Squirrel Removal Murfreesboro If you’re dealing with squirrel problems in Murfreesboro, TN, this playlist brings together helpful insights from AAAC Wildlife Removal of Nashville on how to handle them the right way. Squirrels may look harmless, but once they get into attics or wall spaces, they can cause serious damage…Squirrel Removal Murfreesboro If you’re dealing with squirrel problems in Murfreesboro, TN, this playlist brings together helpful insights from AAAC Wildlife Removal of Nashville on how to handle them the right way. Squirrels may look harmless, but once they get into attics or wall spaces, they can cause serious damage fast. From chewing wires to tearing insulation, the issue tends to grow quickly if it is not addressed early. In these audio segments, you will hear how professional squirrel removal is handled step by step, especially in residential and commercial properties around Murfreesboro. The focus is on identifying entry points, understanding squirrel behavior, and using humane exclusion methods that prevent them from coming back. Each discussion is based on real field experience from wildlife technicians working across Middle Tennessee. You will also get a closer look at why DIY squirrel removal often falls short. Many homeowners try quick fixes, but squirrels are persistent and can find their way back in through small gaps or weak spots in roofing and siding. These episodes explain how proper sealing, inspection, and long-term prevention strategies make a real difference in protecting your home. This playlist is designed to give you practical knowledge and peace of mind if you are currently hearing scratching sounds overhead or dealing with repeated wildlife intrusions. AAAC Wildlife Removal of Nashville shares what works, what does not, and how to keep your property protected year-round in areas like Murfreesboro, TN. More on Sound Cloud: https://soundcloud.com/aaac-wildlife-removal/sets/raccoon-removal-murfreesboro On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE133bccswoJKb8wW4iacDpsix7qbI2ki Error Contact Us: AAAC Wildlife Removal of Nashville 301 South Perimeter Park Drive Suite 100 Nashville, Tennessee 37211 615-265-6504 Website: https://nashville.aaacwildliferemoval.com Email: nashville@aaacwildliferemoval.com Find us around the web: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ-6eRkMdeMc7Kp6K3JlX7w/videos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAACWildlifeRemovalOfNashville/ Twitter: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/aaac-wildlife-removal Blogger: WordPress: Tumblr:
Check for these tell-tale signs to stay safe! Hey there, adventurer! Ever been out on a hike, soaking in the beauty of nature, when you suddenly spot something slithering across your path? Your heart skips a beat, and you wonder, “Is that snake dangerous?” We’ve all been there. It’s a…Check for these tell-tale signs to stay safe! Hey there, adventurer! Ever been out on a hike, soaking in the beauty of nature, when you suddenly spot something slithering across your path? Your heart skips a beat, and you wonder, “Is that snake dangerous?” We’ve all been there. It’s a mix of excitement and a bit of panic. But fear not! I’m here to help you unravel the mystery of how to tell if a snake is venomous. In this guide, we’re diving deep into the world of snakes, busting myths, and giving you the lowdown on spotting the dangerous ones. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about the color! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a curious learner, or someone who just loves nature, by the end of this article, you’ll have the know-how to confidently identify whether a snake is a friend or foe. Stick with me, and I promise you’ll not only become the go-to snake expert among your friends but also feel a whole lot safer on your next outdoor adventure. Ready to become a snake-savvy superstar? Let’s slither right in! Key Takeaways Learn the main physical traits of venomous snakes. Understand behavioral signs that indicate danger. Discover safety tips for when you encounter a snake. Identifying Physical Traits Alright, let’s get down to business. How exactly can you tell if a snake is venomous? Here are the main physical traits to look out for: Head Shape One of the easiest ways to identify a venomous snake is by its head shape. Most venomous snakes have a distinct triangular or diamond-shaped head. This is due to the venom glands located on either side of their heads. So, if you see a snake with a broad, angular head, it’s time to stay cautious. Pupil Shape Ever heard that the eyes are the windows to the soul? Well, in the case of snakes, they can also be windows to danger. Venomous snakes often have elliptical, slit-like pupils, much like a cat’s eyes. In contrast, non-venomous snakes typically have round pupils. Next time you’re face-to-face with a snake, check out its peepers! Body Patterns This one’s a bit trickier because it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, but many venomous snakes have distinct, bright patterns on their bodies. However, don’t rely solely on this. Some harmless snakes can be just as colorful, while some venomous ones are more subdued in color. Presence of Fangs venomous snakes have prominent fangs that they use to inject venom into their prey. If you can safely observe, look for those tell-tale fangs. But remember, getting too close is never a good idea unless you’re a trained professional. Behavioral Signs Alright, now that we’ve covered the physical traits, let’s talk about behavior. Snakes have their own way of communicating danger, and if you know what to look for, their behavior can be a dead giveaway. Aggressiveness Venomous snakes are often more aggressive when they feel threatened. If a snake is coiling up, hissing, or making sudden movements towards you, it’s likely not a happy camper. This defensive behavior is a clear sign that the snake could be dangerous. Always give it plenty of space to avoid any unpleasant encounters. Warning Signals Some venomous snakes have built-in alarm systems. Take the rattlesnake, for instance. That iconic rattle isn’t just for show—it’s a warning to back off. Similarly, some snakes might flatten their bodies, puff up, or make loud hissing sounds. These warning signals are their way of saying, “Hey, stay away, I mean business!” Movement Watch the way the snake moves. Some venomous snakes, like the cottonmouth, have a unique way of swimming on the water’s surface with their bodies fully exposed. This distinctive movement can be a clue to their venomous nature. On land, a snake’s movement can also tell you a lot. If it seems overly confident and undeterred by your presence, it might be because it knows it has venomous backup. Safety Tips When Encountering Snakes Now that you’re well-versed in the physical and behavioral signs of venomous snakes, let’s talk about what to do if you actually encounter one. Here are some practical tips to keep you safe: Keep Your Distance This is the golden rule. The best way to stay safe is to maintain a respectful distance from any snake. Most snake bites occur when people try to handle or get too close to the snake. Stay Calm If you see a snake, don’t panic. Sudden movements can provoke a snake to strike. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and slowly back away from the snake. Educate Yourself Knowledge is power! Familiarize yourself with the types of snakes that are common in your area. Knowing what to expect can help you stay prepared and confident. Emergency Preparedness Know what to do in case of a snake bite. Quick and calm actions can make a huge difference. Keep a first aid kit handy and learn the basic steps of snake bite treatment. Remember, seeking professional medical help as soon as possible is crucial. Myth-Busting: Common Misconceptions Alright, let’s debunk some myths! There’s a lot of misinformation out there about snakes, and it’s time to set the record straight. Color Confusion Not all brightly colored snakes are venomous, and not all dull-colored snakes are safe. While some venomous snakes do have bright warning colors, many harmless snakes mimic these patterns to ward off predators. Don’t rely solely on color to make your judgment. Size Matters Think big snakes are more dangerous? Think again! Venomous snakes come in all sizes. Some of the most dangerous snakes can be quite small, so never judge a snake’s danger level by its size alone. Snake Charms Forget about those old wives’ tales and folklore. Stick to facts and evidence-based knowledge. For example, the idea that all venomous snakes have triangular heads is generally true but not foolproof. Always use a combination of traits to make your identification. Conclusion Next time you’re out exploring, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to stay safe and maybe even impress your friends with your snake smarts. Remember, when it comes to snakes, respect and caution are your best friends. Happy adventuring, and may your paths be snake-free—or at least, snake-savvy!
Featured Resources
ArticleWildlife Damage Management Technical Series
Citation Gese, E.M., J.P. Hart, and P.A. Terletzy. 2021. Gray Wolves. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 29p. Abstract Wolf conflicts are primarily related to predation on livestock, pets and other domestic animals, as well as their direct and indirect impacts…Citation Gese, E.M., J.P. Hart, and P.A. Terletzy. 2021. Gray Wolves. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 29p. Abstract Wolf conflicts are primarily related to predation on livestock, pets and other domestic animals, as well as their direct and indirect impacts on native ungulates (i.e., big game). Economic losses vary widely with some livestock producers facing high levels of depredation in some areas. This publication focuses on wolf ecology, damage, and management, particularly as it relates to wolf depredation on livestock and other conflicts with people. Wolves and people share the same environments more than people realize. In the U.S., wolves are not confined to wilderness areas. Though curious, wolves generally fear people and rarely pose a threat to human safety. Wolf attacks on people are, and always have been, very rare compared to other wildlife species. However, there have been several cases of human injuries and a few deaths due to wolves in North America over the past 100 years. The main factors contributing to these incidents were habituation to people, rabies infections, conditioning to human foods, and the presence of domestic dogs. It is unusual for wild wolves to associate or interact with people, linger near buildings, livestock, or domestic dogs, but it does occur especially in areas of high wolf densities in and around rural communities. This type of behavior may be more prevalent in areas where wolves are not legally harvested. This “bold” behavior is more typical of a habituated or food- conditioned animal, a released captive wolf, or a released wolf-dog hybrid. The scale and scope of wolf depredation on livestock depends on local wolf density; numbers and kinds of livestock; livestock husbandry practices; availability and vulnerability of alternative prey; human density; road density; severity of winters; and local hunting pressure. In many instances, wolves live around livestock without causing damage or only occasional damage. Wolf pack size has been shown to increase the likelihood of depredations on domestic animals, with larger packs more likely to cause damage. Most losses occur between April and October when livestock are on summer pastures or grazing allotments. Cattle, especially calves, are the most common livestock killed by wolves. When wolves kill sheep or domestic poultry, often multiple individuals are killed or injured. As of 2019, stable wolf populations exist in many regions in the U.S., including Alaska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, with growing populations in parts of Oregon and Washington (Figures 19, 20). Wolves have recently been documented in northern California and northwestern Colorado. A small population of introduced Mexican wolves exists in Arizona and New Mexico, and a small population of red wolves exists in eastern North Carolina. Both the Mexican and red wolf populations are considered more vulnerable to extinction than other North American wolf populations.
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Document Type Article Date of this Version 2024 Citation Proceedings, 31st Vertebrate Pest Conference, paper 12 Published August 30, 2024 Editors: Rober M. Timm and D. M. Woods Abstract The…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Document Type Article Date of this Version 2024 Citation Proceedings, 31st Vertebrate Pest Conference, paper 12 Published August 30, 2024 Editors: Rober M. Timm and D. M. Woods Abstract The United States Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill) established the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. The program funded US$75M for 5 years, split evenly between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), both programs within the United States Department of Agriculture. The agencies solicited joint programs from states with high densities of feral swine in two phases. In Texas, NRCS and APHIS submitted three multi-county project areas along watersheds for Phase I funding and one eradication effort along with two crop protection projects in Phase II. The eradication project was adjacent to a Phase I project area and after extensive surveillance, it was determined to be successful, the first such project in Texas. All the remaining projects were designed with a direct management effort, a self-help effort through trap loans and a damage assessment process. Landowner in-kind contributions were identified and captured to detail the effects of the program. DOWNLOADS Since November 23, 2024 Included in Natural Resources and Conservation Commons , Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons , Other Environmental Sciences Commons , Other Veterinary Medicine Commons , Population Biology Commons , Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons , Veterinary Infectious Diseases Commons , Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology Commons , Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons , Zoology Commons COinS
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 8-2020 Document Type Article Citation Glow, M.P., K.C. VerCauteren, and N.P. Snow. 2020. Feral Swine. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado.…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 8-2020 Document Type Article Citation Glow, M.P., K.C. VerCauteren, and N.P. Snow. 2020. Feral Swine. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 21p. Abstract Feral swine (Sus scrofa; Figure 1), also known as feral hogs, feral pigs, wild pigs, wild boar, or other similar derivations, are a non-native species considered to be one of the most destructive invasive terrestrial vertebrates in North America. While feral swine populations remained relatively small and confined in the continental United States following initial introductions by European explorers during the 15th century, substantial range expansion has occurred across every geographical region of the United States (Figure 2). This expansion has primarily been attributed to human-mediated movements, predominately for the purpose of establishing populations for recreational hunting, and facilitated by feral swine’s highly adaptable biological and behavioral traits (e.g., habitat generalist, opportunistic omnivore, extremely high reproductive rate). Consequently, ecological, agricultural, and urban/suburban damages and human health and safety risks have increased substantially across the United States, requiring extensive management efforts to mitigate their destructive impacts. DOWNLOADS Since August 11, 2020 COinS
An unbiased assessment from an ecological perspective of the current status and the potential factors that influenced the long-term conservation of greater sage-grouse populations and the sagebrush ecosystems on which they depend.
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Aakash Pandey , Michigan State University Follow Chris Wojan , University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Abigail Feuka , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Aakash Pandey , Michigan State University Follow Chris Wojan , University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Abigail Feuka , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Meggan E. Craft , University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Kezia Manlove , Utah State University Follow Kim M. Pepin , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Document Type Article Date of this Version 2024 Citation Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2024) 379: 20220532 doi: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0532 Supplemental material is appended as well as available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.7389792 Abstract Social and spatial structures of host populations play important roles in pathogen transmission. For environmentally transmitted pathogens, the host space use interacts with both the host social structure and the pathogen’s environmental persistence (which determines the timelag across which two hosts can transmit). Together, these factors shape the epidemiological dynamics of environmentally transmitted pathogens. While the importance of both social and spatial structures and environmental pathogen persistence has long been recognized in epidemiology, they are often considered separately. A better understanding of how these factors interact to determine disease dynamics is required for developing robust surveillance and management strategies. Here, we use a simple agent-based model where we vary host mobility (spatial), host gregariousness (social) and pathogen decay (environmental persistence), each from low to high levels to uncover how they affect epidemiological dynamics. By comparing epidemic peak, time to epidemic peak and final epidemic size, we show that longer infectious periods, higher group mobility, larger group size and longer pathogen persistence lead to larger, faster growing outbreaks, and explore how these processes interact to determine epidemiological outcomes such as the epidemic peak and the final epidemic size. We identify general principles that can be used for planning surveillance and control for wildlife host–pathogen systems with environmental transmission across a range of spatial behavior, social structure and pathogen decay rates. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The spatial–social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration.’ DOWNLOADS Since November 23, 2024 Included in Natural Resources and Conservation Commons , Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons , Other Environmental Sciences Commons , Other Veterinary Medicine Commons , Population Biology Commons , Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons , Veterinary Infectious Diseases Commons , Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology Commons , Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons , Zoology Commons COinS
Experiments reveal that diurnal caterpillars may develop faster due to extended brightness The post Night lights boost monarch growth appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
Turn your pest control business Into a multi-service growth opportunity. The post SpringGreen: Lawn, Tree, Pest Control Franchise first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
The Wildlife Society’s Conservation Affairs Network supports communication, collaboration and coordination on policy engagement across our organization and participating chapters, sections, working groups and student chapters. The monthly CAN newsletter highlights policy issues occurring at local, regional and national levels, and provides opportunities for wildlife professionals and students to engage…The Wildlife Society’s Conservation Affairs Network supports communication, collaboration and coordination on policy engagement across our organization and participating chapters, sections, working groups and student chapters. The monthly CAN newsletter highlights policy issues occurring at local, regional and national levels, and provides opportunities for wildlife professionals and students to engage The post Volume 12, Issue 5, May 2026 CAN Newsletter appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
Some artificial roost models prevent overheating and attract bats The post Florida bat boxes must beat the heat appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
For more than 20% of bird species, declines are accelerating over time The post North American bird populations are declining appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
TWS joined with the Texas and Mexico Chapters, and Southwest Section of The Wildlife Society on this letter to Senators Cruz and Cornyn, as well as Representative Gonzales. The letter details concerns about proposed border wall infrastructure and associated development activities in the Big Bend region of Texas and Mexico,…TWS joined with the Texas and Mexico Chapters, and Southwest Section of The Wildlife Society on this letter to Senators Cruz and Cornyn, as well as Representative Gonzales. The letter details concerns about proposed border wall infrastructure and associated development activities in the Big Bend region of Texas and Mexico, The post Joint Letter from TWS, Texas Chapter, Mexico Chapter, Southwest Section: Border Activity Impacts to Big Bend Wildlife appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
Central Life Sciences announced it is expanding the Zoëcon Professional Products (ZPP) sales team with the addition of Stephanie Pettinella as regional sales manager. Pettinella will support the professional pest control product line with some coverage of the vector solutions product line as needed. Pettinella holds an AAS in Veterinary…Central Life Sciences announced it is expanding the Zoëcon Professional Products (ZPP) sales team with the addition of Stephanie Pettinella as regional sales manager. Pettinella will support the professional pest control product line with some coverage of the vector solutions product line as needed. Pettinella holds an AAS in Veterinary Technology from Cuyahoga Community College […] The post Central Life Sciences adds Pettinella to sales team first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
Where a turtle is hooked influences line removal and potential injury risk The post How can anglers help to decrease risk to sea turtles? appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
ArticleWildlife Damage Management Technical Series
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 4-2020 Document Type Article Citation Bodenchuk, M.J. and D.L. Bergman. 2020. Grackles. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 16p. Abstract Numbering…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 4-2020 Document Type Article Citation Bodenchuk, M.J. and D.L. Bergman. 2020. Grackles. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 16p. Abstract Numbering in the tens of millions of birds, grackle populations in North America can cause a variety of conflicts with people. Grackles eat agricultural crops and livestock feed, damage property, spread pathogens, and collide with aircraft. Their large roosts can be a nuisance in urban and suburban areas. A combination of dispersal techniques, exclusion, and lethal removal may help to reduce grackle damage. Grackles adapt easily to human-dominated environments, and exploit human food and other features of human landscapes. Thus, an integrated damage management approach to grackle damage focuses on reducing and eliminating the damage, rather than simply controlling grackle populations. Three species of grackles are present in North America: the common grackle, the boat-tailed grackle, and the great-tailed grackle. A fourth species, the greater Antillean grackle (Q. niger) is present in Puerto Rico. All are part of the Family Icteridae that includes blackbirds, orioles, cowbirds, meadowlarks, and bobolinks. The population status of all three grackle species is considered common to overabundant. DOWNLOADS Since April 17, 2020 COinS
This spring, the National Wildlife Federation hosted a Tribal Advocacy Fly-In in Washington, D.C., bringing together Indigenous conservation leaders from across the country to share solutions and advocate for policies … Read more The post Where Indigenous Stewardship Meets Federal Policy appeared first on The National Wildlife Federation Blog.
River Edge, N.J.-based Excel Pest Services released its results to a study revealing which U.S. cities are most vulnerable to pest infestations. The post The most vulnerable US cities to pest infestations first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
People from all walks care about our country’s wildlife, beautiful natural landscapes, and other issues affecting their lives and communities. We all rely on clean air, clean water, and intricately … Read more The post Why Conservationists—and Everyone—Should Care About the Right to Vote appeared first on The National Wildlife…People from all walks care about our country’s wildlife, beautiful natural landscapes, and other issues affecting their lives and communities. We all rely on clean air, clean water, and intricately … Read more The post Why Conservationists—and Everyone—Should Care About the Right to Vote appeared first on The National Wildlife Federation Blog.
Suriname nonprofit cofounder describes her primate work in Morocco and South America The post Wildlife Vocalizations: Els van Lavieren appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
What the passing of the media magnate means for conservation and wildlife management The post Turner’s legacy on wildlife will stretch far into the future appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
Last month, I had the opportunity to represent Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) and join other advocates who support young children’s right to access healthy environments at a variety of events in Washington, D.C. First on the agenda was “The Future We’re Building Symposium,” a collaborative event by the Children’s…Last month, I had the opportunity to represent Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) and join other advocates who support young children’s right to access healthy environments at a variety of events in Washington, D.C. First on the agenda was “The Future We’re Building Symposium,” a collaborative event by the Children’s Environmental Health Network and The Center for Environmental Policy at American University’s School of Public Affairs. This event brought together national leaders, students, advocates, and experts in children’s environmental health to reflect on the last decade of progress and envision the path ahead. Speakers included Leah Defenbaugh, Director of Youth Development Projects, Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board ; Alissa Mwenelupembe, Chief Early Learning Quality and Research Officer, National Association for the Education of Young Children ; and LaTricea Adams, Founder, CEO, and President, Young Gifted and Green . It was inspiring to join these leaders and others like long-time National Wildlife Federation partner Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, Children’s Environmental Health Network Executive Director, to discuss topics like “Healthy Places to Live, Learn, and Play.” It was reinvigorating to know that ECHO’s vision—a future where every young child has rich and engaging daily opportunities to play and learn in high-quality outdoor environments that support healthy development and lifelong connections to the natural world—is so well-aligned with this national movement. The ECHO team is proud to be actively engaged and working hard to meet emerging challenges like the impact of climate on young children and ongoing priorities like environmental justice. Next up was the “Childcare Supply Network National Showcase,’ part of the National Association of Counties 2026 Legislative Conference where partners, stakeholders, and officials from all levels of government came together to learn about the economic and social transformation that comes from improving local childcare supply, accessibility, and affordability. I was thrilled to connect in person with valued ECHO partners that I have only previously had the pleasure to engage with on Zoom, like Low Income Investment Fund ’s (LIIF) Nicole Barcliff, Senior Policy Director and Shelly Masur, Early Childhood Education Vice President. The reunion with LIIF felt like a homecoming, since the ECHO team worked closely with LIIF to support two cohorts of early childhood education centers and family child care homes in the DC area over the last several years. We provided early care and education providers with professional development and resources; hands-on, individually tailored design workshops; design assistance; and, in some cases, support in navigating the district’s permitting and construction processes. ECHO’s landscape designers facilitating design workshops with child care providers in DC. Credit: ECHO Team It was deeply gratifying to see the direct connection between these important gatherings and ECHO’s impact on the ground. We know from our pre- and post-engagement surveys that these providers are spending more time outdoors with the children in their care and they now have the skills and resources they need to help children experience the wonders of the natural world, inspiring lifelong environmental stewardship. On Saturday, it was inspiring to take a break from convening to visit the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. I also highly recommend a visit to the National Museum of Women in the Arts! Credit: ECHO Team Sunday, it was back to work! I attended the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Public Policy Forum. This event was a multi-day advocacy experience designed to help early childhood educators exercise their powerful voices on policy to make themselves heard. We enjoyed a packed agenda of workshops, keynotes, panels, strategy sessions, and conversations with policymakers on Capitol Hill. I’m grateful to Cameron Fall, Board member of the Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children , for his coordination and guidance in preparing us for our day on Capitol Hill. We had the opportunity to meet with staff members from the offices of Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet to speak about the importance of sustaining public funding for affordable, high-quality child care. I also had the pleasure of meeting with staff for my own Congressman, Joe Neguse, and appreciated a robust conversation about how important child care is to families with young children in my small rural county. Washington, D.C. was especially hopping that day, with the State of the Union taking place in the evening—there was some “wildlife” spotted in the Hart Senate Office Building—the Portland Protest Frogs (see header photo!). The week was a huge success, and, on behalf of ECHO, we are grateful to the George B. Storer Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for supporting our efforts to transform early childhood settings and systems to ensure that every young child has opportunities to thrive in healthy outdoor environments every day.
