Garden Club of America Honors Davis Felder ’06, Director of Outdoor Education, with Prestigious Hull Award
June 3, 2025
On a picture-perfect spring afternoon overlooking the Quarry at The Episcopal School of Dallas, Davis Felder ’06, Director of the Lutken/Eason Outdoor Education Program, was honored with The Garden Club of America’s prestigious Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award.
The Hull Award, established in 1992, recognizes individuals who inspire young children to appreciate the natural world, honoring the legacy of Elizabeth Abernathy Hull’s commonsense approach to environmental education. The award includes a $1,000 honorarium, which Felder has pledged to return to ESD to support its outdoor programming.
A crowd of faculty, students, family, and Garden Club members gathered quietly for the surprise ceremony, which was kept secret from Felder until the moment of presentation. The warm occasion highlighted the shared values of ESD and the Garden Club of America: stewardship of the environment, education through experience, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
“We are grateful for all of God’s creation and the richness of all that our world offers,” said Dave Baad, Hobson Family Head of School, during opening remarks. “We give thanks to the people who devote their lives to this work and take special pride when colleagues are recognized for their contributions to education and to our world.”
Felder, an alumnus of ESD and longtime leader of its outdoor program, credited the school’s founding vision as his inspiration. “Father Swann had this incredible vision for his students,” Felder said. “The outdoor program continues to thrive because ESD hires educators who don’t just teach subjects—they serve as advisors, coaches, and leaders on outdoor trips. Or, as Father Swann would call them, Shepherds.”
Felder has dedicated his career to educating children about the environment. His innovative programs connect young people with nature through engaging, experiential learning opportunities that develop ecological understanding and conservation values. Davis creates curriculum that addresses local environmental concerns while teaching broader principles of sustainability and stewardship. His teaching approach emphasizes direct interaction with natural systems, encouraging observation, inquiry, and responsible environmental practices. Through field studies, habitat exploration, and conservation projects, he helps students recognize their connection to the natural world and their ability to effect positive change. Davis's commitment ensures that children develop both knowledge about environmental systems and the ethical foundation necessary for lifelong conservation efforts.
The ceremony was organized by Whitney Grogan, ESD alumni parent and president of the Founders Garden Club of Dallas, who nominated Felder for the award. “It was a win for Davis, a win for ESD, a win for the Founders Garden Club, and a win for the Garden Club of America,” she said. “What could be better than a spring afternoon honoring outdoor education where it thrives?”
In addition to Grogan, guests included Elizabeth Waddill, Chair of the Garden Club of America’s Civic Improvement Committee—the committee responsible for selecting Hull Award recipients. Waddill helped present the award alongside Grogan.
The Episcopal School of Dallas, with its 43-acre main campus and 84-acre outdoor education ranch known as Wolf Run, continues to place a strong emphasis on immersive environmental learning. During school days, students are often found canoeing, fishing, or hiking, reinforcing a curriculum grounded in experiential education.
Felder’s recognition underscores the success and longevity of ESD’s outdoor program—one that began decades ago with a visionary idea and continues to grow under committed leadership.
For more information on the Hull Award and the Garden Club of America’s work in environmental education, visit www.gcamerica.org/educators. For more information on the Outdoor Education program at ESD, visit www.esdallas.org/outdoor-education.
