08/31/2026
🌳 Dixon Forest — A Lasting Legacy for Deirdre “Dee” Dixon 💚📚
Thursday was a very special day in Greendale as we officially dedicated Dixon Forest in recognition of the life and legacy of Deirdre “Dee” Dixon.
For more than 25 years, Dee dedicated herself to the students of the Greendale School District.
Together with Judy Fons, she co-founded the Greendale Reading Buddies program, which continues to foster a love of reading and meaningful connections for Greendale students today.
This dedication was especially meaningful to me. Dee was my Outdoor Education counselor when I was a student, later my teaching colleague and mentor, and eventually my dear friend. During her final years in Greendale, Dee and I—usually accompanied by my dogs—walked together several times a week, and this forest was one of our favorite places to walk.
As I shared yesterday, a forest is a place where things grow—a place of discovery, learning, and wonder. In many ways, that describes Dee’s life as an educator. She planted seeds.
Those seeds continue to grow through the students she taught, the educators she inspired, and the Reading Buddies program she helped create.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special day. May Dixon Forest carry Dee’s name and her legacy for generations to come. 🌳💚