W. Haywood Burns was an activist, attorney and civil rights spokesperson who urged people to realize the aspirations of under served communities. His passionate commitment to human rights led him to engage in struggles against racism and economic and social injustice, both in this country and around the world. Haywood Burns believed that the battle for human rights and justice was a goal that could be achieved through activism, humility and dedication



It is with many of the same goals and beliefs in mind that the W. Haywood Burns Environmental Education Center was formed in 1998. A not-for-profit, non-governmental organization, the WHBEEC works to educate the Arbor Hill community about its natural urban environment and how stewardship of its resources leads to individual and collective empowerment.



WHBEEC mobilizes the community to work toward model sustainable solutions, conduct research with our own community based environmental data warehouse, Global Information Systems and Web based reporting system technology, and provide youth empowerment programs around environmental curricula utilizing partnerships with educational institutions and youth NGO`s around the world.