Wood Block Press
Who We Are
Wood Block Press was founded in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Board of Directors is comprised of committed educators with a love and deeper understanding of the learning process. Our mission is to support student learning by fostering authentic engagement with the outdoors. We believe in the power of community, providing resources to explore nature and develop a broader experience in literacy, and the importance of stories that highlight its value.
Wood Block Press (WBP) aims to contribute to a thriving community through an orchard-based outreach program that serves as an enjoyable space and interactive living classroom for outdoor learning. We offer hands-on experiences and an interactive online platform aligned with academic standards, working with teachers and students to promote curiosity, environmental stewardship, and lifelong learning. Our mission is to foster a deeper connection to nature, encourage sustainable practices, and engage the community in meaningful ways.
Mission
Our mission is to support student learning by fostering authentic engagement with the outdoors. We believe in the power of community, providing resources to explore nature and develop a broader experience in literacy, and the importance of stories that highlight its value.
Our community orchard is dedicated to cultivating a thriving outdoor classroom and learning space where people of all ages can connect with nature, deepen their understanding of sustainable agriculture, and learn about the environment. We are committed to fostering community engagement through hands-on education, workshops, and collaborative initiatives that nurture both the land and the mind.Together, we grow healthier, stronger, and more connected as a community.
Vision and Values
Wood Block Press is committed to the belief and practice of community interaction. It is our goal to develop a community space where individuals and groups have the opportunity to experience, appreciate, and learn about the natural world in a manner that is instructive and inspiring.
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The Orchard's Purpose
Communities need inviting outdoor spaces where all are welcome! We are here for the community and to do our part to make learning and being outside more rewarding. Whether students come from public, private, online, homeschool, or other settings, the MSCO has something for everyone! Nothing better than the beauty of the outdoors in learning environmental science or any other subject in school.
Partnerships Making the Difference
Our partnerships are what make us strong. To that end, WBP is committed to partnering with teachers, schools, and members of the community to make this orchard the most it can be for our little corner of the world.
Partnering With Teachers and Students!
The MSCO has partnered with teachers and their students from the Applied Skills program at Richmond Community Schools. Students from these classes come and contribute their times and effort to make this place look and feel the best it can.
With their contribution, the orchard remains an ongoing and beautiful resource and destination in the community and members of our own community work toward the outcomes.
An Open-Access Community Orchard and Living Classroom that Honors a Legacy of Giving and Service to
The Mary Scott Community Orchard and Living Classroom is located in Mary Scott Park, Richmond, Indiana, within walking distance of three schools and a daycare. As part of the larger park, it serves as a multi-use space for the community. The name "Mary Scott" honors a longtime Richmond resident known for her dedication to the community. Nicknamed "Scotty," the late Mary Scott was deeply involved in local initiatives, including running a children's summer lunch program from the cabin located adjacent to the orchard. Her tireless efforts to improve the lives of those less fortunate around her were a hallmark of her work. The original cabin, visible behind a student group on the right, remains a symbol of her legacy. We are proud to name the orchard after this remarkable woman, whose commitment to Richmond continues to inspire us.
Orchards, when thoughtfully placed, bring numerous benefits, and communities nationwide are recognizing their value in transforming public spaces. Our orchard is a testament to the importance of community and serves as a resource for fostering connections.
The orchard and pollinator garden offer valuable educational tools, aligning with Indiana's education standards. Resources are available both onsite and online to support teachers in teaching ecological processes. Open to all residents like any public park, the orchard fosters community ties while providing fresh, organic fruit. By promoting nutritional awareness, it encourages healthier lifestyles. Wood Block Press is proud to support this small but impactful space for Richmond’s community.
