E.O. Wilson, Biophilia and First Day Hikes!!

Family Hike on Max Patch, Mariah Grant

Photo: Frans Lanting/ Corbis
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/

Last week, on December 13, the world renowned biologist and naturalist E.O. Wilson, came to speak at the Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh. He was asked, "How is climate change affecting biodiversity and what can we do about it?" His response stands out in my memory for being a realistic solution in today's modernized world. Animals have experienced climate change throughout Earth's history and some were able to adapt while others went extinct. But the difference a million years ago was that habitat laid intact, allowing animals to migrate to more suitable ecosystems where they could survive. In today's world, we have preserved pockets of land thanks to our parks system and conservation organizations, but most of these areas are isolated. So, if we want to reduce the number of extinctions as some areas become drier and warmer while others are inundated with water, we need to create contiguous corridors connecting these isolated habitats. When conditions in an area change too rapidly for adaptation, corridors of undisturbed habitat will allow some organisms to migrate, thus ensuring their survival. And according to E.O. Wilson, this is very much in the realm of possibilities and he is hard at work securing one of the largest corridors in the U.S. across the southeast.

 

Banff Wildlife Corridor Overpass
http://thenewipo.com/2009/12/24/adapt-move-or-go-extinct/

What does all this have to do with First Day Hikes? Well, our friend E.O. Wilson is the one who coined the term "biophilia," an innate capacity to love nature and living organisms. In order to foster biophilia, it is important to provide your child with positive experiences in nature at a young age. This will help them build a relationship with nature and later in life, an appreciation for conserving natural lands. This is as easy as making a commitment to getting outdoors more in the New Year. A quote at the end of E.O. Wilson's talk, attributed to Benjamin Franklin and apparently found in a fortune cookie, summed this up nicely: "“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

 

A great way to share your commitment to get outdoors and lead a healthy, active lifestyle, while supporting preservation of natural lands is to go on a hike on January 1st! All 50 state park systems will be sponsoring guided First Day Hike Programs on New Year's Day. There are currently 638 hikes across the country and you can search for one near you on America's State Parks website.

 

Don't live near a State Park? Find other nature centers and parks where you can take your own hike on the Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs' searchable database.

 

 

 

 



Whale Encounters at the End of the Continent

Chris Hill on his paddleboard approaches a humpback whale off Surf City. Photo: Steve Young

Source: North Carolina Coastal Federation http://www.nccoast.org

 

 

This lucky paddle boarder got an up close and personal look at a migrating humpback whale off the coast of North Carolina and one lucky photographer, Steve Young, was in the right place to capture this beautiful photo.

 

Most inlanders don't consider going to the beach during the winter months, and so a whale encounter may come as a surprise. But according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, humpback whales are the most common sighted large whale off our coast. From the months of December to March, they travel near the coast as they migrate down to their calving grounds in the tropics and then back again to their feeding grounds in the North Atlantic. Humpbacks are listed as endangered. Before commercial hunting was outlawed in 1966 it is believed that 95% of the population was decimated.

 

Tell your kids that these amazing creatures are found close to home. For basic information about humpback whales read this publication by N.C. WRC.

 

This Friday December 21 from 11-12, Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education is having "Whale Tales" for ages 2-7 to learn more about whales off our coast.

 

 And here is some fun information about pilot whales off of Cape Hatteras.




Audobon Christmas Bird Count

 

Source: http://philadelphiagreen.wordpress.com/2011/12/28/january-events-at-meadowbrook-farm/

 

 

This is one of the longest standing citizen science traditions in the world! From December 14 through January 5 tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas take part in an adventure that has become a family tradition among generations. Families and students, birders and scientists, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists go out on an annual mission - often before dawn.

 

Each of the citizen scientists who annually braves snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count makes an enormous contribution to conservation. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations - and to help guide conservation action.

 

This will be Audobon's 113th annual bird count. Find a Christmas Bird Count near you here. Events are happening all over the state.

 

Complete Details

International Mountain Day

Source: http://www.autocarhire.com/travelblog/featured/december-holiday-destinations-blue-mountains-new-south-wales-australia/

 

In 2002, the United Nations adopted a resolution that designated December 11th International Mountain Day. This designation is to raise awareness about the relevance of mountain forests and the role they play within a green economy, as well as in climate change adaptation measures.

 

Mountains cover 1/4 of the earth's surface and are home to 12% of the population. They are important sources of clean drinking water and it is estimated that snow melt and rainfall from mountains provide water for over half of the world's population. Mountain life can be harsh as residents are exposed to rapidly changing weather and threats such as landslides, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. According to the United Nations, mountain people are some of the world's poorest and most disadvantaged people as they are often marginalized by society and lack access to basic services such as health care and education.

 

Photo: Martin Mejia/AP
 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/03/peru-mountain-farmers-winter-cold

This is an interesting contradiction to what we see in this country. Mountains are often sought after by second home buyers and people who can afford access to services despite the challenges presented by topography and mountain climates. In countries with less wealth and infrastructure, mountain areas are not the most desirable places to live due to harsh conditions.

 

Due to the lack of development in many mountainous regions, they can contain some of the richest biological diversity, especially in tropical rainforests. To learn more about mountain environments around the world, their biodiversity, and conservation threats, view a UNESCO report here.

 

For the kids:

1. Show them pictures of mountains around the world and discuss the differences they see to other mountains they have seen. Ask them, what type of animals might live there? Do you think different types of animals live there than live here? Why? What kind of resources do animals need to survive? What kind of weather conditions do you think occur on these mountains?

 

-They might look cold if snow is present. They might notice a lack of trees if the elevation is high enough. What kind of animals might live on a rocky surface? What happens to all that snow when it melts? It is an excellent source of drinking water. Mountains are formed due to the movement of earth's crust at a rate similar to how fast fingernails grow!

 

Source: http://www.farwestchina.com/2010/04/5-fantastic-mountain-scenes-in-xinjiang-china.html

Source: http://wallpaperstock.net/road-over-mountains_wallpapers_27958_2560x1600_1.html

 

 

2. Show them pictures of different mountain communities from around the world. How do these communities differ from ones they see in the United States? How are they similar? Why do you think this is?

 

-You can talk about what people need to survive. What are wants vs. needs? Why is it harder to get these things in the mountains? It is harder to build infrastructure and harder to grow crops on rocky soils.

Source: http://www.farwestchina.com/2010/04/5-fantastic-mountain-scenes-in-xinjiang-china.html

Source: http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90782/7083599.html 

 



Holiday Lights at Cape Fear Botanical Garden

Source: http://www.diapers-n-heels.com/2011/11/holiday-lights.html



December 14th-December29th

"The interior glow of the Entry Pavilion in the Wyatt Visitors Pavilion Complex decorated in traditional holiday splendor welcomes visitors to festivities in the Garden. With thousands of lights, the Garden will be transformed into a sparkling wonderland that will offer visitors of all ages the occasion to embrace the outdoors during the holiday season! Seasonal treats, hot drinks and refreshments will be available."

Viewing time: 5:45-9:00

Complete details and tickets.

 

Also check out Nature Tales for preschool children:

"Our FREE popular preschool story and craft time, presented in partnership with Cumberland County Public Library, is held monthly on each first or third Saturday and the first Tuesday of the month.  The schedule is subject to change due to events or CFBG holidays. Each month we explore a different natural science theme appropriate for our Little Bloomers (ages two to six) but all ages are welcome!"

Schedule

Eco-Smart Book List

 

1. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. Ages 6+.

First published in 1971, The Lorax serves as an ecological warning of the overuse of resources and destruction of habitat in the style of Dr. Seuss with "brilliantly whimsical rhymes, delightfully original creatures, and weirdly undulating illustrations." Quoted from Amazon book review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. The Wartville Wizard by Don Madden. Ages 5+

Beautifully illustrated, this humorous story follows the town curmudgeon on his journey to rid his town of the trash it is being buried under.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. Ages 5+. Winner of the American Book Award

Book description from Amazon:

"Seeking adventure in faraway places, Miss Rumphius fulfills her dream and then sets out to make the world more beautiful."

 

 

 

 

4. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. Ages 3+

This book captures an adventurous spirit as a young girl and her father set out past her bedtime to go owling in the moonlight. This is an honest book with a realistic story line. There is no personification of animals, a rare find in the children's book world.  The book won the 1988 Caldecott Medal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Ages 1+

Another timeless classic, this story chronicles a young boy's lifelong relationship with a tree. Though the message is unclear, leaving it open for interpretation, the boy starts out in his innocence enjoying all the glory of the intact tree. As he ages, he visits the tree less often and when he does, he takes something of the tree and this continues until nothing is left but a stump. Though the boy keeps taking, he continues to be unhappy, until he is old and weary and no longer needs anything but a tree to rest upon. 

Looking for more ways to expose your children to nature?

 

Zack at Carolina North Forest, Chapel Hill

Photo: Mariah Grant

 

 

The North Carolina Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs serves as the state clearinghouse for environmental education centers, programs, and events. It's your one-stop-shop for finding things to do with kids outdoors!

 

Visit our searchable database to find opportunities near yo: http://www.eenorthcarolina.org/ee-centers.html

Here are a few samples from mountains to sea:

Source: http://www.smartdestinations.com/design/images/blueridge/index.html

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation was established to preserve Grandfather Mountain and to operate nature park, providing educational opportunities to the public. They have a museum, a zoo, and nature trails including a mile high swinging bridge! Visit their website to learn more about their naturalist and wildlife education, the Nature Museum, events, and planning your visit. http://www.grandfather.com/foundation/

Blue Jay Photo Source: http://www.real-estate-cary.com/blog/looking-for-an-outdoor-activity-in-the-raleigh-nc-area-visit-beautiful-blue-jay-point-county-park/
Blue Jay Point County Park, Wake County Parks & Recreation offers numerous opportunities for kids, families, and adults. Along with playgrounds, trails, and gardens, they also have an environmental education center with exhibits and structured learning activities. Not only do they have programs, for the DIY'ers they have Family Discovery Boxes available at no charge that include guided activities such as tree and plant identification and animal behavior observation. To learn more about their programs and events visit: http://www.wakegov.com/parks/bluejay/

Cape Fear Museum in Wilmington offers family programs in their learning center on Saturdays. The whole family can conduct experiments, explore artifacts, and play fun games. They also offer homeschool and summer programs for children. Explore their activities here: http://www.capefearmuseum.com/


These are just a few of the many wonderful places you can find on our website: http://www.eenorthcarolina.org/

Bird Chatter, Bears and Wolves: A Family Nature Outing Perhaps?

Migratory Waterfowl (Tundra Swans, Snow Geese) on Pungo Lake by John Chrystal
Source: http://www.pocosinlakesfriends.org/

 

My husband called it the "Serengeti of Birds", and it happens right here in our own state of North Carolina! Every winter between November and the end of February, North Carolina's natural lakes of the coastal plain serve as the landing pad for hundreds of thousands of migratory waterfowl, including tundra swans and snow geese. Lake Pungo of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Mattamuskeet are both wildlife refuge areas where the public can witness this spectacle of nature. While this is mostly an outing partaken by birders and nature enthusiasts, the area's abundance of wildlife, including black bears and red wolves, make for excellent nature experiences for the whole family. Pocosin Lakes in particular is managed to support an abundance of wildlife. It is like being at the zoo, except the animals aren't in pens! The sandy roads are covered with footprints, scat, and claw marks from various species of mammals and the continuous chatter of the migratory birds comes in stereo sound from the surrounding ponds and fields. The management prevents you from getting too close to the birds so as not to disrupt them, but the shear numbers provide a spectacle not to be missed. Certain areas appear covered in blankets of white birds.

Tundra Swan
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tundra_Swan

 

This eastern portion of our state is fairly remote. There isn't much in the way of amenities and the ranger stations are closed on the weekends. While I think it is a great opportunity to expose kids to nature like they have never seen before, it is definitely a trip that needs to be well planned. I would recommend going with a group. In fact this would be a perfect jaunt for a family nature club. Make sure you have detailed maps of the area and plenty of drinking water and food. Check the weather before going, because if it has rained recently, the refuge roads will be impassable. 

 

The wildlife is not dangerous as long as you exercise common sense. Stay in groups, don't allow children to go off by themselves, don't approach any of the wildlife and especially not baby animals, and definitely don't feed them. The wildlife will be more scared of you than you are of it and we want to keep it this way. Black bears only become a nuisance if they are acclimated to humans. This normally occurs due to feeding them which causes the bears to view us as a source of food rather than a threat. Bears at Pocosin have not been acclimated to humans so it is very important to follow the adages: "Leave no Trace" and "Take only photos, leave only footprints."

 

Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife, http://www.nhptv.org/wild/pocosins.asp

There are some guided trips to these areas. Most have an age limit of 12 and up. Though younger children may not have the patience to move at the pace of a traditional "nature walk," these wildlife refuges still hold wonder and excitement that can be harnessed by younger children. Imagine seeing a fresh bear print that tells a story of a 400 lb bear recently passing through. Or better yet, seeing one in person, which is almost guaranteed at Pocosin. 

 

To learn more about Pocosin Lakes or to talk to a ranger, visit the website here.

 

For information on Mattamuskeet, visit the website here.

 

If you care to look into tours, you can check out these links Friends of Pocosin Lakes NWR or Museum of Natural Sciences.