On October 19, Class 28 enjoyed the outdoors while they explored parks and environmental services in Akron. They began their day in the beautifully decorated barn at Crown Point Ecology Center and ended at the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. Here's a recap by class member Leianne Neff Hepner:
Leadership Akron Class XXVIII Parks and Environment Day
Nature is powerful . . . as Leadership Akron Class XXVIII witnessed a number of its feats while participating in Parks and Environment Day on October 19, 2011. It has power to feed and strengthen, inspire growth and creativity while also molding character.
Each of these aspects was observed and illustrated by the class in the bank barn at Crown Point Ecology Center (yes, it was chilly but the coffee was hot and the messages of our guest speakers were heartwarming); by the fireside of Shady Hollow nestled at MetroParks, Serving Summit County and later in observation at their Platinum LEED Ranger Station (composting toilets and all); inside the Mustill Store, a restored jewel on the canal by the cascade locks (which were raging on this wet day); and on the Towpath walk in the rain to the Richard Howe House where a lively discussion “insewered” about the EPA and Akron’s combined overflow.
Leadership Akron Alumni, Bridget Garvin Ambrisco and Dan Rice, chaired the Parks and Environment Day and organized key leaders in the preservation, interpretation and utilization of our natural environment to better educate the class about the resource right outside. Their goal was to empower each of us to recognize this treasure to aid in its future use, protection and enjoyment.
Thank you to the farmers who left their salaried jobs to till the soil and nourish our minds as well as our bodies and the agencies also connecting spirit to the Earth; those individuals who open the world of fresh food to all by organizing and monitoring quality farmers’ markets; and to the caretakers of land and water resources through lobbying, interpretation and preservation programs. Your efforts are being recognized and may your rewards be as plentiful as your vast harvest.
LMNH – November 2011
Check out pictures from the day!