In a world reckoning with its long legacy of social and ecological harm, how does a descendant of European colonizers, like me, contribute to meaningful change? How do I take responsibility and step away from those ways of thinking and being that continue to cause harm? How can I help to build a more diverse, democratic, and healthy world? The question of how to be a good steward took on new meaning for me when I became a parent and accepted responsibility to care for ten acres in Southeast Michigan.
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In seeking an answer, I reflected on all I have learned as an ecologist and educator and spent time with my child on the land that has been a part of my family for generations. We poured over stories from history. We wondered about current events - climate change, the Flint water crisis, school shootings, Line 5, George Floyd, and January 6th. We discussed our own and other people's ideas of what is possible, meaningful, and good. We learned about the trees and the ice and the insects and each other.
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Over the years, we came to see how the landscape reveals its history with people. We found evidence of decisions that have led to ongoing harm and examples of healthier systems. We began to see the opportunities this place offers for inviting others to witness our human impact and to join in the lifelong effort to become better stewards.
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The vision for Fellowfield Discovery Park took root as a place to listen and remember, play and practice, inspire and grow.
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- Katy Adams
