Welcome to the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom Advocacy Committee site 


How did a forgotten, trash strewn, buckthorn infested, random bike trail riddled woodland become an outdoor learning area?  A group of local neighbors and St. Paul Park and Recreation worked together to make this amazing transformation happen.  The Como Woodland is now a place for you to explore and study, listen to birds, see a fox, take a photo of a wildflower in the spring, and learn about this history and story behind Como Park and the Woodland. 

Come see for yourself and explore the trails! download a map to find the woodland within larger Como Park.

If you are a teacher, bring your students to listen, write, draw, study, collect data, have a quiet space.  For teachers bringing students, the first step is to request a free permit at 651-266-6400.  These FREE permits will help to track numbers and activities for grant reporting and maintain an appropriate level of use for the environmental health and sustainability of the outdoor classroom.

Be part of this continuing transformation.  Here are ways you can be involved:

  • There are both ongoing and periodic volunteer activities to help control the invasive species and assist with planting desired species.  
  • Join the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom Advocacy Committee.  Members of this committee advocate for the ongoing maintenance and restoration of the woodland, they help with volunteer restoration and educational events, and they can help teachers get started in an outdoor classroom experience for their students.
  • Do you have interpretive or science skills?  Can you ID birds, trees, flowers, or butterflies?  Because there is no dedicated paid staff to lead students and teachers that visit the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom, your skills and time could be valuable.  Contact the Como Woodland Advocacy Committee Chair for more information.
 
UPCOMING NEWS AND EVENTS 2025
All events meet at Kilmer Fireplace (1151 Como Ave, St Paul, MN 55108) unless otherwise noted

April 2025
Citywide Cleanup

City Nature Challenge (CNC) - informal meeting on April 26, 10am

May 2025

10-year Anniversay Event
May 28, 2025
4pm
More details to come!

June 2025

Wild Ones tour
June 22, 2025
1pm

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Winter Tour of Como Woodland for 2025 Wrap Up :
On Saturday February 15, 2025, members of the Como Woodland Advocacy Committe, joined by members of the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, hosted a scavenger hunt in the Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom. Four groups used compasses to follow paths, stopping at stations to learn about nature during winter. A red-tailed hawk made a surprise appearance as well.

Thank you to the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy for providing treats!


We've Changed our name to Como Woodland Advocacy Committee to fit our committee's evolving mission.