SOIL Lab Report Fall '25

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A Fruitful Fall at SOIL

This fall was filled with student and community events at SOIL! Durango School District 2nd, 4th, and 5th graders joined us to learn about interconnectedness, energy, and water through hands-on field trips. We also welcomed nine Fort Lewis College classes to the SOIL Lab for service learning projects, to learn about SOIL's work in the community, and to provide input for future phases of SOIL. The greater community enjoyed a beautiful autumn in the garden at free workshops and volunteer days at SOIL.

Right: DHS students harvest tilapia from the aquaponics system in the Grow Dome

Click the buttons below to see videos of our fall programs in action!

Three high school students hold a net in the aquaponics fish tank in the grow dome

K-12 Sustainability Field Trips

Fort Lewis College

Free Community Workshops

Construction Started on Phase 3, The SOIL Hub

Just in time for fall field trips, we finished building the first feature of The SOIL Hub, an event pavilion built from reclaimed and recycled materials. When The Hub is completed (2026 completion goal), it will provide a gathering space for public events and special programs, as well as a place for individuals, friends, and families to visit, relax, and learn. In January, we will share more information about innovative exhibits and features planned for The Hub and launch a campaign to raise the remaining funds needed for construction.

Top right: A new pavilion, made from reclaimed materials, will provide a public event space in The Hub.

Bottom right: Phase 3, The Hub, will provide a space for the entire community to gather and learn.

A Look Ahead . . .

Keep an eye out for the 2025 SOIL Impact Report in January

SOIL is seeking steering committee members to help shape and guide the future of the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab. For information about joining, email Charlie Love at clove@durangoschools.org.

We are excited to begin selling SOIL merchandise in 2026!

Please Support our Business Sponsors and Partners!

Everything that you see at the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab (The Community Garden with almost 100 garden beds, The Grow Dome where food and community will flourish year round, and The Hub which will again transform the space in 2026) was all funded and made possible by individual donors, business sponsors, local grants, and countless volunteer hours. Please join us in thanking the following businesses and organizations for their support of SOIL:

Learn About Business Sponsorship Opportunities

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The SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab has both Instagram and Facebook accounts. Follow us to stay informed on what's happening in the garden!