Harris Hummon

“Nature always finds a way.  You will too.” – Unknown

“I am proud to say that I have spent 23 of my 35 years on this beautiful green and blue marble in the charming Village of Romeo.  I attended Amanda Moore Elementary, Romeo Middle School, and am a member of the RHS graduating class of 2008.  In my middle school years, I was a member of Yvonne Uhlinauk’s children’s program, The Woolly Classroom at Mt. Bruce Sheep Station in Bruce Township, which sparked an enduring interest in nature and rural life at a young age. Some of my RMS classmates may even remember the lamb that I brought to school for a class presentation in 6th grade; after all, you don’t see that every day.  Agricultural activities aside, my brother, Michael, and I spent much of our childhood playing outdoors with friends.  Whether it was capture the flag in the woods that border Memorial Field or scavenger hunts on the middle school grounds on Prospect Street, fun was never far afield. 

Although enjoying the outdoors was a big part of my childhood, the importance of nature in my life was never more apparent than in the year 2020.  Like so many of us during that time, I was experiencing a lot of anxiety, due in large part to the pandemic in combination with some difficult personal circumstances. One of the only sources of comfort and escape during that difficult time was nature. Camping trips, hikes, and picnics served a soothing balm for the soul during that immensely challenging chapter.  As it turns out, feeling connected to something greater than oneself can be quite healing in a time of personal (and global) crisis. I like to think that the work we are doing to preserve this space will continue to facilitate human connection to nature, and to each other, for generations to come.”

Photo credit: Harris Hummon