Edward “Babe” Gomez Heritage

Edward “Babe” Gomez Heritage Elementary has two Nature Explore Nationally Certified Outdoor Classrooms. We are located in South Omaha at 5101 S. 17th St. “The Janette Gilbert Memorial Outdoor Classroom” was built in memory of a beloved staff member who loved Nature. Her widow, Mike Gilbert, continues to volunteer in our Outdoor Classrooms. “Timberwolf Park” is our second OC. It is geared towards PK/EC-K.

Students each year enjoy learning about plants and gardening. Teachers during the year and teachers in the after school program take students outdoors to weed, study plants, plants seeds and seedlings, and watch the plants as they grow. Students love to dig in the digging area and the sand area. There are diverse trees around the space along with birdfeeders where we can watch for signs of wildlife. There is a bean plant that grows up our stage each year, acting as a roof. The students love to jump up and pluck the beans off the plant to discover the seeds inside. Each year, families come to help clean the space and do a project. Last year, students made some stepping stones. This year, we plan on making birdfeeders (both simple ones for students to take home and a few sturdy ones that will remain in the Outdoor Classroom yearlong).

Learn more about these classrooms on their certification page!

Janette Gilbert

Timberwolf Park