Day Six: College Applications, FASFAs, and Community Garden Action

The day began with the trip back to campus and a shower for everyone. Things started out really slow but as always they pick up very quickly and before we knew it we were back at the OAC to finish what we started. I managed to pull away one of the students to ask them about what they were doing and her plans for her Earth Tomorrow Club.

Chidinma Egekonye-
What did you do today?
"Today we had went to the outdoor activity center to help finish cleaning the invasive plants that were not supposed to be there and after that we went to the Georgia Tech Recreation Center to go swimming, and it was really fun being in the water. "

Was there anything you enjoyed specifically about the day?
"The activity i enjoyed most out of today was going swimming at the Recreation Center because it was just real fun being in the water with all my friends and just having a good time."

Do you have plans to create an Earth Tomorrow Club at your school? If so list one way how.
"Yes because at my school South Cobb we don't currently have an Earth Tomorrow program so we are really looking forward to starting our own group and just recruiting new people so that we can make our school a more cleaner, fresher and more environmental school."

I managed to snag a interview from Mr. Guadian of NWF and Rick Blackwell of Lets Go Fishing.

Mr. Guadian
How long have you been with the National Wildlife Federation?
"I've worked with the National Wildlife for about 4 1/2 years.I am the Senior Operations Manager of the Southeast Regional Center which is located here in Atlanta."

How did you know that this was something you wanted to do?
"Well I didn't have a defining moment per say let me just start out by saying that I've been in the non-profit world for about 10 years.Prior to working with the national wildlife in 2007 I worked with the national headquarters for the Boys & Girls Club of America and I kinda did a similar position as far was managing and monitoring operations.This is a smaller group but I've always had a passion for the environment and a sense of responsibility and conserving what we have so I garden at home and I have to be very aware and conscientious of what I do just from recycling and when you camp leaving the camp ground the way it is as if untouched and that no body has ever been there, advocating for stronger recycling and green energy and all of it has just been second nature to me. I was excited that I was hired but its always been a passion that I felt so I just feel like I'm here to continue that in a professional way"

Is it difficult running a non-profit organization?
"Its not difficult but what I really like is that in my role I like the variety of things that I have to do. I pretty much supervise the staff so to some degree I have knowledge and I get involved in their work for example with the Earth Tomorrow program and Ms. Nataki running it there is a certain amount of responsibility that I have over seeing the budget, being sure that she has what she needs, being sure that the timeline is right and making sure of that year round and seeing that this program is a success every year and I manage the overall budget and handle the computer IT needs. I also handle things as far as HR and people and insurance and to some degree fund raising with our new fund raising manager Bryant and it gives me a lot of different tasks which give me a lot of diversity and its truly cool to work in my office because we are a truly truly diverse group of people."

The day concluded with a Stellar Pool Party and fun had by all.

Day Five: The Great Outdoors

Today was a somewhat bitter sweet. The students and I went to High Falls National Park and were able to go Canoeing, Fishing, and Paddle Boating. A side from not being able to go hiking it began raining; however, we were still able to have smores and relax. I personally got to see my friends night vision goggles in action which were pretty cool you unless you flashed a light in his face or something. In the pictures below you'll find various students and Peer Mentors participating in the events that took place not to meantion the family of ducks that came by, the waterfall, outside the gift shop and at the camp site. After a demonstrative run through of how to set up their tents students left to go eat, but by the time we go to back to our site it was said that the hike had to be canceled due weather.

I caught one of the Peer Mentors (Victor Lei) and decided to ask him some questions on his day...

What was the best part of Camping for you?
"Setting up the tent since its a challenge. I slept in a tent large enough for four people and even with the four of us and being that we're peer mentors we uh were the last ones to have our tent up on the boys side."

Did you expect to catch any fish today?
"Not really because I feel like I have bad luck when it comes to things like this. I simply feel like Fishing is a thing of chance not meant for me but i enjoyed the opportunity."

Were you disappointed that we couldn't go hiking?
"Yes because I expecting to use my night vision goggles.I wanted to have fun watching everyone else trip over their own feet or a twig and I just really feel kinda cheated but its okay cause there's always next summer and I hope to have lots more fun."

Day Four: Green Jobs and Environmental Justice

The day began really slow with Green Jobs being introduced via Video/Discussion. Next there was the Impact of Dirty Energy on Low Income and Communities of Color which lead to the topic of Environmental Justice presented by Mustafa Ali & Kedesch Altidor of the US EPA. Afterwards there was Project Planning for Earth Tomorrow Clubs among the different schools.

After lunch students traveled around the community of West Atlanta to see how the environment impacts or has impacted the people of that area. When we finished traveling we were at Proctor Creek Clean-Up @ Grove Park where we collected trash and received somewhat of a standing ovation from passing motorist and pedestrians.

Once we finished our clean up we traveled back to our favorite Activity Center where the students were given a lesson in communication and proper practices of etiquette in preparation for the Environmental Justice Banquet this year at Paschal's Restaurant. Here students and peer mentors alike were given the chance to meet and talk with professionals who work in careers dealing with the environment. At the nights end guest speaker Jerome Ringo gave a powerful and inspirational message to the youth on being the 'one' to take initiative in changing the world environmentally for the better.

Later I and the Videographer sat down with Jerome Ringo to ask him a couple of questions.

Day Three: Outdoor Activities!!!! Cascade Nature Springs

Today we began learning about Climate change and how it affects the entire world from Ms. Lonna Dawson who works for ACE, Alliance for Climate Education. She presented a stunning presentation with a lot of catchy and interesting ways that show us how we contribute to the slowly but surely happening climate change. I later asked her about her work dealing with how she chooses to inform the young generation about the world relating to climate change.
Does excitement in presenting your presentation come naturally or is that something you have to pull out of yourself?
"The excitement definitely comes naturally just because I'm excited about the message. Educating students on climate change and more importantly the solutions that you undertake to reverse climate change is extremely gratifying and extremely exciting. There are some days where as a presenter you have to bring a little bit more to the performance, but knowing that I'm educating students at such a powerful time and an important time in their life makes it exciting."
Who's idea was it to use this particular method of presenting your information?
"Well the presentation runs like a movie so its not a power point its a little more sophisticated for that and we decided to do and use animation that is fast pace and interactive; coupled with a dynamic in-personal presentation to really captivate the audience. We know  what students are attracted too, we know the type of technology that they are familiar with and we wanted to make sure that our presentation uses the things that 'scientifically' have been shown to really get students thinking, texting or  pictures moving quickly and there are colors being presented throughout the presentation so that was our motivation about using the innovation so that its a lot more fluid.
Is there anything about your job that makes you nervous about your job?
"No, I can't really elaborate on that. I mean there are plenty of things that make me excited. Things like that 'Ah ha' moment when they begin thinking about their consumption and how it can have an impact on the world."

After learning about climate change and how it impacts the community and the world around us, we took a trip to get some hands-on lessons about the subject at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve. There, students learned about how the PH levels of water have to be just right to support life in the waters that flow down such a serene environment. Peaceful and visually stunning, Cascade Springs is a wonderful yet hidden environment right in the city of Atlanta.

Later we went to the Outdoor Activity Center for some community service. There, students shoveled compost to be raked on to the trails behind the building.

Mr. Darryl Haddock talking about the Nature Springs Preserve

Veronica Holding a lightning bug in her hands

Later, when the day was almost done, I sat down with Mr. Haddock, who is apart of WAWA or The West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and Mr. Krusac who is part of the U.S Forest Service for interviews.

Haddock-
How do you blend you job into teaching the youth?
"Well my actual title with the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance is the Environmental Educational Director so teaching is one of the principle duties that I have with the organization and teaching young or new initiates into the environmental movement is very exciting trying to develop more young emerging leaders into this movement is a fundamental priority for all environmental educational groups cause we certainly have to pass the torch on to the young people. So blending teaching and some service learning work is probably the tools that I use to get what we get done. We take people out and do community service projects and we actually educate them about the environment.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job or what is the most difficult task to complete?
"There's so much work to do is probably the most challenging. West Atlanta Watershed Alliance is principally a water organization concerned with water quality and recently we've broadened our scope to think about the acquisition of green space and the protection of the urban forest and so now the work is just continuing and growing and we're considering sustainability and climate change and all of these other things. I would hope that working for an environmental non-profit I would hopefully work myself out of a job as we create a solution for a problem but as it turns out there's always more problems to solve."

Because this is a non-profit job/organization what motivates you to do this type of work?
"My love for the environment was probably my first motivation as a child i grew up in New Jersey and I  would spend my summers in Atlantic City so I loved the beach and I actually wanted to be a Marine Biologist   and I got into the work thinking I would be scuba diving and hang out on the beach, but subsequently when I got my first job i was dressed up in a full encapsulated suit and working at a hazardous site, and obviously it wasn't a gorgeous beach. I've been an environmental scientist for 15 years professionally, but then I got older, got married, had kids and I wanna see a cleaner and healthier environment for them to grow up in.

The day ended with a presentation from Denise Krusac and Jackey Bellwood. I had a chance to ask some questions  until we got back on the bus and headed home to Georgia Tech.

Ms. Bellwood
What is your career and how did you come to do what it is you do?
"I'm a biologist successor at Georgia Hiram College in Carters Ville. I teach basic biology but i also have an interest in natural education. We have several campuses and we educate teachers in areas of science, but also people who aren't necessarily interested in careers in science we try to get them to understand that science everyday is very important. I know some of you want to go to scientific group and some of you don't but I also want to make sure that you all are environmenatly literate."

Mr. Krusac
What is the most challenging aspect of your job as it relates to the youth?
" Um for me its probably saying 'No' because I can't remember when I've refused to talk to kids and youth and young adults and it gets really difficult because some days you're constantly running from one program to the next and we don't have weekends because we're doing these programs so saying no to an opportunity to talk to kids and adults about what we do is very difficult to do."
"I thought the day was really fun I learned a lot of new things that I  didn't know until I came here, so I really liked it. It was a great day"

What was your favorite part of the day?
"I enjoyed when we went to the Cascade Nature Preserve because it was very peaceful and I felt like I wasn't even around the city anymore and it made me relax more."

How do you think you can apply what you've learned to your everyday life or your Earth Tomorrow Club at school?
"Well one thing I can apply to my everyday life is what we learned about global warming and how we can change the world by saving things and use less electricity and things like that.

Well the work is done and now everyone is to have fun and cut loose! Can you say...POOL PARTY?

If you don't know the OAC is short for The Outdoor Activity Center. I've personally done alot of clean ups and participated in events held there. Ah Good Times!

The College and Career lecture opened up with Georgia Tech teaching students how they can apply to such an illustrious school

After a night of rainy camping. We've made it back to our lecture spot for Project Planning. Later we're having a presentation for College Applications & FASFAs

Wonderful day so far camping. Fishing, Cannoing, Paddle boating, and Hiking. What else is there to do except...CAMPING! LOL

Another great night in the week of Earth Tomorrow and the summer institute. Had a spectacular interview with Guest Speaker-Jerome Ringo. As always Inspirational

Out at grove park. Just cleaned up and we did some real good

Intro to Environmental Justice!!!!

Coming up on todays schedule:Green Jobs Introduction, The New Dream and the 3rd wave of environmentalisim and discussion

At the Outdoor Activity Center or OAC. Pulled weeds shoveld compost and seriously tired but had fun and got great interviews from great people loving whattheydo

Later today after lunch: eco-schools. Pollenator Gardens/butterflies birds and bees program; travel cascade springs nature preserve and more

Day Two: Farms and Markets

The students and I  headed to local organic farm "Love is Love" near Grant Park. Once there we were introduced to Robbie Astrove who taught us the importance of doing our part to ensure that plants we need don't have to fight to survive and thrive in our neighborhoods. Students pulled unnecessary weeds and grass from the beets on the organic farm. Later they picked blue berries from another sight on the farm.

 Mr. Astrove was kind enough to join us on our journey as we headed to the Local Farmers Market in Grant Park. While there, I and another group of students and peer mentors alike explored the various vendors at the market. My favorite spot was Hidden Springs Farm's organic honey. I sampled the many different varieties of honey which most of which I 'd never known about. I also had a chance to speak with  Ms Donna Lopes on camera for some inside info on her honey collecting process.  I highly recommend the Creamed Honey and not because its extra sweet, but because of the thick and rich texture that is brought out from its divine like taste.

Here are some videos of some of the people at the Farmers Market and one Peer Mentor who bought a dessert from one of the vendors:

Later I sat with Mr. Astrove to ask him a few questions about the "Love is Love" organic Farm and his work.

When you think of nature what first comes to mind?

"Well a lot things...I guess the first thing is a smile it makes me really happy to be outside in nature. I mean just the thought of nature is one thing but with the work that I do its like I experience nature.I feel nature its not just the thought or going outside and hearing the sounds, watching the birds, and feeling the wind. Its all very healing and relaxing. People that are sick, they're stressed out and this work is a like meditation. Pulling weeds right now yeah I'm sweaty, but I'm able to relax and enjoy and let my mind wander. I'm a musician and I tend to have a lot of ideas about music when I'm doing this and when you're in a state of relaxation there's nothing more blissful than that. Another thing I think about nature is this whole idea about connectivity and being connected is really deep because its about being connected with myself, my own body, and this life force energy that's around me. its also about connection to the actual world and the planet and it makes me question everything that I do, the things I buy, how much gas I put into my car, where's my food coming from, all my purchasing decisions. I think its about how I can live a life that is responsible and one that's not having a negative impact."

When it comes to your job what impact do you feel it has on students?

"Its hard to say I'm an environmental educator that's what I do for a living. Its real important to have evaluations because you wanna know that programs are successful, but its kinda hard to think or to say that okay this one program or this one day is gonna change someones life. Its about an investment or planting a seed. I think one thing I'm always aware of is that I'm still a pretty young guy and I try to leverage that to working with young people. I can teach certain information but the best thing I can do is lead by example. Here I am pulling weeds next everyone when I could easily stand above everyone and talk. its a type of work that involves a lot of activism and engagement so when young people see me doing things I'm spending a lot of energy working hard now I have results to show. Some times in the end I really don't need to say anything cause I can demonstrate what I show."

What do you think is the best or greatest part of your job?
"Its a lot of things. I mean I love being outside I get to spend a lot of time working outside. Its really healing work for me but at the same time I see something different and I hear something new about the world around me and really myself and that's a gift that I don't know if other people in other lines of work can say they get. The highlight of this type of work is the continuous education that i get. I mean today I'm working with a group of young people and I'm excited to learn from you guys."

At the end of the day, I sat down with James Blackburn, a new participant and the only student representing Langston Hughes high school, about the events of the day and his take on what he liked about it.

What was the best thing you liked about today?
"I think today it was mainly about the food and the cultivating of the organic food and you can actually taste the difference and the love that they put into the foods. It was good how it comes from the community."

What is your prospective now on Organic Farming as opposed to plants grown with pesticides?
"I actually prefer organic foods to regular foods I'd eat. You get it at the peak of its nutritional value and you can just taste a bigger difference than at the grocery store and taking that compare to a fresh picked apple and a GM [genetically manipulated] apple. there is a huge difference between organic and store bought items."

When we ate at Home Grown, a restaurant serving customers with organically grown foods, what were your impressions of it versus the food you normally eat any other day?
"I think that taste wise that you do taste the difference but its really all in how you prepare the food. Chef Kevin actually gave us tofu sloppy joe but he prepared it in such a way that you would never know. I like my 'Tojoe' as I will call it from now on, and its all in how you prepare the food because you really can't taste the difference and if its healthy its going to taste good and be good for you."

Happening now: development of personal and club goals for earth tomorrow participation

Happening right now: An Intro to Climate Change with Alliance for Education-Lonna Dawson

WhatsTomorrow? An intro into Climate change, Club development and intro to project planning! Cascade Springs Nature Preserve

Now showing "Fresh & GROW" and Food Deserts Discussion

Botanical Gardens: elegance with beauty and a place for meditation around flowers

Grant Park Farmers Market is awesome. Tasted alot of honey. My favorite is the CREAMED HONEY. Earth Tomorrow at the Market gotta love it

I'm at the organic food market. Had a great sample of bacon bread and now interviewing a man on his tart like sweets

CA or Dekalb Early College Academy. All have shared great ideas on how best to create or improve and ultimately maintain their Earth Tomorrow Clubs.

Alot of the schools being represented are Frederick Douglass high school, Langston Hughes High school, Carver high school, South Cobb high school, and DE

The students from their respective schools have made and planned on how they plan on improving or creating an Earth Tomorrow Club at their school

Todays tasks: Team Building and Club Organization Ideas

With the students here and accounted for we move onward to the gym

Seeds of Info

Hello and Welcome to my first blog site specifically created for the National Wildlife and Earth Tomorrow and the Earth Tomorrow Summer Institute. Please allow me a moment to explain the 'nature' of this blog. As this is also my first blog or blogging entry I feel it is important to inform the reader of the events that take place throughout the week of this years 10th annual Summer Institute.

Throughout the week I will be reporting on the activities of the students as well as posting pictures of the places we go out to see. Also  I will be posting comments from the students themselves in my "How do you view Nature" section of the blog.

Finally for guest speakers/hosts comments you can check out my "Whats WILD about you LIFE" section to read what they have to say about the environment we live in today and how its constantly and seemingly drastically changing! I'll see you later and until the adventure begins Saturday June 11 be as rooted as the Mighty Oak Tree :).

I can't wait to see what new adventures and passionate sights my eyes will behold come tomorrow and throughout the week!

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