Olivia Nienaber's family owns land in Scandia, Minnesota. Several years ago, a fire burned the property. But she dreamed of plants and flowers growing on that blackened land. So she got to work. She created a dozen gardens on her family's land. It's now home to birds, bees, and butterflies.
Nienaber, 18, loves butterflies. That's because they start as caterpillars and grow into winged beauties. "They are symbols of change," she told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "And change for the better." What's more, butterflies are also pollinators. They help plants make seeds. They show how plants and animals depend upon each other.
Many young people are worried about the environment. Some are taking the lead in protecting wilderness. Among them are guardians like Nienaber. These guardians are getting their hands dirty and their feet wet to rescue wild things. They also want to restore the wild places these creatures need to live.
In Staffordshire, England, two friends started a business. Tom Whitehurst and Harvey Tweats are teens. Their company is Celtic Reptile & Amphibian. They raise native species. One is the moor frog. Another is the European pond turtle. Both had died out in England. Landowners buy the animals. They set them free in wild places where they belong.
For five boys in Iowa, rescuing turtles became a hands-on mission. The crew included brothers Blake and Cole Meyer, Keygan Hoover, Kasen Wenzel, and Zacaious Moe. They found western painted turtles that had been killed by cars. The reptiles had been crossing the road to find new places to nest. The boys, ages 8 to 11, formed a team of turtle helpers. They carried turtles from one side to the other. Together, they saved more than 200 turtles.
Ocean habitats also need guardians. People like Yassandra Marcela Barrios Castro are jumping in to help. Barrios Castro, 19, lives on an island in Colombia. Pollution from passing ships and overfishing have damaged the coral reef. Marine life depends on the reef.
Barrios Castro is studying ocean science. She's also a trained scuba diver. She introduces people to the world beneath the waves. "I am part of a new generation that wants to protect my island," Barrios Castro told Deutsche Welle, a German news station. "If I can find a way to join people together to protect our reefs, then our island is going to have a bright future."
In the sea and on land, wildlife is in trouble. Some animals are dying out. Many scientists argue that preserving the natural world calls for big changes. Businesses, governments, and communities will need to transform how they think about nature. Young guardians may be the leaders the world needs to protect wild places and the wild things that live there.
Think about and discuss these questions:
What wildlife would you like to protect? Why?
Can you think of a creative way to help preserve or protect a wild creature or place near you?
Video credit: Copyright 2020 Celtic Reptile & Amphibian LTD.
Video Transcript: Conservation Today, Exploration Tomorrow
QUESTION 1
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The author probably wrote this article in order to __________.
A.help readers understand that habitats are well protected
B.show readers that they can protect wild things
C.explain steps young people can take to save habitats
D.criticize young people who take action by disturbing habitats