Help Build Our Adventure Trail
Donation protected
Hello! We are Saint Edward's Montessori School- a small Montessori preschool and kindergarten located in Eau Claire, WI.
Did you know that Saint Edward’s sits on nearly one full acre of land? What’s even more exciting is that one-third of that space is a wooded hillside—a hidden gem full of trees, underbrush, and untapped potential.
Over the past few years, we've been steadily reclaiming this land for our children. Thanks to dedicated parent volunteers, we already cleared a large strip of hillside four years ago. Today, that space is an integral part of our playground, offering more room to run, play and engage with nature.
Now, we’re ready to take the next big step: The Saint Edward’s Adventure Trail, a nature trail full of exciting motor challenges for our children.
Imagine a winding path down the hill, which leads to an observation deck. Here a child can spend time observing the wildlife – and the trains! Children will find ropes to help them climb the hillside, and when they get to the top a slide to go back down the fun way! It’s an adventure!
Why an Adventure Trail? Research and experience show us that risky play—the kind that involves a bit of adventure, challenge, and even uncertainty—is essential to a child’s growth, building:
- Cognitive skills through problem-solving and decision-making
- Physical strength and coordination through climbing, balancing, and navigating obstacles
- Emotional resilience as children face fears and celebrate their achievements
We need your help to make this vision a reality.
PHASE 1: within 1 year
1. Hill restoration - clear out debris
- $50-100 hour of manual labor to clear debris.........GOAL: 10 hours
2. Install Rope Railing Pathway
- $20= 1 cedar fence post..............................................GOAL: 20 posts
- $10= 1 bag of quickrete................................................GOAL: 20 bags
- $100= 50 ft of rope railing..........................................GOAL: 300 feet
3. Hillside Climbing Ropes – *$50 = 25' rope..............................GOAL:2 ropes
4. Embankment Slide – We have the 17' slide already – just needs
frame made and then installation
5. Observation Deck – $6,000= 8' wide octagon raised deck
4. Mulch for fall safety - $36 = cubic yard...........................GOAL 27yards
Total Fundraising Goal.......................$9,500
How You Can Help:
- Donate any amount — every dollar gets us closer!
- Donate time for landscaping and skilled labor for building and/or installation
- Share this fundraiser with others who care about children and education.
- Sponsor a part of the playground (contact us if interested!)
Whether you’re a current family, alumni family, a proud grandparent, or someone who just wants to support early childhood education — thank you.
Together, we can build something incredible. ❤️
With gratitude,
the team at Saint Edward's Montessori School
Organizer
Saint Edwards Montessori School
Organizer
Eau Claire, WI