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Today, limitless options exist for kids to use technology in their everyday
lives, so why not use this tool to also engage kids with nature? Marstel-Day
Advisory Board Member Evan Hirsche spoke of this as part of Marstel-Day's
#StandwithWildlife series. The #StandwithWildlife series was created by
Marstel-Day CEO and president Rebecca R. Rubin as a way to highlight endan-
gered wildlife and habitat, and identify ways that each of us can do our part
to help save nature to address them. Hirsche and his business
partner considered the challenge of getting kids in today's
world to pay attention to nature. Rather than seeing technology
as a hindrance, the partners viewed it as an enabler and created
Discover Nature Apps to connect both kids and adults with
nature. Discover Nature Apps is a tool that is educational and
entertaining for people to use when they visit wildlife refuges,
parks, and other public and private lands. The place-based app
includes an interactive game that stimulates thinking while also
encouraging kids and their parents to pay attention to the natu-
ral world around them. It serves the dual purpose of providing
information about the surrounding area and types of wildlife
they might encounter—sparking their curiosity and desire to
learn more.
So, the next time you and your kid(s) go to one of the nation's
560-plus National Wildlife Refuges, or even your own backyard,
see if there are ways to use technology to enhance the experience. In today's
world where technology is an integral part of our lives, it is helpful to remember
that it also can be used creatively to draw attention away from the screen.
Marstel-Day is an environmental consulting company based in Fredericksburg,
Virginia, that offers a variety of innovative solutions to business, government
and nonprofit clients.
#StandwithWildlife campaign
#StandwithWildlife is a lecture
series that highlights critical habi-
tat and wildlife issues facing
our world today. Speakers have
included experts who have pre-
sented programs about saving
habitat for just one more genera-
tion; the human-wildlife interface,
wildlife trafficking, plastics
pollution, conservation leader-
ship, getting kids out in nature
and more. These talks are open to
the public and are recorded.
To see past talks, go to:
w w w. m a r s t e l - d a y. c o m /
stand-with-wildlife, and
email Ann Kuo at akuo@
marstel-day.com if you
would like to be added to
the email list to learn about
future talks.
Using Technology to
Connect Kids with Nature
SPONSORED MATERIAL
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Twitter: twitter.com/MarstelDay
Other Nature Apps for Kids
A number of great apps are available that are designed to get kids engaged with nature.
Check out the following lists that show kid-friendly apps that are available:
http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2016-1-january-february/green-life/best-nature-apps-for-kids
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-klasky/top-outdoor-apps-for-kids_b_6475710.html
Evan Hirsche speaks at Marstel Day's
#StandwithWildlife series.