Good news! Fairchild Environmental Challenge in Miami and the Everglades ... by gimleteye

In 20 years working on environmental causes in Florida, I have never witnessed a more powerful change agent than the tiny program grown under the direction of Caroline Lewis at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens that is now serving more than 50,000 school children in Miami-Dade and is providing a national and international model for environmental education. It started right here in South Florida.

The website describes the program goals simply:"The Fairchild Challenge fosters interest in the environment by encouraging students to: appreciate the beauty and value of nature, develop critical-thinking skills, understand the need for biodiversity and conservation, tap community resources, become actively engaged citizens and recognize that individuals make the difference." (please click 'read more')

Ms. Lewis was a superstar teacher and principal at Ransom Everglades School before joining Fairchild. For all of us, it was a stroke of luck joining Ms. Lewis to Fairchild: solving the great missing link between urbanized generations of Floridians and environmental awareness required the skills of a great educator.

The Miami Herald is giving the Fairchild program deserved credit.

"With arms waving to mimic the grasses of the Everglades, almost 250 middle-school students and their teachers across the county began the Fairchild Challenge at Palmetto High School in Pinecrest. Many came dressed for the challenge -- as turtles, egrets, tourists, panthers and alligators. After all, it was The Everglades: River of Grass contest hosted by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables. Participants from 33 schools vied to perform the best original skits of rap, spoken word and music. This year more points were given for audience participation, so there was an enthusiastic entourage of teachers, families and friends."

There is no question that out of those teachers and 50,000 students (a number that will grow as rapidly as funding), a small subset will emerge as leaders in the future. What a fantastic contribution Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens is making. It deserves all of our support.