Wildlife Conservation on the Minds of Michigan Members

Subdivisions and shopping malls are popping up everywhere lately and Phi Theta Kappa chapter members from Schoolcraft College in Michigan are concerned that these new developments are endangering many species' natural habitats. In late 2006 chapter members organized two activities focusing on wildlife conservation while incorporating Phi Theta Kappa's current International Service Program.

At the 2006 International Convention in Seattle, Phi Theta Kappa announced its partnership with Keep America Beautiful for the 2006-08 International Service Program, Operation Green: Improving Our Communities.

With urban development on the rise, many animals, including insects, are on the verge of loosing their homes. Chapter members took notice and implemented two projects aimed at helping wildlife in their area.

The chapter first organized a wildlife conservation day with the help of local wildlife associations. Throughout the day, children learned about different types of birds, bats, and their natural habitats and how to protect their environment.

Members from Henry Ford Community College in Michigan also participated in the event by helping the children build loon nests and boxes for owls that have lost their homes due to urban development. Thirty-two nests were made and donated to the Wildlife Recovery Association of Michigan and the Michigan Loon Association.

Roger Hammonds, the chapter's vice president of service, said the event meant a lot to the children in the community.

"We wanted a hands-on experience for the children so they could see the animals eye to eye," said Hammonds. "The children were smiling from the begining of the day to the end."

Next, the chapter invited children from the community to a bug day hunt. The event was created by a local non-profit conservation group in Michigan that encourages individuals to help clean up and restore their local streams and rivers.

The chapter from Oakland Community College joined in the "hunt" by helping the children clean the river and survey damage done by recent development. Bugs were collected and separated into categories for the children to study to make sure they had not been affected by the destruction.

Building nests, collecting bugs, and learning about wildlife conservation not only helped the chapter implement the current civic engagement, it proved to be an educational adventure for them and their community.

"Our chapter really enjoyed bringing the environment to the attention of the community," said Hammonds. "The environment is a valuable resource that needs all the attention it can get."

Learn more about Phi Theta Kappa's International Service Program, Operation Green: Improving Our Communities online.

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