Nicodemus Wilderness Project
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NWP Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists - Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

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Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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nature85



Registered: December 2007
City/Town/Province: North Wales
Posts: 1
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A passionate, cohesive team of conservation activists stood in the rain on a cold November day to raise money to adopt three vitally important, precious endangered species. With heavy posters held high and loud, resolute shouts, we stood along Liacouras Walk of Temple University hoping students would donate to our imperative cause to save the California Condor, Western Lowland Gorilla, and Snow Leopard. We spread the awareness of the destruction of these animals through educational pamphlets and large, striking laminated posters. The pamphlets described the causes leading to their imminent extinction and their ecological roles, while the posters illustrated each animal’s range and the approximate number surviving in the wild. Eagerly awaiting generous contributions, we held out three tissue boxes uniquely decorated with photographs of each animal. As an organization, we longed that others could recognize and appreciate these animals’ astonishing attributes and look to them with wonder.


The image of Koko cradling a kitten and learning to sign ignited our will to save the Western Lowland Gorilla by donating to the Gorilla Foundation. Species that so closely resemble us physically and emotionally should be preserved and cherished forever. To lose such an animal would be a tragedy since we can learn so much from their complex social behaviors and their abilities to communicate. The enormous and breathtaking wingspan of the California Condor, as well as their exceptionally low numbers persuaded us to adopt this North American bird- icon from the Ventana Wildlife Sanctuary. Its ecological role of feeding upon animal carcasses deems them important since they are nature’s garbage disposals. The Snow Leopard’s ability to inhabit the high altitudes of the Himalayas and their supreme beauty invoked an unsurpassable hope to prevent these big cats from disappearing from their natural environments. To protect the future of the Snow Leopard we donated to the Wildlife Conservation Network.


The reactions encountered from our fellow Temple students were mixed. We were sneered at and ignored, but we persevered in the bitter cold and were determined to raise $200 for our beloved animals. These reactions out-rightly exhibited peoples’ disrespect and lack of concern for the environment and our place in it. These reactions empowered us even more to shout and deliver our message for species conservation! The positive reactions that ensued included a professor donating twenty dollars and encouraging us to not give up. She stated to the group, “Even those that do not donate hear your words, and you are acting to inspire others to help change the fate of many animals.”


Conducting the endangered species fundraiser evoked a spirit within us that will always be remembered. We could freely express and stand up for the animals that we so deeply cared for. As the organizer of this event, I can vouch that initiating change through action and education was powerful and emotionally fulfilling. We planted seeds in peoples’ hearts and minds by raising endangered species awareness through this ecological initiative. It was wonderful acting as the leader for several animal enthusiasts and witnessing their passions for wildlife shine through. Our intense group effort led us to our goal of raising $200. The money donated by our generous colleges will be evenly split among these three valued endangered species. This project was especially crucial since we raised awareness in an urban setting where endangered species are seldom thought of.
Date: December 22, 2007 Views: 7846 File size: 39.9kb, 290.0kb : 1500 x 1125
Hours Volunteered: 30
Volunteers: 10
Authors Age & Age Range of Volunteers: 18 to 22
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