Alex's Fundraiser for USEE

2020 has been the most challenging year for me as an Executive Director, but there is no work I would rather be doing. The past few months have demonstrated that our EE community is resilient, innovative, and needed now more than ever. It has been an honor to work with educators from across the state who have worked to provide resources and connect all Utahns with their natural world. 

On a more personal note, one of the major silver linings of this year was having the opportunity to get out and explore the nature that is close to my home. I live in the Avenues in Salt Lake City and decided to turn my neighborhood into a place of adventure and discovery. One of my favorite urban treks involved walking our tiny dog up to see the cherry blossoms at the Capitol this spring.  I didn't even know there were cherry blossoms in Utah until this year! Nature and experiences outdoors don't need to involve a trip in the car to some faraway place. It's been amazing to see our environmental educators in Utah take this to heart and develop resources and activities that connect children and families to the nature near them.

Another memorable hike was going to Albion Basin at Alta to see the wildflowers this summer. At peak, the wildflowers are a spectacular sight to behold. Because we were close to home all summer it was incredible to go up Little Cottonwood Canyon and experience the blooms in all their glory. I'm connected to this place because of my experience in a Utah Master Naturalist course many years ago. Programs like this connect adult learners to the environment - they have made a personal impact on me and will continue to positively impact our community. I am so glad that USEE works to support and promote these efforts. 

The absolute highlight of my year was hosting a physically-distant celebration for our 2020 Utah Environmental Education Award winners. Getting to see these incredible people in person (with masks!) and give them the recognition they deserve was an event I won't soon forget. It was a reminder that our work is meaningful and powerful. I am humbled to work alongside these incredible educators every day. And I know that our work is more important now than ever before. 

Please help me  support USEE's mission to promote excellence in environmental education and community engagement by connecting all Utahns to their natural world.