What
is conservation?
Most people don’t understand that conservation pertains to them
personally. As more and more species quickly slip into extinction,
the chances of our own survival is diminished in ways that we don’t
fully comprehend. For example, it is like taking away the structural
parts of your house. Once these necessary components are gone, the
house can easily fall and be destroyed. Even though most of the house
still remains, it is uninhabitable. In short, life will continue on
our planet despite depletion of its species and resources. A new wave
of evolution will occur with or without human beings.
Our
Thoughts on Conservation Efforts
Many people may measure support for conservation efforts based on
the amount of funding raised, donations given, or even the success
of an event with a conservation focus. Jessa and her husband James
have come up with an innovative and creative way of drumming up support
for conservation through developing the "Project InSECT"
Exhibit and Performance. Together, we reach millions of people on
a personal level through live one-on-one interaction, press, media,
and film in order to bring awareness and support for conservation
and habitat issues. This inspiring approach makes conservation personal
for everybody and they want to get involved, be a part of the solution.
In our eyes, this stretches way beyond the thickness of a single wallet,
it’s a gift that keeps on giving, especially for our children.
Having
a Creative Approach
Jessa and James inspire everyday people, and children to creatively
use their voice about things that are important to them, like our
planet, the wildlife, and their habitats. They do this through education,
personal interaction, and giving them the creative tools to participate
through action in their own community. Knowledge is power, especially
when you have power in numbers. One example of their efforts is the
now Federal listed Salt Creek tiger beetle of Lincoln, Nebraska, which
finally got its federal listing after 13 years of proposal. Many adults
and school children wrote letters and drew pictures to send to the
Fish and Wildlife Commission to be presented in the 13th Federal Court
hearing of the Salt Creek tiger beetles' fate. The results were astounding.
Jessa's
art has found a voice with the people, not because of funding, donations,
or events, but because of attention to detail, tenacious perseverance,
and inspiration for the average joe. To read more about the Endangered
Salt Creek tiger beetle and see the paintings visit:
University
of Nebraska Department of Entomology
Salt
Creek Tiger Beetle Paintings: Terie
I : Terie II
