special guests – The Conservation Kid

SEWE 2023

February 21, 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.

Southeastern Camporee

October 18, 2022 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!

Tennessee Environmental Network Show of the South

May 15, 2022 by theconservationkid

Last week, I was invited to the Tennessee Environmental Network Show of the South by Commissioner Salyers with TDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation).

This conference was attended by people in environmental and sustainability roles in large businesses, NGO’s, and government. Meeting and learning from these people was such an inspiring and uplifting because these are the people making real change in our state and region.

I was able to speak about recycling and NGO’s and how everyone can make a difference. We cannot rely on government entities to be the ones who care about our environment. It’s everyone’s job, including yours. What we do in a daily basis is what matters.

I met with not only local leaders but national leaders. People with the EPA know my name and my story. How amazing is that?!

Visit to Capital Hill

April 8, 2022 by theconservationkid

Rally day for homeschoolers was in Nashville last week. This is an amazing way for young people to see how our government works first hand and I had the best day!

Not only did I see how our legislative processes work but I was able to meet with so many of my states influential leaders. My State Representative, Greg Vital of district 29 took his whole day to show me around and introduce me to some of the wonderful people leading Tennessee.

I learned SO MUCH, not only about government but our state in general. A special thank you to Secretary of State, Speaker of the House, State Comptroller and TDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) for taking time out of their busy day to have just another Tennessee kid share my love for our state!

Go Blue Award

October 25, 2021 by theconservationkid

Ella & I were finalists for the Go Blue Award with Loggerhead Marine life Center. The Cleanup Kids is focused on cleaning up the planet of trash, plastic, bullying, air pollution, noise and and other for of pollution to make this planet better.

The keynote speaker was Sylvia Earle and hearing her speak was incredible. I had chills the whole time being in the presence of “Her Deepness”.

Although Ella & I didn’t win, we are all winners because we met and spoke with so many amazing ocean conservationists who inspire us and now we are more ready than ever to keep going and move forward with our work to make this world a better place.

Rare bird sighting!

January 21, 2021 by theconservationkid

I was able to see an amazing beautiful bird this week, the Snowy owl! I live in Tennessee so these birds are not normally seen here. This is the first one in my city/county and only the 15th seen on our state. It’s thought that females will wait until they know there’s enough food so when they do have chicks, there’s more than average and they need to expand their territories so they sometimes go further south.

This beauty isn’t the biggest owl but one of the heaviest because of the thick feathers, which keep them warm in cold climates like the arctic.