Palm Coast Linear Park

 A State Farm Stewards of the Land Program

Mission Statement:

Educating the community on how to preserve the environment through fun and educational activities.

        Linear Park is a beautiful, historic nature preserve located in the City of Palm Coast, Florida. Hardwood hammocks surround St. Joe's Canal that runs through the park out into the Intracoastal Waterway. The park is listed as a site along the Great Florida Birding Trail and includes walking and biking trails throughout. In the midst of this park is a satellite high school classroom in which The City of Palm Coast and Flagler County Public Schools agreed to partner to provide a unique learning environment for its 14,000 students.  A small group of high school students are on site the better part of the school day learning about the park's unique ecosystems and protecting its gifts of nature. As the school year progresses these high school students are using environmental sciences, leadership, math, speech, computer, and art skills to address various issues and projects in the park.  During the later part of the school year, they will in turn, guide students from the county's other schools as well as other interested parties on an educational journey throughout the park.  Students are using their experiences to research and experience various career paths as well.

        The students that will be attending this satellite high school are being provided a non-traditional classroom that will offer hands-on experiences and a purpose to learning.  These students are listed as at-risk of dropping out of school.  Research shows that a lack of engagement in the classroom and no connection with their school and their community are the main reasons students drop out of school.  Students will interview community members, observe the environment, collect water and soil samples and data, work with scientists, converse with land developers, city officials and business partners.  Significant tracts of undeveloped acreage are located near Linear Park ultimately targeted for residential and commercial build-out.  Students have an opportunity to directly affect the preservation of this unique tract of land through environmental awareness.

        Flagler Schools and the City of Palm Coast are also partnering with the Audubon Society, University of Florida’s Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, Flagler County Parks and Recreation in support of this program.  A full-time teacher is on site to provide integrated instruction.  The classroom is equipped with state-of-art Apple computer equipment and technology.  Students will be using this equipment and technology to create podcasts, up-to-date educational kiosks, brochures and other educational materials that will be made available on the school district website and at the park.

We would like to give special thanks to the Flagler County Education Foundation for providing funds to begin this project through a special grant from State Farm!