It's a jungle up there: Integrating canopy research with education outreach for kids

http://eco.confex.com/eco/2007/symp/papers/index.cgi?username=1177&password=196791

For over 25 years, we addressed hypotheses and amassed a large data base on herbivory in forest canopies. With the advent of canopy access, defoliation in forests was quantified as three to five times higher than was previously measured by restricted ground-based sampling. The development of tools for canopy access not only provided increased accuracy for ecological research, but it also created innovative opportunities for ecologists to foster innovative environmental education. Using case studies from our canopy research, we illustrate the importance of expanding conventional ecological research to include public outreach such as education of youth, or ecotourism to boost a local conservation-based economy. Specific examples include: 1. the implementation of distance learning to school children from remote tropical rain forest canopies, using available technology; 2. utilization of canopy walkways in Samoa and Australia to promote conservation education through ecotourism; 3. a “no child left indoors” charter for Florida youth; and 4. field trips for disadvantaged kids to the Amazon. With current global challenges in science education, the transformation of technical results into public education outreach is critical for responsible ecological stewardship.