CPS, conservation department dedicate council house at Boone County Nature School

A council house based on gathering places used by people of the Cherokee Nation now is a gathering place for Boone County students at the Boone County Nature School.

Officials with Columbia Public Schools, the Missouri Department of Conservation and Columbia Audubon Society on Wednesday dedicated the council house.

The Boone County Nature School is south of Columbia, between Columbia and Ashland.

The seven-sided structure is open-air with seating, a location in the center for a campfire and a hole in the roof.

"We look forward to seeing dirty, sweaty, breathless learners occupying this," said Bill Mees, with Columbia Audubon.

Seeing students on every visit to the nature school property causes her to grin, said Missouri Department of Conservation Director Sara Parker Pauley.

"It's serving it's intended purpose," she said. "It's beyond heartwarming."

The nature school has been in discussion for more than a decade, initially with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Pauley said.

"We're modeling it for the nation right here in Missouri," Pauley said.

The CPS graduate added more quietly that it was happening in her favorite county and her favorite school district.

The council house and the nature school will impact thousands of lives, said CPS Superintendent Brian Yearwood.

"I can imagine 100 scholars sitting in your seats, excited to learn about nature," Yearwood said.

He acknowledged the legacy of his predecessor as his predecessor as superintendent, Peter Stiepleman, in making the nature school a reality

Columbia Audubon donated $30,000 toward the council house.

Officials also thanked the family of the late Hank Waters, former Tribune publisher, for donating the land for the nature school. The land's value was appraised at more than $3 million.

Outside, Rock Bridge High School students Shuba Gautam, Chase Hofmann, Colette Miller and Truman Varns explained their bird-banding project.

From 2020-23, the students have captured and released 297 birds of 39 species, with 27 recaptured from previous years.

Already, 5,300 Boone County students had been to the location, Pauley said.

Within 24 hours, fifth-graders would be on the site, said Joe Brown, lead teacher of the nature school.

Within a year, the location would welcome 8,000 to 10,000 students, Brown said.

"The positive impact of spending time outside on mental health is well-documented," Brown said.

He thanked everyone who made it possible.

"Good things are coming," Brown said.

Next is the school building, scheduled to open in June, Brown said after the dedication. It will serve students starting in the 2024-25 school year. It will serve as a staging area and allow for student programming all year, regardless of weather.

An 8,230-square-foot building is planned.

Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on X at @rmckinney9.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: The council house at nature school is ready to welcome students