May 12, 2026
𝐇𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the new Naylor Family Tree Canopy Observation Area at the Hickory Environmental Education Center in Accident, marking an exciting addition to the outdoor learning opportunities available to GCPS students.
The Tree Canopy Observation Area was designed to provide a unique educational experience that allows individuals to observe and explore the forest ecosystem from an elevated perspective. The structure offers opportunities for hands-on environmental education, scientific observation, and nature-based learning while encouraging appreciation for the region’s natural resources.
Guests attending the ribbon cutting had the opportunity to tour the new observation area and learn more about how the space will support environmental programming, outdoor classroom activities, and student engagement with local ecology and conservation efforts.
“This project creates an incredible opportunity for students to experience environmental education in a new and meaningful way,” said Mr. Jason Shank, Hickory Administrator/Planetarium Director. “The Tree Canopy Observation Area will serve as a valuable resource for hands-on learning and will help inspire curiosity, exploration, and stewardship of the natural world.”
The addition of the observation area reflects GCPS’ continued commitment to expanding innovative educational experiences and connecting students with authentic learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting.
GCPS extends appreciation to the Hickory staff, community partners, and supporters whose efforts helped bring the project to life. The Hickory Environmental Education Center continues to serve as a hub for environmental literacy, outdoor education, and experiential learning for students throughout Garrett County.
Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the new Naylor Family Tree Canopy Observation Area at the Hickory Environmental Education Center in Accident, marking an exciting addition to the outdoor learning opportunities available to GCPS students.
The Tree Canopy Observation Area was designed to provide a unique educational experience that allows individuals to observe and explore the forest ecosystem from an elevated perspective. The structure offers opportunities for hands-on environmental education, scientific observation, and nature-based learning while encouraging appreciation for the region’s natural resources.
Guests attending the ribbon cutting had the opportunity to tour the new observation area and learn more about how the space will support environmental programming, outdoor classroom activities, and student engagement with local ecology and conservation efforts.
“This project creates an incredible opportunity for students to experience environmental education in a new and meaningful way,” said Mr. Jason Shank, Hickory Administrator/Planetarium Director. “The Tree Canopy Observation Area will serve as a valuable resource for hands-on learning and will help inspire curiosity, exploration, and stewardship of the natural world.”
The addition of the observation area reflects GCPS’ continued commitment to expanding innovative educational experiences and connecting students with authentic learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting.
GCPS extends appreciation to the Hickory staff, community partners, and supporters whose efforts helped bring the project to life. The Hickory Environmental Education Center continues to serve as a hub for environmental literacy, outdoor education, and experiential learning for students throughout Garrett County.