[BCNnet] The Future of Conservation
Scott Carpenter
Scott Carpenter" <scott_carpenter@sbcglobal.net
Wed, 10 Mar 2004 18:46:28 -0600
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Inspired by a recent email I received from Donald Dann (below), I've =
been thinking about ways that we (birders and other nature enthusiasts) =
can engage children from the general public in bird and nature related =
activities. An introduction to and appreciate of nature is something =
that every child deserves, and it would also likely have long term =
benefits for our society's efforts to conserve our natural heritage.
My experience with the schools of my own children, as well as my =
experiences volunteering my services to other schools, park district =
groups, etc., has left me with the impression that there are many =
educators interested in teaming up with nature enthusiasts knowledgable =
about local birds, insects, herps, plants, etc. (I believe there was =
excess demand for Chicago Audubon's "For the Birds" program, prior to it =
being cut due to funding issues.) Unfortunately, my experiences have =
also convinced me that these educators do not necessarily know how to =
find people willing to lend a few hours to a group of kids, whether it =
be for a classroom discussion or a field trip at a local park.
It seems to me that a web site listing people willing to volunteer for =
child oriented nature activities would go a long way to helping =
educators, camp counselors, etc., find people willing to share their =
knowledge and expertise with the next generation of conservationists. =
This web site could list people by location and include their expertise =
and what they are willing to do. It could be advertised to area =
schools, park districts, science clubs, scout groups, etc., and these =
groups could then take it upon themselves to contact the volunteers =
about partnership opportunities.
In addition to having such a web site, there are other ways we can help =
build a future generation of conservationists:
- Field trip leaders, regardless of sponsoring organizations (COS, IOS, =
TNC, herp society, butterfly monitoring network, dragonfly monitoring =
network, etc.) can seek out children at park districts, schools, where =
ever, and let the children and their parents know that children are most =
welcome at upcoming excursions. Most such field trips these days are =
targeted at adults, particularly adults who are already heavily involved =
in nature appreciation; the few that target children tend to exclude =
adults. Very rarely do these field trips target families from the =
general public who have never really experienced "nature". Not only is =
it important to expose kids, but sometimes their parents also need to be =
educated to know that the mud won't hurt their kids, most insects won't =
bite, etc.
- Nature enthusiasts can "donate" to school fund-raising auctions a =
personalized field trip for an entire family. It costs a few hours of =
time, the school makes some money, and you get to show a family just how =
beautiful parts of this city really are. So far, I've shown dozens of =
kids their first Northern Cardinal and American Goldfinch, despite the =
fact they've lived here their whole life. I've also shown them their =
first "pill" bug, and have shown them the difference between a dragonfly =
and a damselfly. It doesn't take much expertise to do this, just a =
small amount of time and enthusiasm. Three years after I took a city =
kid out birding, he was extremely excited to run into me and describe =
the goldfinch he saw in his yard. It was clear that no one he knew =
would appreciate it, but the fact that someone would listen to him and =
share in his joy let him know that it was ok to appreciate nature.
- Birders can invite passers-by to look through their scopes at the =
loons, buffleheads, goldeneyes on the lake, etc. I've done this dozens =
of times with such simple lines as, "Hi, would you like to see something =
beautiful?". The faces of both kids and adults light up when they look =
through that scope. Snowy owls are particularly effective for this =
approach.
By helping today's children have fun with nature, we could be planting =
seeds that result in a conservation ethic supported by most of =
tomorrow's adults. When that happens, governors won't even consider =
cutting funding for open space and natural areas.
I'd very much appreciate feedback from anyone on these ideas, including =
whether people have tried things like this in the past. Also, I'd =
appreciate hearing from people who might be interested in being part of =
a list of volunteers willing to help out local school groups, etc.
Scott Carpenter
Hyde Park/Chicago
scott_carpenter@sbcglobal.net
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Donald R. Dann=20
To: donniebird@yahoo.com=20
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 7:49 AM
Subject: Playing in the Mud
Donald R. Dann
Volume 8 Number 2 =
March 2004
=
=20
CONSERVATION =
ALERT =20
Playing in the Mud/
Can Kids learn About Nature in the Malls?
The environment ranks 28th in importance to Americans among all =
non-economic issues, based on a recent Gallup Poll. Yet the League of =
Conservation Voters reports that 81% of us are "pro-environment", which =
leads us to ask why there is an absence of real conservation =
consciousness with so many Americans. =20
Could the root of the problem be how we are raising our children? For =
most people born before 1950, today's shopping mall was a rare part of =
growing up. We walked to school, to friend's houses, to shops and =
movies. The afternoons were spent with friends playing sports or in =
nearby "empty lots", using our imaginations endlessly. We would look =
for insects or snakes or turtles or just explore nature. The 'outside' =
was a neat place to be and to learn about all sorts of critters, breathe =
fresh air, pick pretty wildflowers (before learning that was not good to =
do), and more. In short, many of us developed a bond with the natural =
world and a commitment to conservation that stems from that period.
In today's world kids grow up in a totally different and regrettably =
'antiseptic' atmosphere. Children are driven just about everywhere. =
After school, they're at home with friends on "play dates". They play =
board games, use electronic toys (including computers) or are riveted to =
TV comedy, cartoons, video games or the like. The sense of 'danger out =
there' that most parents feel precludes their kids' environmental =
explorations.
Will Nixon put it well in describing what children "miss out on in their =
bug period - the years of middle childhood, in which children =
traditionally roamed their local swamps, woods, creeks, and other =
natural places in search of whatever fascinates them ... the freedom and =
rich trove of discoveries afforded by natural places."
How can we give these experiences back to our children so they grow =
with a sense of the awesomeness of nature and its critical place in our =
lives, and yet provide for their safety? Here are some possibilities:=20
a.. Take a child for a wildlife-watching day, bringing binoculars. =
With patience you can see small mammals and birds, turn over a log and =
look for insects, or sweep prairie grasses with a butterfly net to =
examine the critters there.=20
a.. Nature centers in nearby parks, botanic gardens, natural history =
museums, forest preserves, etc., frequently run educational programs and =
field trips in which your family can participate. Volunteers are needed =
for a variety of work, including 'workdays' for restoration, e.g. =
eliminating invasive plants. It's best is to participate in these =
activities as a family and encourage your children and grandchildren to =
learn about our native plants and animals.=20
b.. Plan a nature vacation with children/grandchildren. The National =
Parks, Wildlife Refuges, and Monuments of America are among the world's =
greatest natural treasures. In many, rangers provide interpretive walks =
and lectures, which can be not only educational but also inspiring, =
especially to the youngsters, so they can grow with a sense of the awe =
and wonder of the natural world.=20
The environment will never matter to us as a society unless we learn =
about it and live it as part of our daily lives. Then we will come to =
love it and take care of it. =20
This Newsletter may be excerpted, reproduced or circulated without =
limitation
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<BODY bgColor=3D#ffffff>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Inspired by a recent email I received =
from Donald=20
Dann (below), I've been thinking about ways that we (birders and other =
nature=20
enthusiasts) can engage children from the general public in bird and =
nature=20
related activities. An introduction to and appreciate of nature is =
something that every child deserves, and it would also likely have long =
term=20
benefits for our society's efforts to conserve our natural=20
heritage.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>My experience with the schools of my =
own children,=20
as well as my experiences volunteering my services to other schools, =
park=20
district groups, etc., has left me with the impression that there are =
many=20
educators interested in teaming up with nature enthusiasts =
knowledgable=20
about local birds, insects, herps, plants, etc. (I believe there =
was=20
excess demand for Chicago Audubon's "For the Birds" program, prior to it =
being=20
cut due to funding issues.) </FONT><FONT face=3DArial =
size=3D2>Unfortunately,=20
my experiences have also convinced me that these educators do not =
necessarily=20
know how to find people willing to lend a few hours to a group of kids, =
whether=20
it be for a classroom discussion or a field trip at a local =
park.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>It seems to me that a web site listing =
people=20
willing to volunteer for child oriented nature activities would go a =
long way to=20
helping educators, camp counselors, etc., find people willing to share =
their=20
knowledge and expertise with the next generation of =
conservationists. This=20
web site could list people by location and include their expertise =
and what=20
they are willing to do. It could be advertised to area schools, =
park=20
districts, science clubs, scout groups, etc., and these groups could =
then take=20
it upon themselves to contact the volunteers about partnership=20
opportunities.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><FONT face=3DArial>In addition to having such a web =
site, there=20
are other ways we can help build a future generation of=20
conservationists:</FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><FONT face=3DArial></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2><FONT face=3DArial> - Field trip leaders, =
regardless of=20
sponsoring organizations (COS, IOS, TNC, herp society, butterfly =
monitoring=20
network, dragonfly monitoring network, etc.) can seek out children at =
park=20
districts, schools, where ever, and let the children and their =
parents know=20
that children are most welcome at upcoming excursions. Most such =
field=20
trips these days are targeted at adults, particularly adults who are =
already=20
heavily involved in nature appreciation; the few that target children =
tend to=20
exclude adults. Very rarely do these field trips target families =
from the=20
general public who have never really experienced "nature". Not =
only is it=20
important to expose kids, but sometimes their parents also need to be =
educated=20
to know that the mud won't hurt their kids, most insects won't =
bite,=20
etc.<FONT color=3Dblack><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: =
windowtext"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<P class=3DMsoNormal><FONT face=3DArial color=3Dblack size=3D2><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> - =
Nature=20
enthusiasts can "donate" to school fund-raising auctions a personalized =
field=20
trip for an entire family. It costs a few hours of time, =
the=20
school makes some money, and you get to show a family just how =
beautiful=20
parts of this city really are. </SPAN></FONT><FONT face=3DArial =
color=3Dblack=20
size=3D2><SPAN style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: =
Arial">So far,=20
I've shown dozens of kids their first Northern Cardinal and American =
Goldfinch,=20
despite the fact they've lived here their whole life. I've also =
shown them=20
their first "pill" bug, and have shown them the difference between a =
dragonfly=20
and a damselfly. It doesn't take much expertise to do this, just a =
small=20
amount of time and enthusiasm. Three years after I took a city kid =
out=20
birding, he was extremely excited to run into me and describe the =
goldfinch he=20
saw in his yard. It was clear that no one he knew would appreciate =
it, but=20
the fact that someone would listen to him and share in his joy let =
him know=20
that it was ok to appreciate nature.</SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal><FONT face=3DArial color=3Dblack size=3D2><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">- Birders=20
can</SPAN></FONT><FONT face=3DArial color=3Dblack size=3D2><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> invite =
passers-by to=20
look through their scopes at the loons, buffleheads, =
goldeneyes on the=20
lake, etc. I've done this dozens of times with such simple lines =
as, "Hi,=20
would you like to see something beautiful?". The faces of both =
kids and=20
adults light up when they look through that scope. Snowy owls are=20
particularly effective for this approach.</SPAN></FONT><FONT =
color=3Dblack=20
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: =
windowtext"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>By helping today's children have fun =
with nature,=20
we could be planting seeds that result in a conservation=20
ethic supported by most of tomorrow's adults. When =
that=20
happens, governors won't even consider cutting funding for open space =
and=20
natural areas.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>I'd very much appreciate feedback from =
anyone on=20
these ideas, including whether people have tried things like this in the =
past. Also, I'd appreciate hearing from people who might be =
interested in=20
being part of a list of volunteers willing to help out local school =
groups,=20
etc.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Scott Carpenter</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Hyde Park/Chicago</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2><A=20
href=3D"mailto:scott_carpenter@sbcglobal.net">scott_carpenter@sbcglobal.n=
et</A></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV>
<DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message -----=20
<DIV style=3D"BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B> <A=20
title=3Ddonniebird@yahoo.com href=3D"mailto:donniebird@yahoo.com">Donald =
R. Dann</A>=20
</DIV>
<DIV><B>To:</B> <A title=3Ddonniebird@yahoo.com=20
href=3D"mailto:donniebird@yahoo.com">donniebird@yahoo.com</A> </DIV>
<DIV><B>Sent:</B> Thursday, March 04, 2004 7:49 AM</DIV>
<DIV><B>Subject:</B> Playing in the Mud</DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT><FONT face=3DArial =
size=3D2></FONT><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT><FONT =
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2></FONT><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV class=3DSection1>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"TEXT-ALIGN: center; tab-stops: 402.0pt =
right 494.25pt"=20
align=3Dcenter><SPAN class=3DEmailStyle22><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" =
color=3Dblack=20
size=3D5><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; =
mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'">Donald=20
R. Dann<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"tab-stops: 402.0pt right 494.25pt"><FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">Volume 8=20
Number 2<SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: =
2"> &nbs=
p;  =
; =
&=
nbsp; &n=
bsp; &nb=
sp; &nbs=
p;  =
; =20
</SPAN><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> =20
</SPAN>March 2004</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<H1 style=3D"MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" =
color=3Dblack=20
size=3D2><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> &n=
bsp; &nb=
sp; &nbs=
p;  =
; =
&=
nbsp; =20
</SPAN></SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack size=3D2><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></H1>
<H1 style=3D"MARGIN-LEFT: 0in"><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" =
color=3Dblack=20
size=3D2><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> &n=
bsp; &nb=
sp; &nbs=
p;  =
; =20
</SPAN></SPAN></FONT><B><FONT color=3Dblack size=3D5><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: black; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">CONSERVATION=20
ALERT</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT color=3Dblack size=3D2><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-tab-count: 1"> =
</SPAN></SPAN></FONT><B><FONT=20
color=3Dblack size=3D5><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: black; =
mso-color-alt: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></H1>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"tab-stops: right 362.95pt"><FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack size=3D4><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 14.5pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"></SPAN></FONT><FONT=20
color=3Dblack size=3D4><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 14.5pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<H2><B><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack size=3D5><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Playing in the=20
Mud/</SPAN></SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack><SPAN=20
style=3D"COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: =
windowtext"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></B></H2>
<P class=3DMsoNormal><B><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack =
size=3D5><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 18pt; COLOR: black; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> =20
</SPAN><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> &n=
bsp; </SPAN>Can=20
Kids learn About Nature in the Malls?</SPAN></FONT></B><FONT =
color=3Dblack=20
size=3D4><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 14.5pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack =
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">The=20
environment ranks 28th</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dgreen size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: green; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">=20
</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">in =
importance=20
to Americans among all non‑economic issues, based on a recent =
Gallup Poll. Yet=20
the League of Conservation Voters reports that 81% of us are =
"pro‑environment",=20
which leads us to ask why there is an absence of real conservation =
consciousness=20
with so many Americans.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =20
</SPAN></SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack =
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"></SPAN></FONT><FONT=20
color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack =
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">Could the root=20
of the problem be how we are raising our children? For most people=20
born</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dgreen size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: green; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">=20
</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">before 1950,=20
today's shopping mall was a rare part of growing up.<SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We walked to school, to =
friend's houses,=20
to shops and movies. The afternoons were spent with friends playing =
sports or in=20
nearby "empty lots", using our imaginations endlessly.<SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We would look for insects or =
snakes or=20
turtles or just explore nature. The 'outside' was a neat place to be and =
to=20
learn about all sorts of critters, breathe fresh air, pick pretty =
wildflowers=20
(before learning that was not good to do), and more. In short, many of =
us=20
developed a bond with the natural world and a commitment to conservation =
that=20
stems from that period.</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack =
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"></SPAN></FONT><FONT=20
color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack =
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">In =
today's=20
world kids grow up in a totally different and regrettably 'antiseptic'=20
atmosphere.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Children are =
driven=20
just</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dgreen size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: green; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">=20
</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">about=20
everywhere. After school, they're at home with friends on "play dates". =
They=20
play board games, use electronic toys (including computers) or are =
riveted to TV=20
comedy, cartoons, video games or the like. The sense of 'danger out =
there' that=20
most parents feel precludes their kids' environmental=20
explorations.</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack =
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">Will =
Nixon put=20
it well in describing what children "miss out on in their bug period =96 =
the years=20
of middle childhood, in which children traditionally roamed their local =
swamps,=20
woods, creeks, and other natural places in search of whatever fascinates =
them=20
... the freedom and rich trove of discoveries afforded by natural=20
places.=94</SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal style=3D"tab-stops: 191.7pt right 496.85pt"><FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"> </SPAN></FONT><FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">How =
can we=20
give these experiences back to our children so they grow with a sense of =
the=20
awesomeness of nature and its critical place in our lives, and yet =
provide for=20
their safety? Here are some possibilities:</SPAN></FONT><FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"> </SPAN></FONT><FONT=20
color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<UL style=3D"mso-margin-top-alt: 0in" type=3Ddisc>
<LI class=3DMsoNormal=20
style=3D"tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1"><FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">Take a child=20
for a wildlife-watching day, bringing binoculars.<SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>With patience you can see =
small=20
mammals and birds, turn over a log and look for insects, or sweep =
prairie=20
grasses with a butterfly net to examine the critters =
there.</SPAN></FONT><FONT=20
color=3Dblack><SPAN style=3D"COLOR: black"> </SPAN></FONT><FONT =
color=3Dblack=20
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></LI></UL>
<UL style=3D"mso-margin-top-alt: 0in" type=3Ddisc>
<LI class=3DMsoNormal=20
style=3D"tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">Nature=20
centers in nearby parks, botanic gardens, natural history museums, =
forest=20
preserves, etc., frequently run educational programs and field trips =
in which=20
your family can participate.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> =20
</SPAN>Volunteers are needed for a variety of work, including =
=91workdays=92 for=20
restoration, e.g. eliminating invasive plants.<SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It=92s best is to =
participate in these=20
activities as a family and encourage your children and grandchildren =
to learn=20
about our native plants and animals.</SPAN></FONT><FONT =
color=3Dblack><SPAN=20
style=3D"COLOR: black"> </SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack =
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT>
<LI class=3DMsoNormal=20
style=3D"tab-stops: list .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2"><FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt">Plan a=20
nature vacation with children/grandchildren.<SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The National Parks, Wildlife =
Refuges,=20
and Monuments of America are among the world=92s greatest natural=20
treasures.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In many, =
rangers=20
provide interpretive walks and lectures, which can be not only =
educational but=20
also inspiring, especially to the youngsters, so they can grow with a =
sense of=20
the awe and wonder of the natural world.</SPAN></FONT><FONT =
color=3Dblack><SPAN=20
style=3D"COLOR: black"> </SPAN></FONT><FONT color=3Dblack =
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></LI></UL>
<P class=3DMsoNormal><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack =
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"> </SPAN></FONT><FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">The=20
environment will never matter to us as a society unless we learn about =
it and=20
live it as part of our daily lives.<SPAN style=3D"mso-spacerun: =
yes"> =20
</SPAN>Then we will come to love it and take care of =
it.</SPAN></FONT><FONT=20
color=3Dblack size=3D2><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></SPAN></FONT><FONT =
color=3Dblack=20
size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=3DMsoNormal><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack =
size=3D2><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: black; mso-bidi-font-size: =
10.0pt"> </SPAN></FONT><B><FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman" color=3Dblack size=3D3><SPAN=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 12pt; COLOR: black"><SPAN=20
style=3D"mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">This Newsletter may be excerpted, =
reproduced=20
or circulated without=20
limitation<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SPAN></FONT></B></P></DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </DIV></BODY></HTML>
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