Leslie and Richard Hurlburt
There is a husband and wife team who deserves to be recognized by Branford's Education Hall of Fame: Richard and Leslie Hurlburt. Leslie had a vision to provide an outdoor classroom for her students at the Branford Daycare Center, housed in Pine Orchard School. Her simple vision has grown into Nature's Garden, A Schoolyard Habitat. Leslie and Rick, through donations and volunteers, have built an outdoor learning center to benefit all of Branford's residents for years to come. They've designed it carefully with learning stations, specialty gardens, nature trails, bird watching paths and much more.
The actual creation is an ongoing process, with more to come. They have established a transportation fund with the Board of Education so students visit with their teachers, free of charge. They send an out-reach person to plan field trips that meet the curriculum needs of each class.
Nature's Garden is free to all residents. 'Whole families visit to enjoy nature and learn together about the flora and fauna of Connecticut. The Hurlburts have worked hard to make this a true community project and many of our Branford students have met their Community Service Requirements by volunteering to help with the project.
Just this spring, Rick and Leslie hosted an education workshop at the site. This was a great honor for Branford, as it was chosen from many as an exemplary schoolyard habitat.
The wonderful example of grassroots activities is what makes Branford unique and valued. People here make reality from visions. They support life-long learning. They get involved in their community!
The names of Leslie and Richard Hurlburt are submitted for inclusion in Branford's Education Hall of Fame. The legacy of their ongoing learning project; Nature's Garden, A Schoolyard Habitat and their commitment to education have earned for them the honor of being nominated for Branford's Education Hall of Fame.
The actual creation is an ongoing process, with more to come. They have established a transportation fund with the Board of Education so students visit with their teachers, free of charge. They send an out-reach person to plan field trips that meet the curriculum needs of each class.
Nature's Garden is free to all residents. 'Whole families visit to enjoy nature and learn together about the flora and fauna of Connecticut. The Hurlburts have worked hard to make this a true community project and many of our Branford students have met their Community Service Requirements by volunteering to help with the project.
Just this spring, Rick and Leslie hosted an education workshop at the site. This was a great honor for Branford, as it was chosen from many as an exemplary schoolyard habitat.
The wonderful example of grassroots activities is what makes Branford unique and valued. People here make reality from visions. They support life-long learning. They get involved in their community!
The names of Leslie and Richard Hurlburt are submitted for inclusion in Branford's Education Hall of Fame. The legacy of their ongoing learning project; Nature's Garden, A Schoolyard Habitat and their commitment to education have earned for them the honor of being nominated for Branford's Education Hall of Fame.