Douglas
County is lucky to have a lot of fabulous
volunteers in its communities. The bar is set
pretty high. DCARSP’s Stan & Janet Roth, tap
that bar and go beyond it on a regular basis.
Stan retired from the Lawrence School District
after 40 years of distinguished and loyal
service to the youth of his community. Jan is
retired from her rewarding career at Kansas
University. In retirement the Roth’s tirelessly
work with adults and young people alike to
increase awareness and knowledge of biological
sciences and nature in the state.
Prairie Park Nature Center director says, “The
materials and activities Stan puts together for
us are appreciated and remembered for years by
the students, and visitors that stop in. He is
such an integral part of this facility.”
Stan is sometimes referred to as Kansas’ very
own Batman. He coordinates cave explorations to
study the bats and wildlife living in these
subterranean landforms and has been featured in
various state and national publications. Jan
often assists him when he gives talks and tours
both locally and statewide. The Audubon Society
often calls on his expertise and he is the
driving force in the Champion Tree Program.
Kansas Biological Services, farmers and
ranchers, and scientists in related fields often
call on Stan at his office on the KU campus to
identify vegetation and wildlife around the
state.
Jan is right beside him in many of his field
endeavors – monitoring bluebird houses out by
Clinton Lake for the Kaw Valley Bluebirds
Association where they are co-treasurers, taking
Girl Scouts on nature hikes, and teaching
workshops for Kansas teachers on the KONZA. She
and Stan also volunteer at their church, help
with their grandchildren, and are valued members
and volunteers in any number of organizations in
Lawrence and Kansas. We applaud Stan and Janet
for their tireless volunteer efforts for our
community and Kansas as a whole. Douglas County
Association of Retired School Personnel benefits
from this dynamic duo’s seemingly unlimited
energy and is quite proud to have them as
members.
