SEWE 2023

by theconservationkid

Over the weekend, I had the great honor of not only attending SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition) but, introducing one of my heroes in wildlife conservation, Forrest Galante!

Being invited to such an event is inspiring on its own, but being able to meet and introduce a hero of mine and a person who has devoted his life to conservation is such an experience.

Weekends like this, when people want to hear what I have to say and know my voice matters, keeps me motivated to keep making changes and improving the world around me.

Clean up success!

by theconservationkid

Last weekend I hosted a cleanup for the new year. It was a great time meeting new people who care about our environment and our planet. We removed a little over 550 pounds.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u2KmLBbhcNE&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR1COulVjDDxiqdTkmjzFmwFk3yE7Ab0hlRRgJYEJ9cMfCy6bcVOQtEGX4o

Travel

by theconservationkid

If there’s one thing I love, it’s travel. I just had the amazing opportunity to visit Costa Rica and it was wonderful. This small country is touted for its conservation efforts over years past but now, it’s a slightly different story. While their land conservation seems to be extremely important to their people, the ocean is less looked after.

Just a week before I left, CITIES was in session and Costa Rica voted against the shark proposal. This is sad considering ecotourism is a huge amount of their income. Why are sharks still looked down upon? Why are we still not stepping up for these eco warriors who we literally depend on to keep ecosystems healthy in our oceans?

I would go back, but I hope people keep fighting for conservation, not only in Costa Rica but across the globe.

Time for Kids Article

by theconservationkid

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ashley Ruiz, the chief meteorologist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

We spoke about climate change, girls in STEM, overcoming difficulties and moving forward. Check it out here!

https://www.timeforkids.com/your-hot-job/articles/my-chat-meteorologist-ashley-ruiz

Southeastern Camporee

by theconservationkid

I was invited to speak at the Pathfinders Southeastern Camporee and I had the best time!

I spoke to over 5,000 kids about how we can all change the world in our own way, a little at a time. At this amazing event, kids learn about so many different things.

Being a leader is hard work but it’s also fun and comes with so many perks. I was able to try my hand at ax throwing, pewter molding, I enjoyed their water park and the blob with my brother. We should all get out of our comfort zone and try new things. You never know where it may lead!

River Rescue

by theconservationkid

Every year, around the state, people join forces to cleanup our waterways. This year, I was asked to help with a cleanup and I was joined with Commissioner Salyers from TDEC (Tennessee department of environment & conservation) he came all the way from Nashville! He was with Mike Robertson, director of state parks (if you know me, you know I love our public lands, state & national parks) so this was huge. There were also so many others who can from across our state to join in.

I haven’t heard totals yet but I know we picked up A LOT! This was such a fun day and just proves, even a kid can make a difference and inspire adults.

Environmental Grant

by theconservationkid

I am so excited to say I was awarded a grant from Tennessee American Water. This funding will further my monofilament recycling project. I am hoping to expand this project into more state parks and hopefully national parks!

If you know of a spot with a lot of fishing and discarded fishing line, let me know me I will try to add a monofilament bin and address this problem.

Shark kill tournament

by theconservationkid

After my last post, several people asked for more information. He is a little more about what I have learned. Not only are adults seeking out and killing as many sharks as possible but I have also learned someone is sponsoring kids and offering a cash prize for children!

Why are children being encouraged and taught this is ok? When in reality it’s a travesty.

https://www.wpbf.com/article/shark-fishing-tournament-catching-heat-florida/40478087

Shark Tournament

by theconservationkid

I’m a few weeks on July 9th, if nothing is done, there will be a trophy tournament in Jupiter, Florida for sharks.

Over 250 species of shark are labeled as endangered, critically endangered, vulnerable or data deficient. That means we don’t know enough about them to say whether or not they are at risk of extinction yet.

This is so disheartening to know that some of these species will be killed for sport. They will be slaughtered, and while on the brink of extinction, it’s legal. How does this make sense? It doesn’t.

Please hope by signing this petition to get this senseless killing stopped. Fishing for food is not a terrible thing but this is sport. This is completely unnecessary and sickening. Our planet depends on species like sharks to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

https://www.change.org/p/help-cancel-shark-killing-tournament-in-jupiter-florida

World Oceans Day

by theconservationkid

Today, June 8th, is World Oceans Day. This is a day set aside to celebrate our ocean and it’s amazing biodiverse ecosystems. Oceans provide about 70% of the planets oxygen. Our blue planet needs help now more than ever. We just protect our oceans, land, and rivers. Without it, lire on land will cease to exist. Diving and being in the water, is my happy place. I was scuba certified when I was 10. I couldn’t wait to explore below the waves and see the animals I love in their natural habitat.