Editor:
If you happen to stop by the lower end of the Pond Cove playground near the fire station this fall you will certainly notice some changes. Back in September The Cape Elizabeth Land Trust began working with the staff at Pond Cove to create a natural habitat landscape where teachers could take their classrooms to expand and enhance their science curriculum as well as other lessons.  This area would also serve as an alternative play space for both structured and unstructured learning.  
Todd Brydson, a local landscape designer and Pond Cove parent, worked with us to develop a space that best fit the needs and wishes of our teachers. With support from the school and the blessing of the school board, in addition to financial support and generous grants received from the Pond Cove Parents Association, Portland Trails Association, Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation, and the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, we were ready to roll. We have now completed the first phase of the project with the hardscape in place in addition to many of the larger plantings, the dry creek bed and water lines.
We are now entering the second phase of the project and will be creating the garden beds that will be planted in the spring, working on making and installing a human sundial, constructing arbors and tunnels, installing a water fountain and spigot so science experiments using water will now be possible and building an outdoor classroom structure. The outdoor classroom area will give teachers the opportunity to have a structured area for teaching and a designated place to gather.  
 We have many opportunities for individuals, families, and business to make a difference and impact the education of the future stewards of Cape Elizabeth and the world.
Sincerely,
Lisa Gent
Cape Elizabeth