CELEBRATING EARTH DAY
Written by Brennan Engel,
Senior at Muskego High School in Muskego, WI
|
|
Earth Day is the largest global event where over one billion people come together to recognize the beauty of the earth and the environmental problems our world faces. Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970. In the past 51 years, Earth Day has been significant in raising awareness for environmental issues and helped lead to the passing of numerous environmental laws in the United States including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 2016, the United Nations chose Earth Day as the day to sign the Paris Climate Agreement.
The best way to help our environment is to live like every day is Earth Day. Small lifestyle changes like buying products that are reusable, such as cloth shopping bags, metal straws, and avoiding single-use plastic containers like soda bottles and plastic water bottles can make a significant impact. This year consider making a resolution to help keep our planet clean.
A great way to bring awareness and to get your friends and family involved is to plan fun activities that will make your Earth Day observance something special and memorable. Fun activities could be:
- Making a dessert like dirt pie with your family
- Picking up trash in your local community
- Building a bird feeder or bat box
- Planning a hike to enjoy a local landmark
Don’t forget to share any Earth Day activities on social media, and encourage your friends and family to create their own traditions to help commemorate Earth Day.
|
|
|
|
The above picture was drawn by 3rd Grader, Dhruti Ramani.
|
|
SPOTLIGHT CAREER: HYDROLOGIST
Written by Hannah Peterson
|
|
A hydrologist is an interesting career for those who love water. Their overall task is studying the interaction between water and the earth’s crust.
What Hydrologists Do:
Hydrologists have a wide range of responsibilities that will vary job to job. Hydrologists can focus on either groundwater or surface water. Many collect water and soil samples to measure properties such as pH and pollutant levels. They also analyze data to determine impacts of water-related issues and use computer models to forecast future water supplies. Some additional tasks of hydrologists include managing water supplies, assessing water-related infrastructure, and developing conservation plans.
Where Hydrologists Work:
Some of the main employers of hydrologists are the federal government, the state government, local governments, engineering companies, and scientific and technical companies. Hydrologists will find themselves doing fieldwork outdoors as well as office work, and sometimes travel will be required.
Education Needed:
Most hydrologists will need a graduate degree in the natural sciences. First they must receive an undergraduate degree, ideally with a concentration in hydrology. Important subjects to understand will be math, statistics, life science, computer science, and physical science. Licensing may also be required in some states.
|
|
|
SPOTLIGHT SPECIES: GREEN SEA TURTLE
Written by Hannah Peterson
|
|
|
Green Sea Turtles are generally found in tropical and subtropical waters globally. They are one of the largest hard-shelled turtles at about three feet long and 300-350 lbs, and are the only marine turtles to eat only plants. The females will return to the beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. All populations of Green Turtles are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act, as they face a variety of threats, so we need to do what we can to protect them. Stay tuned to social media to learn more about Green Sea Turtles throughout the month of April.
|
|
Wetlands Drawing Contest Winners
Our Wetlands Drawing Contest period just ended, and we are evaluating the entries. Winners will be announced on social media and in May's newsletter, and prizes will be sent out soon! Thanks to all who participated!
Virtual Beach/Park Clean Up
In celebration of Earth Day, we will be kicking off a Virtual Beach/Park Clean Up event (April 22-June 30)! Head over to a local park, beach or even go around your neighborhood or school, and pick up any litter you see. Recycle as much as you can! Tag Aeon for Ocean on Instagram or Facebook or send a photo to contest@aeonforocean.org to be entered in a drawing for a prize! Please be mindful of the COVID precautions in your area while participating in the event. We also recommend wearing gloves while cleaning. We can’t wait to see your photos!
|
|
World Aquatic Animal Day
April 3rd marks World Aquatic Animal Day. It was celebrated for the first time last year on April 3rd 2020, and is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for all of our favorite aquatic animals around the world.
Earth Day
On April 22nd, celebrate our amazing planet! This year marks the 51st celebration of Earth Day, which has been a widely-recognized environmental holiday. Take some time to consider how you can make a difference today and everyday to make Earth a great place to live for everyone!
Virtual Beach Cleanup
On Earth Day we will be kicking off our Virtual Beach/Park Cleanup! See the above announcement and stay tuned to social media for more information about how to get involved in this exciting event!
Team Member Birthdays
April 1: Lakshmi Bonam, HR Associate
April 18: Molly Adolph, Operations Manager
April 25: Patrick Bloniasz, Director of Education
|
|
|
This month, we introduce you to Dave, one of our mascots created by Aeon. Dave is a dolphin with interesting stories to tell. Stay tuned to social media and future newsletters to learn more about Dave and the other mascots.
|
|
|
The above illustration was created by Illustrator, Eve Feldman.
|
|
|
MEET THE NEW MEMBERS OF OUR POD
|
|
|
Meet our newest volunteers who joined us in March! We are excited for their contributions to Aeon for Ocean.
|
|
Ling Xiang
Technology Associate |
Daron Schmit
Technology Associate |
|
|
|
|
