Belwin Outdoor Science Center

  • Outdoor Science Center for St. Paul Schools
  • Serves over 10,000 students each year
  • Maintain a large pollinator and flower garden
  • Programs tied to state standards
  • Students involved in planting and caring for gardens
  • Conducts summer programs for students
  • Hand collects seeds to help expand pollinator area

More details...

Belwin Outdoor Science is a science program facility that serves the St. Paul School District. Their mission is “Connecting children to nature through engaging outdoor science experiences”. Working with approximately 75 students per day they serve over 10,000 students each year. In the summer, Belwin partners with St. Paul’s American Indian Magnet School. Given the current plight of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, they introduce students to the importance of pollinators in our ecosystems. At present, their garden is approximately 900 square feet. They were selective in choosing plants that have the best chance for survival in the local climate and those that provide nectar sources for the longest duration of the growing season. A bounty of flowering plants is included in the garden. There is a program to harvest about a third of the seeds produced in order to expand the pollinator enhancement area. Many activities in the pollinator garden relate well to Minnesota state standards. Gardens can be a means to help enhance learning by giving students the opportunity to exercise their five senses.

For more information contact: Josh Leonard (joshua.leonard@spps.org)