Photo Credit: Dr. Loretta W. Harvey - Scarlet Oak at PWHS

The Washington-Nile Local School District Arboretum is vibrant, 90 acre school-community nestled in the rolling hills of the Ohio River Valley. Situated near the historic Raven Rock State Nature Preserve, the arboretum benefits from the region's diverse ecosystem, featuring native hardwoods, winding trails, and stunning vistas of the valley. This expansive space serves as an invaluable outdoor laboratory for students, encouraging hands-on learning in biology, environmental science, and conservation, while simultaneously offering a tranquil, educational retreat for the entire community. It is a place committed to environmental stewardship, promoting a deep appreciation for the unique flora of Southeastern Ohio. Dedicated to the collection, cultivation, study and display of trees and shrubs, this outdoor living museum features identified, labelled, and cataloged specimens and will be used for classroom instruction, public education, and community enhancement for years to come. The Washington Nile Local School District and surrounding community support the education journey of all students which happens inside the three school buildings located on our main campus in West Portsmouth, Ohio.
Let's take a quick tour!

Portsmouth West
Elementary School

This is where the adventure begins! Portsmouth West Elementary School is the hub for our youngest learners, fostering a nurturing and foundational environment. 

• Grades Served: The elementary school is home to students in Pre-K through Grade 5.

• The Vibe: Bright and engaging, the instruction is all about those crucial early years! From learning to read to their first science projects, this building is focused on building a strong educational base. 

• Key Focus: The curriculum focuses on essential literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills in a supportive, age-appropriate setting. It's the place for big dreams and little hands! 

• Current Arboretum Species: Honey Locust, Weeping Willow, Red Maple, Crab Apple, Gingko, Hawthorn, Dogwood, and more. 

• Future Arboretum Plans: Seasonal Garden, Life Cycle Garden, and Sensory Garden.

Photo Credit: Dr. Loretta W. Harvey

Portsmouth West
Middle School

The middle school years are all about growth, discovery, and getting ready for high school; the Portsmouth West Middle School administration and staff help guide students through that pivotal transition.

• Grades Served: The middle school hosts students Grades 6-8 

• The Vibe: Energetic and transitional, the curriculum is all about those middle school years! Students start exploring more electives and experience a more independent but structured day.

• Key Focus: The middle school curriculum focuses on departmentalized instruction, exploring new interests through various elective classes, and preparing students academically and socially for the rigors of high school. 

• Current Arboretum Species: Check out our new garden of Panicle Hydrangeas! We also have Maple, Juniper, Spirea, Boxwood, Euonymus, and many more. 

• Future Arboretum Plans: Dogwood, Crabapples, etc. 

Photo Credit: Dr. Loretta W. Harvey - PWHS

Portsmouth West
High School

The grand finale of our school tour is final destination for all district students, preparing them for college, careers, and beyond. Portsmouth West High School is where students begin their transition to adulthood and where the idea of the WNLSD Arboretum first started. Current CCP Natural Science, Media 1, Media 2, and Engineering students are working together to catalog, photograph, and label all trees and shrubs at the high school.

• Grades Served: The high school serves our oldest students, Grades 9 through 12.

• The Vibe: Academic, spirited, and future-focused., this is where school pride, advanced coursework, and extracurricular activities truly shine.

• Key Focus: Providing a diverse curriculum that includes College Credit Plus courses, college-prep studies, and career-technical education opportunities, our students get ready to graduate and make their mark on the world!

• Current Arboretum Species: Bradford Pear, Eastern Hemlock, Norway Spruce, Red Maple,  and many more. 

• Future Arboretum Plans: Cataloging, photographing, maintaining, and labeling current specimens.

• See below to access the trail map for the current list of cataloged trees on the PWHS campus.

We are very pleased to announce that the Washington-Nile Local School District is an ArbNet Level 1 Certified Arboretum.  Level 1 requires an arboretum plan, an arboretum organizational committee, 25 or more labeled trees, and a volunteer staff of student and community members. Additionally, the WNLSD Arboretum will offer public events and educational opportunities for all members of the school and surrounding community. 

A particularly significant and moving aspect of the arboretum is the dedication of its landscape to the memory of those who shaped our district and community. Throughout the grounds, designated areas feature memorial trees, each one carefully planted in honor of former district staff members, teachers, and beloved community members who have passed away. These trees stand as living monuments and a lasting, growing tribute to their service and impact. Visitors can walk the grounds and reflect on the lives celebrated by these majestic trees, transforming the arboretum into a space of both ecological education and heartfelt remembrance. This thoughtful blending of nature and memory ensures that the legacy of those who contributed to the school community continues to thrive, providing shade and beauty for generations to come.

For any inquiries please contact the Arboretum Curator at

loretta.harvey@westsenators.org 

or any other member of the WNLSD Arboretum Committee.

Superintendent: Mr. Chris Rapp
chris.rapp@westsenators.org

Curator: Dr. Loretta Harvey
loretta.harvey@westsenators.org

Assistant Curator: Mr. Richard Smalley
richard.smalley@westsenators.org

Teacher (Webpage): Mrs. Kristie Copley
kristie.copley@westsenators.org

Teacher (Photography): Mr. Ben Howard
ben.howard@westsenators.org

District Support Staff (Grounds): Mr. Joe Sissel
joe.sissel@westsenators.org

Community Member: Mr. Chris Gibson

Community Member: Mr. Mitchell Blevins