Anne Robinson truly loved her land: “the beauty of the woods, the sounds of the creatures, and the wonders of nature. ”  The Robinson Nature Center, opened September 10^th , 2011, brings to life Annie’s dream of sharing her sense of natural wonder with all of us.   After a visit to the stunning new Center and a walk on the trails beside Anne Robinson’s beloved river, one leaves with a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly connected to the land.

Howard County Recreation and Parks Department owns and runs the Center and is already offering an exciting array of activities for visitors of all ages.  The Discovery Room is bustling by day with preschoolers, and by night various local bird clubs, beekeepers, and other community groups now call the Center home.  The Robinson Foundation continues to be an active partner in supporting the Center’s vital work. Our most visible daily presence at the Center is in the Robinson Legacy Room, where a painting of James and Anne Robinson commissioned by the Foundation warmly welcomes all who enter.  In the coming year, a new exhibit on the family’s long history in Maryland will be added to that inviting homelike space.  Behind the scenes, Foundation volunteers are organizing a support group, Friends of the Robinson Nature Center, which will work directly with Center staff to enhance community involvement and raise needed funds. Please consider becoming a Friend.

But even with so much to celebrate and enjoy, Anne Robinson’s vision is just beginning to be realized. The Foundation continues to build on her dream to bridge the gap between people and nature.  Just as Anne offered coffee and storage space to support archaeological research at Simpsonville Mill, the Foundation underwrote the publication of M. Lee Preston, Jr.’s book about his discoveries, “Archaeology in Howard County and Beyond.” And knowing the power of Anne Robinson’s example to inspire other environmental leaders, the Foundation for the fourth year in 2012 will be recognizing outstanding environmental leaders through our Green Footprint Awards.  Please think about the people and groups who inspire you through artistic, educational, and community leadership and consider nominating one (or more!) for a Green Footprint Award this year.

In 2012, the Foundation is embarking on new and exciting initiative.  Unstructured outdoor play is missing in the lives of so many children. Yet research confirms the many psychological, educational, and spiritual benefits of just getting outside and having fun. To encourage natural, free play in children’s everyday lives, the Foundation is creating a portable nature play space, based on the latest research into the kinds of materials and activities that stimulate creativity, problem-solving, positive social interaction, and other beneficial behaviors. Join us for the first demonstration of this innovative play space at Howard County Greenfest on April 14, 2012.  By creating a place where imagination reigns and possibilities endless, using natural material and supplying loose parts to build troll abode and fairy houses, forts and secret hideouts, we will be helping children around our area rediscover the wonder of nature that Anne Robinson never forgot.

Thank you as always for your support and encouragement.  We hope you will join in as we continue to  find ways to love and preserve the beautiful world around us.

Marianne Pettis, Executive Director

The James and Anne Robinson Foundation