YA Eco Mysteries, Memoirs, Novels & Travel
Conservationists Saving Nature
21/11/13 11:22 Filed in: Environment
Salute to Alabama’s Nature Conservationists
We are bombarded daily by dire news of global warming, the extinction of species, the destruction of the natural environment, and the urgent need for alternative energies. Too often this leaves us feeling discouraged and powerless. Rather than pay lip service to these problems, I feel the need to do something that will make a difference—even in a small way.
We are bombarded daily by dire news of global warming, the extinction of species, the destruction of the natural environment, and the urgent need for alternative energies. Too often this leaves us feeling discouraged and powerless. Rather than pay lip service to these problems, I feel the need to do something that will make a difference—even in a small way.
I decided to reach young people through storytelling that will inspire them to become wise stewards of our precious natural heritage. So I began writting the first eco mystery for middle grades, The Adventures of The Sizzling Six: The Lone Tree, which later blossomed into a series.
I never fully anticipated what a rewarding journey writing those eco mysteries would become! Along the way I’ve had the privilege of meeting dedicated scientists, working to save endangered species; outstanding teachers, educating and motivating kids to take action; an “army” of nature lovers, showing the way to “green” living. Into the bargain, I got to explore our state’s beautiful and diverse wild places. Here is just a sampling of the outstanding Alabama conservationists and the critical work they are doing to preserve nature for future generations.
Randy Haddock with the Cahaba Lily Society generously provided the expertise needed to form the scientific underpinning of The Adventures of the Sizzling Six: Who Stole The Cahaba Lily.
I had a special opportunity to observe Paul Johnson, director of the Alabama Biodiversity Aquatic Center, saving a species from extinction! The Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center (AABC) is the largest state non-game recovery program of its kind in the United States. The mission of AABC is to promote the conservation and restoration of rare freshwater species in Alabama waters and in turn, restore cleaner water in Alabama's waterways. The eco mystery, The Adventures of The Sizzling Six: The Living Treasure, is based on the work being done to save freshwater mussels from extinction.
Eric Spadgenske, State Coordinator for US Fish & Wildlife Service, generously allowed us to video himself and biologist Mark Bailey, banding the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers at Sehoy Plantation in Bullock County Their work inspired The Adventures of The Sizzling Six: The Return of The Red-cockaded Clan.
My adventure continued at Gwin Elementary School with Traci Knight Ingleright’s “Eco-Brains” fifth graders. You see, in each eco mystery the protagonists help protect an endangered or threatened species. To do this they must solve a complex eco mystery and then take action to save that species. Mrs. Ingleright’s students explained that a light bulb went on when biologists at the Whele Nature Center told them that the commercially manufactured bags were defective. Their bags are being used by Eric Soehrin and John Trent at the Whele Nature Center.
I first heard about this project from Helena Umber Wamble, Education Director of the Birmingham Audubon Society and a talented educator and birder.
Professors Thane Wibbles and Ken Marion generously allowed us to join them on a field trip to save the Diamondback Terrapin. This restoration project will be the inspiration for my seventh eco mystery.
I continued to be inspired by outstanding environmental educators April Waltz, Conservation Education Specialist - Outdoor Classroom Coordinator; Michele Reynolds, writer, gardener, native plant enthusiast and environmental educator; and Kay Stone Outreach Coordinator for the Environmental Institute at Auburn University.
Currently, I am writing a sixth book about Monarch Butterflies. I am thrilled to be working with Paulette Haywood Ogard coauthor of Butterflies of Alabama: Glimpses into Their Lives. Vitaly Charny coauthor of Butterflies of Alabama has also kindly agreed to allow me to tagalong on his next field trip.
Far from being discouraged, thanks to these scientists, teachers, and environmentalists, I’m fired up and ready to go! I hope this blog has inspired you, too. Teachers please feel free to download my curriculum unit, How to Write Eco Mysteries.
Here are some additional links to worthy conservation organizations and their dynamic leaders that are making a difference, and that you will want to know more about.
The Environmental Education Association of Alabama (AAEE)
The Nature Conservancy
Fresh Air Family
Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards
For a List of Environmental Organizations
Additional Links to my Environmental Blogs:
Native Bees and Pollinator Houses
Alabama Coastal Birdfest
Moss Rock Festival
Red Mountain Connection
Audubon Mountain Workshop
Earth Day at the Botanical Gardens
Earth Day Alabama Nature Conservancy
Citizen Science Projects
Protect Wildflowers/Fresh Air Family Verna Gates
Environmental Education Association of Alabama
Cahaba Lily Festival
ALSO FOLLOW MY BLOG POST:
WANT TO SHARE OR COMMENT? Please click on the icons(s) of your favorite social media to share, or to comment.
I never fully anticipated what a rewarding journey writing those eco mysteries would become! Along the way I’ve had the privilege of meeting dedicated scientists, working to save endangered species; outstanding teachers, educating and motivating kids to take action; an “army” of nature lovers, showing the way to “green” living. Into the bargain, I got to explore our state’s beautiful and diverse wild places. Here is just a sampling of the outstanding Alabama conservationists and the critical work they are doing to preserve nature for future generations.
Randy Haddock with the Cahaba Lily Society generously provided the expertise needed to form the scientific underpinning of The Adventures of the Sizzling Six: Who Stole The Cahaba Lily.
I had a special opportunity to observe Paul Johnson, director of the Alabama Biodiversity Aquatic Center, saving a species from extinction! The Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center (AABC) is the largest state non-game recovery program of its kind in the United States. The mission of AABC is to promote the conservation and restoration of rare freshwater species in Alabama waters and in turn, restore cleaner water in Alabama's waterways. The eco mystery, The Adventures of The Sizzling Six: The Living Treasure, is based on the work being done to save freshwater mussels from extinction.
Eric Spadgenske, State Coordinator for US Fish & Wildlife Service, generously allowed us to video himself and biologist Mark Bailey, banding the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers at Sehoy Plantation in Bullock County Their work inspired The Adventures of The Sizzling Six: The Return of The Red-cockaded Clan.
My adventure continued at Gwin Elementary School with Traci Knight Ingleright’s “Eco-Brains” fifth graders. You see, in each eco mystery the protagonists help protect an endangered or threatened species. To do this they must solve a complex eco mystery and then take action to save that species. Mrs. Ingleright’s students explained that a light bulb went on when biologists at the Whele Nature Center told them that the commercially manufactured bags were defective. Their bags are being used by Eric Soehrin and John Trent at the Whele Nature Center.
I first heard about this project from Helena Umber Wamble, Education Director of the Birmingham Audubon Society and a talented educator and birder.
Professors Thane Wibbles and Ken Marion generously allowed us to join them on a field trip to save the Diamondback Terrapin. This restoration project will be the inspiration for my seventh eco mystery.
I continued to be inspired by outstanding environmental educators April Waltz, Conservation Education Specialist - Outdoor Classroom Coordinator; Michele Reynolds, writer, gardener, native plant enthusiast and environmental educator; and Kay Stone Outreach Coordinator for the Environmental Institute at Auburn University.
Currently, I am writing a sixth book about Monarch Butterflies. I am thrilled to be working with Paulette Haywood Ogard coauthor of Butterflies of Alabama: Glimpses into Their Lives. Vitaly Charny coauthor of Butterflies of Alabama has also kindly agreed to allow me to tagalong on his next field trip.
Far from being discouraged, thanks to these scientists, teachers, and environmentalists, I’m fired up and ready to go! I hope this blog has inspired you, too. Teachers please feel free to download my curriculum unit, How to Write Eco Mysteries.
Here are some additional links to worthy conservation organizations and their dynamic leaders that are making a difference, and that you will want to know more about.
The Environmental Education Association of Alabama (AAEE)
The Nature Conservancy
Fresh Air Family
Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards
For a List of Environmental Organizations
Additional Links to my Environmental Blogs:
Native Bees and Pollinator Houses
Alabama Coastal Birdfest
Moss Rock Festival
Red Mountain Connection
Audubon Mountain Workshop
Earth Day at the Botanical Gardens
Earth Day Alabama Nature Conservancy
Citizen Science Projects
Protect Wildflowers/Fresh Air Family Verna Gates
Environmental Education Association of Alabama
Cahaba Lily Festival
ALSO FOLLOW MY BLOG POST:
WANT TO SHARE OR COMMENT? Please click on the icons(s) of your favorite social media to share, or to comment.