I have two unrelated questions.
FIRE-FLIES: First I'm doing an article on fireflies and it seems they're
most common (or only found?) east of the Rockies except Utah. Yet there are
some anecdotal reports from CA and WA. Can you all tell me if any of you
currently see blinking fireflies - of any species - there are 175+ in the US
(not all flash though). OR if you "remember" seeing them when you were a
kid. Another common report is that they are declining in some areas but no
one seems to know why - could be chemicals, could be habitat loss, could be
light pollution, could be that people are just not outdoors enough to see
them. But can anyone confirm for me that they personally saw them as a child
in CA or OR or WA? In the West? Or that their parents or grandparents (who
are living and I can contact) saw them out west?
HOW PEOPLE BECOME SCIENTISTS/MEDIA INFLUENCE ON PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF
SCIENCE - I saw some studies that indicate that most natural scientists have
two main influences affecting their early interest in sciencets - early
outdoor experiences and media/TV (for me it was Jacques Cousteau and Jane
Goodall documentaries, whereas a slightly younger generation grew up on Croc
Hunter). Have you seen this study that showed this? The other study I heard
about was an NSF study that indicated the majority of Americans learn about
science from the media. I can't seem to locate either of these from a Google
search. Ring any bells? Know of any other studies?
What influenced YOU to become a scientist?
Wendee
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Wendee Holtcamp, M.S. Wildlife Ecology
Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian
<http://www.wendeeholtcamp.com/>
http://www.wendeeholtcamp.com
<http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com>
http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com
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