Ohio University Southern pushes its students to dream big, so it is only fitting that the institution does the same when it comes to developing a much-expanded nature center.

OUS officials have unveiled plans for a multipurpose community and education center at Hecla, a facility that one day could encompass more than 45 acres that was donated to the university by Wanda Howard.

Tentative plans include an observatory, a nature trail, an amphitheater, a climbing wall, classroom-type facilities and much more. Although this project is in the early phases and will likely require significant fundraising in years to come, the concept and what it would add to the community remains sound.

Education doesn’t end when students leave the classroom. In fact, it often begins there.

Having a facility like that this could go a long way toward providing educational components that area elementary, high school and college students aren’t getting.

We applaud OUS for its vision on this endeavor and hope the community rallies to support it. Without complete support dreams like this would not be possible.