U.S. Joins International Effort to Promote Environmental Journalism to Today’s Youth

September 28 - As the United States host of the international Young Reporters for the Environment program, the National Wildlife Federation has started recruiting public, private and charter middle and high school students in the U.S. to participate in an annual competition that encourages and promotes youth environmental journalism.

The new Young Reporters for the Environment USA (YRE-USA) program is part of a rapidly-growing international network of international youth engaged in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).  It is coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education and currently operates in more than 25 countries.  The United States is one of the more recent countries to join this effort.

Sportsmen Poll: Public Lands Protection Trumps Energy Production

September 25 – A new national poll released today shows sportsmen prioritize protecting public lands above energy production. The poll conducted by Chesapeake Beach Consulting shows threats to America’s conservation heritage are priority issues for sportsmen, on par with gun rights.

“Hunters and anglers tend to be conservative politically, but many are split-ticket and independent voters. What’s clear from this poll is that sportsmen deeply value conservation and believe we have a moral responsibility to confront global warming to protect our children’s future,” said Bob Carpenter, president of Chesapeake Beach Consulting.

“Through shifting political winds, sportsmen have not flinched in their conservation values,” said Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Candidates at all levels should answer this simple question: What’s your plan for protecting our outdoor heritage for our children’s future? These are ethics that sustain America’s wildlife, outdoor economy and healthy families.”

National Wildlife Federation Announce 2012 Hike and Seek Program Changing the Nature of Childhood

September 24 - National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest conservation organization, announces the third annual Hike & Seek™ events. Hike & Seek is a series of fundraising outings that inspire a child’s sense of adventure by combining a nature hike and scavenger hunt. It brings children and adults together for a few hours in the great outdoors for some fresh fall air and fun and provides an opportunity to rediscover nature.

It doesn’t require any advance preparation; interested moms, dads, kids or whole families can sign up at www.hikeandseek.org and then show up ready to spend some family time in nature.

And here are highlights from NWF in the News:

• Washington Examiner: Maybe Michelle could add archery, fishing to Let’s Move?
• Field&Stream: New poll shows most sportsmen are environmentally minded
• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Poll: Sportsmen view conservation as important as gun rights
• Public News Service: Support for Conservation from NC Hunters and Anglers
• Minneapolis Star Tribune: Poll: Hunter, angler concerns include global warming
• E&E News: Conservation tops drilling and mining for sportsmen — poll (subscription required)

For more, visit www.nwf.org/News

Proud Hike and Seekers

Do you need a breath a fresh air? Would 250 smiles make your day? Do you want to break the shackles that tie our children for 7 hours a day to electronic devices and TV ?

That is exactly the dose of medicine that I received by joining over 250 children and parents at the National Wildlife Federation’s first ever Hike & Seek™ event in New Jersey on Saturday, October 15^th. Hike & Seek is a cross between a nature hike and scavenger hunt aimed at bringing family and friends together in the great outdoors for fresh air and fun. Registration fees and fundraising supports NWF’s programs that connect children with nature and safeguard wildlife. NWF partnered with our terrific state affiliation, New Jersey Audubon, and held the event at their terrific Scherman-Hoffman Sanctuary.

Not yet convinced? Watch this video. Jennifer Barnes, mother of two adorable children from New Brunswick, is NWF’s best spokesperson ever:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The kids really loved the NWF “Map & Mission Guidebooks” that included a nature scavenger check list of critters and plants they may spot on their hike and seek adventure. The kids really were super motivated to check off “worms,” maple leaves, and evergreen trees.

This is what it is all about! Smiles and worms.

Smiles & snakes: Perfect together

My fun started when I found a small salamander that I got to show all the hikers. Some children love to have it walk in their hands, others like to touch it and a few were just excited to have seen it and check it off their list.

Along the trail, the “Stop & Study Stations” that NWF and NJ Audubon set up along the trail were a big hit. Kids and parents learned more about wildlife, plants and the great outdoors from volunteer naturalists. The kids got to collect stamps and stickers from each station.

At “Base Camp,” the kids were treated with Rizzo’s Wildlife Discovery who brought a great collection of snakes, turtles and other animals that the kids could touch and learn from.

Can't go wrong with Ranger Rick!

Salamanders are fascinating

More photos of this spectacular event can be found here!

We greatly appreciate the support of our national presenting sponsor: Johnson & Johnson who provided much needed product samples including Band-Aids and Johnson’s Natural products among others.  As well as our national sponsor Keen, providing lots of fun prizes to raffle as part of the Recess pledge, and local sponsor REI entertained the kids with their outdoor education specialists.  Also, several companies donated refreshments for the participants including Starbucks, Kings and Whole Foods.

Live in Washington D.C. area? It’s not too late to register for the Hike & Seek event on Oct. 22 in Seneca Creek State Park.

Photos by Curtis Fisher

Click here to view the embedded video.

Look at the kids’ faces in that video. That’s all the reason you need. Register today! Here are the details:

Hike & Seek: The Gist

Ranger Rick sends some hikers on their way at the 2010 Chicago Hike & Seek.

What: A cross between a scavenger hunt and a hike, Hike & Seek gives kids and adults a fun morning in the great outdoors, where they can learn about local wildlife from on-site naturalists, see wildlife displays, and more!

Where & When: Atlanta and New Jersey on October 15. Washington D.C. on October 22.

Bonus: You’ll have the opportunity to raise awareness about the health impact of an indoor childhood and raise funds for vital NWF programs that help get kids back outside.

REGISTER TODAY!

This event is the perfect opportunity for families who have never been camping before to experience the joys of being outside- and this year did not disappoint. Campers learned an array of skills from how to put up a tent and what equipment is necessary when camping outside, to different outdoor activities and cooking on a campfire.

NWF Pacific Regional Staff, partnered with REI and KOA, to host 6 different Great American Backyard Campout locations.  Here are some highlights from each event:

On a sunny day at Redmond’s Farrel-McWhirter park, 65 family campers came together to play, walk trails, BBQ, and visit the farm animals on site.  Kids colored animal masks at the NWF table and ran around chasing each other making animals noises. After dinner the s’more making began, everyone lined up with their sticks waiting for a turn to roast their marshmallows. Families appreciated the opportunity to borrow REI equipment to take their kids camping in a calm and safe environment.

The beach-side event at Silver Lake Park in Mill Creek was a sellout with 141 campers. Activities included classes on Dutch oven cooking, Leave No Trace Behind, and camping safety, as well as night sky viewing through telescopes, pancake breakfast, and canoe and kayaking opportunities. At an NWF table campers were introduced to NWF’s Nature Find website and were excited to learn about more opportunities for hiking and camping in their area. Many families expressed making the Great American Backyard Campout a yearly tradition.

Outside of the Tacoma REI store almost 400 people stopped by activity stations.   NWF helped kids create animal masks, and shared Frisbees and NWF magazines while REI did Leave No Trace and camp food demonstrations. Also, the Tacoma Metro Park and the Natural Resources Youth Camp had tables with activities.

Over  100 families and volunteers participated at three different parks around the Spokane Valley. The NWF Frisbees were a real hit and started flying that afternoon until the campfire beckoned them over to roast marshmallows for s’mores.   The Great American Backyard Campout was a delight for all, and when one young girl who had a strong dislike to bugs exclaimed “Bugs aren’t so bad because nature is where they live and do good!” everyone smiled and sighed with joy knowing that this experience had made a real difference.

Didn’t get to make it to the Campout this year? Don’t worry Hike and Seek is coming up! This event will be held on September 17 in Seward Park, Seattle and is basically a cross between a 2 mile hike and scavenger hunt.

Our first Hike & Seek helped connect families with nature with an NWF hosted event.

As a stereotypical type A, I’ve been reflecting on 2010.  Why wait till New Year’s?

I am thankful for NWF supporters who have played an important role in helping NWF protect wildlife for our children’s future.   I am proud that through participation in NWF education programs and through reading NWF’s Ranger Rick and Your Big Backyard magazines my daughters have learned that regardless of age, we all have the ability to make a difference for wildlife and nature. I am very fortunate to be part of a team leading the way on many important wildlife victories.

NWF is comprised of people who care.  People who donate their time and money to make a difference.  I have met many amazing individuals as I traveled the country this year including:

• Grace, an articulate 10 year old who rallied her Virginia community;
• Rosina, a soft spoken but unwavering mother and community leader in New Orleans;
• Ben, a new dad and organizer hoping to pass along his sportsman traditions; and
• Doug, a retired timber executive in Seattle turned avid birder and naturalist.

In 2010, we expanded our commitment to connecting kids with nature by hosting Hike & Seek events across the country. Two young girls thanked me as they were leaving Hike & Seek in Maryland.  They said, “Today was the bestest day ever.”  We also expanded Great American Backyard Campout to include more families, scouting troops and communities camping out in backyards and campgrounds across the country.

Along with successes in 2010 we experienced what may be the worst environmental disaster of the decade – the massive Gulf Oil Disaster.  However, even through the darkest days of the disaster, we were buoyed by the passion of National Wildlife Federation supporters.  Thanks to the generosity of so many, just days after the rig exploded spilling thousands of gallons of oil, NWF  deployed teams to the gulf, assessing and interpreting the disaster, helping reporters see and understand the devastating impact on the marshes, aquatic species and birds.  When others were merely watching oil spewing into the Gulf, NWF was taking bold steps to raise awareness, to protect human health, wildlife, and fragile habitat.  NWF took a leadership role in providing timely information that equipped educators and parents to talk with children and teens in age and developmentally appropriate ways. Our commitment to coastal Louisiana continues through our partnerships with state and local groups working towards long term habitat restoration efforts.

Being type A isn’t all bad.

Instead of waiting until January to make a New Year’s resolution, act now. Join me and take a stand for nature and wildlife and make a tax deductible contribution before December 31^st.

My Double Rainbow Halloween costume

A few days ago I blogged about my recycled Halloween costumes from past years. And at the end, I said I would reveal my 2010 costume after the National Wildlife Federation’s Halloween party. Well, here it is!

*drum roll*

A Double Rainbow!

About half the people who saw me thought, “Oh how nice, a rainbow, or two, I’m not sure, that’s a bit confusing.” 

The other half broke out laughing because they were familiar with the YouTube video that went super-popular earlier this year.

You might be wondering, “What does it mean?”

What is the Double Rainbow video?

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Double Rainbow video shows a person who is completely amazed when he sees two full rainbows in the sky. He video-taped the rainbows and his very exuberant reaction. As a person who is prone to extreme shows of excitement, I really loved this video.

People around the world reacted to this video with huge amounts of creativity. They composed songs and incorporated it into comedy acts. They video-taped their children acting out the scene, because in a way, kids get exactly how this person was feeling.

For some reason, watching this video makes us want to laugh and tell others about it. Who knows why? But it is a human reaction that I have seen replayed over and over – and at least 18 million people have experienced some version of it online.

I chose to dress up as the Double Rainbow because I was so impressed by how one person’s video could kick off so much creativity.

Unfortunately, now my children run around yelling “What does it mean?” and other choice quotes from the video.

How did I make this year’s costume?

It’s a very large cardboard box, folded almost in half to create a space for the arm straps. Those are made from orange cotton. The box was painted, mostly by my husband.

Glued on the box are lots of plastic caps. At the National Wildlife Federation’s staff recycling center, we gather plastic caps from bottles for Aveda’s Recycle Caps program. I felt the caps added ”zing” to the costume. They are glued on with a hot glue gun.

A small speaker system hanging from my neck played a variety of double rainbow songs. The speaker system glowed with rainbow lights.

This costume won the award in the recycling category of our Halloween contest.

Halloween costumes at National Wildlife Federation

How did other people dress up?

Seamus won the “traditonal” costume category. Seamus is the pet pug of Em Gaziano. He was a banana split. I’m so sorry I did not get a photo of him! I’ll ask Em for one.

Aislinn Maestas won the “work-related” costume category by dressing up as a lion with a big moustache. She portrayed Jim Lyon, our Vice President of Conservation Policy.

In our team costume category, the prize went to a group that dressed up as our Hike and Seek program.

Great representation from lots of people who contribute to our web presence and blog!

So enjoy your Halloween and here’s a thought: ”May I never miss a sunset or a rainbow because I am looking down.” — Sara June Parker

The volunteer’s name was Marianne and she handed my four-year-old son a magnifying glass. He examined a tulip poplar seed from all angles before picking it apart down to a nub. She showed my seven-year-old daughter how a white pine tree grows its needles in groups of five, and we could remember that because the word “white” had five letters. We stood there in the woods, listening to the trees creak, and this lovely volunteer jumping from one nature fact to another, like the squirrels jumping through the branches.

Such was our experience of Hike and Seek, National Wildlife Federation’s new program to connect people and nature.

My kids were surprisingly good at matching recorded bird songs and photos. I got the mallard and Canada goose mixed up – but my daughter knew the answer right away. The volunteers at that station got a kick out of my son who would not take his hood down for fear of being hit in the head by an acorn-toting squirrel. What a “nature boy” – or not!

The volunteers had just found a skull on the ground near their station, so we all brainstormed together what type of animal it could be. Can anyone identify it? We were guessing a carnivore because of the sharp tooth in the front. It’s bigger than a squirrel – maybe a fox?

My kids loved the “fishing” activity. They carefully maneuvered their magnetic fishing rods to pick up wildlife photos. The photos had a paper clip on each one so the magnets would work. They fished the whole “pond” until it was empty and thanks to Luisa the volunteer who managed to keep them entertained for a full 15 minutes, including detangling their fishing lines and coaching them on their fishing accuracy.

It had rained the whole week before, and it rained again after, but that morning was a crisp autumn morning. We were impressed by the good volunteers who came out and made it special for our family and many others.

Thanks to the volunteers!

Find out more and register for the Seattle Hike & Seek on October 16 >>

Check out our family video of the experience:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ranger Rick sends some hikers on their way at the Chicago Hike & Seek.

Friday, October 1, couldn’t have been any nicer. The weather was picture perfect and Chicago seemed to be enjoying the beginning of a beautiful fall weekend.

After receiving the much-anticipated Chicago Parks permit via fax at my hotel, we drove over to Lincoln Park to begin the set up of Hike & Seek. I’ve been waiting months for this day to come! Tents went up, the generator was working, tables, chairs delivered and a sound system. All that was left to do was wake up Saturday morning to receive all the families arriving from all over the Chicago area and provide a life-changing experience in nature for the kids! Even Ranger Rick was coming!

The first thing I did when I woke up at 4 a.m. (typical for event day) was look out the window to check out the weather. It wasn’t good. I could see driving rain in the street lights.

No worries, it’ll blow over by start time at 9 a.m., I thought to myself. The kids will be alright. Well, we got to Lincoln Park and the wind coming off that lake, not to mention the waves, was overwhelming! So I relieved the security guard, checked over the tents and saw that the registration tent was not looking good and listing starboard. One of the stakes had come loose from the wet, muddy ground. The wind was whipping around so furiously that I had to call for help from the rental crew and get them out there ASAP to fix it. I didn’t want to chance the entire tent coming down around not only the volunteers, but the participants (I was still optimistic that the weather would clear up at this point).

The first to arrive was Elliott from REI, in foul-weather gear, riding a bicycle hauling all his tents and equipment in a cart behind him. This gave me hope and I wanted his coat. Then my cousin, Laura, arrived with coffee and she was a welcome sight. More volunteers began trickling in around 7:30 and we got registration and the children’s activities set up just in case we were able to pull this off notwithstanding the squalls coming in off Lake Michigan! 8:00 rolled by, 8:30, 8:45, and still no families of hikers. The start time was 9:00 and I looked at my watch every minute at that point.

It was now 8:50 and I thought I could see in the distance a family, yes, a family! These hearty souls were headed our way, complete with a little one in a stroller. I could have hugged them. Registration was ready to greet them with their Map & Mission Guidebooks, Bob the Owl was waiting to show off his stuff, staff from Aveda painted their faces, and we could officially announce to the waiting volunteers on the trail at the Stop & Study Stations we had a hike going on and a family was on the way. Ranger Rick was ready and in place at the start of the trail and off they went.

Before I knew it, families were trickling in over the next hour or so and they certainly were decked out for the weather and a morning full of adventure. I should have never doubted the Chicagoans and never will again…they made Ranger Rick so very happy. Not to mention they were part of an exciting new event for National Wildlife Federation!

For more photos, check out the Hike & Seek Flickr Group >>

Sign up for our Seattle Hike & Seek October 16

We’ll be in Seattle’s Seward Park on October 16th at 9 a.m. for more outdoor fun.

Register today! >>

Hikers Begin!

Families were warmly greeted by Ranger Rick and ushered to the registration area at base camp. By start time at 9 a.m. the kids anxiously awaited the go-ahead to begin their outdoor adventure. Armed with trail maps and nature guides we were off!

Shortly after crossing a bridge at the bottom of the hill, and checking for trolls, the kids made it to the first Stop and Study Station, where they learned all about trees and how to identify trees by their leaves. Stencils of various types of leaves and crayons gave kids the opportunity to create a colorful picture for the frig.

Then it was up a small hill but it didn’t seem to slow these enthusiastic nature hunters down. By now some of the babies in backpacks were settling in for their morning nap, rocked gently by mom or dad’s gentle footsteps over the trail.

Listening for Wildlife

“I think I just heard an owl” cried one girl, but as we rounded the corner we spotted the next Stop and Study station playing a recording of bird calls for the kids to match up with colorful pictures of local birds. The naturalist at the station reminded the kids that often we can’t see birds high in the branches but we can identify them by their call. So being quiet in the forest and listening can tell you a lot about the featured friends watching over you as you hike along.

As the kids wondered if we might see any lions or tigers or bears, a chipmunk scurried across the trail to excited screams and a conversation among the children focused on where he might be going. They all agreed he was probably looking for food and how he wouldn’t be disappointed in this beautiful park full of seeds and nuts and acorns.

Learning About Animal Tracks

The Animal Tracks Stop and Study station had the kids guessing what animals made which tracks drawn on large pieces of paper. The clues were really helpful and the naturalist as this station said you often won’t see an animal but can identify it by the tracks it makes in the dirt or mud.

The first clue with one track said it had a bushy tail and we all thought it must be a squirrel track, but after a few more clues we knew the answer was a red fox. I shared a story of how there is a family of red foxes living in a big forsythia hedge at the edge of my property. Every spring the mother fox brings her new kits out onto our lawn to give them a sun bath which they love.

Where Wildlife Meets Water

At this point on the trail we could see a shimmering blue lake ahead on the trail beckoning us to the Water Stop and Study Station. Here the kids learned how much water it takes to keep different species of wildlife alive and what a precious natural resource water is. While the kids fished for photographs of different aquatic wildlife, they talked to the fisherman throwing their lines into the lake from the shore. “Can you catch any sharks in this lake?” one little boy was heard asking. “Just some blue gills” was the reply.

Definitely a Dinosaur Bone…

The sun is now getting hot and everyone is shedding their jackets and sweatshirts as we head toward the home stretch. All of a sudden I heard a commotion ahead on the trail and found a group of kids hovering around a boy who found a bone on the trail. He was convinced it was a dinosaur bone, buried for millions of years, but the other children said it was more likely a rabbit bone, or maybe a chicken bone that fell out of someone’s lunch bag!

Nuts, Berries–or Children?

The last Stop and Study Station was just up ahead where the children learned all about what wildlife eats. They were happy to learn that almost no wildlife is interested in eating little children but would rather choose from the natural gourmet treats available throughout the park’s wooded areas.

Hiking to the Finish

We’re almost back to base camp where rumors of snacks and drinks being offered are spurring everyone on to the finish line. But the snacks played second fiddle to the amazing range of wildlife displays awaiting the kids at base camp.

Nothing like being up close and personal with a coral snake or baby alligator. The kids were entranced by the raptors provided by the Virginia Raptor Society; a screech owl, peregrine falcon, and an eagle. All the children agreed it would be very cool to have the x-ray vision these guys do at amazing distances.

The joy of seeing children discover nature’s gifts made this a very special day. And the fun of seeing families connecting with each other along the way made it an even happier occasion. Hike and seek and you will learn, laugh, and love being in the great outdoors!

Hike & Seek in Seattle October 16

National Wildlife Federation will be in Seattle’s Seward Park on October 16, 2010 for one last Hike & Seek event of the year.

Find out more and register today for the Seattle Hike & Seek>>

By Mary Burnette

It’s hard to believe 3 months have passed since the day I spent on a flat bottom boat, under the raging Gulf sun, surrounded by oil, meandering through the Gulf coast marsh with Rosina and her 8 year-old nephew. Back home in Maryland, where my routine varies with each sunrise, I find myself in awe of Rosina and her tribe, who’s daily routines have remained remarkably unaltered for generations (at least until the oil spill hit, threatening their culture and way of life). My time in and around Louisiana changed me. It sneaks up on me in unexpected ways.

At back-to-school night at my daughter’s middle school, the science teacher spent considerable time talking about the Outdoor Education program for the 6th graders.

Under the program, students get to:

• spend 3 days learning about the Chesapeake Bay watershed
• hike through the woods,
• collect water samples in the creek,
• sleep in bunks
• prepare their own meals

I don’t know who was more excited about the program – me or

my daughter. Yet, as I looked around the room, I noticed many did not share our level of excitement. This is likely due the fact that for this group of more than 100 pre-teens, the nature of their childhood doesn’t have much nature in it and sadly, they reflect the national norm.

Realizing this, I am even more amazed at the kids in Rosina’s tribe. Unlike my daughter’s classmates,  they don’t need a 3 day outing to introduce them to nature. Not only do these kids know their native trees, local birds and critters but they know them in the way you know a best friend.  You know more than their name or color of their hair. You know their favorite food and when something is wrong.

This Saturday my family and I will participate in Hike & Seek.  As I encourage my friends and family
to join us, I do so not only with the knowledge that it will be a fun outdoor experience but also with the importance that kids need to know their local trees and native wildlife so that as they grow, so too will their relationship with and desire to protect the significance and natural beauty of their place, the Chesapeake Bay.