ENTS- An idea occurred to me, which is likely not new, but perhaps a way to introduce the forest to the current generation on a level they can appreciate and enjoy. My oldest (24) son and I have been exploring natural areas near where we live---he's the "tech" guy, with the GPS in hand as we tromp through the woods. He's been exposed to natural and wild areas since he was a small child, but now, as a software engineer, it has taken some coaxing and encouragement to keep him interested, but he's always willing to go on an excursion with me---and now I think he really likes it.
My idea is a set of "virtual" geocahces that would lead to prime examples of individuals of tree species---no Tupperware containers with trinkets, but a narrative of perhaps 10 tree species; why it's there, it's cultural history, and of course its biological significance, all identified by coordinates and descriptions. This would accommodate Ed's very accurate observation on the "need to collect", but still make it necessary to get out in the woods and observe. This approach could be modified seasonally to include wildflowers and other predictable displays of "nature". This would likely require a major park system to get it in motion, like Cook Forest or CVNP, but I think it could work. It's important, I think to involve the "tech" persona with the appreciation of nature, not just with bicycle gear ratios. Steve -- Eastern Native Tree Society http://www.nativetreesociety.org Send email to [email protected] Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees?hl=en To unsubscribe send email to [email protected]
