January 2005

As an educator focusing on environmental sciences, traditional Native American Culture and ethnobotany, sites such as the Try/on Life Community Farm offers many opportunities for students to observe and experience first-hand, the cycles of life. They can plant a garden, learn of medicinal native plants and study a watershed and the rich biodiversity of a relatively small parcel of land.

As more and more wild places are lost to development, urban outdoor education classrooms are becoming treasured oases. The convenience of close-in sites allows students easier and more frequent access to spend an afternoon learning new skill and following the seasons of one place. At the same time, urban youth are inspired to bring a little of the wild into their personal settings, whether their school grounds, backyards, or apartment balconies.

It's exciting to see the future generations integrate the basics of growing food, building shelter, observing climate, managing livestock and many more skills, while building self-esteem and achieving self-empowerment. In the 21st century, the wisdom of our ancestors, their knowledge of the land, plant and animals, is more important than ever as we all seek to find sustainable ways to live on earth. We're looking forward to students participating in upcoming workshops and community service events at the Try/on Life Community Farm and support their vision to serve diverse communities.

Sincerely,
Judy BlueHorse Skelton
Student Support Specialist
Portland Public Schools
Indian Education Act Project