Promoting
Awareness
~ by Jim Eagleman
I
am an habitual optimist. I think it had a lot to do with my mom. She always saw the bright side of things. Whenever I hear of environmental doom and gloom, the rate of weather change, rainforest destruction, and other man-made problems affecting world health, I’ d like to think, we’ re just providing future generations with more challenges. It will be the bright, young thinkers of tomorrow who will face these new and difficult tasks. From what I’ ve observed, I believe they will be up to it.
I can’ t say today’ s universities are producing all the good brains that will work exclusively for the environment. I’ m biased and think“ What other vocation could be so rewarding?” There are many other schools, careers, and disciplines that today’ s technicians and graduates find equally exciting. Certainly a chance for advancement, big salaries, and prestige are factors in making choices. So where does the attraction begin for an aspiring biologist or scientist? What makes them want to work for conservation, awareness, and protection of our natural resources?
Like all good and substantial influences, I believe it begins with family. Teachers and youth leaders can also have an impact. Children grow up with parental / adult values, imitating actions and beliefs of those around them. As parents and adults, we should consider influencing our youth to be one of our most important jobs with tremendous responsibility. How we act with young ones around us is of paramount importance. Care of the environment, stewardship, and awareness can be values we express and pass on.
When I was a kid in school, guest speakers frequently came to our class to talk about their jobs. A county fireman who just returned from fighting a grass fire at a nearby farm was the most impressive.
He stood in front of us with sooty clothes and dirty hands, holding a rake and his cap. Of all the adults who talked to us, he was the one I recall. His message was clear—“ Don’ t play with matches!” A Smokey Bear talk followed. I grew up with a deep respect for fire officials and wildfire.
In college, a professor proclaimed one day,“ Our generation has already screwed up the environment. It’ s up to you guys to fix it!” Students looked dumbfounded and confused. We took it as a last chance statement, a ditch effort to step up and wade through the mayhem. He was disgusted about a chemical spill on a nearby river. That weekend, our university wildlife club took action. We worked with county and state officials to corral and soak up the chemicals with straw and boats. The professor admitted later he didn’ t think we cared. It was my first experience at addressing an environmental problem thought to be too large to handle. The next day, a Margaret Meade quote was on the chalkboard.“ Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
I get discouraged when I hear of giant“ islands” floating in the seas made up of discarded milk jugs, Styrofoam, and medicine bottles, or massive oil spills, mud slides, and other calamities. Then I talk with a young, energetic environmental student scientist who can’ t wait to get to work— encouraged by parents, teachers, and others who saw potential. They might have been inspired by a field trip, a museum visit, a school project, or recycling at home. Some admit their camping family got them started on a life of discovery and wonder. Others say it was a grandparent or scout leader that took them fishing or hunting and lit a spark.
When asked,“ What can I do to foster environmental stewardship in youngsters?” I always reply,“ Get outdoors!” This seems to be the best way to introduce children and adults to the wonders of the natural world. I include adults, for they cannot be good instructors, enthusiastic and encouraging, if they feel inadequate or uncomfortable in outdoor settings. Children of all ages are naturally curious. All we need do is ask questions, show interest, and exhibit a genuine sense of awe.
Each May, local resource educators join the county’ s fourth graders at a facility to teach forestry and conservation practices. This year, as in several past years, we will meet at Waycross Camp. This worthwhile
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58 Our Brown County • May / June 2014