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It’s more than just a nature area.
It’s an opportunity to explore, grow and feel connected to our world. 

 

About LOLA:

LOLA is an outdoor environmental science classroom and nature area located behind the library. It encompasses a small riparian area that runs along McCommas Branch, a tributary leading to White Rock Lake. LOLA’s diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, bottomland forest, and prairie area, offer a unique learning environment.

  • Since 2001, LWE students have received hands-on science instruction in LOLA.
  • In 2022, we partnered with the Dallas Arboretum to create a custom, TEKS-aligned curriculum for each grade.

  • Education, maintenance, and other programming is graciously funded by the Lakewood PTA and LECPTA.

  • Improvements and new entrance to LOLA were provided by Dallas ISD.

  • Thank you to the North Texas Master Naturalist for their continued commitment to the upkeep and improvement of LOLA.

If you are interested in joining the LOLA Committee, volunteering, or have any questions please contact us at    lola@lakewoodelementary.net.

 

 

WE LOVE PARENT VOLUNTEERS IN LOLA!

Two parent volunteers are invited to help with each LOLA education class.

Volunteers may help with set up/clean up, take action photos, assist students with hands-on activities, etc. Sign-ups will be released prior to the grade’s LOLA session. Check eNews and this site for more info!

 

REQUIREMENTS 

In order to volunteer at LOLA (or any other DISD program) you must complete a volunteer application/orientation every year.

https://dallasisd.voly.org/

 

INSTRUCTIONS
Check in at the front office to show your ID and confirm Voly status. Meet Lisa Dolliver (Dallas Arboretum) in the LOLA 5-10 minutes before your child's LOLA session begins for instruction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOLA AFTER SCHOOL

 

Students, caregivers, and siblings are invited into LOLA for nature-related crafts, games, and exploration!  Adult must accompany children.

  

Check eNews for updated information, including themes!

 

3:15-4:30pm

 

2024-2025 Dates
September 11 | December 11
February 12 | April 9

 

 

LOLA NIGHT

 

Our annual event hosts many nature-related exhibitors from the Dallas area for an evening filled with fun and learning! It's one of our favorite events at Lakewood!

 

PAST 2024-2025 Date

Thursday March 20, 2025 - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

LOLA History

 
Since the year 2000, the Lakewood Elementary Parents, community and nature experts have contributed countless volunteer hours and funds to create, support and continuously improve LOLA.
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
The following outlines LOLA's contributors and partnerships:
  • In 2000, Susan Campbell, a Master Naturalist and founder/director of Science Safari, started the LOLA with a $18,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Her vision was to give all 700+ students the opportunity to use and learn from the nature trail in LOLA.
  • In 2010, Ann Willis-Brown, a Master Naturalist and Lakewood parent, received a $10,000 grant for the LOLA from Dallas Loving My Community. The grant funds were used to build an amphitheater, benches and a boardwalk to the creek classroom area.
  • In 2010, Ann Willis-Brown received a grant for $2,500 for trail improvements, erosion control and native plant restoration.
  • In 2014 the PTA and LECPTA began providing $50,000 annually to the LOLA Outdoor Science and Environmental Curriculum implemented through a partnership with the Trinity River Audubon Center. LOLA is the ONLY DISD outdoor-based science curriculum and the only Dallas school with a nature preserve and outdoor classroom.
  • In 2015, a $500 grant was received for trail improvements and extension of the trail.
  • With considerable funds from FOL, PTA and a local nonprofit, Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, several improvement projects were completed.
    • Renovation of the steps at the eastern end of the trail
    • Maintenance of the current trail
    • Restoration of the LOLA prairie and removal of invasive plants
  • Kevin Rudy, biologist and outdoor educator, created an investigative tool for students to walk the trail and study a variety of unique trees in the LOLA. 
  • In 2019 the LOLA committee, LWE administration and the DISD Facilities Department began work revamping the entrance to LOLA. This extensive project was completed in 2022 and provides access to LOLA for all individuals.
  • In the Spring of 2022 LOLA was reopened for student education sessions. Funded by PTA and LECPTA, LWE entered a new partnership with the Dallas Arboretum to provide custom lessons to the 900+ students at the school.
Contributors and Supporters
  • Lakewood PTA
  • Lakewood Early Childhood PTA
  • Texas Master Naturalists
  • Dallas Arboretum
  • Texas Discovery Gardens
  • Trinity Trust Foundation
  • For the Love of the Lake
  • Trinity River Audubon Center
  • Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center
  • John Bunker Sands Wetland Reserve
  • Blackland Prairie Raptor Center
  • Friends Of Lakewood (FOL)
  • Teas Historic Tree Coalition
  • Boy and Girl Scouts of America