Turtles & Tortoises - Alana Piselli

Charles Darwin was an English naturalist who is most well known as a collector and geologist. He came up with scientific information that all species of life have evolved over time from similar ancestry through the process of natural selection. The scientific community embraced Darwin’s theory and natural selection became the primary basis of evolution in the early 1930s and is still the basis of modern evolutionary theory today. (Charles Darwin, 2008)

Darwin is significantly known for his voyage on the Beagle, where he sailed around various parts of the world. He traveled for 5 years collecting fossils, information and data on many different species. Some consider his most well-known finding to be the tortoise. While on the Galapagos Islands, Darwin learned from local inhabitants that a tortoise can be identified by its appearance. Darwin believed Spaniards claimed they could tell where the tortoises originated by their physical characteristics. (Charles Darwin, 2008)

The tortoise is considered by many to be the most recognized symbol of the Galapagos Islands. The tortoises currently found on the Galapagos are the largest in the world, weighing up to 500 lbs., with a life span of nearly 150 years. The feature of the shell is made up of the rib cage, collar bone and pelvis. The ancestors of the turtle were so successful with this form of living that there has been little morphology in over 200 years. Amazingly one turtle genus from South America has not changed its morphology in over 60 million years. Darwin would consider this to be a result of conservation. Conserving turtles and tortoises are very important because there is an enormous demand for trade amongst them all over the world. The demand is frighteningly high in Asia. (Hall, 2004)

Box turtles typically live to be about 40 years old but sometimes live for 100 years. The female box turtle we observed in class is a Florida native. Her scales were beige dark green and yellow and seemed to be armored. Her shell was dark brown with beige and had 2 hinges under her neck and tail to protect her from predators. The male box turtle is very different from the female box turtle. The male we observed was also a native of Florida. He had red eyes and was very aggressive. He had a wide mouth which was very different from the other male box turtle we observed. The second male box turtle we observed was a native of Texas. His scales were camouflage colors, beige and dark green. His mouth was much pointier than the Florida box turtle. Both males had hinges to protect themselves from predators.(Turtle, 2008)

The Central American Ornate Wood Turtle we observed is a native of places such as Ecuador and Venezuela. The one we observed in class was very colorful with black and orange stripes on its scales. Its shell had a hump and seemed to be hardest one. Its neck seemed to protrude the most as well. It had flat feet and a short tail, which means it is female. is a herbivore feeding on mostly greens. They live near grassy areas, forests and ponds. They also feed on small insects and worms occasionally. They are found in Costa Rica and southern Nicaragua. They are highly aquatic when young, as adults they are land-based. The average lifespan is only 15 years. (Turtle, 2008)

Red-footed tortoises can be found in open grasslands of South America in place such as Ecuador and Venezuela. The red-footed tortoise we observed in class was a baby. It had red scales and a dark green and brown shell. It’s face was flatter than the others. Red footed tortoises have sexual dimorphism; the male has a curved belly which is used to easily mount the female for reproduction. Contrarily, the female’s belly is flat. The male is also larger at the same age as the female. They typically live about 50 years and reach about 10 to 15 inches. (Tortoise, 2008)

The Russian tortoise is a vegetarian which feeds mostly on greens. The Russian tortoise we observed in class was a male and, like its relatives, had a large tail. It had only 4 toes per foot and claws as opposed to webbed feet because it is a land dweller. The tortoise was able to completely retract its head and limbs into its shell. Its shell was domed. Its life span is about 50 years but there have been recorded Russian tortoises living to nearly 100 years old. They reach about 6-8 inches upon adulthood. Russian tortoises can be found in Asia regions. (Tortoise, 2008)

The mud turtle we observed in class was dark green and black. It was very small, only around 2 inches long. Its eyes were far apart and its shell came to a point on top. These webbed feet turtles are usually found in water although they are not very good swimmers. They are known as bottom dwellers. They are typically found around lakes and ponds where there is slow moving water. Although very small, they are usually carnivorous. They grow up to 4 inches. Their lifespan is about 50 year. (Turtle, 2008)

The Yellow footed tortoise we observed was the largest one. Its shell was greenish brown and beige, for camouflage. This female yellow footed tortoise had only 4 toes per foot with very short claws. These tortoises typically live to be 50-60 years old. They are very rarely spotted in the wild because they enjoy the dense forests. They are found in South American regions. (Tortoise, 2008)

“The inhabitants...state that they can distinguish the tortoise from different islands; and that they differ not only in size, but in other characters. Captain Porter has described those from Charles and from the nearest island to it, namely Hood Island, as having their shells in front thick and turned up like a Spanish saddle, whilst the tortoises from James Island are rounder, blacker, and have a better taste when cooked”.-Charles Darwin 1845

References
Charles Darwin. (2008, April 21). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 02:42, April 21, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charles_Darwin&oldid=208012115
Hall, (2004). Turtles. Retrieved April 22, 2008, Web site: http://eebweb.arizona.edu/courses/Ecol483_583/483Turtlelab2004.doc
Tortoise. (2008, April 22). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 22, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tortoise&oldid=207876697
Turtle. (2008, April 22). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 03:02, April 22, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Turtle&oldid=207903752

Jessica Teller - Mini Project #7

Demographics - Lauderhill, Florida

The trend in the population for Lauderhill, Florida was updated in 2006. According to the US Census Website, the population figure in 2006 was 59,482 people. In 2000, the population was 57,585 people and in 1990 was only 49, 708 people. It is evident that the population is on the rise in this region and is estimated to reach an all-time high by the time of the next Census in 2010.

In 2000, the Census Bureau published the latest information regarding income distribution, housing data, and ethnicity information. In 2000, the U.S. Census estimated that the mean income for households was $42, 589. The median income amoung married couples was $57,345, the median income amoung single female families was $28,666 and the median income for non-family households is $31,869. The median income for a household in the city was $32,515, and the median income for a family was $36,723. Males had a median income of $29,756 versus $25,167 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,243. About 15.5% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.0% of those under age 18 and 13.1% of those age 65 or over.

The racial makeup of the city was 33.83% White (29.6% were Non Hispanic White,) 58.77% African American and Black (a large part from the Caribbean), 0.12% Native American, 1.58% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.61% from other races, and 4.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.94% of the population. Lauderhill has a high foreign-born population, with a noticeable proportion from the West Indies. 33.65% of Lauderhill's population was born outside of the United States. 24.63% were born in the Caribbean, 14.73% from Jamaica alone. Other major West Indian populations were born in Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Dominica, The Bahamas, Guyana, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other Caribbean nations.

As of 2000, English as a first language was spoken by 79.14% of the population, while French Creole was at 7.85%, Spanish at 6.92%, French at 2.69%, Yiddish at 0.59%, and Hebrew at 0.45% of residents.

As of 2000, Lauderhill had the third highest percentage of Jamaican residents in the US, at 17.6% of the city's population, and the eighteenth highest percentage of Haitian residents in the US, at 9.1% of the city's population (tied with Mangonia Park.)

Ocean Township Environmental Commission

The Township of Ocean has been actively involved in preserving our environment since 1970. The environmental commission of Ocean Township strives to promote recycling & preservation of the township.

Below are images of Joe Palaia Park (Deal Test Site) located in Ocean Township.







http://tocommish.googlepages.com/townshipofoceanenvironmentalcommission

Alana Piselli - Mini Project #7

Demographics for Ocean Township, NJ

According to the United States Census Bureau, Ocean Township has a total area of 11.1 square miles, of which, 11.0 square miles of it is land and 0.1 square miles of it is water.

As of 2000, there were 26,959 people, 10,254 households, and 7,341 families residing in the township. The population density was 2,443.3 people per square mile. There were 10,756 housing units at an average density of 974.8/sq mi. The racial makeup of the township was 84.34% White, 5.67% African American, 0.15% Native American, 6.27% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.58% from other races, and 1.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.51% of the population.

There were 10,254 households out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.4% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the township the population was spread out with 25.5% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $62,058, and the median income for a family was $74,572. Males had a median income of $52,376 versus $35,439 for females. The per capita income for the township was $30,581. About 3.6% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.1% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of the age 65 or over.

Alana Piselli - Mini Project #6

Terrorist Precautions in Ocean Township, NJ

The city and its surrounding areas recognize the importance of preparing themselves against terrorist attacks. Because many of the families in this town were directly effected by 9/11 the city wants to ensure everyone’s safety. Residents should have regular emergency items such as canned food and water. The city also explains that each family should have their own emergency plan.
Monmouth county sheriff’s department has been actively involved in educating the state on biological terrorism. Sheriff Joseph. W Oxley held a 2 day seminar with law enforcement, healthcare, and emergency management state officials in the largest workshop of its kind in the nation. The seminar educated individuals on the potential threats of nuclear biological and chemical terrorist. The Nation Sheriff’ Association held the meeting titled “Managing Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents”. This seminar ensured residents of Monmouth county that they are protected by the best ability of their local sheriffs, police chiefs and emergency management coordinators in the instance of an emergency.
Ocean Township Schools have had new security systems placed in their buildings. They also labeled each door as well as installed cameras in each main hallway. They hold monthly “lock-down” drills similar to fire drills, where the children enter the safest part of the building. To deal with emergency management my city is constantly training, preparing, planning, and monitoring our departments and community for all forms of emergencies - including terrorism. Since the events of 9/11, many of the city officials have undergone extensive training concerning specific threats. The city has also revised and updated the Terrorism Annex to our City's Emergency Operations Plan. Furthermore, the center for disease control explains not opening mail from unknown senders is a way to deal with potential terrorism.

http://www.visitmonmouth.com/sheriff/newsroom.asp?action=118%20

Jessica Teller - Mini Project #6

Prevention of Biological Terrorism in Broward County, Florida

According to Broward County Commissioner, Kristin D. Jacobs, officials in this county have a plan for emergency situations. When an emergency is declared on Broward County, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) becomes the communications center, with nearly 300 telephones and computers and major teleconfrencing equiptment. Every government agency in our county reports to this command center. Because every aspect of the county is connected, they are better able to provide the resources neceassary to properly deal with an emergency. After the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers, the EOC began to take on more responsibilities than just a communication center during weather emergencies (hurricanes). The EOC is now an emergency center for terrorist attacks or scares, hurricanes, and biological terrorism on the citizens of Broward County.

Biological terrorism is the use of chemicals aimed to kill a large group of people. The EOC in Broward County has the responsibility of informing citizens, using all resources, including the Broward Sherriff's Office and other chemical warfare specialists to help keep the citizens safe, and answering to emergencies if any were to happen. As a citizen of Broward County, I feel safer knowing that the county officials have a plan to rpotect the citizens of the county. Hopefully the precautionary plans never have to be utilized, as terrorism of any kind can completely destroy a nation.

For more information on Broward County's procedures and plans go to http://www.broward.org/ and search biological terrorism.

Alana Piselli - Mini Project #5

Superfund Sites near Ocean Township, New Jersey

Superfund Sites near Ocean Township, New Jersey, or site that addresses abandoned hazardous wastes, to New Jersey is the Region 2 site. The Region 2 superfund site is located in Niagara Falls, New York. Region 2 serves for New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For other information about superfund sites and for a complete list of the superfund sites that are located around the United Sites please visit the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/.

Jessica Teller - Mini Project #5

Superfund Site located closest to Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The superfund site closest to my home is the Region 4 Superfund Site. This Superfund Site serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and 6 Tribes. To find a complete list of superfund sites in the United States visit http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/index.htm.

Alana Piselli - Mini Project #4

The majority of foods found in our supermarkets are genetically altered. In the US there are millions of acres of plants that have been genetically altered in some way. These crops, such as vegetables, fruits, and tobacco are most likely exposed to some type of genetic engineering. Other ingredients such as corn, soy, canola and cottonseed oil are found in many of the products we consume on a daily basis. Although many of these crops have also been organically grown in an attempt to protect our bodies as well as our environment, organic food products can be costly. Listed below are some popular name brand food products which have been genetically altered.

Arizona Green Tea

Blue Bunny Ice Cream

Lean Cuisine Meals

Shake & Bake

Bear Creek Country Kitchens Soup Mix

Hormel Chili

Perdue chicken breasts

Boston Market beef sirloin

Betty Crocker Instant mashed potatoes

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese

Easy Cheese American cheese

Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Egg Beaters

Del Monte vegetables

Ark Naturals Pet Beef Jerky

Gerber Barley Cereal for babies

Idaho Instant Potatoes

McCormick Spaghetti Sauce Mix

Classico Four Cheese Sauce

Campbell’s Supper Bakes

Pepperidge Farm Goldfish

Martin Potato Rolls

Jessica Teller - Mini-Project #4

Genetically Altered Foods

Genetically altered foods are made from crops that have been genetically altered in the labratory for human consumption. Although there are many benefits of gentically altered food, such as pest and herbicide resistance, disease and cold tolerance and nutritional values, the negative consequences are great. Genetically altered foods may cause many environmental risks, may be harmful to the human health, and may have economical concerns. Genetically altered foods have been a major topic as of late and many countries are making an effort to adopt regulatory plans for the production of genetically altered foods.

Genetically altered foods include many of the foods we consume on a daily basis: baby foods, baking products, breads, breakfast bars, cereal, chocolate, candy, condiments, cookies, crackers, frozen dinners, salad dressings and salad oils, energy bars and energy drinks, heat and serve meals, meat and dairy alternatives, meal mixes, frozen pizza, snack foods, soda and juice, soups, tomatoe and tomatoe sauces.

For a complete list of all genetically altered food please visit the site below:
http://www.truefoodnow.org/shoppersguide/guide_printable.html.

Jessica Teller - Mini Project #3

Endangered Species in Florida

American Alligator

American Crocodile

Bankclimber (purple)

Bat (grey)

Butterfly (Schaus swallowtail)

Caracara (Audubon's crested)

Crane

Darter (Okaloosa)

Deer (Key)

Eagle (bald)

Jay (Florida scrub)

Kite (Everglade snail)

Manatee (West Indian)

Moccasinshell (Gulf & Ochlockonee)

Mouse (Anastasia Island beach, Choctawhatchee beach, Key Largo cotton, Perdido Key beach, southeastern beach, St. Andrew's beach)

Panther (Florida)

Puma (FL)

Rabbit (Lower Keys marsh)

Rice rat (lower FL Keys)

Salamander, flatwoods

Seaturtle (green, hawksbill, Kemp's ridely, leatherback, loggerhead)

Seal (Caribbean Monk)

Shrimp (Squirrel Chimney Cave)

Snail (Stock Island tree)

Snake (Atlantic salt marsh, eastern indigo)

Sparrow (Cape Sable seaside, Florida grasshopper)

Sturgeon (Gulf , shortnose)

Whale (finback , humpback, right)

Woodpecker, red-cockaded

Woodrat, Key Largo

Alana Piselli - Mini Project #3

Endangered Species are in immediate danger due to many factors such as; diminished or changing habitats, over-exploitation, predation, disease, pesticide contamination or other disturbances in the environment.

Listed below is a list of endangered species by category, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Birds

Bald Eagle

American Bittern

Peregrine Falcon

Northern Goshawk

Pied-billed Grebe

Northern Harrier

Red-shouldered Hawk

Short-eared Owl

Piping Plover**

Upland Sandpiper

Loggerhead Shrike

Black Skimmer

Henslow’s Sparrow

Vesper Sparrow
Least Tern**

Roseate Tern

Sedge Wren

Reptiles

Timber Rattlesnake

Corn Snake
Queen SnakeBog Turtle**

Atlantic hawksbill**

Atlantic leatherback**

Atlantic loggerhead**

Atlantic Ridley**

Amphibians

Blue spotted salamander

Eastern tiger salamander

Southern gray treefrog

Invertebrates

American burying beetle**

Northeastern beach tiger**

Bronze copper

Brook floater (mussel)

Green gloater (mussel)

Mitchell’s Satyr (butterfly)**

Arogos Skipper (butterfly)

Appalachian grizzled Skipper (butterfly)

Dwarf Wedgemussel**

Mammals

Indiana Bat**

Bobcat

Black right Whale**

Blue Whale**

Fin Whale**

Humpback Whale**

Sei Whale **

Sperm Whale**

Woodrat Alleghen

Fish
Shortnose Sturgeon**





(**Federally endangered, bold pictured)

Reference:(2008 , February 5). Division of Fish and Wildlife: New Jersey Threatened and Endangered Wildlife. Retrieved March 30, 2008, from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Web site: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/tandespp.htm

Alana Piselli - Mini Project #2

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon is a naturally occurring element found on the Earth’s surface. The biogeochemical process, known as the Carbon Cycle, explains how carbon is recycled in our atmosphere. The key components of the carbon cycle include respiration and photosynthesis. When carbon is combined with hydrogen carbohydrates are made, which are in turn combined with oxygen during respiration to produce carbon dioxide, water and energy. The release of respiration may be interpreted as the input of photosynthesis, and the outputs of photosynthesis may interpret the inputs of respiration, making the process and interactive and dependent one. (Barker 2003)

Carbon is circulated in many ways through our atmosphere. Carbon is found largely on the earth’s surface in the form of sedimentary rocks. When the carbon reaches the oceans it forms calcium carbonate. This process allows appropriate living conditions for our ocean’s reefs where carbon is converted into tissue matter. Plants found on land and in water use photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide into carbohydrates. The carbon is then released into the atmosphere by respiration, decaying plants and animals, and even fossil fuel emissions.

Carbon is circulated in the biosphere by ways of autotrophs and heterotrophs. Carbon is circulated throughout the biosphere through respiration. The majority of carbon escapes the biosphere by respiration. The largest reservoir in the carbon cycle occurs in the ocean when bicarbonate combines with calcium to produce limestone. Carbon is essential in maintaining pH levels in the oceans. Carbon is constantly changing and exchanging between the ocean and the atmosphere by means of upswelling and downswelling.

The process is a relatively fast one because carbon is concentrated at small levels. Carbon dioxide is more resourceful in the winter due to the vegetation. Carbon dioxide emissions are currently growing at a .5 rate per year, and are expected to continue to grow. This can change our climate and contribute greatly to global warming.

Research on the carbon cycle has concluded there is “missing carbon”. Further research on this issue conducted by the concludes some issues as to where the carbon dioxide has gone including the increased amounts of phytoplankton as well as increased growth of forests.

References:

Carbon Cycle. Retrieved March 25, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_cycle.

The Carbon Cycle (2006). Retrieved March 25, 2008 from http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/C/CarbonCycle.html#Where_is_the_missing_carbon
Barker, B. W. (2003). Environmental Studies: Concepts, connections, and controversies. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt.

Jessica Teller - Mini Project #2

The Carbon Cycle

The black numbers in the diagram show how much carbon is stored in the various reserviors shown in the diagram and the purple numbers show how mucfh carbon is transfered between reserviors each year. This cycle is made up of four major reserviors interconnected by pathways of exchange. The reserviors include the atmosphere, the terrestrial biosphere, the oceans and the sediments.

In the atmosphere, carbon consists mostly of the gas carbon dioxide. Carbon is taken from the atmosphere in many ways. Photosynthesis turns the carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere, into oxygen. Also, in the ocean, carbon becomes quite soluble and in places of high biological productivity, organisms convert carbon to tissues. Carbon is then released back into the atmosphere is many ways such as respiration, the decay of plant and animal matter, through combustion of organic material, burning of fossil fuels, production of cement, through volcanic eruptions, and on the ocean's surface where the water become warmer, carbon dioxide is released.

The terrestrial biosphere consists of freshwater systems and non-living organic material. Carbon is taken from and released back into the terrestrial biosphere in many ways. Living organisms, such as autotrophs and heterotrophs use carbon and release carbon as they live and feed. Most carbon leaves the biosphere through respiration. Also, the burning of biomass releases large amounts of carbon back into the atmosphere. Carbon is circulated through the biosphere through sedimentation, or the process of animal shells becoming limestone.

The oceans contain large amounts of carbon in the form of biocarbonate ion. Carbon is extremely important for controlling the pH levels in the ocean water and its reactions within water. Carbon is readily exchanging between the ocean and the atmosphere in processes known as upswelling and downswelling. Bicarbonate can combine with calcium to produce limestone, which is the largest reservior in the carbon cycle.

Reference: Carbon Cycle. Retrieved March 25, 2008 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_cycle.

Alana Piselli - Mini Project #1

Greenpeace

Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization which strives to change attitudes and behaviors regarding the environment. Greenpeace is internationally known for their work in many areas of environmental safety and preservation. Greenpeace is actively attempting to help with many issues such as climate change, maintaining our oceans, protecting rainforests, demanding peace and disarmament and eliminating toxic chemicals. These are only a handful of the many areas of environmental activism the organization responds to.

Wild Spots Foundation

The Wild Spots Foundation mission is the protection of biodiversity. The foundation uses science, education and technology to actively preserve endangered and threatened species. Wild Spots is a non profit organization that works on a broad spectrum of issues around the world, which range from DNA research to documenting species in different ecosystems.


The Natural Resources Defense Council

The Natural Resources Defense Council’s mission is to preserve the Earth. In order to preserve the Earth’s natural systems the NRDC recognizes the importance of defending endangered natural areas on our planet. The NRDC works hard to “restore the integrity” of our planet’s three elements; air, land and water. NRDC “affirms the integral place of human beings in the environment.” Not only does the NRDC understand the importance of the here and now; they also maintain advanced resources for future generations.
Most significantly, NRDC recognizes and respects human rights and is accepting of all people who become involved in their mission. NRDC recognizes social and economic issues that cause hardships to much of our population today. In turn, NRDC strives to create a new way of living which does not harm the Earth’s natural resources.

As one of the nation’s most effective environmental action organization which uses law, science as well as the support of nearly 1.2 million members and online activists who work hard to protect the planet and maintain a healthy environment. NRDC has served as one of the most influential litigators in our nation.

For nearly 3 decades, NRDC has been actively working to defend wilderness, wildlife, and clean water to name a few. Some of the organizations honorable achievements are as follows. In 1971, NRDC passes the Clean Water Act, which enables polluters to face law suits. In 1973, NRDC takes action on the issue of lead in our nation’s gasoline. In 1976, NRDC litigation wins limits on water pollution for 24 major industries. In 1978, NRDC successfully removes Chlorofluorocarbons from aerosol cans. More recently, in 2005 NRDC defeats the Bush administration’s attempts to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. In 2006, the NRDC legal actions cause the Bush administration to devise a proposal to protect polar bears under the Endangered Species act.

The National Resources Defense Council has made many contributions to our nation and worldwide for decades. NRDC is a widely renounced funding organization, as well as a proactive lobbying group. NRDC has been praised by many because of their persistence in helping keep our environment safe and incorporating it’s mission for years to come. I chose NRDC because I feel that it is a very powerful organization that works proactively towards their mission. I respect and embrace many of the values mentioned in their mission statement and find it very honorable to see what a positive impact the NRDC has on our planet!

Jessica Teller - Mini Project #1

National Resource Defense Council

The National Resource Defense Council, NRDC, is one of the nation's most effective environmental action groups. The goal of this organization is to defend the wildreness and the wildlife that populates these environments. The National Resource Defense Council also seeks to protect clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment. This organization has been making great strides in the fight against water pollution, air pollution, acid rain, the ozone layer and global warming issues. This organization finds it important that all people have a voice in their environmental issues and seeks to create a new way of life for mankind; one that does not involve the depletion of the world's natural resources.

Greenpeace

Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization (present in 40 countries around the world) that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace by catalysing an energy revolution, defending our oceans, protecting the world's ancient rain forests, working for disarmament and peace, creating a toxic free future, and campaigning for sustainable agriculture. This organization also says no to genetic engineering, seeks to eliminate toxic chemicals and seeks to end the nuclear age. This organization has millions of supporters worldwide who volunteer their time and money to projects worldwide to promote environmental conservation and preservation.

Wild Spot Foundation

The Wild Spot Foundation is dedicated to saving the habitats of endagered species through many programs that promote, defend, and protect against biodiversity. This organization is committed to the conservation by incorporating a sense of ownership for the world's wild spots in return for the beauty that these natural habitats offer for generations to come. The organization believes that the ineraction between living things and their habitat sustain life on earth. Knowing that plants and animals are located in a variety of environments, mankind is able to interact with their environment on a daily basis. Therefore, this organization teaches mankind the biology of endagered species, the ecology of habitats, and educate about the indigenous people who inhabit these areas. The Wild Spots Foundation, Inc. is committed to the conservation of natural resources and the preservation of wildlife.

This organization has many institutional objectives including to promote and protect biodiversity throughout the world, to provide aesthetic and symbolic value for human culture, to preserve sacred and historic lands, to support and exploit the concept of transformative value, to follow the principles of stewardship, and to educate and involve youth. Wild Spots Foundation promotes these objectives worldwide and also has special projects, with unique objectives, for projects in South Florida and the Amazonia Cloud Forest of Ecuador. The organization seeks to develop special research centers in these locations to implement educational programs for the youth in these areas as well as developing and implementing travel programs for citizens of all countries.

I would choose to join the Wild Spot Foundation because the ideas and objectives of the organization meet my beliefs and needs as an environmentalist. I believe in the mission of the organization: to conserve natural resources and preserve our wildlife for the beauty that these habitats bring to future generations. The travel oppurtunities and ideas for citizens of all countries may turn the beauty of these habitats into a reality for those individuals who only dream of visiting a gorgeous biodiverse habitat filled with plants and animals beyond their wildest dreams! I agree that an affective way to preserve and conserve is to educate the world's future generation, our youth. By aiming the education at this age group, they may be able to produce the major changes that we need to save our environment.