P.J. Born

Field Trip: Shawnee Mission Environmental Science Lab Field Trip with Deep Roots KC Staff

P.J. joined Deep Roots in December 2023 as the Land Manager for the Shawnee Mission Environmental Science Laboratory (SMESL), Shawnee Mission Northwest Natural Area, and the Shawnee Mission School District’s Center for Academentic Achievement. Through a project funded by the Shawnee Mission School District. PJ manages 22 acres including a woodland, prairie, a pond, and a small stream.

P.J. retired from teaching in the spring of 2023. Over his 32-year career, he taught Life Science at Highland Middle School in the Turner School District and spent his final 27 years teaching Environmental Education at Shawnee Mission South High School where he also managed the Environmental Science Lab.

Learning about nature while using the SMESL as an outdoor classroom has been a personal highlight. P.J. shares his love of nature with his wife and 4 grown children.