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High school science to be taught on ‘Discovery Trail’ near landfill

By Potomac Local News

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — A new wooded trail located behind the newest high school in Prince William County will be used to teach students about science. 

The Discovery Trail is located at Charles Colgan High School, located at 13833 Dumfries Rd at Independent Hill. The trail sits on buffer land owned by the Prince William County Sanitary Landfill, which is located next to the high school.

Here’s more from Deborah K. Campbell, landfill spokeswoman: 

The Prince William County Solid Waste Division’s Solid Waste Citizens Advisory Group wanted to somehow incorporate the landfill and landfill buffer into an educational opportunity for the new high school and schools adjacent to buffer area. This desire was shared with school system personnel and ultimately the idea for Outdoor Discovery Trail was blazed by the Advisory Group.

The building of the trail and classrooms was a partnership between the Prince William County Solid Waste Division, Prince William County Schools and SPARK Foundation, Prince William County Parks Department, Boy Scout Troop 1195 and Dominion Power.

The trails will be used a part of the science curriculum for students from the neighboring schools and will also be available to other Prince William County School students and community groups with appropriate permission.

· Solid Waste Division provided the land, mapped the trail and assisted with the trail and classroom development

· Prince William County Schools and SPARK Foundation mapped the trail, coordinated the classroom development, curriculum and equipment development, garnered Boy Scouts and Dominion Power’s assistance

· Prince William County Parks finalize the trail, cleared the trail, maintains the trail
· Boy Scout Troop 1195- Three scouts working on Eagle projects designed and managed the building of the classrooms, including acquiring materials

· Dominion Power provided and installed educational signs, kiosks and storage sheds for equipment

A dedication ceremony for the trail was scheduled for 3 p.m. today.

Update 

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