Conservation

What is conservation?

Conservation means not using everything that we have, so that others can use it also. When we conserve, we are thinking about others and caring for our planet as well. Conservation means different things to different people--it all depends on where you live on this large revolving ball out in space!

This picture shows the logging that continues to dominate our wild areas.

Conservation efforts have helped keep the wilderness wild!

What projects or exhibits can I do about conservation?

• Visit a recycling center and talk to someone there. Trace the steps that are taken with the stuff that is dropped off. Where does it go after it leaves the center?
• What types of things are made from this recycled material? Do some investigating and make a display showing the steps and items that can be made.
• Construct a sculpture or original art work from materials that can be recycled.
• Start a recycling program at your home or school.
• Talk to a conservation officer and ask him/her what they like and don't like about their job. Ask him/her about the college classes that they had to take to be an officer. Think of the questions that you would like to ask. Plan the list before the interview. You may be surprised at some of the answers! Write a book telling others about this interview.

Resources about conservation

• Order publications or use the online ordering system
• Exploring Your Environment Series (order)

Links

• Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Caribbean Conservation Corporation -- devoted to the rescue of Sea Turtles
• Conservation International

Left photo by Tim McCabe, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.