Variety Is the Species of Life
Do sou know about biodiversity 5 You
should 1 Biodiversity is the sanety of life on
eai th. It includes everything from the
tiniest microbes to the tallest trees, from
creatures that spend their entire lives deep
in the ocean to those that soar above the
Earthy surface.
Even though Pennsylvania
gieat richness of life, our'
threatened Natural events
and fires have impacts on '
but nature is usually
able to renew itself over
time. However, human
influent es can cause
extensive, irreversible
effects on biodiversity and
affect the overall health of
oui environment. Do youi
part to conserve
Return of the Raptor
Peregrine falcons nest on a ledge of the 15th floor of the
Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg. This
nest is one of 10 active nesting sites in Pennsylvania. The
reintroduction and recovery of the peregrine falcon as well
as other native species, helps reclaim biodiversity that is our
heritage. Learn More; Cater, r glimpse on the webcam
or check out the pi o o galiei ) at www.state.pa.us, PA
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What Are
Endangered Species?
Plants and animals in imminent
danger of extinction are known as
“endangered species.” Loss of wetland
habitats, particularly large connected
pieces of land, is the foremost factor
cuirently affecting at-risk, threatened
and endangered species in
Pennsylvania. 0
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PLANET PA
Planet PA is the first place to go to learn all about your most immediate
environment - Pennsylvania. At Planet PA you'll find links to all sorts of
information about nature and the environment. Check out online videos
featuring other Pennsylvania kids protecting the environment. Have a look
for yourself! Learn More: www.GreenWorks.tv (Green Words "Planet PA ").
A Publication of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection & the Environmental Fund for Penns'
Pennsylvania’s biodiversity; our very
existence depends on it! Learn More: Visit
wwwstate.pa us, PA Keyword: 'Earth
Day Central, www GreenWorks.tv
(Green Words Biodiversity Jr') or cheek
#l2 on your Free Stuff Card (page 7) to
The Masked Turtle
The bog turtle is an endangered species
known for its large red-orange or yellow
blotch behind each eye, against an other
wise brown body lightly marked with
orange or yellow. The primary reason for
the bog turtle’s troubles is the draining
and destruction of its habitat. It is impor
tant to be aware that everywhere in nature
is home to something. We must think
twice before we carelessly disturb or
destroy our state’s wild places. Learn More;
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Real Kids Care; Chris Mitchell
Fakan Data Recorder- sounds like a pretty important
job, huh? Well, 15-year-old Chris Mitchell, a student at
Central Dauphin East High School in Harrisburg, was
challenged to the task and passed with flying colors!
For the last couple of years, peregrine falcons have been
nesdng on the 15th floor of the Rachel Carson State Office
Building in Harrisburg. Last summer, Chris had the honor
of being DEP’s official falcon data recorder. He was
responsible for writing down each bird’s gender, weight, j
color, band number and any health issues observed by the |
wildlife biologists.
‘Just being close to the falcons was exciting," Chris said,
“You see them on the Internet and they look so small, but up closi
As a member of the Falcon Watch and Rescue Team, Chris helps tr
through binoculars to make sure the fledglings don’t fall or land ir
begin to fly. And, last fall, Chris got the chance to spread his wings
speak, as he volunteered to band owls at the Ne'd Smith Center for
Millersburg. Learn More about environmental activities for kids a
www Green Works tv (Green Words Planet PA"). 0
Activity: Fun Is for the Birds
Birds are important to a healthy ei
They control insect populations, pol
flowers, disperse seeds and even ser
food themselves for larger predator. l
like the peregrine falcon. Feeding
birds is a simple thing to do that cai
have a big impact on the health of 01
environment Here’s how fun can hi
the birds”: Spread peanut butter on
pine cone and then roll it in birdser
Tie a string to the cone and hang it
from a tree or a hook near your
window. Make a couple to attract
even more birds. They will appreciai
the meal, and the environment will
appreciate your stewardship (?)
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Write: 1420 Walnut St., Suite
PA 19102. Email: talktous@gi