Dear Editor:
Herb Hiller (see Tribute to Herb Hiller) was not only a visionary leader but also a cherished eco-friend. As the Education Director of the Miami Science Museum in the late 1970s, Herb and I often engaged in lively discussions about cycling tours across Florida. He encouraged me to leverage my background in aquatic ecology from the University of Miami to create meaningful experiences for families through canoeing, sailing, hiking, snorkeling, and swamp tromping in the beautiful landscapes of Coconut Grove, the Keys, the Everglades, and Big Cypress.
When I embarked on establishing the education program at the Miami Historical Museum, Herb played a pivotal role in securing a grant from the Tourism Council, which allowed me to purchase six canoes for our adventures on the waterways of South Florida’s bays and estuaries.
One of my fondest memories was during our inaugural canoe trip, where a mother and her four-year-old son paddled alongside me, and we were fortunate enough to spot an American crocodile in the National Park.
Among our many excursions, the Moonlight Gourmet Canoe Outing became a standout favorite, captivating participants with its unique blend of nature and culinary delight.
Herb Hiller’s insightful approach to experiential education not only inspired me but also set the foundation for a 43-year journey in science centers around the world. His legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of those he touched and in the transformative experiences he championed.
Wit Ostrenko
