I interviewed Kiana Leveritte, the Community Engagement Co-ordinator for Georgia Audubon about the program, Urban Ecologists.
Can you tell us a little bit about Atlanta Urban Ecologists (AUE)?
AUE was created for 8th to 12th grade students to expose them to environmental concepts that affect the world and to inspire them to become ecologists. We partner with groups around Atlanta and have a monthly outing. We try to make every meet-up different. They are 3 hours sessions that can incorporate things like visiting the zoo or planting trees for example.
What is one of your most favorite things to teach the kids?
Water usage. They meet with Fulton County Public Works and the students learn just how much we use as opposed to the minimum we need to survive and how we can save water. We go to the Water Reclamation Plant and learn what happens behind the scenes there.
What is one of your most popular activities that the kids like to do?
They really like to plant trees, go birding and work with other animals like the Amphibian Society. They love hands-on activities.
Who came up with AUE?
It was created by Melanie Furr, Director of Education, for students to learn about ecology and bring people from all walks of life to come together to learn about science in a way they can understand.
What do you want kids to think about when it comes to wildlife and ecology?
Have an open mind. So many aspects of science and ecology all work together. This connectivity is what I want people to appreciate.
Where could people go to learn more about this program?
Visit the Georgia Audubon website and Facebook page and look for Atlanta Urban Ecologists.