Hiking, backpacking, camping and outdoor exploration have been a staple in my life since I was a very young child. Growing up in rural Oregon meant being outside from morning until evening and engaging directly with nature by climbing trees, playing in creeks and ponds, watching wildlife, hiking in canyons and “saving” polliwogs when their pond was drying up by moving them to a new watery location!
During my first year of teaching in 1970, an entire school-wide celebration of the first Earth Day was carried out by my very first class of disabled middle school students. I will never forget their enthusiasm in wanting to “Save the Earth.” To inform others about science and nature and engage them in positive change through grassroots action is my climate voice and is a source of optimism for me.
