Hello Tunza Eco-generation family! Sorry I should?ve report on the event right away, but I wasn?t able to since I was very ill after the event. Anyways, let?s get started. Last Saturday, at Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature center, (where I do my internship related to environmental conservation) I was able to participate in assisting my manager, Mrs. Tracy, to lead the birding class for the ecology club at Hawthorne middle school from our neighboring city. The class was around 25 students, with some of the parents attending as well.

We first talked about the different types of bird beaks and feet. Along with that we explained why we shouldn?t feed the birds in the public places, explaining how ducks with ?white rings? on their neck is due to people feeding human food to them which can be extremely harmful to them while their natural life expectancy is around 12 year, those with white rings only live around 1-3 years. (More visible white ring is unhealthier they are)

Then we explained how to observe birds from the field guide. Students learned how to use binocular and distinguish birds based on their field marks. We gave them hour of tour walking around the preserve and showing around how our environment would?ve looked like back in 300 years ago when Native Americans lived without European explorations going on. Students were amazed how interesting nature can be, and some promised to come back. After we came back, I introduced Tunza Eco-generation, encouraged them to apply for the summit next year or read articles on our website, and passed out pamphlets, pens and post-its.

I enjoyed going out in the marsh with students. It reminded me of last summer, the time I had to lead Naturalist/Bird, Mammal, and insect camp and teach younger age group how to appreciate nature and be out there! It was great to see more people appreciate and interact with nature. I hope more people around my neighborhood would come out and be motivated to protect our environment!