Connect with Nature at Shangri La Botanical Gardens
Posted by msterilinn on Apr 23, 2008
In honor of my love for nature and all things natural, I am always curious to find places which represent the natural world in ways meant to benefit all, while providing quality education to help nurture a love of the wonders of nature in children. It is so very important to allow these young minds a chance to explore their natural environments, while encouraging them to learn how they too can become responsible and good stewards.
I would like to take this moment to direct those who feel as I do to a wonderful place which opened to the public on March 11th, 2008. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center really impressed me with their history, as well as their current mission. Originally developed more than 60 years ago, through the vision of H.J Lutcher Stark, a prominent philanthropist who resided in Orange, Texas. Inspired by the mystical retreat represented in the book Lost Horizon, Stark sought to create his own haven of indescribable beauty where time would stand still. His vision became a reality in 1937 when he began creating Shangri-La Botanical Gardens within significant acreage owned by him along Adams Bayou in his hometown of Orange, Texas. Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center represents a place of enlightenment, peace and beauty.
Nestled within 252 acres in the heart of Orange, Texas, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is the first project in Texas and the 50th project in the world to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum certification for LEED®-NC, which verifies the design and construction of Shangri La reached the highest green building and performance measures.
As one of the most earth-friendly projects in the world, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center offers a glimpse of how people can live in harmony with nature. The combination of gardens and nature at Shangri La presents a serene oasis for retreat and renewal, as well as the opportunity to explore, discover and learn. I strongly encourage you to visit the Shangri La website to learn more about the wondrous history, the tragic events which caused this beautiful place to close down for 50 years, and the current mission of this magical place of nature. You will discover an ancient Pond Cyprus tree which is at least 1,200 years old, situated within Shangri La. Don’t miss this! I will be taking my daughter on a visit real soon, you can be most certain.
Surfs up.. let’s go to Summer Surf Camp!
Posted by msterilinn on Jan 16, 2008
Wow, now here is a camp that is totally appealing to a water girl such as myself. I grew up around some of the most beautiful beaches in the World, and I would have given much to go to a Surf Camp!
I wish to take a few moments to talk about a place called… you got it… Surf Camp! Founded by Rick Civelli in 1995, Surf Camp has been facilitating, safe and exciting learn to surf summer camps. For a week, you will be immersed in the “Sport of Kings” while learning about incredible coastal ecosystems. All summer camps and surf camps have a safe student to instructor ratio of 3:1, and are staffed with certified professional instructors educated in the marine sciences. Why not learn to surf while taking advantage of warm emerald green waters and white sandy beaches, and enjoy a week of fun in the sun at one of these summer camps?
They offer both vacationers and residents alike an ecological surfing experience they will never forget. Whether you are looking at one of the teen summer camps or the adult learn to surf vacations, they offer the summer camp or overnight camp for you. Experience an unforgettable adventure that may just change your life forever.
The founder of Surf Camp, Rick Civelli, has been teaching people how to surf since 1995. He has developed an amazing methodology that will get you up and riding in no time. He also understands that there is so much more to surfing than standing on a board and riding a wave. One must begin to understand several different and important coastal processes. Being a surfer holds responsibilities to other surfers in the water and a dedication to taking care of our coast. That is why in all of our programs we emphasize safety, surfing etiquette, and teach dynamic curriculum about our coastal environment.
So, not only do we get to learn how to surf at these summer camps, one of my favourite aspects of Surf Camp is the fact that they teach you about Mother Ocean as well. Learning about the marine life and the environment is so very important to instill a love of nature and all things natural from early on. What a great way to have fun and learn such important life lessons at the same time!
As mentioned, safety is of the utmost importance. As quoted from the staff at Surf Camp…
“We have a deep knowledge and experience base of both watermen and women. On our staff, we have an Ocean Safety Director, an EMT, and a Wilderness First Responder. All Surf Camp instructors are American Red Cross lifeguard, CPR and First Aid Certified. All surfing lesson instructors are certified in CPR, First Aid, and trained in water safety. Most importantly we also have a burning desire to better ourselves in every aspect of our programs. We utilize consultation and training from Ocean Safety experts outside our organization for continuing education. We value and incorporate feedback from students, staff, and parents as we continually evaluate and better our policies and instruction methodologies.”
I bet, like my daughter, you simply cannot wait for Summr to get here so you can go to camp. Have fun and stay safe!
Plant a Tree and give back to Mother Earth
Posted by msterilinn on Oct 11, 2007
Can you even imagine how many products are used each day, in which are created from harvesting trees? The paper we use to write on, the books we read, as well as the paper products being used in our household create an unbelievable demand upon our forests. Not to mention the dozens of other products derived from trees, from furniture to houses. There is a serious imbalance being created through the rampant destruction of our forests, which is not only affecting wildlife, yet is creating a serious danger to human life as well. Unless one wishes to wear an oxygen mask to live and breathe in safety, we need to take action and realize how important it is to be proactive in replanting our forests, and preserving the existing forests before some very necessary natural resources are totally lost forever. And the loss of the medicines derived from the Plant Nation is a very sad tragedy to contemplate.
Trees are the lungs of our planet, and we all need them to live and breathe. Among the Lakota, we call this nation the Tree People. Consider planting a tree. Or maybe two or three. Give back what you possibly take for granted as a limitless resource. We can all do our part in helping to restore the balance. I will certainly do my part, and wish to spread the word about a program designed to bring about a change for the positive.
Honor a Loved one with a TreeGivers Gift Tree
Arrange for your gift tree to be planted in the State or listed Country of your choice. Each TreeGivers gift tree supplements the natural resources of our Earth and brings life and beauty to the countryside!
Trees … are living, growing majestic beings.
They are a resource to our Earth, beings to take care of, a source of great power, living parts of our ever important world.
Trees purify the air, increase natural beauty, calm our souls, and are a perfect way to honor and remember special people.
If you wish to learn more, visit TreeGivers Gift Tree
today.
Enhancing Wilderness and Survival skills with Kamana
Posted by msterilinn on Sep 13, 2007
