Education is a key ingredient at Allerton

It is unfortunate that recently, the environmental education (EE) program offerings have been cut entirely from the Allerton Park budget. At this point, no youth and family programs exist, leaving only overpriced events directed toward potential donors.

The Allerton Web site states that the cutbacks have focused Allerton on "preserving the core elements" of the park. I argue that EE is core to Allerton's purpose. One of the five strategic goals defined by park administrators is to "provide a variety of environmental and cultural programs for diverse audiences." Allerton is not striving to fulfill this aspect of its mission.

There are so many reasons to love Allerton Park – gorgeous formal gardens, natural areas, and cultural and historical characteristics. Yet, without a strong EE component, these features will not get the attention they deserve.

Environmental education experiences help shape children's values and understanding of the environment. Fostering EE in children is critical because it helps them develop into adults who understand and care about environmental stewardship; it nurtures a sense of wonder and imagination; it provides them with a sense of beauty, calm, and refuge; and it helps them understand interrelationships of life. As a mother of two small children, it is a priority for me to ensure that my children are environmentally literate.

While I have been a strong advocate of Allerton, my support will not continue until environmental programs return. I strongly urge all community members to demand that the park restore the public interface of environmental programs immediately.

CATY ROLAND

Champaign