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Western’s nature center is one of only a few on-site outdoor labs
available
to Michigan
students. Its development was spearheaded in the early 60’s by
former biology teacher, Mr. Wendell Collver's . It was during
that
time that
the current biology pond was dug. In the 70’s, Mr. Jim Powers,
high school ecology and junior high science teacher, continued the
good work by laying out trails which were marked
by steel
posts constructed by Mr. Bob Shilling’s high school shop students.
Although some have been damaged or removed since that time, many still
may be seen as you walk the trails. The numbers welded on their
top plates
corresponded to a Trail Guide pamphlet developed under Mr. Powers’
direction. During this time period the area was featured on the
Michigan Outdoors television program hosted by Mort Neff as a
model for
high school
environmental education.
In the 80’s Mr. Jeff Hinkle and Mr. Joe Ginzer’s Outdoor Lab classes
used the area for camping expeditions and Mr. Powers’ middle school
students
continued
to do much of the trail maintenance.
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