AAPS Environmental Ed: EE History at AAPS

Ann Arbor Public Schools
Environmental Education Program

history: wmstapp.jpg William B. Stapp

Dr. Stapp began his work in the Ann Arbor Public Schools, where he established the Environmental Education program and inspired many young people.

Now in their 40s and 50s, these people remember him as an inspiring teacher whose experience-based teaching still deeply affects them today.

It was here that he emphasized the importance of engaging young people and their teachers in caring for, and enjoying, their local natural environment in all its beauty, complexity and fragility.

Bill with AAPS students in the 1960s.

history: eunice_hendrix.jpg Eunice Hendrix

Eunice's work with the Ann Arbor schools began in 1959 when she got permission to conduct a pilot program in outdoor education at Wines School. The next year, the board agreed to expand the program, and for the next seven years, she volunteered to arrange field trips.

Hendrix returned to the University of Michigan to earn a secondary teacher's certificate in order to work formally in the outdoor education program. She started teaching half-time in 1967.

In addition to Hendrix's 33 years as both a volunteer and a professional outdoor environmental educator, she also served on many city and school community panels regarding outdoor education. In 1992, she received the Educator of the Year award from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Eunice died in 2007 at the age of 83. Link to Ann Arbor News story from 2007

Maxine Smith Miles

In 1957 Maxine was elected a member of the Board of Directors of the State and Washtenaw County chapters of the National Audubon Society, and served as chairperson of their educational committees. In this capacity, Maxine was instrumental in helping to integrate environmental concepts into the Ann Arbor Public School program by working with the Board of Education to initiate such a program developed by Bill Stapp. This program was the first comprehensive K-12 Conservation and Outdoor Education program established in the United States. In 1959, the program was permanently implemented, and Maxine was a volunteer for over 30 years, guiding sixth graders on nature and science excursions.

Maxine died at the age of 101 in 2009. Link to obituary

Bill Browning

"Through TV and movies children have become familiar with extraordinary plants and animals in exotic locations, but there is a need to develop respect for what is around them - they don't have to travel far to learn about the natural world."

Bill Came to Ann Arbor in 1959, where he taught 6th grade at Haisley Elementary for 10 years. While at Haisley, he helped establish a self-contained school camp program. In 1968, Bill became the Environmental Education Program's full-time coordinator. Over the decades he organized and planned hundreds of field trips, and recruited dozens of volunteer naturalists. Through his tireless efforts and dedication, countless children have discovered the joy of the outdoor world.

Dave Szczygiel

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Second Grade: don_kids.jpg Don Botsford

Volunteer Naturalist Don Botsford passed away Monday morning (6/27/11) comfortably in his sleep. Grandpa Don, as he was affectionately called, was a dedicated volunteer for the AAPS Environmental Education Program since 1997. Don led hundreds of student groups on EE field trips, many at Kensington, Pioneer Woods and the surrounding natural areas. He also offered the use of his own property, the 20 acre Botsford Recreation Preserve (BRP) for many EE field trips and events. Thousands of students have visited the BRP to learn about topics ranging from plant communities to ion concentration of groundwater. Don's generosity was limitless. He would always invite students, parents and teachers to visit the BRP to enjoy a walk in the woods. Younger students would always get a "tree cookie" necklace (A small cross section of buckthorn wood) after their visit to further their study of trees and remind them of the adventures they had at the BRP. Don also invited the Green Adventures Camp to visit each summer. Don recently started teaching trampoline classes for AAPS Rec and Ed on site.

Don was witty and funny and enjoyed teaching children and adults alike. He taught trampoline lessons and took nature hikes until he could not longer walk after a bout with pneumonia and heart ailments. Don will be missed by many people.