SWCD helps celebrate 50 years of Parfitt’s Paradise
Chippewa Middle School Principal Jamie Zollinger, left, and Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District program administrator John Lorson, middle, pose with Dave Parfitt during Parfitt’s Paradise’s 50th anniversary celebration. Lorson also presented Parfitt with the Big Tree Award.
A 3-acre plot of land known as Parfitt’s Paradise, situated behind the baseball field at the Chippewa Middle School (formerly the high school), has impacted students in the Chippewa School District for 50 years.
Parfitt’s Paradise has become a landmark that draws students back for a visit years after they graduate.
“Back in 1973 I was teaching biology and general science,” said Dave Parfitt, the 82-year-old founder of Parfitt’s Paradise. “There was a vacant pasture outside of the school, and I took students out there to investigate once, and we decided it would be an excellent place to plant trees.”
After several years of planting trees, Parfitt expanded on the idea and constructed a pond and later walking trails with the help of area Boy Scouts. The site was now attracting wildlife his students could study and watch.
“We would take water samples and study the microbes under a microscope,” he said. “We would catch frogs and have frog-jumping contests. There would even be ducks sometimes. We would see some of the animals we discussed in the classroom and better understand their habitat.”
For the Chippewa School District, Parfitt’s Paradise is a place where students can cultivate a love for nature and develop a sense of environmental stewardship.
“I know some of my former students went into teaching science,” Parfitt said. “Some kids have even pursued a degree in medicine. I feel incredibly grateful that I had some influence on their decision. They will see me and give me a big hug. I even see them visiting the pond, some with their own families.”
In addition to celebrating the pond’s 50th anniversary, Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District program administrator John Lorson presented Parfitt with the Big Tree Award for having the largest eastern white pine tree in Wayne County.
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for the Wayne County government.