iris, Tiger Lilies, Live Forever, and Peonies.
Station 11 Wildlife Habitats
Brush Piles are stacked to provide shelter for small wildlife (there are a number of wildlife habitats throughout the Outdoor Classroom).  

  • A Bald Cypress tree is located within this area; this tree looks very much like an evergreen, however it drops its foliage during winter and is native to swamps in the South.
Station 12 Animal Track Pad
A variety of Animal and Leaf Prints are displayed in this station.  Refer to the Animal Track Pad Answer Key for specific identification.
Station 13 Laboratory Bench # 1
The laboratory benches can be used by students to study specimens from the Outdoor Classroom.
Station 14 Marsh & Small Pond
A natural drainage area where water is collected.  An artificial pond is also buried in the area,  providing students with an opportunity to study animal and plant life.

  • Keep your eyes open, you might see some turtles in the pond.
Station 15 West Border
A number of trees and shrubs, offering shade and homes to wildlife, are displayed in this area.
Station 16 Bridge
The bridge provides students an excellent viewing point of natural erosion and plants used to control it.
Station 17 Laboratory Bench # 2
The laboratory benches can be used by students to study specimens from the Outdoor Classroom.
Station 18 Wildlife Food Plot
The plot is planted with Milo, Millet, and Trailing Soybean; these are frequently used for feeding of wildlife.
Station 19 Compost / Brush Pile
Where grass, tree limbs, and other natural waste are broken down and recycled naturally.

  • There is also one Screech Owl House and two Bat Houses in this area.  The Screech Owl and Bat are both nocturnal predators.
Station 20 Tree Nursery
Silver Maples, Pines, Rebuds, Oaks, Dogwoods, Sweet Gums, and other trees are located in this area.
Station 21 Garden Area
An area used by the Cub Scout Den’s to grow garden vegetables.
Bird Houses
A variety of Bird Houses are located around the Outdoor Classroom — how many can you find?
Lecture Area
The lecture area contains a podium and several benches, and can be used for demonstrations, presentations or lectures.
Pathways & Fence
A variety of pathways connect the various stations and display areas within the Outdoor Classroom, and the entire classroom is surrounded by a chain link fence.
Autumn Olive Border
A “natural border” between the Outdoor Classroom and neighbors was planted in 1983.  The Autumn Olive provides privacy, food (berries), and nesting for inhabitants of the Outdoor Classroom.

 


Animal Track Pad
Answer Key
 

Bobcat
Bald Cypress(4)
Badger
Plum(8)
Gray Fox
Squirrel
Scotch Pine(12)
Human
Cherry(16)
Beaver
Japanese Maple(3)
Raccoon
Opossum
Rain Tree(7)
Red Fox
Striped Skunk
White Pine(11)
Muskrat
Weasel
Tulip(15)

Black Bear-Fore Foot
Redbud(2)
Deer
Otter
Crabapple(6)
Grizzly Bear
Ginko(10)
Timber Wolf
Mulberry(14)

Black Bear-Hind Foot
River Birch(1)
Coyote
Mink
Hackberry(5)
Woodchuck
Rabbit
Maple(9)
Cougar
Pin Oak(13)