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Strategic Planning for the Ann Arbor Public Schools Freeman Environmental Education Center
Ann Arbor, MI
Project Description
The Freeman Environmental Education Center, a 40-acre site owned by Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS), is dedicated to hands-on environmental learning. Located in Superior Township, northeast of Ann Arbor, the site has a rich history—originally serving as Dixboro School before being rededicated as the Freeman EE Center in 2018. Since then, it has become a hub for environmental education, hosting field trips, professional development, and restoration-based educational projects.
This project synthesizes existing recommendations, site assessments, policies, and resources to create a planning framework for Freeman’s future. It aligns with district priorities—including the AAPS Environmental Sustainability Framework and Next Generation Science Standards—serving as a tool to integrate environmental education, research, and restoration projects.
Through hands-on engagement and research, the project envisions a future where Freeman strengthens its educational impact, supports land management initiatives, and builds long-term capacity for restoration-based environmental learning.
Year
2024 - 2025
Project Status
In Progress
Client Organization
Freeman Environmental Education Center
Students Involved
Katelyn Connelly, Bridget Damon, Andrew Johnson, Vincent Lipari
SEAS Faculty Advisor
Advisor(s)
Coert Ambrosino, Sarah Hill, Dave Szczygiel
Specializations
The desired goal is for Freeman to be a highly-utilized facility that serves as a valued sustainability education hub for the AAPS community.
Executive Summary
Read the executive summary to learn more in-depth about the project
Each year, the Freeman Environmental Education Center accomplishes...
500
classes taught
10,000
AAPS students reached
2000+
volunteer hours
Looking forward, Freeman plans to strategically expand its capacity, inclusivity, and impact, ensuring it continues to meet both educational and conservation needs.
This will be realized through three interconnected strategic goals:
STRATEGY 1 – Continue Land Stewardship Through Restoration-Based Education
Purpose
Enhance environmental stewardship by continuing to integrate restoration-based education (RBE) for student engagement and learning, combining traditional environmental education with sustainability concepts through hands-on restoration activities to foster ecological literacy.
Goals
- Increase native plant biodiversity and reduce invasive species.
- Restore natural processes and enhance site ecosystems for educational purposes.
- Align with sustainability frameworks to promote environmental literacy and responsibility.
Key Projects
- Prairie Restoration
- Engaged students in managing native plant plots to improve local biodiversity and ecological processes.
- Rain Garden Creation
- Involved students in planning and maintaining a garden that manages stormwater and supports native ecosystems.
- Forest Management
- Facilitated student involvement in invasive species removal and forest restoration activities.
STRATEGY 2 – Expand Equitable and Accessible Educational Opportunities
Purpose
Ensure all students have meaningful access to environmental education, align educational opportunities with the district's Equity Plan, and foster a sense of belonging and environmental stewardship among students.
Goals
- Enhance the accessibility and public understanding of the Freeman Environmental Education Center
- Research Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities focusing on sustainability and conservation.
- Enhance community engagement through digital tools and community science activities.
Key Projects
- Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- Researched and explored the possibility of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) course with a sustainability-focused program that offers hands-on experiences and certifications in fields such as land management and restoration.
- Digital StoryMap Development
- Developed a digital StoryMap to guide visitors through the Freeman site, highlighting its ecological features and conservation efforts.
- Community Science Activities
- Expanded community science activities by engaging students and community members in ecological research projects like Breeding Bird Surveys and Chimney Swift monitoring.
STRATEGY 3 – Build Overall Long-Term Capacity
Purpose
Enhance the Freeman Environmental Education Center’s capacity to deliver impactful, long-term programs through collaborations while guiding future stakeholders in sustaining effective initiatives and ensuring that Freeman becomes a central hub for environmental learning.
Goals
- Develop a diverse curriculum that engages more students, with specialized offerings in areas like climate science, renewable energy, and sustainability.
- Secure new funding sources and expand the staff to support program growth and maintain high-quality learning experiences.
- Enhance facilities to better serve educational needs, improve efficiency, and accommodate increased community use.
- Foster stronger relationships through events, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships that advance environmental literacy and stewardship.
Key Projects
- Staff Expansion
- Helped demonstrate the need for additional environmental education staff by clearly outlining program goals, anticipated growth, and capacity gaps in this strategic planning process—contributing to ongoing conversations with district administrators.
- Greenhouse Foundation Laid
- Completed foundational work for the new greenhouse, marking a major milestone toward enhancing the native plant nursery program and supporting hands-on learning in restoration ecology.
- Infrastructure Improvements
- Continued planning and development for key site enhancements, including outdoor classrooms, signage, and visitor amenities to increase accessibility and support expanded programming.
StoryMap
Explore this interactive tool to learn about Freeman's past, present, and future!
Personalized Tour of the Site
Watch this video to have our team member, Andy, show you around the Freeman property!
Freeman Environmental Education Center Website
Visit the Freeman Environmental Education Center website to learn more about their programming and volunteer opportunities!
Meet the Team:
Katelyn Connelly (she/her)
M.S. '25 Ecosystem Science & Management; Environmental Justice
As a SEAS master’s student on this project, Katelyn contributed to stormwater management and ecological restoration by working on Freeman’s new rain garden. Additionally, Katelyn worked with the A2 Nature Guardians Summer Camp, facilitating environmental education for campers. During her undergraduate degree, Katelyn researched nitrogen cycling in smallholder farming systems as a Lab Technician at Michigan State University. Beyond her academic work, Katelyn is passionate about social justice and climate change, pursuing opportunities that contribute to meaningful change.
Bridget Damon (she/her)
M.S. '26 Behavior, Education, & Communication; Sustainability & Development; M.U.R.P. '26
As a SEAS master’s student on this project, Bridget worked on researching and developing a potential AAPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum outline focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship, positioning Freeman as a living lab. She also facilitated environmental education for campers through the A2 Nature Guardians Summer Camp. During her undergraduate studies at Wagner College, Bridget cultivated a passion for integrating environmental psychology into community-driven sustainability initiatives. Beyond her academic career, she is dedicated to connecting people to nature and addressing climate anxiety and eco-emotions, blending her interests in environmental psychology, education, and community advocacy.
Andrew Johnson (he/him)
M.S. '25 Ecosystem Science & Management
As a SEAS master’s student on this project, Andy worked with the stewardship of Freeman’s prairies and the development of GIS resources. He also facilitated environmental education for campers through the A2 Nature Guardians Summer Camp. During his undergraduate studies, he studied environmental anthropology and sustainability, with a keen interest in used greenspace. Outside of his academic career, Andy is active in the outdoor recreation space by helping with planning of programming with the university’s outdoor programs.
Vincent Lipari (he/him)
M.S. '25 Ecosystem Science & Management; Behavior, Education, & Communication; M.U.R.P. '25
he/him
As a SEAS master’s student on this project, Vincent contributed to the restoration of the stormwater detention basin on Freeman’s property and helped create the story map to showcase the site and project’s progress. Vincent also facilitated environmental education for campers through the A2 Nature Guardians Summer Camp. During his undergraduate at Michigan State University, he worked on invasive plant species removal, gaining hands-on experience in ecological restoration. Outside of his academic career, Vincent is passionate about climate adaptation and urban resilience.
