Na'Taki (Photo by Bryan Meltz)

This was big news in its own right, but it has added importance for NWF. Our very own Na’Taki Osborne Jelks was appointed to the 21CSC Advisory Committee.  Congratulations Na’Taki!!!

Na’Taki is NWF’s Manager for Education and Advocacy Programs in the Southeast Region, based in Atlanta, GA.  She works with individuals and community organizations to restore the communities in which they live, work, play, worship and learn through NWF’s youth environmental education and leadership development program for teens of color, Earth Tomorrow, and many adult civic engagement and advocacy initiatives.

In addition to her role at NWF, Na’Taki is a part-time lecturer in the Environmental Science and Studies Program at Spelman College and is Chair of the Board of the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA), an organization committed to ensuring environmental justice in Southwest and Northwest Atlanta’s African American neighborhoods.  She’s been honored by a wide range of groups–from the Georgia House of Representatives to Turner Broadcasting Services (TBS).  Na’Taki is an alumna of Spelman College.  She earned her Master’s of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health from Emory University and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Environmental Public Health at Georgia State University.

Here’s what Interior Secretary Ken Salazar had to say about 21CSC:

“The 21st Century Conservation Service Corps will be a way for our nation’s young people to work on conservation initiatives that drive America’s economy and to find new ways to connect to their communities and build their careers. The conservation-service movement is steeped in rich history dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. I am confident that this committee of dedicated individuals with vast experience in conservation and outdoor recreation will help shape a sustainable structure to train and employ the next generation of conservationists.”

(Read the full press release here.)

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!

The Southeast Regional Center of the National Wildlife Federation, community partners, graduates, and current participants of the Atlanta Earth Tomorrow® (ET) Program kicked off the countdown to the ten year anniversary of the program at its recent 10^th Annual Earth Tomorrow® Summer Institute at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

(photo by Na'Taki Osborne Jelks)

As in past years, the Summer Institute was action-packed and included team building exercises; leadership training; interactions with dynamic community leaders rooted in the environmental justice movement at the local and national levels; environmental service learning projects; “pioneer” camping and other outdoor experiences like fishing and canoeing; an environmental college and career fair; and opportunities to make lifelong connections with current and emerging environmental leaders.

This year was extra special with the introduction of an entire day dedicated to local food security and sustainability—making the Institute a seven day, six night experience; a first for the program.

I left this year’s Summer Institute feeling rejuvenated and motivated to step up and do more to protect our environment. The Institute always gives me a boost because of all of the new things I learn, and because the enthusiasm of the student leaders is intoxicating! Each year that Atlanta teens come to the Institute, they leave as better leaders who more educated about their local ecosystem and excited to share their experience with others. Over the course of ten years, the Earth Tomorrow® Program has produced over 1,500 environmental leaders who have been directly impacted by the program.

(photo by Na'Taki Osborne Jelks)

As a graduate of the program, and now as the Earth Tomorrow® Program Assistant, ET has a special place in my heart.  I’ve have always had a unique and comfortable relationship with nature, but it wasn’t until I discovered the Earth Tomorrow® Club, at Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Georgia, that I understood that I need to protect this beautiful, extraordinary earth that we have taken for granted. Being with people who had similar connections to the environment and a sponsor who was passionate about educating

a new crop of environmental leaders was awesome. I have never felt more “at home” or that I could accomplish so much than I have in the midst of my peers in Earth Tomorrow® meetings as a high school student, during the Earth Tomorrow® Summer Institute, and finally as a ET graduate who has been fortunate enough to give back to the program as both a volunteer and staff member.

Earth Tomorrow® has impacted me in so many ways that it would be impossible to describe it all in detail. I am more informed and more aware of the challenges that face our earth and our communities, and I feel armed with the skills and tools I need to help be a part of the solution.

Because of Earth Tomorrow® I don’t want my little brother, my children, or their children to live in a world where they can’t enjoy the outdoors. I’m concerned about them living in cities because of the negative impacts that pollution and climate change can bring to both wildlife and human communities. I don’t want them to not know what a polar bear is because they are all extinct.

(photo by Na'Taki Osborne Jelks)

I want my generation and all of those following mine to enjoy the enormous beauty and opportunities that the natural world has given to my mother’s, father’s, and grandmother’s generations. We deserve it, and the generation after us deserves it more because they are unknowingly being born into a world that has so many challenges.

Earth Tomorrow® provides an opportunity for youth to create and implement solutions to these and other issues in their communities. A group of students can impact their community, and once the neighboring communities start catching on, there is a domino effect that can captivate the state, the entire United States, and the even world.

But, it has to start somewhere. I am living proof that Earth Tomorrow® is that start for so many youth in the Atlanta area. From my own experience, I know that ET can create a new breed of powerful, informed conservation leaders who will indeed change and save the world! I’m honored to be one in the number.

Click here to see a video from Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters about  the Atlanta Earth Tomorrow Program.

Until a couple of weekends ago, I had never seen so many dedicated, multi-faceted, and inspirational people in one room in my life! The energy for the whole weekend at Clark Atlanta University for the first-ever Outdoor Nation Southeast Regional Summit in Atlanta was electric, and it remained at an amazing high for the entire event!

Outdoor Nation was founded by a group of “Outsiders” who have a passion for the outdoors that they use to fuel and inspire others, especially youth and young adults between the ages of 18-26, to care about and engage with America’s “Great Outdoors.” This summer they have been hosting summits all across America, awarding grant funds to youth to implement awesome outdoor projects, leading outdoor fun days for youth attending the summits, and working to connect with youth in an effort to create a new “outdoor culture” that is fun, meaningful, and impactful for all despite geographic location, race and ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

Photo by Jessica Rios

These Outdoor Nation Summits are being hosted by the Outdoor Foundation, in partnership with The North Face, the Conservation Fund, the REI Foundation and tons of other groups interested in getting youth outside. The way this group sees it, the world would be a better place if everyone spent less time inside and more time outdoors. One community at a time, they are inspiring a revolution to make that happen.

I attended the Outdoor Nation with a group of fellow graduates from the National Wildlife Federation’s Atlanta Earth Tomorrow Program. From the beginning of this three-day experience, we were all committed to finding solutions to help get more youth outside. We all had different experiences, customs, and backgrounds, but wanting to find a solution to this nationwide epidemic gave us common ground, and kept us engaged and hopeful that we can make a difference. A large portion of our dialogue was focused on overcoming barriers to getting people of color more involved in the outdoors as well as past experiences and success stories about our involvement in conservation and environmental groups. Later that night we were introduced to the New Wilderness Project, an awesome performance that used poetry and music to share experiences about the great outdoors.

A key part of the summit was the Summer Fun Day held at Sweetwater Creek State Park, which is 20 minutes outside of the city of Atlanta. There we participated in rock climbing, kayaking, paddle boating, hiking, swimming, pitching a tent, and a sleeping bag “stuffing” contest.  Our “fun in the sun” proved to be a great motivation to identify ways to ensure that all youth can experience fun days at their state parks and other local outdoor spaces all year round.

Photo by Melissa Vega

We topped off our day with a good old fashioned hay ride to a nearby campfire where we listened to some of Outdoor Nation’s sponsors from The North Face who shared their amazing journeys in the outdoors which included trips to Belize and climbing Mount Everest. With each outdoor experience shared, the speakers told us how those experiences inspired them to get involved with conservation and advocacy efforts to protect our environment. Their stories resonated with each of us and showed us that there is not one path or experience that can lead you to an appreciation for the outdoors and nature; the journey is as diverse and multi-faceted as we all are.

As the Summit closed we were sent forth to do great things in our own communities! Everyone left pumped and ready to tackle the issues and barriers discussed so that we can implement solutions in our respective states to get more youth outdoors! The Southeast Outdoor Nation Regional Summit was a blast—I left with new friends, new interests, new activities to try, and new strategies to GTFO (Get the Fun Outside) for youth!

Spanish moss cloaks a live oak tree— a familiar site in the lowcountry. (Photo Credit: Roxanne Turpen)

South Carolina may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about conservation, but the stakes are huge in the Palmetto State: experts believe the Southeast will be hardest hit by the climate-driven extreme weather events expected over the next two decades.

Extreme weather is part of being a Southerner — I remember evacuating Charleston several times during hurricane season over the course of my childhood. However, the past few years have brought new meaning to our concept of extreme weather.

This spring we saw the deadliest and most destructive tornado season ever recorded. At this very moment, Floridians are fighting some of the largest wildfires they have known—just yesterday the governor announced a state of emergency as 310 active fires blaze through the state. Meanwhile, a deepening drought plagues Texas and other southern states, as it has for 8 of the past 12 years.

Thankfully, today’s announcement from former Representative Bob Inglis (R-SC) may be the start of a new direction for my home state and region in terms of addressing global warming.  This fall, he will launch a national conservative coalition made up of fellow Republicans who recognize that human emissions are the leading contributor to global warming and that we should be taking steps to stop it.

“Conservatives typically are people who try to be cognizant of risk and move to minimize risk. To be told of risk and to consciously decide to disregard it seems to be the opposite of conservative. What I hope to do is be a part of an effort that calls conservatives to return to conservatism and to turn away from the populist rejection of science,” Inglis said.

Adam Kolton, executive director of the National Wildlife Federation’s National Advocacy Center, weighed in.

“Former Congressman Inglis’ effort is refreshing. The fact is that there are millions of conservation-minded Republicans who believe in good science and most importantly who believe in doing what’s right for the next generation – for their kids and grandkids. There is a silent majority in the Republican Party who favor a safer, cleaner, more secure energy future based on sound science. We hope this new effort will be a start at making their voices heard.”

Already several congressmen have voiced their interest in joining and shaping a strong coalition to confront global warming, and for good reason: Inglis pointed out that any further delay of action on climate change will only hurt the United States’ chance of leading the global green economy. “We may just press the pause button for the next few years, but China is pressing the fast forward button,” he said.

It’s been said that the pace of the South is slow, but there’s no time to spare to confront climate change and embrace a clean energy future. Bob Inglis’ latest effort to advance conservative values and a conservation ethic has inspired this South Carolinian to look forward to better days ahead.

Earth Tomorrow Student Leaders with GA Governor Nathan Deal

While at the Capitol, the teen leaders attended an environmental policy workshop conducted by Atlanta-based NWF Fair Climate Leaders Imran Battla and James King to learn about the most urgent environmental and public health issues currently being debated in the Georgia Legislature. Then, the young leaders brushed up on their communications skills as they prepared to meet with Georgia Governor, Nathan Deal and legislators from their home and school districts about their most pressing environmental, public health, and education concerns.

The Earth Tomorrow leaders posed many tough questions to their legislators about alternative energy, the licensing of new nuclear and biomass plants in Georgia, the need for funding of the GA Solid Waste Trust Fund, water conservation, and the HOPE Scholarship. In addition to asking questions about the legislators’ viewpoints on these issues, the teen leaders challenged their lawmakers to act on solutions that will not only protect and improve our environment, but the health and welfare of all Georgians.

The Earth Tomorrow Day at the State Capitol and Georgia Legislative Field Study affords teen leaders the opportunity to interact with their elected officials and become more acquainted with the legislative process. The field experience also provides a forum for the students to voice their concerns about state and local environmental and public health issues and propose possible solutions to address those challenges.

Earth Tomorrow student leaders talk to State Representative Horacena Tate about lack of enforcement of illegal dumping laws in northwest Atlanta neighborhoods.

Earth Tomorrow leaders left the state capitol hopeful and inspired because they were able to realize a forum through which they can raise their voice even before they are of voting age. In the words of one participant, “This was a great experience because we got a chance to speak to our legislators about things that we care about, and they listened. I realize now that the youth of today have the power to make our voices heard and make a difference for our environment and our communities.”

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The Atlanta Earth Tomorrow Program is a high school and community club-based program that creates opportunities for teens (ages 14-18) to become environmental stewards through a year-long cycle of leadership training, issues exploration, civic engagement, career development, community outreach and education, and student-led community action projects.  NWF works with select high schools in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, but is expanding the Earth Tomorrow Program to additional schools. For more information about the program or getting one started in your neighborhood school, please contact the program manager, Na’Taki Osborne Jelks at Osborne@nwf.org or 404-876-8733.

Amadou Diop, pictured in the yellow shirt, speaks with rural landowners about opportunities around integrating longleaf pine restoration into their farming practices. (Photo credit: Flickr BrianLucy)

African-American landowners still control a significant portion of the land in the southeast (more than in any other part of the US), but most of them have not yet been able to fully benefit from their land-based assets. Minority and other underserved rural landowners typically lack the knowledge to manage their forests and market the full value of products and services that derive from them. This is in part due to their limited awareness and access to available public and private resources.

The field day addressed these challenges by informing landowners about opportunities, programs and services around longleaf pine restoration and by connecting them with the resource providers. For many participants, this was the first time they heard about longleaf pine and the available cost-share programs for restoration through Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency.

The church meeting room was filled with over a hundred landowners from three states. Jakin is at the apex of where southwest GA, southeast AL and the FLA Panhandle come together. It is also just a few miles from the Apalachicola River, one of the most biologically diverse river systems in the U.S. with headwaters above Atlanta. 

Our event provided a mix of presentations on longleaf pine restoration, Farm bill programs, and carbon markets, as well as a sumptuous southern homestyle lunch, and outdoor time looking at new longleaf stands and the integration of grass-fed beef rotational grazing systems and pine straw harvesting.

Landowners from Florida, Alabama, and Georgia gathered to learn about longleaf pine systems, which are naturally more resilient to climate extremes than other southern pine species due to their ability to withstand severe windstorms, resist pests, tolerate wildfires and drought, and capture carbon pollution from the atmosphere. (Photo credit: Flickr BrianLucy)

Longleaf pine has a storied history in the development of the South. As the dominant native pine of the region, its high-quality wood was used in both residential and commercial structures, including homes across the country and U.S. naval ships. Longleaf forests also provided a variety of other economic products including turpentine, pine straw, and recreational hunting habitat. Unfortunately, overcutting and replacement by short-rotation pine species or agricultural crops has greatly diminished the extent of longleaf pine. It once covered more than 90 million acres across eight states along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, but now is found on less than 3 percent of its historic range.

This loss has had huge impacts on the region’s wildlife as many unique species of plants, insects, birds, amphibians and reptiles are associated with healthy longleaf pine ecosystems. A serious investment in longleaf pine restoration will both protect native biodiversity and help the South better prepare for global warming while increasing climate resiliency in underserved communities.

NWF’s Executive Committee held their annual winter meeting on Jan. 29 at the Southeast Regional Center in Atlanta.  The Jan. 28-30 weekend event was hosted by the Southeast Regional Center staff, lead by Regional Executive Director John Hammond.

A Friday evening reception was held at John Hammond’s home to welcome Executive Committee members, Larry Schweiger, Jaime Matyas, new General Counsel Barbara McIntosh and others.  

Executive Committee Chair Craig Thompson of Rock Springs, WY opened the meeting that included a review of the previous meeting’s minutes, a report on the 2012 Connie Award, the President’s Report and a COO Update.

Following the meeting, the group toured the Georgia Wildlife Federation’s offices and grounds in nearby Covington.  Host at NWF’s Georgia Affiliate was GWF Executive Director Jerry McCullom.

(Image: Evening reception in full swing welcoming the Executive Committee weekend)

Air pollution from smoke stacks

The National Wildlife Federation was one of several groups testifing yesterday in support of the Environmental Protection Agency taking reasonable action to reduce carbon pollution.

The “listening session” is one of several being held around the nation to gather input as the EPA prepares to rein in carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and petroleum refineries under the Clean Air Act.

Yesterday’s session focused on input from environmental and environmental justice organizations, but the EPA plans on holding three more of these sessions:

• February 17th (Chicago, IL) – State and Tribal Representatives
• February 23rd (Washington, DC) – Coalition Group Representatives
• March 4th (Washington, DC) – Petroleum Refinery Industry Representatives

John Hammond, NWF’s Southeast Regional Executive Director based in Atlanta, said the following:

“Today’s listening session occurs in the midst of a congressional sneak attack on the environment through a budget bill.  Polluters are trying to use the deficit to mount a reckless and irresponsible attack on the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act that endangers the air we breathe, the water we drink and the wildlife and lands we cherish.

We must reject the notion that our kids must breathe polluted air, drink toxic water, or eat contaminated fish in order for our economy to prosper.

Carbon dioxide poses serious threats to Americans’ health, our economy, our wildlife, and our future, yet there are currently no limits on the amount of carbon pollution.

A recent study by the EPA found that heat-related deaths nationwide could jump by 3,500 to 27,000 by midcentury if carbon pollution is not reined in. Asthmatics and others with existing cardiovascular disease are especially at risk. Just last month, the federal government reported an uptick in asthma rates across the nation.  Asthma rates are higher for women and communities of color, especially African Americans and Puerto Ricans. With climate change heating our air, urban areas in the South already prone to bad air quality are becoming especially vulnerable.

Now is the time for EPA to get serious about reining in carbon pollution that cleans up our air and secures a better environment for future generations.”

It is time to speak up and make our voices heard for this important action on behalf of our clean air and water. Visit the Listening Sessions on Greenhouse Gas Standards website for more details.

This event, which will target small, minority and limited resource forest landowners and be held on March 8, 2011 in Americus, Georgia at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

Session Topics will include:

-Hunting Leases
-Wills and Estate Planning
-Timber Management and Marketing
-Timber Sales for Maximizing Profits
-Cost Share Programs for Landowners
-Land Surveying and Property Boundary Lines

The goal of the workshop is to educate landowners about management strategies that will maximize forest productivity. A range of topics, including Longleaf Pine restoration and compatible income opportunities, will also be discussed.

To register for the event, e-mail Maureen Lucas at FVSU. complete contact information can be found on the March 8 Land Management Workshop Flyer.

NWF is also planning additional forest landowners’ workshops and field days throughout the year in Georgia. Future events including schedules and locations, will be posted on our website.

These activities are made possible with the generous support of the Sapelo Foundation and the Ford Foundation.