Trumbull Nature and Arts Center –‘The Odyssey’

It all began for me 5 or more years ago, when I saw an article in the Trumbull Times talking about the possibility of starting a Nature & Arts Center. Two of my passions wrapped into one, I was excited. Was Trumbull finally going to build a Nature Center?

I grew up outside. No, I was not an orphan, but I spent most of my time out in the elements. My parents had 4 girls, and no boys, but that did not prevent my father from exposing us to EVERYTHING. We went fishing, boating, swimming, and camping (real camping). We climbed trees, played hardball, hopped on ponies bare-back, and waded in murky sea water with eels, while searching for clams. And I loved it. (well except for the eels) My imagination inspired by my experiences was endless, and still is to this day.

Shortly after seeing the Nature Center article, I contacted the FS office, and was promptly invited to a meeting to sign up as a volunteer. Before I knew what was happening, a lawyer was brought up from the chambers, and I was swore in as a commissioner. Those politicians, they sure are swift, to sweep you in! I knew nothing about commissions or politics, but figured how difficult or political can a Nature & Arts Center be……?

Several years went by and the Nature & Arts Center was born from the love and passion of countless community members, and numerous business sponsors & local organizations. It was a build ‘for the community, by the community’. We all knew the time would come where this would need to take a step to the next level, as the space was not adequate for the response and growth in programming we were experiencing. Schools, scouts and families were requesting more and more programs. We currently offer school field trips for pre-K-4^th grade, and numerous scout and community programs. Thousands now participate in TNAC activities each year.

Forward several years, I find myself wondering what has become of our world, when a Nature & Arts Center becomes a political point of argument. If we can’t support and work collaboratively on a project such as this, will there ever be hope for peace, and progress?

I have of course left out many exhausting, joyful and painful details in this journey. (I will save them for the movie or book) But I have done so purposely, as they serve no logical or sound purpose in moving this project forward. The long and short of it is, many people made right and good decisions regarding TNAC, which is why we are here today….but many people also made mistakes in the process, made wrong or self-serving decisions, said things they did not mean, or perhaps didn’t realize the consequences of their actions.

None of us are perfect, we are human.

But, we need to do better.

TNAC will continue to work towards its mission of Environmental & Art Education, hopefully with the support of our community and elected officials.

Giving children and adults the experience of exploring Nature, Environmental science and Art. Inspiring our children and community to become environmental stewards, of the only earth we have.

I hope that one day we look back at this experience, while walking through the vast preserved woodland and wetlands, protected by our Nature & Arts Center….and wonder why we were so silly in debating the value of this community asset.