Stern awarded tree steward by forestry program

Having watched fifth grade teacher Vanessa Stern work with her Union Street School students during a field trip to Muckross State Park last fall, it is not surprising she was recently recognized as 2017 Vermont Tree Steward under the category of “Unsung Hero” by the Vermont Department of Urban & Community Forestry Program.


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2017-05-17 / Springfield Stern awarded tree steward by forestry program Vanessa Stern in Montpelier accepting "Unsung Hero" award with Ann Hazelrig, Chair of Urban Forestry, in the background. — COURTESY PHOTO Vanessa Stern in Montpelier accepting "Unsung Hero" award with Ann Hazelrig, Chair of Urban Forestry, in the background. — COURTESY PHOTO SPRINGFIELD — Having watched fifth grade teacher Vanessa Stern work with her Union Street School students during a field trip to Muckross State Park last fall, it is not surprising she was recently recognized as 2017 Vermont Tree Steward under the category of “Unsung Hero” by the Vermont Department of Urban & Community Forestry Program. Over the course of the school year, Stern and her class returned to Muckross, which was designated a state park nearly a year ago following a four-year process that resulted in the state taking ownership of the land, many times. The 204-acre property at the end of Muckross Road was the home of the late State Sen. Edgar May. Before his death, he bequeathed his property to the town of Springfield with the intention of providing opportunities for environmental education for children, according to Stern. The state named it Muckross State Park as it was the name local residents knew for the property. During their time at Muckross, the students applied what they learned in the classroom with what they saw and experienced in their new 'outdoor' classroom. During the field trips, Stern helped the students make connections from what they had read in the textbooks to the trees at the state park and the trees they had explored around the school. It was inspiring to watch as she masterfully asked targeted questions that expanded their explorations of the trees and world around them. Stern was nominated by Jan Rounds, a guidance counselor at Union Street School. “I was really honored,” said Stern. “It is great to feel others are supportive of the work. It is great to have an idea then have the people around you know the value of what you’re doing.” Stern received her award at the Arbor Day Conference in Montpelier on May 4. Ann Hazelrig, Chair of Urban Forestry Council, recognized Stern for her hard work and success. “Vanessa brings the love of trees and the earth to her students both inside the classroom and through her outdoor science class,” said Hazelrig. At the podium, after accepting her award, Stern said, “We need to support our children — less screen, more green.” She recounted a time she had a class out at Muckross State Park. Stern said she felt “the kids were getting chatty and I thought a little unruly.” She apologized to Michael Quinn, a former middle school science teacher (visiting with her class), when he told her, ‘They’re just excited.’ “I remind myself of his words whenever I take my students out into the community,” Stern continued. Stern is hoping to be able to return to the park on June 9 for an all day field trip. “It will be a great way to end the year,” she said.