Making a Difference Through Education

Imagine a world...

Children today are one of the first generations to grow up almost entirely indoors. Our children suffer from increased obesity, asthma, ADHD, and allergies more than any other generation. They are increasingly detached from the natural world; they don't understand how natural systems work or even where their food comes from.  How can we expect them to inherit and address the vast issues facing our world today, if they can't understand the importance of sustainably managing our resources? Even millennials are suffering from increased depression.

There are solutions. It has been proven that spending time in nature improves mental and physical health.

My Why

Green Roots

Ever since I can remember, nature was a central part of my life. I was fascinated by the little things and the whole world around me. Every little bug, lizard, tadpole, snail, and fish would totally captivate me.

Every day after school, I would race home to climb my beloved trees in my yard. They were not majestic by any means, but each had its special character. I loved to hang out in the branches endlessly and relax in the cool, breezy shade of the hot afternoons.  (Yes, here in Florida!) The tree tops were my safe haven. I would spy for animals from my perches and scout around for critters to catch. The trees were better than any playground.—They never got hot! 

My childhood revolved around discovery. Almost every weekend we would walk to park to watch the ducks, go to the beach, or drive to explore more natural places. I used to play outdoors with my brother and the neighborhood kids until we had to come inside when it got dark.

I feel very fortunate to have had this kind of childhood and had parents who encouraged me to explore and appreciate nature, and not to be afraid of it. We lived near a ditch that would occasionally bring moccasins to our yard. My dad taught us how to recognize venomous snakes and other dangers at a very early age so we would know how to react. We were prepared, confident and totally at home in our environment. Sadly, that upbringing is no longer the norm.

Curiosity About the Natural World Naturally Stems Interests in Science

I pursued a life sciences degree, and found myself working in environmental and science education from the get-go. 

I saw first-hand the impact and excitement that nature brings to children. I also saw how children void of nature were scared of little butterflies.

This is around the time when I found LEEF, the League of Environmental Educators in Florida. I joined and was hooked. This was my clan!

Over the years, I have volunteered for this organization in many ways, helping with conferences and have held multiple board positions.

A large part of my career was in EE—at a zoo, aquarium, museums, and nature centers. While my career has diverted in different directions, I forever carry my passion for nature wherever I go. 

I have continued to be fascinated by the amazing diversity of life, how everything is interconnected, and know how important all these seemingly unimportant creatures are in the whole scheme of the balance of life and our place in our environment. We need a healthy environment to be healthy too! Our daily actions and choices can improve or worsen our environment, both locally and globally.

Even though my professional life in recent years has not been in the EE field, I have come back home to LEEF because I want to continue to make a difference. I totally believe in this organization and what they do. I have witnessed its impact. It provides foundation blocks of understanding, hands-on science education in nature to develop critical thinking skills, stewardship of our world and envisions a sustainable future for all. Meeting my hero, Jane Goodall

I deeply care about our natural world and all living things. I care about my extended family and all the children of the world.  Through stewardship of our environment, I know we can make a difference together.

LEEF and Environmental Education

LEEF is one of the country’s oldest associations supporting environmental education, and is the state affiliate of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

LEEF includes people from all walks of life—teachers, administrators, post-secondary students, government, business and industry representatives, and private citizens. We work to bring sound environmental education to all Floridians from early childhood education and continuing past post-secondary education. 

LEEF envisions a population that values the natural world and has the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions and take responsible actions.

Our actions affect their future

What kind of world do we want to leave for our children?

🌎 🌻 🐟 🐨 🐸 🐞 🍂 🌳

What kind of children will take care of our world?

Help us grow better stewards of our environment!

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