Ex-BGSU prof to be feted

6/2/2007

A professor emeritus with Bowling Green State University is being honored today by The National Arbor Day Foundation for her dedication to planting trees and promoting nature appreciation.

Ruth Wilson, who retired from BGSU in 1999 after teaching environmental education and special education for 10 years, is to receive the Caroline French Morton Award today in Nebraska City, Neb.

Ms. Wilson, who now lives in the Seattle area, has published several books and articles about the relationship between humans - specifically young children - and the earth.

She aimed to help children respect and appreciate nature and to think ecologically.

"In order to do that, they can't just learn from video or books, they really need to be outdoors and really need that first-hand experience," she said.

Ms. Wilson's most recent book, Nature and Young Children: Encouraging Creative Plan and Learning in Natural Environments, is scheduled for publication in August.