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Construction work is nearly complete on an almost $1 million outdoor classroom on 12.3 acres of wetland in West Maryville.

The city received a $992,000 Environmental Protection Agency grant to establish the wetland education project between Montvale Station Road, Sandy Springs Road and Brookshire Subdivision.

City of Maryville Director of Engineering and Public Works Angie Luckie expects construction to be completed in December. The city will prepare pamphlets and install signs explaining the different elements of the wetland.

The project will likely be open to school groups starting in spring 2010.

The outdoor classroom is down the hill from Foothills Elementary and Maryville Intermediate schools. Students will be able to walk on sidewalks from the schools directly to the wetland area.

The area is a diverse environment ranging from huge, old oak trees to saplings, vines, grasses and other flora and fauna. It is home to 16 types of reptiles, 27 species of birds and four kinds of mammals, including beavers that maintain working dams and lodges in the area, Luckie said.

Maryville College students did the survey on animals and vegetation that call the wetland home. This particular tract was purchased because of the concentration of different vegetation and wildlife in the area.

The site contains a 946-square-foot octagonal pavilion for education purposes and about one-quarter mile of elevated boardwalk that ranges from near ground level to 3 feet high, which will allow visitors to view the wetlands up close.

A parking area, with space for 12 to 15 cars or three buses, is being located just off Montvale Station Road overlooking the site.

The project will help restore Pistol Creek, which runs through the property. Luckie said the state has cited the creek for having poor water quality.

Pistol Creek has a buildup of sediment caused by erosion. Plants native to the area will be planted to help control erosion into the creek.

The city is hopeful of receiving a second phase of funding to place cameras in the area. That would allow people in classrooms to watch wetland activities, such as beavers building dams or bird eggs hatching.

All of Blount County will be able to take advantage of the free educational opportunities, not just Maryville city schools, Luckie said.