This month?s topic is the latest environmental events. This summer I?ve been involved in several environmental activities at the nature center I volunteer at. One of the earlier events we had was guiding Chinese exchange students to show our marshland around and help students experience America as much as possible.

          For those of you who haven?t read my other articles about the Marshland I volunteer at, I would like to briefly introduce Madrona Marsh preserve, is well known to be one of the last remaining vernal freshwater marshes in my county. (A vernal marsh refers to a wetland that has temporary pool of water that fills up by, in our case, rainfall and drainage waters.) Fascinating thing about this place is that this marshland is believed to demonstrate almost exact form of the wetlands prior to the European discovery of California.  Thus, for majority of students, who have never been to America, it was unique to be able to observe the preserve and learn about how the land would?ve been when Native Americans were around.

          After giving a tour around the marsh we had each student stand up and give a short presentation of their impression here at marsh. It was very touching how majority of students told me that it was hard to be this close around nature back in their homeland China, and that they truly learned to appreciate nature. It was also amazing how, despite their lacking skill in English, majority of students were passionate to share their thoughts. One of the qualities that we put significant value in here in nature center is that we promote everyone to be able to speak up, appreciate nature and learn something new. I was more than delighted to see all those happening through simple one-day visit.

          Before we dismissed the short visit, we invited a rocket expert to teach them how to build rockets. Although it was somewhat irrelevant to environment, I was delighted to see them enjoy the process. Although the process was a bit challenging especially for non-native speakers, everyone followed along pretty well.

          I?ve had many environmental activities going on this summer, but I chose to report on this event first because it is always fascinating to meet and help out foreign exchanging students. Just like how in Tunza Eco-gen community variety of environmental activists gathers up to work together on same goal-to protect environment- I love to see more people interact around the world.