----- Original Message -----
From: "Joy Markgraf" <joymarkgraf at gorge.net>
To: "Tweeters" <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Friday, February 04, 2005 6:25 PM
Subject: [Tweeters] Children and Nature


> Hello Connie Sidles and all;
>
> Like you I am very disturbed by the lack of interest children seem to
> have in nature. But even more upsetting to me is the trend of some
> children to think that nature is here to to be torn up. I can't get the
> picture out of my mind, seen on a Portland area news station the other
> night, of little children ( approx. 5 or more years old) ridding ATVs
> through a swamp for the shear joy of getting all covered with mud! The
> gist of the report was concern for the safety of the children but not a
> word was said about the health of the marsh. Most automobile adds show
> tires spinning through soil, rocks, snow, and grass in very beautiful
> landscapes. More and more I see back-country posted trails torn up by
> motorcycles or ATVs, and gates torn to pieces. Sadly the little park in
> our own area that used to be a picnic area for families is now overrun
> by motorcycles. Sorry to bring up such a painful subject. On a happier
> note I heard some frog songs today.
>
> Joy Stickney-Markgraf
>
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