Look at those blooms! See that gorgeous butterfly? And, oh, watch those frogs hop on the lily pads!
The spring season offers a delightful visual montage that those of us with good vision often take for granted. However, I firmly believe that thousands of people in Houston who are blind or visually-impaired should get to touch, hear and smell nature in their own way!
As a member of Leadership Houston’s Class 29, I am proud to be actively engaged in developing the Palmetto Multi-Sensory Trail at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. My classmates and I decided to spearhead this unique project to provide an engaging way for blind and visually-impaired people in our community to experience the fascinating joys and wonders of nature. Endorsed by Lighthouse of Houston, Taping for the Blind, Inc., and the National Federation of the Blind, the Palmetto Multi-Sensory Trail will be the first of its kind in the southern United States.
Features of this magnificent forest trail will include:
- Lush native flora and fauna that encourage visitors to use their senses of touch, hearing and smell.
- Learning stations displaying descriptive and historical information in Braille and large print complemented by tactile art pieces made from natural, environmentally-friendly materials.
- Guide ropes to support visitors’ personal independence and safety.
Dave Unger of Waste Management and I are serving as co-managers of this class project. I have also personally contributed $50 to help pay for materials and establish a post-construction maintenance fund. I would like to encourage you to support this wonderful community project with your own generous, tax-deductible contribution.
For a minimum donation of $50, you will receive our stylish commemorative Palmetto Trail lapel pin. I will personally invite you to attend our grand opening ceremony for the nature trail later this spring, and I’ll make sure your name is listed as a supporter in promotional materials for the event.
For your convenience, you can process your donation online at https://www.leadershiphouston.com/donations/class_donation.aspx
Alternatively, you may mail a check or money order payable to: Leadership Houston, 3100 Weslayan, Suite 377, Houston, Texas (77027).
Additionally, you are welcome to come out for our Class 29 Work Day on Saturday, March 26, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, located at 4501 Woodway Drive (77024). We will be investing our sweat equity, spreading mulch and making preparations for the completion of the Palmetto Trail.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me: TheReneeGriffin@yahoo.com or 713-294-7185. Thanks so much for your consideration!
Just what is Leadership Houston?
Leadership Houston's Class 29 (that's me standing in the back row, far left).
It’s an initiative that brings together diverse people from various areas of the corporate, non-profit, government and entrepreneurial sectors to learn about the Houston community, its history, economy, government structure, social justice, education, arts, medical infrastructure, human services and quality of life. Over a 10-month period, we’re introduced to aspects of the community that even native-born Houstonians have marveled about.Besides the comprehensive knowledge of who’s who and what’s what, our class members are trained in who they are as leaders. What is their leadership style? How can they hone it? How do they deal with stress at work? What is the most effective way to coach others?
In short, at the end of our program, our Class 29 graduates will know more fully who they are and where they can most effectively apply their talents.
Learn more at http://www.leadershiphouston.com
In my career, I’ve probably written more than 1,000 press releases. Some were just FYI awareness updates for journalists and/or other relevant stakeholders such as elected officials or community leaders. Most, however, have been structured as calls-to-action for journalists to request interviews or for media organizations to assign reporters to cover an event such as a groundbreaking ceremony, grand opening celebration or some milestone achievement.
Renee Griffin, MBA, APR
My PRgative 