40 Hours for the Forty Acres

Who We Are

The world needs geoscientists to tackle some of the biggest issues facing society, from water to energy to natural resources. At the Jackson School of Geosciences, our researchers are investigating these issues and more while preparing the next generation of geoscientists to answer fundamental questions about how earth systems work and apply that knowledge for the lasting benefit of humankind. 

What We're Fundraising For

The White Family Outdoor Learning Center - a New Pavilion Building

Covering 266 acres of rocky pasture, oak savannah and cedar-covered hillsides, the White Family Outdoor Learning Center (WFOLC) is classic Hill Country. The donation of the land from Les and Dianne White to the Jackson School was a game changer for immersive education. It’s a place where generations of Jackson School students are able to learn how to conduct field science of all sorts, with their observations and measurements providing new data about the karst geology that underlies and influences the Hill Country landscape and its residents. An incredible space dubbed "an outdoor classroom," it needs additional infrastructure to better meet student and research needs. 

Stream gauging on South Onion Creek at the WFOLC

The WFOLC requires the build-out of a new structural pavilion to meet the following needs:

• Protective shelter during inclement weather
• Offer climate-controlled area during times of extreme heat 
• Provide bathroom/sanitation facilities and clean drinking water
• Storage of delicate instruments and equipment
• Extended wifi coverage 
• On-site classrooms 

Flux tower analyzer at the WFOLCStudents learn better when they’re safe and comfortable. In addition to the improvement in student and researchers' physical well-being, the structure would allow for extended coverage of wifi on the property, facilitating the use of various instrument and remote sensing platforms to communicate and transfer data within and from the property in near-real time. This would allow higher quality monitoring, and better identification of failed sensors or other issues at the site that require immediate attention. All of these additions will strongly enhance the educational and research activities at the WFOLC. 

Hydro field camp drilling an observation well at the WFOLC

The pavilion structure will benefit many different communities across the Jackson School; specific examples of activities include: 

• Hydrology Field Camp
• A field methods course 
• GeoFORCE outings 
• Ecohydrology & Biometerology courses 
• Fossil collection and identification 

With funding in hand, construction on the pavilion could begin in early 2025. Costs are not limited to but include:

• Construction 
• Grid power
• Water & other utilities
• Restroom/sanitation facilities
• Technology additions 

By investing in this project, you're contributing not just to the physical structure but to a lasting legacy of enriched learning and research experiences.