John Reed

Reed’s innovative teaching idea, “Observe and Absorb Nature,” will help create a teaching and training center on 2,100 acres of Parrie Haynes Ranch (PHR) to help students observe and absorb nature. The center will encompass meteorology, geology, biology, English, art and math. Field labs will be jointly endorsed by the PHR-Killeen Independent School System (KISD). One of the benefits is that true knowledge comes from immersion — touching, seeing and feeling. The program will empower students to gather biological and environment data, while honing leadership and personal qualities. Additionally, the student-staffed center and multi-faceted classes will excite young minds about local environmental wonders. The goal is to train these new environmental stewards to protect local treasures and ecosystems into the future through research and service projects. Finally, the center will become a sustainable serene place to sense, see and feel nature in its beauty and to benefit the locals and all Central Texas visitors.