I've always admired Margaret Mead, and fully believe in her philosophy that a small group of determined people can change the world. Often, change comes in small steps - like a beach clean up - that then resonates with local residents and encourages adoption of conservation policies that protect the environment. Through heritage tourism, I've helped people think differently about preserving historic structures and landscapes, and hopefully becoming more mindful of the special places that make their home - or even where they travel - distinctive. Respecting and caring for these places is important, not just for now but for future generations.
The spanish moss-draped live oaks are a signature to St Simons Island, along with its historic light house and village.
People to care about place, and to respect and celebrate the different historic, cultural and natural environments that make each place unique.
Former associate director for National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations, I've worked on a number of Geotourism MapGuides including the first for Appalachia and the most recent (and first urban) MapGuide for Montreal. With a passion for place, Cheryl also launched the National Trust for Historic Preservation's heritage tourism program 20 years ago and helped craft the principles of heritage tourism for industry-wide adoption.
