Palm Coast Linear Park
Flagler Palm Coast High School is proud to announce a new project called "The Linear Park Environmental Service Learning Center". It is similar to "The Princess Place Legacy Program", connected to Matanzas High School. Our new center is a partnership between Flagler County Public Schools, Flagler County Education Foundation, City of Palm Coast, Flagler County Parks & Recreation, University of Florida's Whitney Lab, Flagler Audubon Society, St. Johns River Water Management District and State Farm, emphasizing environmental responsibility and creating an alternative learning opportunity for teenagers. State Farm's Youth Advisory Board awarded a large grant to the Flagler County Education Foundation in 2008 to assist in creating this program.
Students from Flagler Palm Coast High School are transported to the satellite campus daily and will be offering ECO Tours to other Flagler County students and community members in the park for environmental education. We are researching environmental issues using this hydric hammock ecosystem addressing needs facing most communities - excessive run-off and drainage issues; and bridging the gap between community partners, land developers and public school students. Trish Reonas, is the teacher responsible for this project each day.
The indoor/outdoor classroom is located in Linear Park, a unique historic nature preserve over two miles long and includes 72 acres. Linear Park has beautiful shaded walkways both paved and gravel that exhibit the true beauty of Old Florida. The St. Joe Canal runs through the park into the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and intertwines around businesses and main thoroughfares. This park is listed as along the Great Florida Birding Trail.
The City of Palm Coast is allowing the use of an existing building that has been converted into a classroom. The classroom has been provided with all necessary equipment. Students can progress from 10th grade through 12th grade and earn up to 12 credits, which include, ecology, environmental science, earth/space science, math, speech, leadership skills, career research, career preparation, service learning and computers. Students report to the main high school campus for 1st period, then are transported to Linear Park for periods 2-5 and return to the main campus for 6th and 7th periods. This schedule allows students to earn other credits at the main campus. The primary goal is to teach students to become environmentally responsible stewards of the land and secondary goals are to work with our partners to build environmental awareness and take action on issues that might otherwise be ignored.
This is a comprehensive, targeted service-learning project and directly benefits thousands of people in this community and beyond. Service learning provides authentic learning experiences that motivate students to excel. It reflects an understanding of curriculum. For more information, contact Trish Reonas at 386.986.2649 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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A copy of our Enviornmental Service Learning Center Open House is available here.