Imagine: and outdoor learning lab rooted in community, educational and economic opportunity, multigenerational collaboration, cultural and ecological stewardship, and healthy living practices.
Growing an inspired community.
We are excited about this opportunity for ALL of our students and all community members. SOIL will blend authentic, meaningful learning with a focus on sustainability to benefit our community and our world, making an impact for generations to come.
—DR. KAREN CHESER, SUPERINTENDENT, DURANGO SCHOOL DISTRICT 9-R
Project Phases
Designed and inspired by the Riverview Elementary School and Ohana Kuleana Community Garden communities.
PHASE 1
Community and School Garden
Plant seeds
Watch them grow
PHASE 2
Demonstration Gardens and Event Space
Amphitheater
Sustainability Gardens
Solar power
EV charging station
PHASE 3
Growing Dome
Year-round growing
Experimental techniques
PHASE 4
Food Forest and Farm Lab
Food forest
Animal area
Farm stand
PHASE 5
SOIL Learning Center
Indoor growing space
Commercial kitchen and classroom
School district and community programs / events
Help us grow!
Become a sponsor, make a donation, offer your expertise, or share ideas.
Cash and in kind donations of $5,000+ will be recognized with a sponsorship plate permanently attached to fence.
Testimonials
“SOIL will foster support of local partnerships and the very important skills of gardening as well as food production and storage, amongst many other things. It is important that we nurture these historic skills and traditions for a more secure future."
- ROD BARKER, DURANGO BUSINESS OWNER AND 5TH GENERATION DURANGO NATIVE
“What class or activity could not be taught in the garden? The opportunity for students to be outside getting dirt under their fingernails from the hands-on learning experiences; or to see how the natural world actually works – in nature; and to be part in the success of a plant, from start to finish, culminate in harvesting what you grow is tough to replicate inside a classroom."
- DARRIN PARMENTER, EXTENSION CO-REGIONAL DIRECTOR, CSU EXTENSION