Julia Henley

Summer–Yes!

Thanks for taking a look at our second issue!  Summer is on my mind–as well as the importance of this era we find ourselves in–opening our doors more widely and reconnecting in ways that seem all the more precious.  Add that to what we individually want to accomplish here–and many thoughts on how to creatively, carefully, we go forward with care while developing and thriving in this gorgeous place.

Scroll down here and see an explanation of what is possible this season  from Sustainable Driftless’ George Howe.  Meanwhile, we continue to collect accolades for the documentary Decoding the Driftless, which is so great–because that means we can continue to share it either at hosted showings, or now airing on PBS nationwide.  It will air on August on WI-PTV August 16th at 7 p.m. (please check your local access!) All this is not just an ego trip to share, but rather a love for the area and a goal to share that–with the end goal meaning smarter growth policies, a better understanding for residents and visitors alike.

Our writers this season include Jan Wee, Duane Marciniak, Ed Block, Scott Teuber, and Jonathan Howe covering all sorts of aspects of Driftless, along with an update from Conservation Voters.   I hope this effort will entertain and generate some thoughtful summer thinking!

Photos bring us in, and help illustrate the beauty of this place– thanks to Tim Jacobson, Ed Block, George Howe, Alisa Reutova, Ian Keefe, Dan Gold, Franceso Gallero, Kelly Neil, Kelly Sikkema, Roxanne Shepherd, Neora Aylon, Aleks Marinkovik, Katie E and Alexander Schimmeck.

Get out there–the Driftless awaits!

Julia

PS. Read  below to better understand our mission, and our appeal to you~!

FROM THE DESK OF GEORGE HOWE-Join us in DEEP!

Sustainable Driftless, Inc. is dedicated to inspiring resource conservation, vibrant communities,

and sustainable growth in the Driftless Region

Greetings!

Now  is a perfect time to get outside, hike nature trails, absorb scenic beauty, watch wildlife, and enjoy safe- time withfamily and friends. This nature “therapy” is surely needed more than ever now.

With Fall just around the corner here, and students back trying their best to learn and grow, our attention has turnedto helping them and their teachers, with high- quality educational films and innovative lesson plans specially designed to accompany them.

Now, more than ever, teachers need these truly relevant and streamable educational materials, to reach all students effectively. We want to help in a BIG way, but we need your support in order to do so. Please consider a generouscontribution, to help fund our educational outreach to students and teachers across the entire Driftless Region!

Our exciting new effort is called the “Driftless Environmental Education Program” or “DEEP!” The goal of DEEP, is to help all schools in the four state Driftless Region (42 counties of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois), with free access to our films and six new environmental education lesson plans, and provide ongoing support for integration of these resources into the standard curriculum. We are supplying materials to schools outside the Driftless Region, as well, and are now offering the DTD film nationwide through NETA and PBS stations.

Children benefit greatly by learning about and experiencing the outdoors and nature! An article from the Child Mind Organization, entitled Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature, states that it reduces stress and fatigue, builds confidence, spurs imagination and creativity, gets kids moving, teaches responsibility. It is now widely known that time spent outdoors in natural environments, improves our mental and physical health.

Our films and lessons not only teach students about the amazing Driftless Region, but they also inspire them to explore it and learn even more on their own!

1) There are approximately 1400 schools (public, private, and charter) serving tens of thousands of students in the Driftless Region.

2) The cost to provide our films on USB and six lesson plans to each school, is approximately $25 per school. This includes staff outreach, materials, and postage, which totals $35,000.00. Our non-profit has experienced significant losses in revenue due to the pandemic, so your help is key!

3) Our six lessons are developed by certified science educators, are aligned to national environmental and science standards, and provide educators with lessons for each major topic within the film including sustainability issues in the Driftless Region.

Here are ways to help our efforts:

  • Provide financial support for schools and public libraries in your own town, where your children or grandchildren attend school, or for a teacher. We will ship per your directions citing your sponsorship and donation.
  • Spread the word to schools and public libraries that this program is available to all educators who teach in the Driftless Region.
  • Watch and discuss our film with your children and grandchildren and take them on hikes, bird watching opportunities during migration time, and find ways to support our Driftless Region environment as a family.
  • Encourage local businesses and organizations to purchase Decoding the Driftless as a holiday present for employees, patrons, and members.
  • Inform vendors in your area that we provide our film on DVD, Blu-ray and USB at a discounted rate which helps them earn valuable income. They can contact us at sustainabledriftless.outreach@gmail.com for more information.

How to donate to Sustainable Driftless, Inc DEEP PROJECT:

1) Please send a check or money order to Sustainable Driftless, Inc., at Sustainable Driftless, Inc., Box 1231, La Crosse, WI 54602. If you wish to dedicate the funds to a specific school district, school, or public library, please note this and we will inform the recipient of your donation.

2) You can contribute online through the secure PayPal online link found on our website at

https://www.sustainabledriftless.org/support/ You will find a yellow DONATE button on this web page.

Sincerely,

George Howe, Vice- President & Co-Producer Jan Wee, Education Outreach Coordinator

 

Sustainable Driftless Box 1231 La Crosse, WI 54602 George Howe, Co-Producer Cell: 608.397.7423 Office: 507-895-8074

Board Members:

Tim Jacobson – La Crosse, WI | George Howe – La Crescent, MN | Julia Henley – Blue River, WI

Brian Murphy – La Crosse, WI | Thomas Johnson – Decorah, IA | Nancy Breed – Galena, IL