Conserve School |
Conserve School, located in northeastern Wisconsin near the town of Land
O’ Lakes, is a private, non-sectarian college preparatory boarding school
for grades 9-12. Where typical schools are built as a way to live apart
from the natural environment, Conserve School was designed to keep the
natural environment as a prominent feature in the lives of the students
where they live and attend classes, as a reminder of the importance of
stewardship. A vision of the late James R. Lowenstine, Conserve School
uses its extraordinary setting of 1,200 wilderness acres, seven pristine
snow-fed lakes, and 22 miles of scenic trails as a unique “living
laboratory” for the study of wildlife and habitats.
Under the auspices
of Team Interplan, three firms noted for their environmental sensitivity
were brought together to provide expertise in architecture, engineering,
interior design, land use and environmental planning, and local knowledge
and experience in north woods construction practices. Beginning with the
design and planning process, protection of natural resources and the
impact of the development on the surrounding area were taken into
consideration. Conserve School infuses environmental learning and good
stewardship not only into the curriculum, but into every facet of the
campus.
Arguably the most impressive structure on the property is the
greenhouse and water treatment facility known as a “Green Machine”. The
glass building where the machine is housed maintains a constant
temperature to support the plant and animal life residing in the large
tanks used for treating wastewater. Water is filtered through the
different tanks to remove waste products and prepare it to be used again.
Unlike typical municipal systems, "living machines" incorporate helpful
bacteria, plants, snails, and fish that thrive by removing contaminants
from the water. Students also participate in the monitoring of Conserve
School’s Green Machine, learning about the biology and chemistry of the
process. This is the first school property that Audubon International
has worked with through the Signature Program. Providing students with a
1,200-acre learning and living environment that incorporates best
practices in sustainable development, the school's goal is to help them
learn habits that will serve both them and the planet. In return, they
will help us to develop even better practices by sharing their creativity
and ingenuity. Learn more about Conserve School by visiting their web
site at www.conserveschoool.org
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