Oct 6, 2025
Central Decatur students recently traded their desks for the great outdoors, participating in the statewide School of the Wild initiative—an effort to boost outdoor learning for elementary and middle school students across Iowa.
School of the Wild is a partnership between the University of Iowa’s College of Education, Iowa schools, County Conservation Boards, and local conservation organizations. Its core mission is to provide meaningful, outdoor learning experiences that foster an appreciation for the natural world and inspire positive stewardship.
Leading the Way in Outdoor Education
Central Decatur holds a special place in this initiative! The district served as the first county/school partnership outside of Iowa City in 2019, leading the charge to launch the model statewide in 2020. Today, School of the Wild can be found in 44 counties and 98 schools across Iowa.
The Week’s Studies
Students spent the week focusing on four critical topics, dedicating one full day to each, with instruction led by staff and community volunteers:
- Prairies
- Woodlands
- Entomology (the study of insects)
- Wetlands/Fish
The 5th graders spent their immersive week at Slip Bluff County Park, while the 6th graders explored the natural classroom at 9 Eagles State Park.
A huge thank you to the staff and community volunteers who helped make this experience possible:
- Kayla Clausen – Decatur Co. Conservation Director
- Melissa Linhart – Community Volunteer
- Cathy Cornell – 6th ELA
- Sydney Sickels – 6th Math
- Tim Casey – 6th Science/Social Studies
- Amy Tharp – 5th ELA
- Cassie Havlik – 5th Math
- Colby Wilken – Elem PE
