Anniversary Story: "The Cycle of Life Continues" by Lori Davison

“The Cycle of Life Continues”

By Lori Davison, The Groundwater Foundation

Thirty years ago I was about to give birth to our first child, leave my job at the University of Nebraska Political Science Department, and become a stay at home Mom. Many changes in my life were just around the corner just like the many changes that have taken place at The Groundwater Foundation over the past 30 years! 

After our son was born, Susan Seacrest contacted me about the possibility of doing some contract work at home for the newly founded Groundwater Foundation.  I accepted the offer and here we are 30 years later—my son and the Foundation are now 30 years young!

Just like the benchmarks in my son’s life, so has the Foundation achieved numerous benchmarks along the way.  Just like a baby getting its first tooth and the pain that goes with it, starting a nonprofit from the ground up comes with its own pain and challenges.

But that soon passes and next comes a baby’s first steps. One day they just take off, much like the Foundation began building momentum when it held its first Symposium in November of 1985, “Groundwater for the Future: Choice or Default.”

A few more years go by and the first day of kindergarten is here – you have to let your baby go and try new things! The Children’s Groundwater Festival was a huge step in “letting go” and trying something new to educate youth across Nebraska for the Foundation.  It was first held in Grand Island, Nebraska at Central Community College in April, 1989. Over 1,700 children rolled in by the busload and they enjoyed a full day of fun, interactive activities. 

It seems like after kindergarten the years just fly by and all of a sudden your child is graduating from high school and going to college.  The Groundwater Foundation expanded their focus to educating adults through the Groundwater Guardian program, which provides recognition, support, and encouragement for communities of all types.  As an offshoot, the Foundation launched the Groundwater Guardian Green Site program which recognizes green spaces for their groundwater stewardship. The Foundation has been involved with many other partners organizing and implementing numerous educational programs which span across the country.

My son has gone on to get his first job, get married and have his first child – and so the cycle of life continues, just like The Groundwater Foundation continues to grow each year with innovative ideas and programs.  The past 30 years have seen tremendous changes for my son and The Groundwater Foundation – the next 30 will be even better!

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20 Weeks Until the 2015 Groundwater Foundation National Conference and 30th Anniversary Celebration!

30th Anniversary Story Teller Sponsor
Marshfield Utilities

30th Anniversary Story Teller Supporter
National Ground Water Association