Norris School District

Home > Norris Forest > History

The Norris School District was formed in 1964 with the first buildings constructed in 1969 on farm ground.  The Norris Forest Committee was created in the spring of 1987 to develop the landscape of the 160 acre campus of the Norris School District.  At that time, an $8,000 grant was obtained from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum to assist with funding of plant material and development of a landscape design plan.  An initial master plan was developed with the assistance of the University of Nebraska College of Architecture.

Over the years, the Committee applied for and received other grants.  Matching funds were provided by the Norris elementary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), the Norris High School Student Council, the Norris Middle School Student Senate, the Norris School District Board of Education, and private donations,  The funds were used to purchase and plant additional trees and to build as outdoor learning center.

In 1992 the Norris Forest became an affiliate site of NSA.  The accomplishment was celebrated at a dedication ceremony held on Saturday, September 19, 1993.  During the ceremony, many people were honored for their work in making the Norris Forest a reality.  They included past and present Norris Forest Committee members Sue Kohles, Dennis Pool, John Zetterman, Marian Schmid, Ann Wubbles, Ed Keel, Ray Mulder, Pat Wallman, Allison Meyer, David Moorhead and Ron Drury.  Special recognition was given to Sue Kohles as the driving force of the development and continuation of the Norris Forest.  Committee members presented Sue with a brass sundial which she donated to the Forest.  It is currently installed next to the learning center.