Introduction:  FSEEC is an outdoor classroom that provides opportunities for hands-on learning and observation of Nature and natural processes for students of all ages. Our outdoor laboratories support investigations of sustainable land use and ecological restoration of impacted ecosystems.

We collectively manage the five field areas known as Christy Woods, the Cooper Field Areas, Ginn Woods, Hults Environmental Learning Center and the Miller Wildlife Area. These properties include forest, prairie, wetlands and agricultural ground, totaling 425 acres.  We manage our properties to maintain and restore the native biodiversity of Indiana and exploring techniques of sustainable land-use.

From Dr. Robert H. Cooper,
Head of Science Department, Emeritus, 1960:
"The values of such outdoor classrooms cannot be measured in the lifespan of an individual. At Ball State, these areas provide an environment wherein prospective teachers and prospective students of other professions find environments for study which are fast disappearing throughout the countryside and are not available for educational use of college youths. Living among plants and animals and knowing little about them is somewhat like living in a foreign land among people whose names one does not know, and whose language one does not understand. Time spent in learning something about natural things in ones environment yields high dividends for a lifetime." 

To visit Christy Woods or the Wheeler Orchid Collection:

Shari Grant  | Telephone: 765.285.8838 | Email | Biographical Sketch

Cheryl LeBlanc  | Telephone: 765.285.8839 | Email | Biographical Sketch

To visit a FSEEC property:  Please contact John Taylor or Shari Grant
John Taylor  | Telephone: 765.285.2641 | Email | Biographical Sketch

Researchers interested in conducting research at FSEEC:

Dr. Hugh Brown, Director  | Telephone: 765.285.8828 | Email| Biographical Sketch

Other FSEEC staff and students

A number of database collections are being developed include species collections (Greenhouse Collections) and Native Species (Native Flora). These are a work-in-progress and are constantly being updated.