Revitalized nature trail to serve as an outdoor classroom for AgriQuest hands-on learning
Superintendent of Schools Alicia D. Koster announced that longtime GJSD educator Ellen Roehl has received a $2,000 award as part of Voya Financial, Inc.’s Unsung Heroes competition. The funding will support the District’s efforts to revitalize an existing nature trail at Pleasant Avenue Elementary School, transforming it into an ADA-accessible, sensory-rich outdoor classroom that directly supports the District’s AgriQuest Farm-To-School initiative and provide critical performance-based learning opportunities.
Roehl is one of just 50 educators nationwide to receive an Unsung Heroes Award this year and the only designated winner from New York State. She will now compete alongside the other finalists for one of Voya Financial’s three top prizes: an additional $5,000 for third place, $10,000 for second place, or $25,000 for first place.
This year, Roehl is serving the District in a special teaching assignment as the AgriQuest Farm-to-School Department Leader and SPARK Leader (Student Projects Advancing Real-World Knowledge). In these roles, she incorporates performance-based learning, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & mathematics), and food education concepts from Pilot Light to foster curiosity, creativity and career exploration among Johnstown students of all ages. She also utilizes a Charlie Cart – a mobile cooking classroom – to teach hands-on cooking and nutrition.
Roehl submitted this innovative idea – “Growing Futures: Nature for All Initiative” – to Voya for assistance in revitalizing and modernizing the nature trail, which is currently obstructed by fallen trees, deteriorating infrastructure, and inaccessible terrain. The trail also has decaying, dedicated benches and a run-down gazebo that needs to be restored/replaced. In its current state, conditions prevent its use as an educational resource and limits safe access. Roehl says the $2,000 Voya award will help the District to get started on the project by paying for brush and tree removal.
“The vision for the nature trail is to make it a true community project—inviting a diverse range of stakeholders to contribute to its development while recognizing that the benefits of the completed trail will extend beyond our school and students to the broader community,” Koster said. “We are fortunate to already have several local businesses, municipalities, retired educators, and community leaders who have pledged their support and assistance in bringing this vision to life.”
“As we look to incorporate our Portrait of a Johnstown Learner initiative, this outdoor classroom will be a very valuable tool that will help our staff take learning beyond the traditional classroom, allowing students to explore, ask questions, make connections and see concepts come to life in the natural world,” Koster added.
Roehl says there is a demonstrated need for inclusive, nature-based spaces that support students’ social and emotional well-being, encourage engagement, and accommodate diverse learning styles. Ultimately, she hopes the trail will support student learning and environmental sustainability while becoming a one-of-a-kind, accessible community resource for all.
The outdoor learning environment will also serve as a key component of the District’s AgriQuest initiative, supporting and expanding its farm-to-school programming.
“Students will be able to engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences on the trail, conducting science investigations and exploring topics such as soil composition, pollinators, ecosystems, composting, horticulture and more,” Roehl said.
“This will be an interactive experience, featuring trail markers and QR codes that provide visitors with information about the plants, wildlife and other natural features they encounter throughout each section of the trail,” Roehl said. “The vegetation and greenery will be thoughtfully and intentionally curated to create an engaging and educational environment.”
“Once the trail is completed, we intend to have designated grade levels and extracurricular groups take responsibility for maintaining specific sections of the trail, fostering a sense of ownership, stewardship and ongoing community involvement,” she added.