SNEP

        When the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity sold a parcel of land on the banks of the Niagara River to the Western New York Land Conservancy, something remarkable was following closely on its heels. 

         The resulting establishment of the Stella Niagara Preserve was hailed as “the most ambitious and high profile project in the [Western New York] Land Conservancy’s history”, and promised to provide the region with an unspoiled haven at the water’s edge where animals, insects, and plants – some believed to be endangered – could be protected and enjoyed.  This marked a bright new chapter in the story of the Sisters of St. Francis and their mission to love, care for, and honor all of God’s creation. 

         The winds of change, however, had not yet died down. 

         In the fall of 2015, Stella Niagara Education Park began an exciting initiative. Building on our Franciscan heritage and commitment to being good stewards of the earth, the Sisters, teachers, and staff of Stella Niagara assembled the foundations of the Outdoor Education curriculum.  Coordinated with the exhaustive efforts of Coleen Edwards from Niagara University, a thorough curriculum was constructed which reached beyond the brick and mortar walls of the school building and brought the learning into perhaps the best classroom of all – nature.  In all types of weather, in every season, students of SNEP venture out into the world of fresh air and sunshine, precipitation and the roll of leaves, to learn core subjects such as math and reading, and disciplines like physical education and music. 

         The study of art, by its very essence, is perfectly conducive to the innovative and wildly engaging method of teaching and learning outdoors.  The study of light and shadow, access to natural art materials, long-perspective vantage points, and natural scenery are merely a few amenities which make the outdoors the best studio one could ask for. 

         The Stella Niagara Art Room is a proud participant in the Outdoor Education program at SNEP and continues to bring tomorrow’s artists – coats and supplies in hand – out into the very environment from which all inspiration springs.