A Fundraiser With Heart!

Tis the season of giving back - a season where some give their time, some offer their knowledge and expertise and others purchase gifts for those they hold dear. Another great way that some choose to give back is by raising money in support of their favorite charities and organizations – this was the case with Adam, a member of the Youth Council here at the Zoo. Learn about Adam’s adventure and fundraising efforts to support the Zoo – all in the spirit of giving back!

Hi!  My name is Adam.  I’m thirteen years old and I’m a member of the youth board at the Franklin Park Zoo.  One of the ways I support the Zoo is by raising money, especially for animal conservation.  Just recently I decided to do a raffle.  I thought it would be an efficient and fun way to raise money.  The prizes were a one year family membership and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo. I challenged all of my family members and some of my friends to sell 75 tickets each. We offered the tickets at $1 each, 6 for $5 and 13 for $10.  We sold a bunch of tickets at the Lantern Parade at Jamaica Pond.  I met Mayor Walsh and he bought $20 worth of tickets.  The Lantern Parade was also a great chance to talk to people about conservation at the Zoo. I sold tickets at school to my teachers and friends, and my parents sold them at work.  On Halloween, while giving out candy we sold many more tickets.  In the end we raised $750 for the Zoo.  It was a really fun project and a good way to get other people involved and to talk about how much I love the Franklin Park Zoo.

To learn more about how you can support the Zoo, check out what you can do here! 

Adam reading up on big cats! 

Get Out and Explore!

Conservation begins with using your senses to discover the hidden treasures within your own backyard. Explore the beauty of your natural surroundings while leading your friends and family on an outdoor adventure!     

In late fall of last year, Franklin Park Zoo’s Teen Ambassadors did just that! With backpacks full of snacks, water, extra gloves and hats; teens stepped out and into a completely different world in the wondrous wooded Blue Hills Reservation located just a short drive outside of Boston in Milton, Mass.  Each Ambassador took on the responsibility of leading the group on portions of the expedition. Leaders were challenged with everything from reading maps of the Blue Hills’ numerous trails to making sure the group persevered on the rugged uphill terrain.  As it turns out, even a trek into the wilderness only a stone’s throw away from Boston can still deliver the beauty of an unspoiled forest, complete with peaks that showcase breathtaking views of the city!  With positive attitudes, communication, and teamwork, the teens beat out the harsh cold and completed a portion of the fittingly named, Skyline Loop trail. When asked about their experience, teens heartily replied, “When can we do this again?!!”

Lili connecting with nature!

Teen Ambassadors enjoying the beauty of the Blue Hills!

CONSERVATION: WHAT DOES IT MEAN AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

Conservation – an issue that can have a broad impact to our quality of life and to the world around us.  For the past few months, members of the Youth Council at Franklin Park Zoo have been volunteering their time to find ways to best serve the Zoo’s mission to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education.

We asked our members, “What does conservation really mean to you?” and here’s what they said:

“Conservation is a vital issue - the issue of our future, and the future of our planet. If we don't take care to preserve and restore our environment now, we will be in trouble in the future.”

 – Sasa, First Year Council Member

“To me, conservation is protecting our natural resources and the animals that live there.” 

– Emma, First Year Council Member

“Conservation means protecting the planet. It means taking care of land, air, water and all living things. It means we have to pay attention and change how we do things so we don't do any more damage.”

– Adam, First Year Council Member

But is it enough to have knowledge without taking action? Youth council members think not!  To encourage everyone to move beyond the realm of information, our youth compiled a list of 10 simple action-oriented tasks, anyone can do.

1. Share the enthusiasm! Tell someone what you know and show them where they can find the tools to learn more about conservation.
2. What are you passionate about? Find an organization that supports your beliefs and find out how you can contribute.
3. Donate time, money and/or items the organization can use to fulfill their mission.
4. Volunteer.
5. Are you recycling properly? Find out what recycling programs are available in your area and play your part.
6. Pick up trash.  It’s the quickest way to beautify a neighborhood!
7. Enjoy our state and national parks with friends and family.
8. Create education pamphlets for your local church or school.
9. Fundraise for the causes you are most passionate about.
10. Create a club at school or local organization.

With a collective voice, youth are being heard and making a difference. Do your part and join the cause! Visit Zoo New England's conservation page to learn more about projects and what you can do to make a difference!