Schools across Maine will have the chance to make environmental education more accessible with a new Outdoor Learning Pavilion.

The pavilion was unveiled by the Maine Department of Education at Mackworth Island in Falmouth on Wednesday as part of its Outdoor Learning Initiative.

The program was established by Gov. Janet Mills in 2022 to provide schools and educational providers with outdoor educational opportunities for children in grades six through 12.

“This pavilion is the sustainable, permanent face of the Maine Outdoor Learning Initiative,” said Pender Makin, commissioner of the Maine Department of Education.

The initiative gives students the opportunity to take part in hands-on learning across the state, allowing kids to learn more about Maine while being outside.

According to Makin, Maine has invested $11 million in providing outdoor education over the last three years, seeing more than 15,000 children taking part in the initiative.

Makin also spoke of the importance of outdoor learning for students, one that was fueled by the pandemic.

“We needed kids to be in outdoor spaces where more kids could be in-person more often and not in close proximity,” said Makin. “The learning activities were more responsive to the environment around them. The research really does show that being outside is great for brain development, it’s great for engagement and it’s great for everyone’s wellbeing.”

“The new Outdoor Learning Pavilion adds to the extensive curriculum the program offers," said Makin. Children will be able to build on interpersonal skills such as leadership and team building. Meanwhile, the pavilion provides a space to practice school subjects they’ve learned in real time like STEM and History.

“Engagement is a real crisis right now in our classrooms,” said Makin. “Students have a lot competing right now for their attention. They have cell phones, social media and to be able to have this opportunity to be physically active and be deeply engaged, it’s something that will make a difference for these children.”

Students from across the state were at the pavilion's unveiling, sharing what they did as part of the program.  

“When I joined this program, I didn’t expect to have fun. I thrive off being in my room” said Milo Bryant, a senior at Biddeford High School and Alternative Pathways Career. “But I would do this again if I could, but I’m graduating. However, if there was a chance to do this again I would. What I learned during this time and the friends I made is something I’ll never forget.”