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.
Katelyn Connelly, Bridget Damon, Andrew Johnson, Vincent Lipari
The desired goal is for Freeman to be a highly-utilized facility that serves as a valued sustainability education hub for the AAPS community.
Read the executive summary to learn more about the project
Looking forward, Freeman plans to strategically expand its capacity, inclusivity, and impact, ensuring it continues to meet both educational and conservation needs.
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.
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.
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.
Explore this interactive tool to learn about Freeman's past, present, and future!
Watch this video to have our team member, Andy, show you around the Freeman property!
Visit the Freeman Environmental Education Center website to learn more about their programming and volunteer opportunities!
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.
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.
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.
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.
