The Hanifl Center

Dedicated in October 2003, Hanifl Center for Outdoor Education and Environmental Study was built to extend Woodstock's curriculum and provide a facility and program where others can learn about the Himalayas. We intend to contribute to the sustainable development of the region by transmitting an appreciation and understanding of the Himalayan environment to future leaders from around the globe. The Hanifl buildings are designed to be a conference and resource facility to support a wide range of kinds of learning and recreation. The Center was also designed as an eco-friendly building where students can not only learn within the Center, but also from it. Committed and professional staff members are responsible for directing and coordinating outdoor education and environmental study programs at the Center. The program and resources are available to the school community as well as those from other schools, churches and other non-profit organizations interested in learning about this unique environment.

Hanifl Center Building

The building, funded by Paul and Suzanne Turner Hanifl '63, was designed as a model for three environmentally-friendly building components: a passive solar space heating system, an active solar water heating system and a water harvesting system, which was made possible by the Class of 1951. It includes dorm rooms for 32, four double guestrooms, kitchen, dining and meeting rooms, an apartment for a staff family and an offi ce. A key resource, made possible by the Class of 1981, is the Wechter Resource Library, which is equipped with ten computers and peripherals, maps and books, a telescope, microscopes and many other research tools. Its library of books, covering natural history, ecology, other areas of science and Indian sociology and politics, is currently being built. The Center also houses a stock of hiking and camping equipment for student use.

Hanifl Center Auxiliary Facilities

The Center now includes two nature trails. The Dr. R. Fleming Nature Trail, funded by the Class of 1954, leads from the Center to the main school campus and is designed as an interactive path. It provides visitors with first-hand experience of the hillside flora and fauna, as well as information about its people, history, geology and lore. The trail has been designed and built as an integrated part of the landscape and retains and enhances the natural and historical beauty of the hillside. For example, proposed features such as rest areas, a telescope and signage that will enhance the trail as an educational tool will be installed. Civil work on the trail has been completed with the assistance of scientists from the Soil and Water Conservation Society in Dehra Dun, who provided an in-depth assessment of the landslide areas and advice on restoration and stabilization of the trail.

Along the trail, the steep drainage system has been stabilized with special wire mesh and stone pushtas that allow vegetation to grow. Identification and documentation of local plant species along the trail has begun. A brainstorming session of interested staff yielded very positive results, including the suggestion that a core group of students be involved to facilitate trail development. The Fairy Glen Nature Trail, a gift of the Class of 1963, will be another contribution toward fostering an enriching relationship between humans and the natural environment. The trail will be a permanent interpretative loop leading from the Hanifl Center past Jabbarket to Fairy Glen, then back to the Center via the Oakville bench. This circular path and area are to be restored and maintained in as natural a state as possible and will provide an opportunity for a guided reflective experience for the Woodstock community at large and Hanifl Center visitors. Currently, the trails have been broadened and reinforced and a natural amphitheatre has been built at Fairy Glen. In addition, a water source has been brought to the site for campers.

The restoration and improvement of the Burgoyne Campground above the Hanifl Center is a gift of the Class of 1960. The campground is an open-space extension of the Center and a focal point for nature activities. The initial design was completed by Adit Pal Design, Landscape Architects of New Delhi, in March 2004. Extensive restoration was needed to return the area to its original uncluttered and pristine state. The campground is equipped with toilet and cooking facilities and a retaining wall on the west side has added more usable space. An amphitheater has also been built into the natural curve of the hillside to the rear of the camp ground.

The Turner Organic Garden is being planned as a working demonstration garden and educational resource. It will house a nursery for indigenous plants and trees, a composting system and fruit and vegetable gardens. It is sponsored by Woodrow Turner '60 and On the Fleming Nature Trail Suzanne Turner Hanifl '63, in memory of their parents.

Hanifl Center Activities 2004-2005

The Hanifl Center has three full-time specialists who provide resources and staffing for curriculum enrichment for the entire school. It has also begun outreach programs to other schools and groups in the region. Chris Taylor, Hanifl Center Manager, has a background in biology and expeditions. His wife, Diana, holds a PhD in geography with specialization in glaciology. Darab Nagarwalla is a forester with extensive experience of sustainable development in the region. The team is also responsible for supporting Activity Week and the new IAYP (International Award for Young People) program which involves High School students in the four sections of the award - Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Expeditions.

Many topics were covered during the academic year 2004-2005, including climate and weather, ecology, plant identifi cation, animal adaptations, geology, astronomy and the scientific method, as well as history and social integration. Hanifl Center was also the setting for night classes, telescope use, camping, leadership sessions and retreats. During the summer, the Hanifl Center hosted a group from Harvard University's South Asia Center. These college students worked with students in local schools in the areas of music, art and performance. Other visitors included alumni. We look forward to the continued development of the Hanifl Center program and facility as new programs are added to the schedule and increasing numbers of visiting groups make use of this resource.