What is conservation?
How many plants and animals live near you? Probably more than you think. Just in one backyard lies a tiny universe of plants and animals that are all dependent on one another and the environment for survival.
For example, you probably have earthworms in your soil. The earthworms help keep the soil healthy so plants can grow. The plants feed many animals, including birds, squirrels and rabbits. If you grow a garden, the plants may even feed you. The earthworms become lunch for snakes, frogs and rabbits. Likewise, these small animals are eaten by predators, such as larger snakes, coyotes, owls, fox and hawks.
If one part of this ecosystem is destroyed, everything else becomes unbalanced. For example, if the coyotes leave, the rabbits become too numerous. They eat all the plants – including your lovely garden. Soon, the rabbits are hungry, along with other animals. Maybe even you. Now imagine the number of ecosystems found all over the world. Everywhere you look, nature is in delicate balance. Don’t think because you’re human and buy your food at a grocery store, you’re not affected. Every living thing on the planet depends on other living things for survival.
What does Conservation mean? Conservation seems like a big word, but it is actually very simple. It means understanding nature’s balance and not taking more than your fair share.
You can practice conservation. Pick up trash. Follow the rules when you’re hiking, camping or fishing to protect wild places. Don’t leave the trails and don’t take plants or animals. Use resources wisely. Turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth and don’t throw clean clothes in the dirty laundry. Recycle paper, plastic and glass.
For example, you probably have earthworms in your soil. The earthworms help keep the soil healthy so plants can grow. The plants feed many animals, including birds, squirrels and rabbits. If you grow a garden, the plants may even feed you. The earthworms become lunch for snakes, frogs and rabbits. Likewise, these small animals are eaten by predators, such as larger snakes, coyotes, owls, fox and hawks.
If one part of this ecosystem is destroyed, everything else becomes unbalanced. For example, if the coyotes leave, the rabbits become too numerous. They eat all the plants – including your lovely garden. Soon, the rabbits are hungry, along with other animals. Maybe even you. Now imagine the number of ecosystems found all over the world. Everywhere you look, nature is in delicate balance. Don’t think because you’re human and buy your food at a grocery store, you’re not affected. Every living thing on the planet depends on other living things for survival.
What does Conservation mean? Conservation seems like a big word, but it is actually very simple. It means understanding nature’s balance and not taking more than your fair share.
You can practice conservation. Pick up trash. Follow the rules when you’re hiking, camping or fishing to protect wild places. Don’t leave the trails and don’t take plants or animals. Use resources wisely. Turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth and don’t throw clean clothes in the dirty laundry. Recycle paper, plastic and glass.