Pete Seeger once said, “I think the world is going to be saved by a million small things.” When it comes to our environment nothing could be more true.

Complex and unique from all our diverse towns and cities, from our many wonderful nature centers, to our State and local parks and even our very own backyards, all special, all well deserving to be saved and protected. But in the end the environment can and will only be saved by individuals doing what they can and where they can to protect our vulnerable wildlife and the habitats that they need to survive.

As we speak there are many incredible individuals in just about every community working hard and fighting the good fight to save a group of trees, preserve a patch of milkweed, keep a close eye on a stream to be sure it stays clean and teaching local school kids about nature.

Without fanfare or recognition they are watching endangered species to be sure they are safe, helping to keep plastics out of the environment, planting native plants wherever they can , counting birds and yes, even holding a sign in protest when the environment is threatened.

And there are as many different tools being used as there are individuals standing up for the environment. Some are using pens to write letters and stories, some are using binoculars to lead field trips to educate folks about nature, while others are using their cameras to bring attention to how incredible and intricate our local environment truly is.

Some use a shovel to restore habitats and there are others that use a paint brush to bring us the beauty of nature. Still others use their voice and musical instruments to tell the world that we need to join together to preserve what we still have. Each and every one doing what they can do best: giving from their hearts and souls to protect nature only the way that they can.

I believe we all have a special gift that we can all use that can make the world a better place. We can teach our own kids about the birds in the backyard; take a scout group into the woods; explain to your neighbors the wonders of Monarch Butterflies. Some will talk to their local elected officials about how important the environment is and others will put up a nest box for a Bluebird or a Tree Swallow.

In the end it will be up to every individual to do what they can where they can. We are all heroes of the environment and the birds, trees, butterflies and all of nature’s creations are depending on us. They are depending on us to use our gifts that we all have to stand up and let everyone we know in the best way we can that nature is important and needs to be protected, valued and cherished.

Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Send me an e-mail and let me know the great things that are going on where you live to make our environment a better place   Greatauk4@gmail.com