As a kid, I spent my summers and weekends on my grandparent's farm, playing all day outside at the small creek down the road, around the barn, and in the pastures. As I grew older, that connection with the outdoors deepened as I worked with my family raising cattle and crops. As a professional within the AEC Industry, I now see clearly what that upbringing gave me: the mental and physical health benefits that come from connecting to the natural world, and an appreciation that none of it happens in isolation.
The prairie may look simple driving by on the road, but it’s a complex ecosystem with a living network of roots below ground holding everything together. And understanding the complex interconnections involved, as well as sustaining the associated networks of people and expertise, is necessary to successfully design buildings, farm and raise livestock, or provide environmental education across the state. Much like maintaining a thriving prairie.
During KACEE's fall fundraiser, I hope you'll join me in supporting and growing KACEE’s living network, so it can keep sustaining Kansas kids for years to come.
