Carrie Weedon Science Center Creates New Educational Tools

The Carrie Weedon Science Center in Galesville has taken new steps to educate students on the wonders of nature with the completion of two new projects.

With help from the West/Rhode Riverkeeper, McCarthy and Associates, and Unity Gardens the science center has installed a 7,200 square foot native meadow and a new wetland garden

The Carrie Weedon Science Center is located next to several recreational ball fields, which often tended to flood when it rained. With the installation of the wetland garden, not only are the fields having less problems with flooding, but kids can get an inside look at a real wetland.

“Before it was this bland, ugly ditch that took runoff from the parking lot, which made a big and unsightly mess,” said Will Saffel with the Chesapeake Conservation Corps. “Now we have a live wetland garden, so kids can see and experience the wetlands.”

With help from Unity Gardens, Saffell and the West/Rhode Riverkeeper planted shrubs, tress and plants along the runoff spot. Now when kids visit the science center they can experience wetland plants, tadpoles and dragonflies.

The center also recently installed a native meadow where a rundown basketball court used to be. On June 15, Saffel said they replaced the weedy patch of compact soil with a lush native meadow with grasses and native flowers. The center will use the meadow as a tool to teach students about land use, insects, plant diversity, and the value of native habitat. 

“Now kids have an open space where they can experience a native habitat,” Saffell said. “It’s kind of like a native playground for them. It is an excellent opportunity to teach children about conservation, land use, habitat and the treatment of stormwater.”