There were a lot of interactive exhibits for children that Alex took part in. He was able to learn more about conservation, environmental issues and local wildlife. Some of the organizations in attendance:
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Arizona Public Service
Arizona Wilderness Coalition (an organization that I've volunteered at in the past)
Audubon Society (I've spent two weeks volunteering at the Audubon Research Ranch in SE AZ)
The Nature Conservancy
The Sierra Club
several solar power retailers
Despite the economy and budget restrictions, it was gratifying to see so many organizations in attendance. The state of Arizona has had to shutter many of its state parks (at least temporarily) but many non-profits are stepping up to the plate and giving people options to go and explore nature. Especially in large cities, it is important to foster an appreciation of the natural world in our children. If people understand better what is at stake when we waste and when we pollute, then maybe we'll be more careful about protecting those gifts.
We try to go to as many of these festivals as we can. In a community that seems to think it is more important to carry your guns around in public and ban gays from marrying, it's nice to get around a few people with similar interests.
"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in." -- John Muir
2 comments:
Wait - why would they close state parks?? No $ for staff? That seems SO counter productive considering what a tourist draw they are.
It's completely stupid. As you say, most of those parks are revenue generators that actually help the state's coffers.
There was another story that came out recently that the cost of closing a bunch of interstate rest stops was going to be more than the cost to keep them open for the next year.
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