When I see families playing in nature it gives me hope for the future. People who grow up with sand between their toes appreciate how precious beaches and estuaries are and they instinctively want to protect them. It’s true of many of us who made a career in conservation. Somewhere along the way, usually before we were ten, we encountered some landscape that captivated us. We all have a conservation story. Moments I spent in Acadia National Park as a child have stayed with me through a lifetime and I want my children to find the same inspiration. So many kids grow up indoors and when I see how fun a simple day can be in this remarkable environment I want to change that. 

Last weekend,  five families got together on Siesta Key for a Florida style Fall Fiesta. We swam in the Gulf of Mexico, our kids bobbed for apples and then they made a piñata which proved to be remarkably resilient.  We parents shared a stunning sunset, enjoyed real conversation in flip flops with frosty cold beverages and delighted in the innocent games and giggles of our children. One long table brought everybody together for a barefoot candlelit dinner under the banyan trees. We made some great memories. When my generation is gone I know these kids will be sharing barefoot dinners at the beach and telling stories about how we protected this coastline for their children.

Fiesta on Siesta Key Salad

• 4 ears corn cut from the cob
• 1 ½ cups cooked black beans 
• 2 cups hearts of palm
• Roasted green chili peppers or jalapeño 
• Green onion to taste 
• Fresh basil about 1 handful, chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta
• 1 diced red pepper 
• Mix 1/4 cup each, apple cider vinegar and olive oil.  
• Add sugar to taste.