Every Day is Earth Day

Pennsylvania's Wildlands Conservancy offers tips for conservation

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Once every year, Americans set aside a day to celebrate the Earth. For Christopher Kocher at the Wildlands Conservancy, Earth Day is observed every day, not just on April 22.

Kocher is president of the Wildlands Conservancy, which protects and preserves environmental areas in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1975, the conservancy already has kept more than 46,000 acres of farmland and open space in eastern Pennsylvania from being turned into shopping centers or subdivisions.

Each year, more than 14,000 students visit the conservancy to learn about how to protect the land and water around them.

“My job is also my passion,” Kocher says. “You feel good because you are protecting our environment and making a difference in the lives of others.”

As a child, Kocher was happiest when he was outdoors. Whether fishing or camping, he noticed the beauty of nature.

Kocher graduated from Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna University with a bachelor’s degree in geological and environmental science. He joined the Wildlands Conservancy as an environmental scientist nearly 12 years ago. Last year Kocher was appointed president.

A look at some of the wildlife at the Wildlands Conservancy in eastern Pennsyvania on a late winter day. (Photo: Courtsey of Tess Forestieri)

Five easy steps

Kocher says anyone and everyone can help the environment. He listed five easy steps:

1. Use less gas by filling your car tires with the proper air pressure.

2. Conserve water by not letting the faucet run when you brush your teeth, or feed a thirsty plant with leftover water from your drinking glass.

3. Avoid using dangerous chemicals that poison the Earth’s atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Instead, look for natural, non-toxic cleaning supplies and other products.

4. Get involved by doing community service such as cultivating an inner-city garden or helping to clean up trash on the road where you live.

5. Join an organization like the Wildlands Conservancy where you can learn more about what kinds of activities can help protect our Earth.

“We all can make an impact,” Kocher says.

EARTH DAY

Celebrate Earth Day with Scholastic News Online! Learn more about how you can help take care of our planet in this special report.

 

Tess Forestieri is a member of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.

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