Bluebird Conservation and the Young
This entry was posted on 2/27/2007 9:13 PM and is filed under General.
As I was writing the web site "'What's New" entry about Sully's visit to the Boy's and Girl's Club, I was struck by the synergy created between generations by our mission. Bluebirding is dominated by the 60+ generation although this is rapidly changing as baby boomers are growing in our ranks. Sully took time out of his busy schedule to spend time with a bunch of 8-10 year olds to talk about bluebirds.
Why is this important? I can only speak from my own experience, but I find it is common among bluebirders. I was introduced to the joys of nature at a very young age. My uncles were members of the 'Greatest Generation' and they all served in WWII. As I was growing up, they spent time with me in the woods and marshes of WI. The taught me how to fish, hunt, and camp. I can still remember my uncles identifying birds by their sound - even when they could not see them. As a kid - I thought that was magic! My mother has been a birder her whole life. My dad built a huge purple martin 'apartment' complex and mounted it on a 20' pole in our back yard.
I had no idea at the time the impact these activities had on my life. My love for nature, particularly birds, was shaped by the time my parents and uncles spent with me when I was young.
Sully, it may seem a small effort to share your experiences with the Junior Gardeners. The long-term reward is immeasurable - for generations.
MGS