Outdoor Teaching Pavilion Nearing Completion

Work is in the final stage for Long Pasture’s new Outdoor Teaching Pavilion, a facility that will give the sanctuary maximum flexibility to host school, community and many other groups. The new structure has been made possible by Mass Audubon Cape Cod Leadership Friends and other generous supporters, including the Mass Cultural Council, which granted $130,000 through its facilities fund.

The pavilion structure will be ADA-compliant and capable of accommodating up to 50 people—the average size of a visiting school group.

With 30 solar panels now installed on the roof will generate 13,000 kilowatt-hours per year. Thanks to a $100,000 TernSOLAR matching challenge grant by the Tern Foundation, Long Pasture is on track to achieving 100% net-zero energy consumption. A new shed installed next to the pavilion will be used to store educational materials. Inside furnishings will include a countertop, display wall, and tables and chairs.

Sanctuary director Ian Ives says the teaching pavilion is the outdoor complement to the new Discovery Center and will give Long Pasture the flexibility to meet the needs of many different groups and programs.

“We learned during the height of the COVID pandemic how important it is to have safe and multi-functional spaces to accommodate larger groups, especially school programs, which can include both outdoor and indoor activities.”

The Outdoor Teaching Pavilion is expected to be operational later this spring.