The Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo joins Kids Corner monthly to explore the fascinating world found behind the gates of America's First Zoo!

Kids Can Do Conservation

Conservation is one of those big words that can mean so many things. The official definition of conservation is "the preservation and careful management of the environment and of natural resources." You may be wondering, why should conservation be important to kids? Well, because conservation really boils down to protecting our future. It means protecting, creating and restoring habitat for wildlife, making wise choices when you choose pets, cleaning up your community and even smart shopping.

You probably didn't know that anyone can be a conservationist! For example, if you recycle cans and bottles, throw your trash away properly instead of on the ground, or turn off lights when you leave a room, you're already conserving. Every little bit helps! There are so many ways kids can have a positive impact for conservation. Just in time for Earth Day, we'll learn today a few ways kids can do conservation!

Creating a backyard habitat for wildlife

• Your yard could be home to migratory birds, butterflies, frogs, chipmunks and more. It doesn't matter where you live or how much space you have, you can provide ways to attract wildlife to your home, school or community! There are 4 basic elements you should provide for your critter neighbors to thrive: food, water, shelter and a place to raise young. By placing native plants in your habitat you are able to offer food, shelter and nesting sites for a variety of wildlife.
• Native plants are beautiful, hardy, easier to maintain and beneficial to the environment. They decrease air pollution by reducing the need for pesticides, fertilizers and water. They are great way to attract beneficial bugs that help keep the pests away. Once you have established your native habitat, you will be able to sit back and enjoy your wild backyard!
• You can get started on a creating a certified backyard wildlife habitat either for your home, school or community by logging onto www.nwf.org.
• Another great, easy way you can help wildlife is to hang used (recycled) CDs and in your windows. Light reflecting from the CDs keeps birds from flying into the glass and can save birds' lives. Decorating the CDs before you hang them is a fun arts and crafts activity.

Restoring Habitat - Wetlands
(and helping turtles too!)

If you've taken a trip to the New Jersey shore or rode past the Philadelphia International Airport, there is a good chance you have seen wetlands. Wetlands are the link between the land and the water. Wetlands found in the United States fall into four general categories - marshes, swamps, bogs and fens. Here in Pennsylvania there are over 400,000 acres of wetlands. In the state of New Jersey there are over 916,000 acres - almost one fifth of the whole state!. Healthy wetlands provide a perfect habitat for wildlife. The Northern diamondback terrapin is one of many species that live in wetlands. These terrapins are small to medium sized turtles that are found along the East Coast from Massachusetts to the Florida Keys. For over a decade, the Philadelphia Zoo has been working in partnership with the Wetlands Institute, located in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, to help the declining populations of diamondback terrapins. There a number of ways you can help too.

Next time you take a drive to the shore, look for the turtle crossing signs along the road. In Stone Harbor, New Jersey kids have gotten together and designed their own terrapin crossing signs that are posted throughout the community. These signs are a reminder to drive slowly because they have entered terrapin country . If you see a terrapin trying to cross the road, please do not take it home as a pet. It is on a mission to get the other side. You can carefully pick it up and place it safely on the other side of the road in the direction it was going.

Another great to way to get involved with wildlife and wetlands is to check your local nature centers or wildlife refuge for opportunities to volunteer with habitat restoration projects. In the Philadelphia area, you can participate in "Trail Tamers" programs to restore habitat (and even specifically wetlands) at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
For more information log onto http://www.fws.gov/northeast/heinz/

Want to know more about wetlands and diamondback terrapins? Take the New Jersey wetlands quiz!

The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, New Jersey:
http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/visit/tidepool.html