Threshold Learning Center (TLC) is a non-profit, outdoor education/nature center that provides science and nature programs to nearly 3,000 students of all ages annually. Currently, we serve schools and communities located in Story, Marshall, Hardin, Hamilton, and Polk counties. The addition of a dormitory will enable us to, at a minimum, double the number of people we serve each year in these communities, as well as reach schools and families from all over the state of Iowa.  Our quality programs, great food, and rural Midwest hospitality will keep them coming!

TLC is currently renovating a barn to be used as a dormitory for students attending our overnight programs.  A renovated barn makes for an unforgettable dormitory, an attraction that will certainly bring students and curious visitors alike to our site.  It will also be the location of our community theater, nature center, and museum of Iowa History.  Throughout the barn there will be pictures and displays depicting life in Iowa around the year 1881, when Zearing was first established.  

When fully completed, the main level will have eight barn "stalls," each with two bunk beds and night stand, showcasing an important person from the surrounding community in the late 1800's.  Also located on the main level will be separate girls and boys bathrooms, kitchenette, and lounge area with fireplace. The students will have a blast telling everyone they slept in a barn with rooms ritzier than most hotels!  The upper level will house the dining area/dance floor with a complete kitchen and dedicated serving area on one end.  Hands-on displays depicting Iowa History, farm life, and local wildlife will be exhibited on the walls of the dining hall.  On the other end of the upper level will be a stage, used by our overnight programs to put on dramas about life at the turn of the century.  On weekends, the barn will be available for rent for overnight stays, weddings, reunions, and other special events.  This will attract people from all over to enjoy our quaint community, fostering the growth of both new and already established local businesses.

Though volunteer work has helped reduce the total     cost of the Barn Renovation Project, active fund raising efforts through grants and    contributions are necessary for a new non-profit organization.  We need your help!  A  fully renovated barn  will not only allow Threshold Learning Center the       opportunity to provide    exciting overnight educational programs, it will also assist us in establishing a more self-sustaining income through public rental fees.  In turn, a more stable income, one less reliant upon grants and donations, will enable TLC to offer a variety of outdoor programs at a reduced rate to schools and other non-profit organizations that might not otherwise be able to afford them.  TLC anticipates this critical goal can be quickly realized after the barn is complete and fully operational.                                  

Barn Update 2007

With the thaw and the spring rains came trenching for water, sewer, and electric lines. David Obrecht and his backhoe and Matt Haynes were great help to Mark Reischauer during some very frustrating days with back-breaking work.  Thanks to Joel Reischauer and his generator, water was finally pumped out of the trenches and the project was finished.

Once the lines were done, we focused on getting bedrooms ready for our first group of students. Everything was insulated, walls were built, and drywall was hung on one half of the lower level. Bathrooms had stalls built, showers and toilets and sinks installed, and doors put in. Bedrooms had new carpet laid and bunk beds moved in. Siding was painted and put up and we did a little landscaping by the front door. Finally, late one night, electricity was added and the next morning a bus pulled in with 20 excited children. Here they are in front of the barn, which they LOVED staying in, making all the hard work more than worthwhile. 

We should all be proud we have raised over 90% of our goal for Phase One. We are sooooo close, but we are currently at a stand-still. We need to raise only $10,000 more to completely finish the lower level — that is just 5 room sponsors, ten $1,000 donors, 400 more board sponsors, or one incredible donor. If you have been thinking about making a donation to the project or have thought of buying a board or sponsoring a room in someone’s honor or memory, now is the time. If you know of a person or business who might be interested in giving to the project, pass our newsletter on to them.  We have accomplished so much and appreciate all the help we have received thus far through donations, volunteer work, and encouraging words.  If you would like to help with our Barn Renovation Project, please visit our Support TLC page.