The Laurel Continental Societies is encouraging all residents to grab their gloves and shovels and take part in a community project designed to develop an outdoor classroom program within the city.

The Continental Societies, Inc. has partnered with the City of Laurel, the Laurel School District, Mississippi State University and the Jones County Extension Service to create this outdoor classroom program.

Doncella Milton, who is the national public relations officer for the Continental Societies, said the group will be planting trees today.

Milton said local residents are encouraged to “grab your gloves, bring your shovels and join the students from Oak Park and Stainton Elementary Schools, along with the Continental Societies, the Jones County Soil and Water Conservation and the OCG Advisory Council as we plant the first trees at the Outdoor Classroom Garden.”

According to officials, the planting will begin at 1:30 p.m. today at the Outdoor Classroom Garden’s site on Churchton Street.

Milton said the facility will be a safe place where children and youth can learn to express themselves in an extended classroom surrounded by the wonders of nature.

“The program is one way teachers can provide students with learning opportunities that strengthen natural science lessons, teach students the importance of natural resources through environmental education, and enhance classroom work in mathematics, reading, writing, history and the arts,” Milton said. “The outdoor classroom will consist of several small raised flower beds where the students will plant flowers and trees while learning horticulture science.”

Tucked away in the garden will be two, 3-row bleachers, each bleacher with a seating capacity of 30 students.

“Here the students will receive their educational component of the program,” Milton said. “The garden will house a fully equipped greenhouse, a set of sculptures created by the students and a center brick walkway.”

A broad iron fence was recently installed around the facility in October.

The 2400 square foot of broad iron fence was installed at the facility with a specialty gate with the Continental Societies’ emblem made into it.

Milton said the Continental Societies is a 501(c)(3) international public service organization dedicated to the socioeconomic and cultural welfare of underprivileged children and youth.

Milton said native trees and shrubs will be planted to line the walkway where there will be seating for resting and reading.

In a separate garden, the students will plant and grow vegetables while learning the benefits of healthy eating habits.

Milton said the Outdoor Classroom Garden will offer an opportunity for families to come together on weekends to work with their children and show their support of the project being developed for the community.

The local Continental Societies conducted a groundbreaking ceremony at the property in March. Since then, the groundwork and preparation work had to be conducted.

Milton said the mission of the group is to create environments within our communities that empowers children to have access to quality and appropriate opportunities to reach their optimal potential.

“Continentals believe when parents, teachers and the community work together on projects like outdoor classrooms, a place where students are engaged in hands-on experiences outside the traditional classroom setting, everyone succeeds,” Milton said “We are just working to try to do something to improve our community.”

Prior to the installation of the fence, Jones County donated numerous loads of dirt to be used to build up the lot where the garden is being located.

Milton said now it’s planting time.

“We already have our flowers. We were just waiting on the fence,” she said. “By the end of November, we will be through planting for the Fall.”

Milton said the school district will also donate an old bus that will be converted into a classroom.

“We will paint the old bus and put flowers and vines on it,” she said. “I’m so excited. .... Once we complete the project, people won’t know that it was a school bus.”

Milton said anyone wanting more information about the project can contact her by e-mail at doncellam@netscape.com.