It is not enough to say that NEO is effectively striving for an environmentalist reputation. As cities around the country are exploring land use and energy management, citizen stewards, and an overall environmental impact assessment, Cleveland and its surrounding communities are looking desperately for residents and a sustainable economic base. We are ripe with resources and eager for education.

NEO has an opportunity to not only present the business practices of a sustainable economy, but also create educators of environmental stewardship. With little in the way of Environmental Education college level programs and plenty of future jobs in the field, an infrastructure waiting to be created is at hand.

What to teach? How about natural sciences and our local garden of eden where biodiversity is rich, abundant, and preserved. How about Native American practices and rights to the land? Spiritual practices that honor human beings as well as the world they are comprised of? The history of the area in terms of cultural diversity, of industrial evolution, of families lasting generations in the city because they consider it "home."

There are plenty of avenues to take in educating educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and citizens. There are plenty of avenues to bring about an infrastructure for a more sustainable Cleveland culture. What if we created educators that want to educate around our Blue Lake. To give back to communities where the "man" has lost his stronghold and the opportunity for peace and wealth are within reach? Let us educate ecological citizens about opportunities in public policy, business, manufacturing, and education.
Which university will be the first to offer an Environmental Education Degree to its students?

Let us start THIS conversation.