GHS Ecology Center

The Grapevine High School Ecology Center came into being due to the efforts of GHS Science teacher Sherri Steward-Ganz (Houser) and her students. The Ecology Center was dedicated on April 17, 1989 by Dr. Jane Goodall. Visit the Jane Goodall Institute page below for more information about Dr. Goodall's remarkable life and work.

Today, the Ecology Center continues to serve as a science lab, art and writing inspiration, and a safe and peaceful place for all students. It is a combined ecological laboratory and outdoor nature space for the benefit of all students at GCISD. The Ecology Center is maintained by the GHS Ecology Club students and other volunteers from the school and community. Our goal is to help foster a healthy ecosystem by supporting Texas native plant species and teaching others about our interconnectedness with nature.

About Jane - Jane Goodall Institute USAEquipped with little more than a notebook, binoculars, and her fascination with wildlife, Jane Goodall braved a realm of unknowns to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives. Through more than 50 years of groundbreaking work, Dr. Jane Goodall has not only shown us the urgent need to protect chimpanzees from extinction; she has also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environment. Today she travels the world, speaking about the threats facing chimpanzees and environmental crises, urging each of us to take action on behalf of all living things and planet we share.

GHS Teachers & Students Welcome!

Tips For Your Visit:

1) Stay on the designated pathways and trails. You will be less likely to come into contact with greenbriars, poison ivy, and fire ants.

2) Respect the garden areas. The gardens look different throughout the seasons, but are always a work in progress.

3) Respect wildlife in the Ecology Center and do not disturb nests or habitats that you may discover.

4) Do not throw rocks or other objects into the pond or creek. This takes away from our erosion control measures and builds up debris in the surface waters over time, which disrupts the aquatic habitats.

5) iNaturalist or other species identification apps are fun tools to use when exploring the Ecology Center.

6) Keep an eye out for the 100+ year old grapevine growing across the path on the back nature trail loop.

7) Wifi booster is located on the school building near the outdoor classroom and reaches to the concrete bench and wooden deck areas.

8) Check to make sure that you do not leave any belongings or trash behind as you leave.

9) Please latch the gate when you leave the Ecology Center. We hope you enjoy your time in our little pocket of nature! Thank you for visiting!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

To schedule a visit or volunteer for service hours, contact J.J. Burton, GHS Science Teacher & Ecology Club Sponsor jj.burton@gcisd.net

Instagram : @EcologyGhs

Volunteer Managers and Curators of GHS Ecology Center

J.J. Burton, Science Teacher - 2019 to Present

Deanna Showalter, Science Teacher - 2003 to 2019

Sherri Steward-Ganz (Houser), Science Teacher - 1989 to 2003

Header image: Photo by Dhruva Reddy on Unsplash

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