Kalama School District Natural Resources Learning Center

Kalama School District’s Natural Resources Learning Center will provide a hub for students as they learn and explore in the surrounding forest. Nestled into the district’s 30-plus-acre property, the initial building will offer flexible spaces where students can gather before setting off on assignments and reconvene to share their findings. The envisioned learning environment will connect students to the forest visually and physically. Large windows will provide forest views and fill indoor learning spaces with ample natural light. A generous covered area will welcome visitors and serve as an outdoor classroom space, offering students and teachers shelter from the elements. The structure itself will showcase wood and timber building materials, with a focus on cross-laminated timber construction (CLT) and products from sustainably managed forests. Inside, technology stations will allow students to enter and analyze data gathered in the field and engage in virtual learning simulations. Finally, the building will provide students and staff with essential facilities, including restrooms, lockers, and indoor and outdoor storage areas.