{"id":1141,"date":"2024-05-21T17:36:55","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T17:36:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goeggit.com\/?p=1141"},"modified":"2024-05-24T21:10:15","modified_gmt":"2024-05-24T21:10:15","slug":"kids-art-takes-flight-nat-hab-philanthropy-supports-monarch-conservation-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/goeggit.com\/index.php\/2024\/05\/21\/kids-art-takes-flight-nat-hab-philanthropy-supports-monarch-conservation-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Kids\u2019 Art Takes Flight: Nat Hab Philanthropy Supports Monarch Conservation Education"},"content":{"rendered":"

Imagine a world where everyone is a champion for wildlife, where exploration leads to conservation, where art is a catalyst for regeneration.\u00a0<\/span>That\u2019s the world<\/span>\u00a0Natural Habitat Adventures and Nat Hab Philanthropy grant recipient\u00a0<\/span>Champions for Wildlife<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are striving to create.<\/span><\/p>\n

At Natural Habitat Adventures, we\u2019re not just passionate about delivering extraordinary nature expeditions. We\u2019re also deeply committed to conserving our planet\u2019s most precious and imperiled places.\u00a0<\/span>That\u2019s why we<\/span>\u00a0established Nat Hab Philanthropy, our dedicated arm for conservation and sustainable development efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Through Nat Hab Philanthropy, we support\u00a0<\/span>a wide range of<\/span>\u00a0initiatives in the destinations we visit.\u00a0<\/span>Our commitment to conservation has inspired us to take a leadership role in supporting grassroots efforts and local communities in places that have captured the hearts of our guests<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>from supporting ecosystem rehabilitation for Galapagos tortoises to research on gray whales and reducing plastic waste in sea turtle habitats.<\/span><\/p>\n

So Nat Hab Philanthropy is thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our 2023 grant recipients that<\/span>\u00a0embodies the spirit of Nat Hab\u2019s mission of conservation through exploration, protecting our planet by inspiring others, and supporting local communities.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"champions<\/p>\n

Meet Champions for Wildlife<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Based in western North Carolina, Champions for Wildlife\u2019s mission is\u00a0<\/span>inspiring<\/span>\u00a0kids to be champions for wildlife\u00a0<\/span>using<\/span>\u00a0art. In its first full year of operation, Champions for Wildlife taught over 3,700 kids using interactive art-based learning experiences; now\u00a0<\/span>and<\/span>\u00a0that number is well over 5,000.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With two teachers on staff as<\/span>\u00a0of 2024, Champions for Wildlife\u00a0<\/span>offers after-school<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>in-class<\/span>\u00a0lessons as well as community events focused on habitat protection and conservation education.<\/span><\/p>\n

Champions for Wildlife\u2019s Co-Founder and Executive Director, Loti Woods, explained:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur vision is to\u00a0create a sense of wonder and appreciation for wildlife that can ignite a child\u2019s lifelong passion for conservation. Our kids then become true champions for wildlife and habitat.\u00a0<\/span>We believe the more you learn<\/span>, the more you<\/span>\u00a0love, the more you protect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

We believe that, too! Nat Hab Philanthropy provided early-stage funding for Champions for Wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n

Woods shared, \u201cThe grant we received from Natural Habitat Adventures helped us jump-start our educational lessons, which always include an art activity <\/span>on the <\/span>monarch butterfly<\/span><\/a>\u00a0migration<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0We are so appreciative.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a peek at their inspiring work, how they\u2019re making a difference in monarch butterfly conservation education and habitat preservation and how you can, too!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Why Monarch Butterflies?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are many reasons to focus on monarch butterflies in conservation education: they\u2019re beautiful<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>endangered, and in most of North America\u00a0<\/span>they\u2019re flitting<\/span>\u00a0through towns and gardens twice a year.<\/span>\u00a0We can also empower kids to take immediate, impactful action.<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural Habitat<\/span>\u00a0Adventure\u2019s Chief Sustainability Officer Court Whelan explains it another way:<\/span><\/p>\n

“Monarchs are often <\/span>one of<\/span>\u00a0the first living creatures North American students learn about in depth. Many elementary classrooms use the monarch to teach basic biology\u00a0<\/span>as well as to<\/span>\u00a0introduce topics like ecosystems, migrations, animal behavior, and even\u00a0<\/span>things like<\/span>\u00a0metamorphosis and life cycles.<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m so pleased Champions for Wildlife has chosen to focus on the monarch<\/span>, as we<\/span> need a mindset shift in our culture about the value of nature, habitat, wildlife, and conservation, and starting with younger generations is key.”<\/span><\/p>\n


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