Only by understanding nature in their own backyard or, in this case, their own back lot, can youth understand and appreciate nature further afield and in distant lands. With more knowledge, there are many conservation measures that can be taken on by kids – not littering, protecting habitats, helping with community gardens, understanding pollution, learning about climate change impact.

 

After developing the “Birds-In-A-Box” kits, I presented and donated the kits to Chicago elementary schools. The material was well received by both students and teachers. In addition, the school administrations were happy to have me present, and expressed interest in having me return to present my kit and other environmental topics to more students. To my delight, the Field Museum in Chicago (where I was an intern for the summer) plans to incorporate “Birds-In-A-Box” elements into their urban educational program.