The 54 acre nature area surrounding Rice Lake Elementary School has good habitat diversity with wetlands, prairie plantings, and tree plantings.
Wetlands are along much of the northern edge of the property and are connected to a chain of lakes.
A prairie planting was planned for a margin of land by the wetland. The planting replaced lawn, and has helped to slow erosion, enrich the soil, provide habitat for wildlife, and greatly reduce lawn maintenance. Students have established a bluebird trail and put up wood duck houses. They also planted native wetland and prairie vegetation around a runoff holding pond to establish additional habitat. Two osprey nest poles have been erected at the school.