Outdoor Learning Center
Established in the 1980s, the Avon Outdoor Learning Center is a seven-acre gem where students can explore and discover in a classroom without walls, applying academic lessons into real-world practices. Only a handful of public schools systems in the U.S. can boast a learning resource like the OLC.
Approximately 10,000 students take part in our programs each school year. We offer educational experiences for all ages. Keep reading to learn more and to find out how to schedule a visit and utilize this incredible learning resource.
The OLC has an iNaturalist project! Follow along and join us here.
Getting Here
We are located on the south side of Maple Elementary, 7237 East US Highway 36, Avon.
Hi, everyone!My name is Jeremy Maxwell and I am the Coordinator at the OLC. I've been an educator for the past 10 years, and I'm a life-long nature lover. I'm excited to help inspire curiosity about nature in students at ACSC.
What's Happening at the OLC?
![Abraham Lincoln holding up a 36-star U.S. flag in front of gathered 4th graders.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709130241/avonschoolsorg/rmasvxivsdtnzpmycu9d/LincolnVisitThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709130241/avonschoolsorg/rmasvxivsdtnzpmycu9d/LincolnVisitThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1709130241/avonschoolsorg/rmasvxivsdtnzpmycu9d/LincolnVisitThumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1709130241/avonschoolsorg/rmasvxivsdtnzpmycu9d/LincolnVisitThumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1709130241/avonschoolsorg/rmasvxivsdtnzpmycu9d/LincolnVisitThumbnail.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1709130241/avonschoolsorg/rmasvxivsdtnzpmycu9d/LincolnVisitThumbnail.png","width":1920}])
Jeremy Maxwell
Honest Abe paid a visit to the OLC cabin to talk to the 4th graders from Maple Elementary.
![Students talking about animal tracks]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1702573805/avonschoolsorg/qzqpcw2xnl7hyr1zd4qg/RBPioneerDayThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1702573805/avonschoolsorg/qzqpcw2xnl7hyr1zd4qg/RBPioneerDayThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1702573805/avonschoolsorg/qzqpcw2xnl7hyr1zd4qg/RBPioneerDayThumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1702573805/avonschoolsorg/qzqpcw2xnl7hyr1zd4qg/RBPioneerDayThumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1702573805/avonschoolsorg/qzqpcw2xnl7hyr1zd4qg/RBPioneerDayThumbnail.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1702573805/avonschoolsorg/qzqpcw2xnl7hyr1zd4qg/RBPioneerDayThumbnail.png","width":1920}])
Jeremy Maxwell
The 2nd grade at River Birch recently had a pioneer day and the OLC was on site to teach about animal tracks.
![Boy Scout Troop 306 Volunteers at OLC]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1701453465/avonschoolsorg/yqrcyoar3gc4lm5wdv1o/Troop306Thumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1701453465/avonschoolsorg/yqrcyoar3gc4lm5wdv1o/Troop306Thumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1701453465/avonschoolsorg/yqrcyoar3gc4lm5wdv1o/Troop306Thumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1701453465/avonschoolsorg/yqrcyoar3gc4lm5wdv1o/Troop306Thumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1701453465/avonschoolsorg/yqrcyoar3gc4lm5wdv1o/Troop306Thumbnail.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1701453465/avonschoolsorg/yqrcyoar3gc4lm5wdv1o/Troop306Thumbnail.png","width":1920}])
Jeremy Maxwell
Scout troop 306 came to the OLC and helped with several projects.
![A Northern Mockingbird in the snow]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675867834/avonschoolsorg/ybmc1xx39hywbjxtfeqe/WinterBirdingThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675867834/avonschoolsorg/ybmc1xx39hywbjxtfeqe/WinterBirdingThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675867834/avonschoolsorg/ybmc1xx39hywbjxtfeqe/WinterBirdingThumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675867834/avonschoolsorg/ybmc1xx39hywbjxtfeqe/WinterBirdingThumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675867834/avonschoolsorg/ybmc1xx39hywbjxtfeqe/WinterBirdingThumbnail.png","width":1600}])
Jeremy Maxwell
Lots of birds are still active during the winter. Read more to see some of them in the Outdoor Learning Center!
![A class from Maple Elementary visits the OLC cabin]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1672839542/avonschoolsorg/pvgov4kg0ncfuwnculpf/MapleStudentsVisit.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1672839542/avonschoolsorg/pvgov4kg0ncfuwnculpf/MapleStudentsVisit.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1672839542/avonschoolsorg/pvgov4kg0ncfuwnculpf/MapleStudentsVisit.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1672839542/avonschoolsorg/pvgov4kg0ncfuwnculpf/MapleStudentsVisit.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1672839542/avonschoolsorg/pvgov4kg0ncfuwnculpf/MapleStudentsVisit.png","width":1600}])
Jeremy Maxwell
Maple students visited the OLC before winter break to talk about pioneer life during the winter.
Resources
Our Mission
We encourage learning and exploration in a natural environment, strengthening classroom instruction.
Contact Us
Jeremy Maxwell
OLC Coordinator
OLC Coordinator
p: (317) 544-6700
Carol Ford
Volunteer Site Coordinator
Volunteer Site Coordinator
Follow Us
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Volunteer
If you can spare an hour or two (or ten) please contact us.
The following are some of our most pressing current needs:
- Invasive plant removal
- Removal of cut trees
- Trail maintenance
Thank you for your continued support!