by Blythe Copeland, Great Neck, New York
Sometimes it takes the simple clarity of a child to change the world as we know it.
Among all the social change, political maneuvering, and serious issues facing the environment today, there are plenty of savvy kids taking matters into their own hands: Coming up with plans to save countless gallons of water in their cities, tackling Mcdonalds, fighting to stop mountaintop removal mining, raising money for Gulf Coast relief efforts, and more.
1. Caitlyn Larsen
Ten-year-old Caitlyn Larsen of Orogrande, New Mexico, was just one of the locals who got an uneasy feeling when she saw a new hole, filled with mining equipment, in the side of a mountain — but she was also one of the most vocal.
Caitlyn sent out a press release to draw attention to the environmental devastation that the mining effort would leave in its wake. The release caught the attention of the director of the New Mexico mining and Mineral Division, who checked a little further into the operation and found that the company behind the mine was “less than above the board.”
The company was forced to withdraw and the mountain is still standing. Read the full story
Weeks are filling up fast, so register now! The following weeks are now full and closed to registration.
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June 13-17
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June 27- July 1
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July 18-22
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August 8-12
Camp runs 8:30 am – 4:30 am weekdays based at the Reef Relief Environmental Center, 631 Greene St. & Elizabeth St., Key West 33040
Coral Camp 2011 Registration Brochure
2011 Endangered Species Day Youth Art Contest -
Endangered Species Coalition
The national Endangered Species Day Youth Art contest provides young people with an opportunity to learn about endangered species and express their knowledge and support through artwork. Started in 2006 by the United States Congress, Endangered Species Day recognizes the importance of endangered species and is an occasion to educate the public on how to protect them. The art contest is an integral part of the sixth annual national Endangered Species Day, celebrated on May 20, 2011.
The Endangered Species Day Youth Art Contest is organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Coalition, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art/ University of New Orleans.
Teachers can include the Endangered Species Day Youth Art Contest as a featured activity for Youth Art Month in March 2011.
http://www.stopextinction.org/esd.html
Learning about endangered species
Schools, scout troops and other educational institutions are encouraged to learn about our nation’s wildlife, birds, fish and plants on the brink of extinction. Lesson plans and other educational materials can be found at http://www.stopextinction.org/esd/195-esd-education.html
Coming Soon Coral Camp‘11
Enjoy your Summer, Exploring Coral Reefs & our Amazing Marine Ecology wit Reef Relief.
Learn about reef creatures such as Sharks, Sea Turtles, Dolphins and Fish.
During the summer months Reef Relief offers a unique opportunity for children 6-12 years of age to learn about coastal environments, the basics of ocean ecology, and threats facing the survival of these ecosystems. Coral Camp is an interactive nature-based educational summer camp experience. Camp activities include visits to NOAA’s Nancy Foster Eco-Discovery Center, the Key West Aquarium, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park for snorkel school, Key West Wildlife Center and two days of snorkeling at the reef. Join today and help us carry on our legacy of educating the next generation of ocean lovers.
For more information contact at Reef Relief, 305-294-3100, reefrelief@gmail.com, or P.O. Box 430, Key West, FL 33041, or visit the Reef Relief Environmental Center at 631 Greene St., Key West, FL
