Updated rendering of outdoor classroom with pavers and post pilings
Plans have been finalized, core samples completed, indigenous people have approved and wetland analysis completed. Outdoor classroom construction is ready to start. Your help is needed to fund the construction. Please donate.
Wetland determined new location and paths to the Outdoor Classroom
Wetland delineation in purple
Relocated Outdoor Classroom
Back Bay NWR Society kicked off the next phase of our Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Outdoor Classroom project. New interns from the VBCPS Environmental Studies Program joined Chris Elam from RBA Architects, refuge staff and members of the BBNWR Society on site along with two members of MSA consulting engineers.
After the proposed location of The Outdoor Classroom was staked out, Charles Hall and Taylor Pomposini from MSA demonstrated soil boring and analysis methods using a truck mounted boring rig. They also walked us through topographic surveying of the area.
The information from these two exercises is be instrumental in finalizing foundation designs for The Outdoor Classroom.
From left to right: student interns Erin Peck, Cayden Johnson, Rion Webre and RBA architect Chris Elam
On May 16th at the refuge, Virginia Beach Environmental Studies Program high school student interns and intern director Chris Elam from RBA Architects presented design developments for The Outdoor Classroom project.
Refuge staff and BBNWR Society Board members were in attendance to review the design work to date and to discuss next steps in the design, planning, and construction process. Dialogue took place regarding construction detailing, volunteer build means and methods, construction phasing, and cost estimating.
A two phase construction process is planned, starting with the main roof structure. Phase 2 will be the design and construction of the platform, seating, and fixture elements.
Construction details are currently being refined. Before the sourcing of materials and planning construction events. Chris Elam said, “We are hopeful that we can break ground with this first phase of construction this summer and complete it in the fall.”
The outdoor classroom is a project of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society, the primary partner and Friends group of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
This project is being funded by donations, sponsorships, grants and fundraising.
Outdoor classroom update
Posted: April 4, 2024 by Back Bay NWR Society
Plans have been finalized, core samples completed, indigenous people have approved and wetland analysis completed. Outdoor classroom construction is ready to start. Your help is needed to fund the construction. Please donate.
Outdoor Classroom flyer
Back Bay NWR Society kicked off the next phase of our Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Outdoor Classroom project. New interns from the VBCPS Environmental Studies Program joined Chris Elam from RBA Architects, refuge staff and members of the BBNWR Society on site along with two members of MSA consulting engineers.
After the proposed location of The Outdoor Classroom was staked out, Charles Hall and Taylor Pomposini from MSA demonstrated soil boring and analysis methods using a truck mounted boring rig. They also walked us through topographic surveying of the area.
The information from these two exercises is be instrumental in finalizing foundation designs for The Outdoor Classroom.
On May 16th at the refuge, Virginia Beach Environmental Studies Program high school student interns and intern director Chris Elam from RBA Architects presented design developments for The Outdoor Classroom project.
Refuge staff and BBNWR Society Board members were in attendance to review the design work to date and to discuss next steps in the design, planning, and construction process. Dialogue took place regarding construction detailing, volunteer build means and methods, construction phasing, and cost estimating.
A two phase construction process is planned, starting with the main roof structure. Phase 2 will be the design and construction of the platform, seating, and fixture elements.
Construction details are currently being refined. Before the sourcing of materials and planning construction events. Chris Elam said, “We are hopeful that we can break ground with this first phase of construction this summer and complete it in the fall.”
The outdoor classroom is a project of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society, the primary partner and Friends group of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
This project is being funded by donations, sponsorships, grants and fundraising.
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Category: News & Articles