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There was a small creek running through a wooded lot behind my childhood home. Grown-ups called it a ditch. The older neighborhood kids ignored it entirely. But to me and my friends, it was a magical forest with grand canyons, deep pools, wild rivers and exotic beasts. It offered mystery, joy, terror and laughter in countless adventures.
I realize now it was, in fact, a drainage culvert. It and the woods were replaced with a neighborhood many years ago. But, that freedom to roam and play outdoors as a child developed a love of nature that strongly influences my hopes, dreams and aspirations to this day.