Outdoor Education Areas

Balance of Life Mural

A New Mural for Sciences!

In August 2024, a new mural artwork was added to the Summit building by Julia Crozier, a local artist from Winona, MN.

The mural is inspired by the science disciplines. The artist incorporated a variety of scientific principles into the mural to spark conversations and learning connections for students and community members alike.

This mural was commissioned in cooperation with the La Crosse Public Education Foundation (LPEF) Gold Star Grants.

Courtyard

The courtyard is a wonderful place for classroom to bring curriculum to the outdoors. Relax on one of the benches, among the shrubberies, on the stones, or the platforms around the mature trees. Classes will often use this space for outdoor reading, art, scavenger hunts, and more. This space if cared for in collaboration with our grounds crew, current and retired staff, and the students themselves.

Frog Pond

The frog pond is another amazing feature of Summit Environmental. Come enjoy a piece of nature with all five senses in this outdoor learning classroom no matter the season. In the warmer months, you'll be able to spot a multitude of turtles, birds, insects, and yes, FROGS! In the Spring when the pond is filled to the brim with snow melt, a floating dock is put in place for a closer look into the biosystem of the pond.

A little about the Frog Pond's history...

This land was donated in 1980 by a local construction company. Since then, it has had its fair share of good times as well as drama. In 1988 some students proposed a Frog Pond cleanup, then added signs to prevent dumping. They were successful and gained national recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency. Summit teacher Margaret Donner's class of 20 students got the chance to go to Washington D.C. to be honored by President Ronald Reagan with fundraising assistance by the Summit PTA. In the late 80's the trailer park was built next to the Frog Pond amongst much controversy. After the young students left the town board meeting that night, the board decided to deny the students' hopes to create a recreational park and approved the request to build the trailer park. The developer promised to keep a forty foot wide strip of land as a buffer between the park and the border of the pond. However, there was local backlash to the decision and a petition was created to get the decision reversed. The children were actually somewhat backing the developer because some had seen his prior work and had liked what they saw. Townsfolk were not as thrilled. However, despite the opposition, the trailer park was put in. In 2006, a new resident of French Island saw the condition of the pond and decided to organize a cleanup with the help of the local AmeriCorps. They pulled out old paint cans, concrete slabs, and lots of other junk, in an effort to restore the pond to its former beauty. Since then, Summit has become Summit Environmental School, and alumni Logan Miller has installed an observation deck as an Eagle Scout Project. The Frog Pond has become a vital outdoor classroom area for all students at Summit, and we hope that it will remain vibrant and go on to inspire many young environmentalists for years to come. (Credit: Christopher Donahue)

Throughout the year, students can explore the frog pond from a closer perspective utilizing the floating dock. Turtles, frogs, and visiting waterfowl can be viewed from a safe distance as students take observations of sights and sounds. Students can also observe and take samples of the algae and other vegetation present in this ecosystem.

This learning space is utilized throughout the year. Students can be seen canoeing during the Fall and Spring months, snowshoeing during the winter month, and tapping maple trees (a new addition to the curriculum in Spring 2026).

Gazebo

The gazebo is a wonderful outdoor learning space for classrooms to utilize throughout the year. This space if often used for GROW La Crosse lessons, outdoor WIN time, and classroom rewards time. Positioned strategically near the school garden, observation deck, and weather station, the gazebo can easily be a meeting spot for classrooms utilizing more than one outdoor learning area.

Natural Playscape

In 2023, Summit Environmental unveiled a NEW outdoor learning feature with the dedication of The Dirk Hunter Natural Playscape, honoring long-standing principal at Summit Environmental. This project was funded entirely by Summit Environmental School families, and incorporates a range of natural elements such as trees, stumps, logs, boulders, plants, sand, and bridges. This sustainable outdoor classroom and playscape provides countless opportunities for exploration, learning, and imaginative play, encouraging physical activity throughout the year.

This space is utilized during the 2nd-5th grade recess times, as well as classroom learning experiences. 

Miyawaki Forest

The Miyawaki "Pocket" Forest was planted at Summit during the summer of 2025. A local Onalaska high schooler, Aditi Muduganti, wanted to help students at Summit connect with nature and learn about climate action with this pocket forest near their playground. 

Miyawaki forests are a collection of native plants designed to grow quickly and restore local ecosystems. Originally developed by Akira Miyawaki in Japan, this particular pocket forest features plants and trees native to Wisconsin.

This project was funded through the La Crosse Youth Climate Action Fund. To learn more, see this news article featuring Aditi.

Observation Deck

The observation deck is located amongst the trees here at Summit Environmental and overlooks the Frog Pond that inspired the environmental efforts of this school. This deck can be used year-round as a way for students to engage the senses and create a peaceful location for learning.

Outdoor Weather Station

Calling all future meteorologists! Study the ins and outs of weather at this environmentally friendly weather station. Students have the ability to measure rainfall, barometric pressure, and more.

This station is currently under construction in cooperation with our local Eagle Scouts. We are excited to see all of the new additions that are in store.

Rain Garden

The rain garden offers a large green space for students to stretch, relax, and learn. Several benches are available for observing the world around us using all five senses. Not only do they have access to the greenery of the garden itself and the front terrace, but it is located opposite of a Natural Wildlife Reserve.

This garden is designed to be self-sustaining as it collects rain run-off from the rest of the property.

Visit the article to learn more about the rain garden development and cooperation with La Crosse Area Waters and the Soak It Up campaign.

School Garden

The School Garden is a collaboration with many organizations, including GROW La Crosse to teach students sustainability and healthy living. Students help with maintaining the garden year round with additional help from the community and both current and past educators.

GROW La Crosse will conduct lessons throughout the Fall and Spring focusing on teaching children about vegetables, herbs, and more. Plus they incorporate learning goals by measuring and creating recipes using some of the ingredients they find.

In addition to the vegetable and herb garden, the school garden also features plants and flowers to support our local pollinators and attract butterflies.

Solar Classroom 

In 2023, plans were started to create a solar-powered outdoor learning space at the school. The project was completed in April 2025 during our annual Earth Day Celebration serving as our ribbon cutting ceremony as well with community and district members. Classes use this as an alternative learning space. In the warmer months, hammocks are placed outside for reading.