Nature show Corwin host promotes conservation in Marquette
By Erin Bozek-Jarvis, 16, with contributions by Lane Whitley, 16, and Tori Wiese, 11

Most parents are familiar with the usual calls they receive from their children. Where are you? Will you come pick me up? Can I stay longer? What do jellyfish eat?

The last one is a type of question wildlife biologist and TV personality Jeff Corwin frequently receives from his daughter Maya Rose, who is seven, and according to Corwin, all but lives in a tidal pool. When he receives a call like that Corwin knows that when he gets home he will likely find his bathtub full of Jellyfish.

Corwin is the former host of the popular Animal Planet shows The Jeff Corwin Experience and Corwin’s Quest, and is currently a nature correspondent for NBC News. He also lectures across the country and in his lectures he promotes maintaining a relationship between children and nature, including apparently, in his own children.

Recently, Corwin was able to encourage that connection to nature for many youth in the Marquette area when he spoke to a full house at Northern Michigan University’s Vandament Arena.

Hundreds of kids attended the presentation where Corwin captivated the audience with his expansive knowledge of wildlife biology and some exotic guests he brought along, including a 100-pound snapping turtle and an American alligator. Many of the youth in audience were able to participate, holding the animals with a mixture of fascination and fear. Corwin says that is natural.

“ I think young people are naturally fascinated by animals and I think as human beings we’re hardwired to be scientists,” he said.

Even though Corwin says kids are naturally interested in wildlife, many do not get as much exposure as they should.

“ For the first time in the history of our species in North America we have a generation of people that will be less healthy than the generation that created them. I think we need to get our kids outside. You cannot protect, you cannot appreciate, what you don’t know,” Corwin said. “So whether you’re going to go out there to cherish and recreate, or to put a fishing rod in your hand, you’ve got to get out there and explore it and [the exploration] begins in your backyard.”

On the other hand, Corwin believes that kids today are more connected to conservation than their predecessors mainly because of the mainstreaming of issues like wildlife preservation, ecology, and conversation through television programs like his own.

“ People today are much more connected to conservation issues than in the past,” Corwin explained. “I think kids are more connected to conservation, but not as connected to nature as they should be.”

According to Corwin this connection has led to the development of an environmental consciousness that is crucial due to the alarming rate of extinction that is plaguing the world.

“ For the first time since life has lived on Earth we have one species that is controlling the future for all other species,” he said. “Through the destruction of habitat, through the unsustainable exploitation of species, because of climate change and human population growth issues, we lose a species of life every twenty minutes.”

Corwin urges people to remember the effects of their actions, that everything in the end is connected. That even an item as frivolous and delicious as ice cream can contribute to climate change and the destruction of the world’s rainforests. Most Ice cream, Corwin explains, contains palm oil.

“ One out of every ten products uses palm oil and ninety percent of our palm oil comes from places like Indonesia, Sumatra and Borneo,” he said. “They destroy all those forests to produce palm oil and those forests are the largest banks of carbon so when we burn those forests to make palm oil we literally take nature’s fix to climate change and make it a problem in increasing climate change.”

Corwin remains hopeful, believing if people become involved in protecting, restoring, saving, or fixing their local wildlife habit it will act as a building block to help conquer global challenges. Corwin thinks this all starts by realizing the power of one, and realizing how many things a single person can accomplish.

“ We’re all very powerful,” Corwin said. “If you do not think you have power then there is no hope, but if you think you are powerful…through advocacy, through your community, economically, politically, there is a lot you can do. It’s also important to realize that that power begins with conservation…in…your…backyard.”

Using his spotlight to connect with people and expose them to some of the amazing creatures humans share the planet with Corwin hopes to convey that all life is important––from birds to frogs, to alligators, to humans, and everything in between––everything is imperative to the balance of various ecosystems, according to Corwin.

“ All species are significant because everything, in the end, is connected,” he said.

By cultivating an interest in nature among youth, by promoting local conservation, and remaining conscious of each person’s individual impact and power, Corwin believes the environment can be protected and the Earth will be preserved. Insuring that every generation has access to a healthy planet and is able enjoy all the wonders it has to offer.