Piedmont Discovery Center Core Values

Stewardship

We support the thoughtful stewardship of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. We are committed to repairing degraded ecosystems and changing behaviors that diminish their natural potential. Through education, restoration, and conservation, we strive to leave the world a better place for future generations. We motivate people to move away from unhealthy ecological interactions like the colonial habits of ecosystem manipulation, domination, and extraction.

Integrity

We strive to share observations, ideas, and creations without bias and with respect for indigenous knowledge systems, traditional ecological knowledge, critical thought, and an open mind toward dialogue and interpretation. As stewards and educators, we are committed to high standards of scientific inquiry and evidence-based methods. We are dedicated to communicating accurate information about the natural and cultural heritage of the Piedmont.

Inquiry and Curiosity

We celebrate and encourage the inquiry and curiosity that initiates learning. The inquiry-curiosity duet is at the heart of the scientific method, as scientific experimentation begins with curiosity. This leads to questions and action, and eventually outcomes and new questions. This feedback loop fosters understanding and is critical for inspiring people to care about their environment in an ever-changing world.

Experiential Learning

We create real-world learning opportunities that are tied to current issues and research. Through place-based knowledge building we help people discover the deep connection that exists between humans and the natural world to which they belong. When activities are rooted and relevant, they can ignite a passion for further learning and lifelong stewardship. We maintain a learning environment that ensures participants are included in the activities that create discoveries and knowledge.

Sharing

We are dedicated to sharing and amplifying the knowledge, discoveries, and stories we attain through our research and education activities. We also aim to cultivate curiosity, joy, and excitement so that our audience is inspired to share what they learn. We take action in a way that includes place-based learning, collaborative work on the land, and the sharing of what is learned with the community.

Inclusivity

We respect and value the perspectives that make each person and culture who and what they are. We believe that organizational and biological strength and resilience depend upon inclusivity and diversity, and we consider both to be critical for excellence. We strive to have our staff, clients, partners, and stakeholders embrace these values and reflect them in their actions.

Public Service

Our organization is a resource for the communities of the Piedmont region. We dedicate ourselves to the service of these communities through high quality research, education, and publication. We maintain high standards for the curation, care, and dissemination of the natural and cultural heritage that is under our stewardship. We are committed to creating action-oriented program opportunities for people of all ages.