Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is pleased to announce and welcome Elizabeth (Liz) Roxberry as the new Program Director of Hartley Outdoor Education Center. With more than 20 years of experience in outdoor education and nonprofit management, Liz is a visionary leader who has dedicated her career to fostering connections between people and nature while advancing sustainability and conservation efforts.
Deputy Superintendent of Operations Scott Sawyer shared, “Liz Roxberry’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for the Hartley Outdoor Education Center. Her expertise and vision will build on Hartley’s legacy, driving innovation and enhanced programming to benefit Saginaw County students and communities beyond.”
Liz brings a wealth of expertise to her new role, including revitalizing nature centers, managing large-scale outdoor education facilities, and establishing innovative educational programs. Notably, she transformed the Fenner Nature Center in Lansing into a thriving hub for conservation and education, doubling its capacity and operational scope. She also founded the Fenner Nature Preschool, offering place-based education inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach.
Ms. Roxberry shared, “I am thrilled to become a part of the Saginaw Intermediate School District and work alongside the dedicated staff at Hartley. Together, we have an incredible opportunity to envision and shape the future of this outstanding facility and create even more innovative opportunities for our students and community,”
Liz’s career reflects her passion for environmental advocacy, with accomplishments including contributions to policy advancements like Michigan’s House Bill 4371, which eliminated barriers for youth participation in outdoor heritage activities, and congressional recognition for her work in green infrastructure innovation.
With her leadership and enthusiasm, Liz is prepared to continue Hartley’s tradition of excellence, fostering meaningful connections with nature for generations to come.
ABOUT ELIZABETH (LIZ) ROXBERRY
Elizabeth (Liz) Roxberry serves as the Program Director of Hartley Outdoor Education Center, bringing over two decades of expertise in outdoor education, nonprofit management, and conservation leadership. Passionate about connecting people to nature, Liz is dedicated to fostering environmental stewardship through innovative programs, sustainable practices, and community engagement.
A graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, Liz also holds certifications in conservation education and outdoor programming, including Project WILD, Project WET, and the National Archery in the Schools Program. She has revitalized facilities and programs throughout her career, including transforming the Cedar Lake Outdoor Center into a thriving educational hub and leading the remarkable turnaround of Fenner Nature Center, where she implemented rebranding, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable funding models to double its capacity.
Liz also established the Reggio Emilia-inspired Fenner Nature Preschool, offering place-based education to early learners in Lansing. Her advocacy efforts contributed to the passage of Michigan’s House Bill 4371, which encouraged youth participation in outdoor heritage activities, and she received congressional recognition for green infrastructure innovation at Fenner Nature Center.
Most recently, as Executive Director of Friends of the Shiawassee River, Liz led community events, educational initiatives, and outreach efforts to enhance public engagement with natural resources. When she’s not working, Liz enjoys outdoor adventures, exploring new places, and sharing her love for nature with her family and friends.
ABOUT HARTLEY OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTER
Established by the Saginaw Intermediate School District in 1975, Hartley Outdoor Education Center provides students with experiential learning opportunities and unforgettable moments while exploring nature, wildlife, natural resources, history, and cultures through virtual or in-person interactive learning. Hartley offers a variety of STEM classes in categories such as earth science, life science, and physical science.
Nestled in 311 acres of natural habitat, including hardwood forests, wetlands, meadows, ponds, and a creek, Hartley is home to Coal Mine No. 8, a historical site and museum, Schroeder Log Cabin, Fowler School, Murphy Farm, Henige Log Cabin.
ABOUT SAGINAW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) is an educational service agency that provides effective and innovative leadership, services, resources, and programs throughout Saginaw County. Saginaw ISD provides career and technical education, early childhood, finance, human resources, instruction, pupil accounting, special education, technology, and transportation services. In addition, Saginaw ISD operates multiple educational programs to meet the unique needs of students ages birth to 26 across Saginaw County, including: Hartley Outdoor Education Center, Head Start/Early Head Start and Great Start to Readiness Programs, Great Lakes Bay Early College, Saginaw County Juvenile Detention Center School, and Special Education Center Programs.
Saginaw ISD serves 12 local school districts, five public school academies, and 22 non-public schools, with a total enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. Public school districts supported include: Birch Run Area Schools, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Chesaning Union Schools, Frankenmuth School District, Freeland Community School District, Hemlock Public School District, Merrill Community Schools, Saginaw Public School District, Saginaw Township Community Schools, St. Charles Community Schools, and Swan Valley School District.
MEDIA CONTACT
For further inquiries, you may contact Chief of Staff Coty Kuschinsky at ckuschinsky@sisd.cc