The Center for Human-Earth Restoration actually started in 2010 as the neophyte idea of Ross and Randy who both realized a pressing human need for ways to reconnect with nature and renew inner spirits. They met attending classes at the Center for Imagination, Education and the Natural World located in Wittsett, NC under the guidance of Carolyn Toben and Peggy Whalen-Levitt. There they both became captivated with the messages of Thomas Berry and both felt the need to share these messages with others.
Thus was the Center for Human-Earth Restoration brought to fruition by Randy Senzig, Ross Andrews, and Iris Senzig around the kitchen table in 2010--a 501c(3) corporation to convey the importance of "treating the Earth as a communion of subjects, rather than a collection of objects" as taught by their mentor Thomas Berry. They immediately began formulating the first program called CORES (Character Growth Through Observation, Restoration Ecology and Scientific Principles) and formed a partnership with the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC). CORES provided 68 eighth graders with weekly field trips to a TLC site where observation skills, restoration skills and reflection was taught. That year over 70 garbage bags of invasive Japanese honeysuckle were removed to release the native spring wildflowers in the floodplain.
Developing CORES led naturally to the umbrella organization CHER in 2011, with the goal of connecting all students in the Wake County School System with TLC properties near their campuses.
Randy Senzig, NC Environmental Science Teacher of the Year, and Ross Andrews, a master environmental scientist and educator, taught many programs together related to CHER’s mission. Chief Operating Officer, Iris, maintained logistical office operations.
Today, Randy and his staff continue educating with witty fervor, enthusiasm and an expert level of knowledge that gains the respect of their students. The CHER classes and programs are designed to help all young people and adults reconnect with the Earth. The techniques used include: Restoration Projects, Nature-themed Games, Expeditions, and Exercises in Reflection and Journaling, which lead to a transformative renewal of the inner spirit.
Thus was the Center for Human-Earth Restoration brought to fruition by Randy Senzig, Ross Andrews, and Iris Senzig around the kitchen table in 2010--a 501c(3) corporation to convey the importance of "treating the Earth as a communion of subjects, rather than a collection of objects" as taught by their mentor Thomas Berry. They immediately began formulating the first program called CORES (Character Growth Through Observation, Restoration Ecology and Scientific Principles) and formed a partnership with the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC). CORES provided 68 eighth graders with weekly field trips to a TLC site where observation skills, restoration skills and reflection was taught. That year over 70 garbage bags of invasive Japanese honeysuckle were removed to release the native spring wildflowers in the floodplain.
Developing CORES led naturally to the umbrella organization CHER in 2011, with the goal of connecting all students in the Wake County School System with TLC properties near their campuses.
Randy Senzig, NC Environmental Science Teacher of the Year, and Ross Andrews, a master environmental scientist and educator, taught many programs together related to CHER’s mission. Chief Operating Officer, Iris, maintained logistical office operations.
Today, Randy and his staff continue educating with witty fervor, enthusiasm and an expert level of knowledge that gains the respect of their students. The CHER classes and programs are designed to help all young people and adults reconnect with the Earth. The techniques used include: Restoration Projects, Nature-themed Games, Expeditions, and Exercises in Reflection and Journaling, which lead to a transformative renewal of the inner spirit.
Photo from cuatrok77
