Montgomery Parks debuts new self-sustaining classroom for environmental learning at Black Hill Regional Park

SEED Classroom is made attainable by the Montgomery Parks Basis.

WHEATON, Md. –  Montgomery Parks and Montgomery Parks Basis are celebrating the opening of the SEED Classroom, an revolutionary studying house, on Saturday, Might 18, 2024. SEED is an acronym for Sustainable Schooling Each Day. The brand new classroom at Black Hill Regional Park will improve the tutorial alternatives out there on the park.

What:     SEED Classroom Grand Opening

When:     Saturday, Might 18, 2024, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
                     (Rain or Shine)

The place:    Black Hill Regional Park
                20930 Lake Ridge Dr., Boyda, MD 20841

Parking:  Close to Picnic Shelter E or F or the Black Hill Discovery Middle.  
                 Shuttle offered between parking heaps and occasion web site.

The SEED classroom showcases how an environmentally pleasant constructing features. The dwelling lab house, giant open classroom and lined deck will probably be used for a park-based nature preschool program, college area journeys, personal and public occasions.

“The SEED classroom is an revolutionary amenity that we are able to use as a studying software,” mentioned Miti Figueredo, director of Montgomery Parks. “College students can come see how the renewable vitality methods work and picture a future the place sustainable buildings are the norm.”

The SEED classroom is a net-zero vitality person. The constructing produces all of the water and energy it must perform with a rainwater cistern that waters a dwelling plant wall contained in the constructing, a composting bathroom, and photo voltaic panels on the roof to generate electrical energy.

“The addition of the 6.5 kWh photo voltaic array and rainwater seize system permits the SEED Classroom to satisfy net-zero targets and function a hands-on educating software for kids,” mentioned Johnny Richardson, program supervisor of Inexperienced Mountain Power Solar Membership, one of many SEED classroom’s main monetary supporters. “Our Solar Membership grants are designed to advertise sustainability and help necessary causes locally.”

The Montgomery Parks Basis, a non-profit group devoted to supporting Montgomery Parks, coordinated efforts to offer funding for the undertaking.

“The Montgomery Parks Basis is thrilled to companion with Montgomery Parks and the group to convey this particular house to life. Due to philanthropic help, this distinctive classroom was made attainable and will probably be a priceless useful resource to county residents for years to return,” mentioned Katie Rictor, govt director of the Montgomery Parks Basis.

Main monetary help for the SEED classroom has been offered by: 

• Maryland Normal Meeting bond invoice
• Inexperienced Mountain Power Solar Membership
• Montgomery County Financial Improvement Company
• First Power Basis
• Wegmans
• Pals of Black Hill Nature Packages

The SEED classroom is situated at a former park upkeep yard. It brings new life to that space and a connection to the close by Black Hill Neighborhood Backyard and greenhouse. It’s close to strolling trails, a big stream, and wetland areas.

About Montgomery Parks     
Montgomery Parks manages greater than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 419 parks. Montgomery Parks is targeted on selling bodily exercise, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, particularly in numerous and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teenagers, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a division of The Maryland-Nationwide Capital Park and Planning Fee (M-NCPPC), a bi-county company established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally acknowledged for its high-quality parks and recreation providers and is considered a nationwide mannequin by different parks methods.  

About The Montgomery Parks Basis
The Montgomery Parks Basis is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that champions Montgomery County Parks by cultivating monetary help and public engagement of county residents and companies as members, donors, sponsors and advocates.

Accessibility    
Montgomery Parks, a part of The Maryland-Nationwide Capital Park and Planning Fee, encourages and helps the participation of people with disabilities. Please contact the Program Entry Workplace at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or [email protected] to request a incapacity modification. Go to Montgomery Parks Accessibility for extra data.  

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