Greetings from the MOSS Community,
The past many weeks have been challenging in so many ways. As a society, we've been tasked with putting the betterment and health of our global community above our individual goals and freedoms, at no small cost. Whether it is working from home with kids who are trying to learn remotely, finding ways to stay active and engaged in the outdoors, or bravely working in essential service jobs that may put you or your loved ones in danger, the task at hand is not an easy one. These challenges may leave us feeling sad for the present, and even scared for our futures.
Those of us on the UI McCall Field Campus have grieved for the cancellation of in-person programs this spring, because students are unable to participate in the transformational educational experiences we are proud and dedicated to provide on our campus. Yet, through this disturbance and grieving come new, unexpected opportunities. Although we cannot reach students in person through MOSS programming, we believe it is important now, perhaps more than ever, to provide opportunities for everyone to engage with the natural world and feel like we are a part of the natural systems that connect and provide for all of us.
We are pleased to re-launch the MOSS Adventure Learning webpage this spring. Through Adventure Learning, learners of all ages are invited to explore the natural world around them. We are excited to provide prompts for exploration and healing outside in the environment ("Weekly Outdoor Challenge" & "Ideas for Exploration") updates from the MOSS faculty, staff and graduate students ("Notes from the Field") and showcase some of the impressive science communication projects from our community ("Science Stories"). We hope that MOSS Adventure Learning will help you feel grounded and connected to the world and each other in this time of uncertainty.
We are grateful for the opportunity to host a virtual space for all aspects of the UI McCall Field Campus to come together to fulfill our mission. It has been a true collaboration between our partner organizations and all of our staff and graduate students, and is also a bit of an experiment. It has been humbling to try something new and pivot our skills and programs to an online platform, but worthwhile; it encourages our greater community to get out and explore the world right outside their front door, practice problem-solving skills, and connect to one another. Place-based outdoor science education at its very core.
So, we invite you to come observe, explore, investigate, and heal with us. The adventure awaits!
Sincerely,
Beth & the MOSS Team
