A nature-themed educational mobile will be rolling through the Alle-Kiski Valley by this time next year.
Nature on Wheels, a partnership of Allegheny Land Trust and CannonDesign, is intended to meet people where they are — physically and educationally.
“By bringing different interactive activities and types of programming, we hope to reach individuals and communities traditionally missed or underserved,” said Julie Travaglini, senior director of education and curriculum at the land trust, a Sewickley-based nonprofit.
The roving unit will be a custom-designed modular trailer outfitted with interactive learning elements and adaptable programming tailored to the age of a given audience, different topics and the weather.
It will be constructed over the next several months.
CannonDesign, a global architecture firm with an office in Pittsburgh, unveiled the renderings on April 22 — Earth Day. The firm chose the traveling classroom to be an Open Hand Studio project through which the group partners with nonprofits to advance missions across education, health, economic development, racial and social equity spectrums.
Travaglini said she is hoping to partner with schools, community centers and libraries from Freeport to Sharpsburg and beyond.
Suzy Ruskin, executive director at the Community Library of Allegheny Valley, said she would jump at the chance to offer the unit at her Harrison facility.
“Families welcome nature-themed programs because it’s something for everyone,” Ruskin said. “It’s usually something that’s low-cost that people can continue to do on their own at home.”
Ruskin said the environmental activities align with the library’s mission to provide access to versatile interests. Already, the library offers bird-watching classes for children and a seed program and gardening workshops for adults.
“I think people would definitely be interested,” she said. “We’re always up to partner with good programs.”
The project was funded in part by the Arconic Foundation, Rivers of Steel, CannonDesign, the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club and the American Eagle Outfitters, Benedum and Grable foundations.
Arconic, a metals engineer and manufacturer, operates a Tech Center in Upper Burrell.
Foundation President Ryan Kish said the company is proud to invest in the learning lab.
“It will enable Allegheny Land Trust to take their programs to thousands of additional students each year,” Kish said. “Through the mobile lab’s unique hands-on activities and tools, students will learn about the environment around them, its benefits and the importance of protecting it.”
Jill McConnell, executive director at Cooper-Siegel Community Library, said she would enjoy hosting Nature on Wheels at either of the branch sites in Fox Chapel and Sharpsburg.
Both locations provide patrons the chance to learn about Mother Nature through classes like the Herb Planter workshop, where students of all ages can create an easy-to-care-for planter. In July, the Sharpsburg Community Garden behind the library will be the inspiration for art-making during a four-day camp for children in grades one through five.
“We are always looking for opportunities to provide creative, hands-on learning experiences for our patrons,” she said. “This sounds like something we would certainly be interested in.”