Donovan Miller taught children and teachers at Cold Spring School how to grow and love plants. Photo courtesy Cold Spring School
That’s what happened with Donovan Miller, a tireless educator and volunteer, known to many for his work at Cold Spring School, Indianapolis Public School’s only environmental studies magnet.
Although retired, Miller never really sat still and spent the last decade defining a legacy that embraced his love of nature, teaching and sharing. Diagnosed last July with inoperable malignant pleural mesothelioma, Miller died Feb. 2.
“Donovan in retirement got in touch with his inner child,” says Wendy Ford, who worked with Miller on the Cold Spring project.
Miller also tended the wildflower garden at the Indiana State Museum and dressed up as a cardinal, the state bird, to entertain children. He became a Marion County Master Gardener and was active in the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society, where he headed up the youth outreach committee.
To fulfill his Master Gardener commitment, he volunteered at Marian University’s EcoLab, where he spied an unused greenhouse on the campus of Cold Spring School next door.
He got permission to revitalize the greenhouse, creating educational programs for the 240 students and 40 staff members and teachers at the school, said Cathlene Darragh, principal a Cold Spring School. “He gave so much to the staff and students. With great patience, he taught us how to grow things and he shared his life stories.”
In recognition of Miller’s efforts at Cold Spring School and many other volunteer projects, the Hoosier Environmental Council named him the 2011 Land Steward of the Year.
Cold Spring School is closed due to renovation. When staff and students return this fall, there will be a dedication of the newly named Mr. Donovan’s Greenhouse. “We loved him so much,” Darragh said.
Thanks, Wendy. Thanks for your help with this. My condolences on the loss of your friend and the friend of all the folks at Cold Spring School.