Sustainability and Accessibility Go Hand-in-Hand

Sustainability and Accessibility Go Hand-in-Hand

When I think about sustainability, my mind often goes to the initiatives that Reeves-Reed Arboretum teaches, whether it’s through educational programs like the Maple Syrup Fest or what I observe on a afternoon walk through the garden. From composting and recycling to using fallen leaves as mulch, supporting beekeeping, and planting native plants, the Arboretum shows us many ways we can promote sustainability.

Sustainability is more than just how we care for the environment. It also includes creating and maintaining spaces that are inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability. In this way, universal design is a form of sustainability. 

The Arboretum launched “A Path for All,” it’s  first capital campaign, with the goal of making the grounds fully accessible. This initiative reflects and extends the Arboretum’s mission:

“Reeves-Reed Arboretum engages, educates, and enriches its visitors so that they become better stewards of nature and the environment. This mission is achieved through the care and utilization of a historic estate and gardens.”

As I thought about how change begins in our own communities, I realized how A Path for All aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global framework for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges through local and collective action. (Source: United Nations)

In particular, this initiative speaks to:

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
“Reduce inequality within and among countries.”

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
“Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.”

Sustainability is already a part of the Arboretum’s everyday work. The education and horticulture staff, along with many dedicated volunteers, contribute directly to:

Goal 4: Quality Education
“Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

However, it takes a village.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
“Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.”

Achieving lasting change requires we all must work together: nonprofit partners, individual donors, corporate sponsors, municipal and government agencies and members, volunteers, and students, to make these goals a reality.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum continues to be a model of sustainability, not only in how we care for the earth, but also in how we ensure that the peace and beauty found in nature are truly accessible to everyone.