Hanson Learning Meadow: A Living Classroom at the East Texas Arboretum
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy)
By Michael V. Hannigan
In the heart of the East Texas Arboretum, a field that was once just mowed grass has come to life. The Hanson Learning Meadow, named in memory of Charles Hanson, is now a dynamic space where education and nature meet, showcasing the native beauty of East Texas.
"This is where we're going to be exhibiting native wildflowers," said Arboretum Executive Director Jennifer Garcia. "It will be a chance to take our knowledge of them from that highway speed to walking speed."
The transformation of the space began with a vision to create something meaningful. Previously, the field was little more than a patch of mowed grass. The idea to turn it into a learning meadow came after Charles Hanson, a long-time lover of the Arboretum, passed away. His friends wanted to honor his memory in a way that resonated with his love for nature.
"We wanted to make it purposeful, meaningful, and to engage in our mission of celebrating and educating our community through nature," said Garcia. "Charles Hanson loved bluebirds, so we incorporated bluebird houses along the edges, which led us to the idea of wildflowers and, ultimately, the learning meadow."
The Hanson Learning Meadow is poised to become a special place for children, offering hands-on learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. Through activities like sweep netting, where students explore the grasses, children can discover a plethora of wildlife up close. From katydids to grasshoppers, cicadas to ants, the meadow is teeming with life waiting to be explored.
"This meadow is a really good learning space for our students," Garcia said. "They get to see firsthand the diversity of wildlife and plants that make up our local ecosystem."
With partnerships established with the Texas Forestry Service and the Texas Wildlife Department, the meadow will also host controlled burns to manage invasive species and promote native growth, further enhancing the learning opportunities for children and visitors alike.
The Hanson Learning Meadow is more than a memorial; it's a living, breathing classroom bringing people closer to nature. As the seasons change, so will the experiences and lessons, ensuring that Charles Hanson's legacy will continue to inspire and educate for generations to come.