Dan Martinelli: There is a place where unbiased information on all things Martin County can be found

"The real object of education is to have a man in the condition of continually asking questions," was once said by Bishop Creighton, Bishop of London in the 1800's. I couldn't agree more. Education can destroy lifelong biases, replacing them with the spark of new ideas.

It is a challenge, though, to find sources of information that are neutral and credible, as residents seek to better understand the community in which they live. Especially for folks who have recently joined us in this paradise called Martin County, it's easy to fall prey to sound bites in the media or cleverly crafted words generated by special interests as they put forth their agendas.

In a community that has an abundance of groups and individuals with no shortage of strong opinions on many a topic, an educational program was founded in 2001 that provides a breath of fresh air for residents who are seeking authentic, factual information about Martin County's past and present and the way our community has grown and changed.

It's fittingly called "Martin County 101: It's Different Here." Created by the non-profit organization Sustainable Martin Alliance, this unique, one-day educational program explores the connections between our natural and man-made environments, social issues, and local economy through the perspective of history.

From biodiversity to biotech, waterways to wages, experts present the information in a neutral, unbiased way so participants can form their own opinions about Martin County's sustainability.

Through participant surveys, Sustainable Martin Alliance knows that the program is valued by the community, and has received stellar feedback from the almost 1,000 residents that have taken the class since its inception.

Many residents aren't natives of Martin County or even Florida, and they often lack a "sense of place" and an understanding of the roots of our community. When residents learn about past decisions that have created current situations, they become a more informed citizenry and will be better prepared in helping to plan Martin County's future.

To my knowledge, there is no other program that gives such a balanced overview of the many parts of Martin County, showing the linkages between our natural and built environments, our economy and social systems and how they affect the way we are changing and growing in Martin County.

Whether you just arrived in our little piece of paradise or your family has been here for generations, I encourage everyone who is interested in educating themselves about Martin County to take the time to attend.

Martinelli is Executive Director of Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital and one of the founders of Sustainable Martin Alliance. He lives in Palm City.