Ashland University held the official inauguration of the Black Fork Wetlands classroom. The event was the opportunity to express gratitude to the donors and the people who made possible the project. The event took place Wednesday. 

The classroom was filled by faculty members, donors, students and the junior troop 657 of the Girl Scouts who were listening to the impact that the classroom will have in the community. The classroom’s simple looking structure is located to the east of U.S. 42. 

According to Dr. Patricia Saunders, associate professor of biology and director of the environmental science program, the classroom was built to support the needs of the location in terms of flooding.

“It is design that once in a while when it does get flooded we can get down the walls and start over again,” said Saunders.

 Saunders along with Ron Davis, co-director of region six, environmental education council and retired outdoor educator, were able to express the numerous opportunities that not only AU students have but K-12 students in Richland and Ashland counties have because of this classroom.

“This building expands our options in terms how long people can be here, what projects they can do, the fact that they can plug into electricity, they do more complicated things,” said Saunders. 

Margaret Pomfret, vice president of development and intuitional advancement was able to thank the donors who contributed with the project but also the faculty that make the project a success. 

Donors such as the Crawford-Richland Central Labor Council of the AFL-CIO union from Richland County made this project possible for AU by acquiring and donating the wetlands to the university.

Along with the Sisler-McFawn Foundation of Akron, Ohio; the Richland County Foundation; and Grant Milliron were able to provide the $136,000 that were required to build the classroom.

Donors like Grant Milliron were present in the ceremony as well.

“Education is so important in all our lives and I just think is great that we can offer education and opportunities to people to learn.     So necessary, life is a continuous education, it is really a fantastic opportunity to help our youth,” said Milliron.