Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 9

Inspiring Justice

            Talking to the Pflugerville Parks Director gave us the opportunity to speak to the parks commission about the Pflugerville Outdoor Nature Center. Matthew gave a presentation at the Parks and Recreation Commission on December 19^th, 2013. All commission members agreed with the idea on the house becoming a Nature Center for the kids of Pflugerville. So now the next step is to get it inspected and make repairs as well as fundraise.

This Nature Center will address the issue of Environmental Education, because the best way to preserve our environment is to teach others how as well as about it. This Nature Center will give kids of Pflugerville the opportunity to come and learn about Marshland, Blackland Prairie and the wildlife around Pflugerville Lake.

I am excited for this Nature Center and think that it will be a great asset to the Pflugerville community! 

 

 

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 8

Who will listen

 

            Last May, Matthew and I talked with Jim Bowlin, the Parks Director at the time. He enjoyed and agreed with the project and we got fairly far with the plans for the Nature Center. However the middle of May Mr. Bowline was fired and our project came to a stop.

            Last month (November) a new Parks Director was hired, James Hermenes. On December 17, 2013 Matthew and I went and presented the plan to him. He enjoyed the idea and said that he would help with creating a Nature Center. Mr. Hermenes stated that “I can’t see anything else that this house could be…”

            On the 19^th is the commission meeting and Mr. Hermenes gave us a slot to present the plans and overall thought of a Nature Center. I hope it goes well.

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 7

What's the Equation?

            The simple plans for the Nature Center are almost finished. Now the next step is to plan a meeting with the new Pflugerville Parks Director, James Hermenes.

            I think that in order for this Nature Center to be a reality the parks director and the commission need to agree on the project as well as agree to help in some way. I will also talk with Pflugerville Independent School District to see if they are interested in helping to fundraise. I am also going to reach out to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4-H to see if they are willing to help with any projects needed to be done around the Nature Center, such as the trails, bird walk, painting or plantings.

            And since I am almost done with this journey I will also be planning the Court of Awards, not only for my achievements but for my entire Troop's achievements. With my finishing of the last available Girl Scout Journey as well as four Juniors earned their Bronze. 

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 6

April 19, 2013 Matthew and I went to go evaluate the Beihle Blue House. With us were the Parks and Recreation Director, the Assistant Parks Director and the Parks and Recreation Commission Board Chair.

We toured the home, told them what each room might be used for. Suggested what might need to be changed or added. I think that overall, the evaluation and tour went great. James Bowlin the Director enjoyed the idea and said he would do what he could to create this outdoor education center.

Before the tour Matthew and I looked at the house first and wrote down things we knew we needed to touch on, all were addressed and will be fixed soon. So excited!

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 5

In schools nowadays, teachers have the ability to decide how much science is being taught to children. As well as what kinds of sciences are to be taught and how. I don’t agree with the current way teachers are teaching sciences and feel that the science resources and opportunities are not enough.

I feel that more schools should teach environmental science and feel that schools should make it a must. The reason that less and less kids are outside anymore, is because kids feel that they have no connection to the outdoors. If teachers take them outside during school to lean about the environment through science, I think that more kids will want to be outside and share with friends and families what they’ve learned. Because the more kids interact with the outdoors, the more they will want to be outdoors.

 

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 4

Just recently I learned that kids in Pflugerville travel 25 miles to visit the Nature Center in Austin. I feel that outdoor education opportunities should be closer and more accessible to the youth of Pflugerville. I have pondered the idea of a nature center in Pflugerville and can’t see a better time than now.

In the past couple of years I’ve participated in the city’s Arbor Day Nature Pfest. I’ve asked multiple kids what their favorite subject is and many say science. I’m happy to hear this, but what I didn’t know, was that they like this subject because very little effort was needed for this subject.

Now that I know that science isn’t looked at as a priority in schools. I really do feel that this Nature Center is something we need. Because if this center is accessible to teachers, then they might be more inclined to teach science and environmental science.

Justice - Ambassador Journey Session 2 -

Look High, Look Wide

 

Being the student position on the Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the City of Pflugerville, I am able to bring to attention things that I think are worth bringing up. In my first term I brought up many things in the parks regarding trees. At the close of my first term, I found the need for more youth education. So I ran for a second term.

Now in my second year as student position, I will be addressing an issue that is a big problem everywhere: Youth Environmental Awareness. And the best way to get to youth is by interaction and fun opportunities. So I will work with the Director and Assistant Director on ways to address this issue in the best manner.

Justice Journey - Ambassador -- Session 1

Toward Justice

 

The environment is everything around us, the sky, the land and the sea. And what is important is that we care for each of these. But what is even more important is that we educate others on, not only the issues at hand, but the solutions. And if solutions are not yet able to be put into practice, then others should be included on the process of coming up with the solutions.

Who better to teach about environmental issues and solutions than children. Youth in schools and at home are the target audience needed to raise awareness. But this opportunity is not being seized and no one sees is as one to be seized.

So if I were to list what matters to me about the environment, number one, would be youth environmental education, then finding the issues and finally coming up with the solutions!