About Us
History of Johnson Nature Center
More than thirteen thousand years ago, a melting glacier left behind massive piles of sand and gravel that formed the "hills" of Bloomfield, and shaped the original landscape of the area now known as the Johnson Nature Center. Melt waters created the small tributary of the Rouge River that crosses the property, as well as the low depression that later became an inland pond. A variety of plants and animals inhabited the property over the ensuing years, mainly influenced by the warming climate. There is no evidence of human activity on the property prior to settlement days in the early 1800's, but it is known that Indigenous Peoples (Anishinaabek, Wyandotte, Fox and Saux peoples) often traveled in the area, and they very likely fished in the surrounding lakes.
The first settlers came to the Bloomfield area about 1820. They were seeking good grazing land for their livestock, and space in which they could plant fruit trees. The area was attractive to them because it contained high ground that was relatively free of trees...open land that would not have to be cleared of unwanted trees and stumps. It was described in terms such as "oak openings," "oak barrens," or "savanna," which are habitats that only contain a few trees per acre and are dominated by tall grasses and perennial flowers. Thus the name "Bloomfield Hills" was derived from the blooming fields located on the surrounding hills. The plentiful lakes of the area were undoubtedly an added attraction to settlers.
Management Team
Alan Jaros
Director
Alan is the Director of the Johnson Nature Center and the Bowers School Farm, leading the expansion of the educational facility since 2016. His work is emphasized by building strategy and leading teams to connect youths, adults, and communities to food and agriculture through outdoor learning environments. His area of expertise is in farm-based education, outdoor education, and youth development.
Alan enjoys creating initiatives that bring meaning and authenticity to the educational experiences at the Nature Center along with creating opportunities to bring the community together.
Brooke Larm
Education Specialist
Brooke grew up in Northern Michigan playing along the banks of the AuSable River, immersed in the adventure and discovery provided by the changing seasons of the outdoor environment. Building a sense of community around learning experiences in and with the natural world and local food systems has become her life's work.
Brooke earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University. She holds a certificate in Nature-Based Early Childhood Education from Antioch University New England and currently serves as President of the MSU College of Education Alumni Board.
Nature Center Team
Cass Arsenault
Lead Interpretive Naturalist
Cass' life has been around a constellation of influences within and around the natural world.
Cass earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences & Teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. She holds certificates as a Certified Interpretive Guide and Environmental Education Certification.
Keeping herself grounded to the Land, Cass strives to create positive outdoor experiences for the community.
Brian Klosterman
Operations Lead
Jackie Doran
Program Support Specialist
Laurie Simonelli
Programs & Systems
Leigh Rowe
Early Childhood Leader
Tracy Niyo
Early Childhood Guide
Megan Thompson
Early Childhood Guide
Naturalists
Ali Posner
Cathy Wesley
Jamie Patterson
Sandy Cohen
Stephanie Potier
Zach Mork
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statements
