Visiting lecturer Nicholas Geron, center, with urban forestry students, left to right, the class of 2023’s Margaret Plomin, Margaret O’Leary, Tyler Dougherty and Abigail Bryant in the botanic garden outside of O’Neil Hall. (Photo by Michael Ivins/Holy Cross)
As a young teacher in the South Bronx, Nicholas Geron focused on engaging his high school students not only in their courses, but also in their environment. At a time when New York City was investing in its Million Trees initiative, Geron’s goal was made easier by literally having an urban forestry lab located outside the school’s front door.