In 1990 Oakland County in Southeast Michigan was the most quickly developing area of the United States. I was an environmentalist living amidst the destruction of woods and fields which were my sanctuary. I was in despair and felt hopeless to stop the juggernaut of "progress". In response to my lament about endless clearing and building, a close friend suggested that I volunteer at our local nature center. I did just that, and it changed my life.
I began to attend free assistant naturalist classes at Seven Ponds Nature Center, where I learned how to connect people to the natural world through education. One month a naturalist would teach about pond life and another about trees or insects. The subjects were fascinating and integral to teaching their programs. The only requirement was that when I felt ready I would begin to shadow a naturalist and eventually help the Center in their educational programs.
An entire new world opened up to me which I loved sharing with my children and neighbors. I volunteered to do research for the Nature Conservancy's study of reptiles and amphibians for six years. In preparation for this task I memorized the vocalizations of the frogs and toads in our area. What a surprise it was when I first took a late night stroll down my road. Suddenly I recognized the trill of the American toad and the banjo plucking of the green frog. What were once just sounds of the swamp became an exciting symphony of individual songs. My love of the natural world deepened.
I found that my feelings of hopelessness were replaced with feelings of hope. I could make a difference by going into action. I could help my own life, the lives of those I taught, and the Earth. For me it meant becoming a volunteer educator. Now, 20 years later, I am Board President of The Nature Museum. How seemingly small decisions can be a catalyst for important changes in our lives!
The impetus for my telling this story was the Gulf oil spill. I found myself once again overcome with sadness. After several weeks of feeling blue, I recognized the answer for me -- action. I am taking another look at my own complicity in the spill by reducing further my use of oil and oil products. I know now, since the Pale Blue Dot, that it takes a lot of oil to make plastic bags -- another reason to ban their use and remember to always bring my own bags. I am writing this article, and I am seeking innovative ways to help through my work at The Nature Museum. At the Museum we are working on creating a volunteer education program much like the one that saved me from despair in Michigan. Are you feeling a need to respond to the oil spill or other offenses against the Earth? Consider contacting The Nature Museum to become a volunteer. Go into action, learn more about the wonders of the Earth and how you can make a difference. Together we can become the grassroots solution for global good health.
Laurie Danforth, Board President
