Marianna's Blog
What a Wonderful World
Lessons & Reflections from the National Butterfly Center
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”
These words belong to Rachel Carson, one of the nation’s preeminent advocates for environmental conservation, from her article, Help Your Child to Wonder, published in 1956.
For me, this adult was my Aunt Helen. My mother’s baby sister was cool when I was a kid. She didn’t behave like the other adults; she wasn’t as tired as they always complained of being; she never enforced bedtime; and best of all, she could DRIVE!
And drive, she did.
Ring Around the Rosie...
Lessons & Reflections from the National Butterfly Center
When I arrived at the National Butterfly Center almost two years ago, I noticed two things: 1) the gardens were gorgeous and full of life; and 2) the gardens were quiet and devoid of children. I lamented #2 and immediately sought to rectify the situation, because I could not imagine any manner in which we could fulfill our mission without engaging children. Moreover, I was not interested in bringing a few (or a few dozen) children to the gardens, but hundreds of thousands of them.
As my intent became known, some chose to leave the NBC. They complained children would be disruptive (yes) and destructive (perhaps) and they did not belong (what?!).
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