Ricardo Small Next generation supporters on a Tree Identification Walk
The Next Generation Conservation leaders of tomorrow Sam watches over her seven-year-old son as he plays catch with Tyson in front of the porch at Bald Hill Farm on a warm summer evening. These two kids have just met, but to play catch, no introductions are needed. On the porch a group of 30 to 50-something year olds discuss the challenges of getting their friends and neighbors on the land, to the rivers and on the trails. We all agree that it is imperative that we do. “How will people be able to care for open spaces and clean water if they don’t see it and feel it?” says one Julie. We all nod. Across the country we are seeing a growing disconnect from the land - children who have never known the pleasure of planting a tree or walking along a rocky riverbed to investigate the creatures found amid logs and under rocks. Studies show that the millenial generation is spending less time outdoors than previous generations.
Take our Next Generation Survey before September 1st to let us know what matters to you! Survey at: greenbeltlandtrust.org
Recently I was listening to a presentation by Dan Ashe, Director of the US Fish and Wildlife that resonated with me and with Greenbelt’s vision. He said that, “there’s a new generation of conservationist out there. They’re in cities; they’re using iPhones and Androids; they don’t hunt or fish; they’ve never spent a night outdoors; their skin is red or black or brown; English may be their second language. We have to find them. We have to inspire and recruit and retain them. They will be the best-and-brightest. They will make conservation relevant.” As sentries over the beauty and bounty of the Willamette Valley, at Greenbelt we understand that it is part of our responsibility to identify and cultivate the next generation of land stewards. This is our opportunity ... will you help? We are re-tooling our outreach programs to build more meaningful connections with everyone in our community. To start, we are looking at ways to build better programs that appeal to younger families and young professionals in the mid-Valley. Lend your voice today by taking an ‘Expanding Demographics Survey’, accessed through our website (until September 1st, 2016).
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