Environmental Interp

The rain held off most of the morning while we traipsed along the mountainside, through the tall trees (descending for a while into the quarry-turned-wetland) and back again, pausing to scoop critters out of the pond for closer inspection.  As we round the bend to the cabin, from behind my shoulder a chaperone asks, "So, how long have you been doing this?"

"Doing what?" I ask him.  "Doing this," I say, sweeping my arm across the group of kids in front of me that I've spent the better part of a morning teaching, "or doing this here?"  Then again, if he means how long have I been loving the outdoors, I hope he's in for a long story.

The conversation is short, but it gets me thinking.  Several times already in the two months I've been with Strawberry Hill, parents approached me with a proud arm around the shoulders of a smaller version of themselves, explaining that their child loves to be outside.  They want to encourage careers stemming from their child's innate interests in nature; I would assume this is so that their children may pursue something that not only grants income, but that makes them happy.  There are many ways to nurture this, including volunteering for nature centers, wildlife rehabilitation centers, wildlife preserves, or state and national parks.  Not only can this teach them valuable skills, but it can connect them with new mentors that can help guide them into educational programs or jobs, both during and after high school.  So, find a place you love and volunteer!