Dedicated in October 2003, Hanifl Centre 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 provide 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. The center's 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 Centre 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 office. 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 centre also houses a stock of hiking and camping equipment for student use.

Hanifl Center Auxiliary Facilities

The Centre also 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. 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. The steep drainage system has been stabilized with special wire mesh and stone pushtas that allow vegetation to grow.

The Fairy Glen Nature Trail, a gift of the Class of 1963, is another contribution toward fostering an enriching relationship between humans and the natural environment. The trail provides an interpretative loop leading from the Hanifl Centre past Jabbarket to Fairy Glen, then back to the center via the Oakville bench. This circular path and area are maintained in as natural a state as possible and provide an opportunity for a guided reflective experience for the Woodstock community at large and for Hanifl Centre 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 Centre is a gift of the Class of 1960. The campground is an open-space extension of the centre 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 opened in 2008 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 Suzanne Turner Hanifl '63, in memory of their parents.

Adapted and updated from the Quadrangle (2006) article recording the opening of the centre. Click here to view the original story