Stats for the State of Wisconsin Certified Signature Sanctuaries: 1 Featured Signature Courses: Conserve School

Conserve School
Conserve School, located in northeastern Wisconsin near the town of Land O’ Lakes, is a private, non-sectarian college preparatory boarding school for grades 9-12.   Where typical schools are built as a way to live apart from the natural environment, Conserve School was designed to keep the natural environment as a prominent feature in the lives of the students where they live and attend classes, as a reminder of the importance of stewardship.   A vision of the late James R. Lowenstine, Conserve School uses its extraordinary setting of 1,200  wilderness acres, seven pristine snow-fed lakes, and 22 miles of scenic trails as a unique “living laboratory” for the study of wildlife and habitats.   

Under the auspices of Team Interplan, three firms noted for their environmental sensitivity were brought together to provide expertise in architecture, engineering, interior design, land use and environmental planning, and local knowledge and experience in north woods construction practices.  Beginning with the design and planning process, protection of natural resources and the impact of the development on the surrounding area were taken into consideration.  Conserve School infuses environmental learning and good stewardship not only into the curriculum, but into every facet of the campus.

  Arguably the most impressive structure on the property is the greenhouse and water treatment facility known as a “Green Machine”. The glass building where the machine is housed maintains a constant temperature to support the plant and animal life residing in the large tanks used for treating wastewater.  Water is filtered through the different tanks to remove waste products and prepare it to be used again. Unlike typical municipal systems, "living machines" incorporate helpful bacteria, plants, snails, and fish that thrive by removing contaminants from the water.  Students also participate in the monitoring of Conserve School’s Green Machine, learning about the biology and chemistry of the process.   This is the first school property that Audubon International has worked with through the Signature Program.   Providing students with a 1,200-acre learning and living environment that incorporates best practices in sustainable development, the school's goal is to  help them learn habits that will serve both them and the planet.  In return, they will help us to develop even better practices by sharing their creativity and ingenuity.  Learn more about Conserve School by visiting their web site at www.conserveschoool.org