Tag: fish

CNN Young Wonder

by theconservationkid

It is with great pride but also humility I get to say I was recognized by CNN! The CNN heroes program has been running 19 years and to be included in such a prestigious event was incredible.

There are so many people doing amazing things around the country and I don’t feel worthy of such recognition. I am just a kid picking up trash trying to leave our rivers better than I found it. It’s not glorious work. It’s not always fun. It can be cold, muddy, gross, and heavy in so many ways.

To have people see that work as heroic is kind of crazy to me but I’ll take it if it inspires one person to step up and protect something they love.

I grew up on this river. I’ve seen the wildlife that depends on it. I’ve paddled miles at sunset and seen eagles flying majestically along the banks. Unfortunately, I’ve also seen the bad parts. I’ve seen owls, and turtles wrapped in fishing line.

All I did was say “someone should fix this” then realized I am somebody! It’s up to each and every one of us to make a difference and together we can!

Trust Your Wild Side

by theconservationkid

I am so proud to be featured in a new documentary. Please go check it out and let me know what you think!

Bill Dance!

by theconservationkid

If you know anything about Bass Fishing from the past 50+ years, you e probably heard the name, Bill Dance!

Bill Dance is a legend in the fishing world but also a great Tennessee native. Being from Tennessee and having spent a ton of time on the river, I knew this name. My whole family knows his name. My mom grew up watching him on television.

This week I had the honor of meeting this legend! Mr. Dance was presented with a resolution in his name in Nashville. I was invited and even got to be on the floor in the House of Representatives when he was honored. This is a day I’ll never forget!

He even signed my hat!

Tn State Parks partership

by theconservationkid

Last month, i has the opportunity to widen the range of my monofilament bin project. I joined TDEC & went to 9 state parks in west tennessee. Along the way, we setup and installed over 25 bins to collect fishing line. I got to see so much of the state that I am working so hard to help. I saw Bald Eagles, dear, cormorants, and so many more birds. Reelfoot Lake state park is actually a stop along the migration route of freshwater pelicans. How cool is that?

All the work I do is because I love our wildlife and our waterways. Together we can make a difference!

I need your help!

by theconservationkid

https://www.coxenterprises.com/our-impact/cox-conserves-heroes/vote/cash-daniels

HELP NEEDED!

by theconservationkid

If you could please write a letter, long or short, about how sharks are important or impact our ecosystems, that would be huge!!! Sharks are not classified as wildlife in Costa Rica! How crazy is that?

Sharks are wildlife and should be classified as such! Together we can make this happen but legislators have to hear from the people that care!


You can email your letter to me at theconservationkid@gmail.com
But please, time is of the essence, so in the next week would be great!

World Oceans Day

by theconservationkid

Every year on June 8, the world comes together to celebrate World Oceans Day. Our oceans are in trouble. If there’s a place I’m happiest, besides the river, it’s at the ocean. Water is life! Our oceans are a huge carbon sink, but also supplies the world with oxygen, more than the rainforests!

I have had the opportunity to enjoy time underwater as a certified scuba diver and that’s where I feel the most peace. Whether I’m diving with sharks, turtles, octopus or stingrays, the feeling is incredible!

Rivers are Life

by theconservationkid

I have consistently said when I “grow up” I want to do photography & cinematography. I have been filmed several times and I love the process of sharing about conservation and wildlife. Cinematography is such an amazing way to share a message to a larger broader audience. Check out this new film I am in with Rivers are Life!

Earth Day!

by theconservationkid

Last week, we celebrated Earth Day. I’m not sure what you did but here’s a little glimpse into what my week looked like! First, I had to plan because I knew I was going to busy.

Tuesday, I went to my nearest national park which overlooks the Tennessee River. It’s such a beautiful spot to enjoy and see exactly what I’m fighting for.

Wednesday, I went to Arrowhead Resort in Spring city, Tennessee to place 4 monofilament bins. Spoke to their owner/manager and had a very productive meeting. Later in the day I did an interview about rivers and pollution with ABC news live.

Thursday, I placed another monofilament bin at Booker T. Washington state park. I also met with my local chapter of trout unlimited and am working with them to place 8-10 more monofilament bins in heavily fished areas.

Friday, I spoke to the biology and wildlife club at University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC) about my work and how every person can do something to improve the world around them for ourselves and our wildlife. After this, I went to CMC recycling which is where I recycle all of my aluminum to fund my monofilament project. (This turned out to be an awesome trip, my mom won a super cool griddle/grill after their guessing game)

Saturday was officially EARTH DAY! there was so much we could have done and joined on cleanups with other groups but by then I was pretty worn out so we went to another recycling center just to drop off a few bags of plastics for recycling then we did a family cleanup.

It was a busy week and things haven’t really slow brown and that’s ok. Keeping the motivation going to help keep our planet clean is exciting. I’ll post the link to the ABC interview below.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/video/earth-week-meet-teenager-helping-save-rivers-oceans-98699410