Aspen Active in Educational Outreach

California is home to approximately 40 million people yet still supports a complex association of plants and wildlife, many unique to the state and found nowhere else on earth. Researchers have suggested that in these high-tech times of video games, iPods, smart phones, computers, and other technologies many children are missing out on time spent outside. In some instances a child’s access to nature is limited and many students lack a connection to the amazing plants and animals that live in California, and sometimes in their own backyards, parks, and local fields. As such, many schools and groups have been focusing on bringing environmental education and “nature connection” to kids in the classroom. As one aspect of Aspen’s efforts to give back to the local community, senior biologist and Biology Group Manager Chris Huntley volunteers his time to provide one-day workshops for local elementary school children. His interactive presentations include the natural history and ecology of our region with an emphasis on connecting children to many of the common animals they can recognize. The discussions are interactive, age-appropriate and support the theme of good stewardship of our environment. As a tool to keeping the children entertained the presentation uses slides, exhibits, and graphics and transitions from the age of dinosaurs, through the Pleistocene, to the present day. At the end of the discussion children are provided access to a range of animal specimens including, teeth, furs, bones, and claws. Children leave the workshop inspired and better informed of the world around them.