The Center for Urban Resilience and the Center of Ignatian Spirituality invite faculty and staff to tour of Discovery Park on April 22 from noon-2 p.m. led by Professor Eric Strauss and Lisa Fimiani. The park is a two-acre native garden and wildlife habitat down the hill from LMU that serves as an outdoor laboratory, a memorial to Indigenous people, and commemorates those who saved the Ballona Wetlands.
Participants will learn about the natural and cultural history of Ballona Wetlands in celebration of Earth Day. “To me Earth Day and this walk are a great way to an embrace the hopefulness of humanity, and when we decide to do the right thing as a people, we are incredibly powerful at it,” said Strauss.
The park, which opened nine years ago, is full of native plants, gardens, birds and waterfalls and it’s a wonderful way to connect to nature. It has a broad mission rooted in education and learning about the Tongva people. Strauss believes this really ties one of the Jesuit principles of cura personalis, promoting human dignity and care for the mind, body, and spirit.
“Concern for the environment and concern for the earth, which is our home, is in everybody’s best interest,” said Strauss. “So, caring about the environment, caring about the future of our planet is about loving your children, it’s about recognizing the value of your parents, it’s about thinking about your place in the world. If you are passionate about life, this is one of the ways in which we celebrate this miracle of creation.”
This event is being sponsored by the Center for Urban Resilience and the Center of Ignatian Spirituality. Lunch will be included. Click here to register, and for more information or questions, please contact Randy Roche, S.J. at ignacio@lmu.edu.
