From what I saw, Delma was similar in many ways to other seventh graders — within minutes of her statement she was off joking, laughing and being a little mischievous with her friends — but her comment deeply resonated with me. Even though I have not seen her in months, I still enjoy telling this story.

Delma is one of the hundreds of students learning in the Valley every weekday. Through NEEP (our Neighborhood Environmental Education Program), students are picking up trash, planting native species, testing water quality, cross-country skiing on the Hank Aaron State Trail or simply playing games in the prairie. While each activity connects students to life in the Valley a little differently, it’s all a lot of fun. 

I am fascinated with how many connections are made in the Menomonee Valley every day. Everything — people of all ages using the new Three Bridges Park, wonderful-smelling grey headed coneflower seeds, hawks, field mice, snakes and more — combines together to make the Valley what it is today, a place full of life, love and wonder.

At the Urban Ecology Center we frequently discuss how to support and become part of, our local communities. Everyone has a different story about what we do here at the Center, and I think Delma’s story sums it up well: we help build community by connecting people to life in their local environment. In Delma’s case, this connection also brought her closer to her family and perhaps gave her a little more respect and awe for our planet Earth.

For the 2013-2014 year, the Neighborhood Environmental Education Project is supported by*: 

*Last updated 3/14/14