There was a good turnout for Friday’s dedication for the new Boone County Nature School, which is just south of Columbia in the Three Creeks Conservation Area.
The Boone County Nature School is a partnership between Columbia Public Schools (CPS), the Missouri Department of Conservation and the community, which includes all six Boone County school districts. CPS committed $2-million for the nature school’s construction, while the Missouri Department of Conservation committed $1-million. Boone County contributed $400,000. Columbia’s Audubon Society contributed $30,000 for the nature school’s Council House portion.
CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark says the 8,000 square foot nature center includes four classrooms that represent Missouri’s ecosystems, and a lobby to honor Missouri’s conservation heroes.
Ms. Baumstark notes the Boone County Nature school began as an idea in 2013 from former CPS board president Jan Mees and her husband, Ben, members of the Columbia Audubon Society. CPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood has told 939 the Eagle that the nature school will be a model for Missouri and the nation.
