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May 18 program digs into ROOTS ROOTS, a new Estes Park nonprofit, connects our diverse citizenry to earth systems and serves as a resource for our community to become more sustainable and resilient in this rapidly changing world. Through community programs, summer programs, outreach, professional development and a one-room schoolhouse for children grades K-5, ROOTS offers opportunities for participants to gain critical skills and knowledge needed to become innovative, informed and engaged 21st century earth citizens. Programs emphasize using the natural environment as a catalyst for interdisciplinary learning outdoors, finding a connection to our community and to our mountains, understanding earth’s systems, collaborative learning across boundaries of difference, and imparting sustainability knowledge and practical living skills. ROOTS’ programs are intentionally inclusive to all learner-types with specific programs for children with special needs. Maisie Greer, Founder/Director of ROOTS, will speak at the Rotary Club of Estes Park on Thursday, May 18, at their regular noon meeting. She will share further details about the ROOTS curriculum. Maisie Greer A resident of Estes Park for 20 years, Greer’s deep connection to nature guided her through her childhood, and she is passionate about connecting all youth to the non-judgmental world of nature. After five years of teaching short-term outdoor education programs, Greer witnessed the deep impact nature-learning was having on her students and dreamed of a time when learning outdoors was the norm rather than a supplement to learning. Greer holds a Masters of Science degree in Environmental Studies/Environmental Education from Antioch University New England and has over 25 years experience teaching and developing experiential education programs for a wide diversity of participants. Through the guidance of Antioch University’s Systems Educator Tom Wessels and Place-Based Education leader David Sobel, Greer was inspired to open a full-time school focused on education for sustainability using nature as the classroom and catalyst for leaning. She is dedicated to helping residents of Estes Park learn how to live more sustainably through engaging programs that involve the community from the ground up. Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 1.2 million Rotary members in 34,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Rotary clubs have been serving communities worldwide for more than a century. Rotary clubs, around the world, initiate projects that address critical issues such as conflict resolution, hunger, poverty, disease and illiteracy. The Rotary Club of Estes Park meets Thursdays at the Rodeway Inn in Estes Park, located at 1701 North Lake Avenue on Highway 34 just west of Dry Gulch Road. Visitors interested in learning more about Rotary and its programs are welcome to attend. Buffet is served at 11:30 a.m., the Rotary business meeting opens at noon, and the program begins at 12:30 p.m. |
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