In the final module of the program we shift our focus from ecosystems and practices to the people involved in conservation. Without engaging the people who make decisions and share their experiences on the land, we'll never be able to achieve the standards of sustainability set forth in the conservation movement. Although a good number of conservationist feel more at home among wild things and wild places than in crowds, making conservation mainstream will require that all conservationists engage with their community. This session will explore how people are engaged in conservation and some effective ways to increase engagement at the local level.
At the end of this session, participants should:
- Understand how people receive messages about conservation and how those messages or experiences may change behavior.
- Learn skills for effective communication about conservation to diverse audiences.
Before coming to the in-person session, complete the following elements.
- Watch the final lecture in the program (33 minutes; download PDF of slides). Dr. Janke offers some parting advice for crafting compelling messages to 'plant the seeds of conservation' by applying what you've learned in the program!
Before coming to the last in-person session, reflect on the topics we've covered in each module and how you may be able to apply the information you've learned. As you reflect on the learning you've done, think about about answers to these two key questions:
- What’s your “conservation elevator speech”? That is, if you were only given a few seconds to describe what conservation means to you and why others should care, what would you say? How would you craft a compelling message? Who would or should you share it with?
- What do you bring to bear? How can you apply your talents, time, and passion to help advance conservation in Iowa?
After completing this session, please join our Facebook group and sign up for the Master Conservationist Monthly newsletter to stay engaged with the community of Master Conservationist Program graduates to which you now belong!
Supplemental resources
References supporting materials covered in this module. Explore as you have time and interest!
Resources and people mentioned during the lectures
This final lecture mentioned many prominent and thoughtful authors that you may find inspiring in your own conservation journey.
- Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer's popular book titled Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants was quoted in the lecture. Hear directly from Dr. Kimmerer in this interview with her from the On Being podcast.
- Dr. J. Drew Lanham wrote The Home Place: Memoirs of a colored man's love affair with nature and is featured in this episode of the On Being podcast.
- Dr. Jane Goodall has written many books, including Reason for Hope featured in the lecture and her most recent, titled The Book of Hope: A survival guide for trying times. She was featured in this episode of the On Being podcast.
- Dr. Katherine Hayhoe's book titled Saving Us: A climate scientist's case for hope and healing in a divided world was quoted in the lecture. Dr. Hayhoe was featured in this episode of the On Being podcast.
- This journal article titled Building Optimism at the Environmental Science-policy Practice Interface through the Study of Bright Spots by Christopher Cvitanovic and Alistair J. Hobday.
- This journal article titled Everyone Loves a Success Story: Optimism Inspires Conservation Engagement by Dominic McAfee, Zoe A. Doubleday, Nathaniel Geiger, and Sean D. Connell.
- You can learn more about the Theory of Planned Behavior and other ways researchers study how people may be compelled to change behaviors with this great series of videos from the National Wildlife Federation.
- The Nature of Americans study cited in the lecture evaluated how people connect to and value natural resources in the United States. The Key Findings of that survey effort offer interesting insights and recommendations for reconnecting people, particularly children, to nature.
Episodes of Iowa Land and Sky program
The Iowa Land and Sky program from Iowa Public Broadcasting has a wonderful library of short, educational videos about Iowa's landscapes and ecology. Here's a list of episodes that add to the focus of this module.
- Iowa and a changing climate (7:12)
- Saving Engeldinger marsh in Polk County (7:05)
- Nahant Marsh comeback in Scott County (7:07)
General resources
- Check out this wonderful TEDx lecture titled The Power of the Unseen by Dr. Jodi Enos-Berlage from Luther College. Dr. Enos-Berlage talks about soil, agriculture, and reaching the right people with conservation messages here in Iowa.
- To hear from many of the voices involved in conservation in Iowa from farms to cities, check out past episodes of the Conservation Chat podcast from Iowa Learning Farms.
- Water Quality Matters to us All is a 2011 report from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach about Iowan's attitudes towards water quality.
Books
- Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, (2006) by Richard Louv
- The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age, (2012) by Richard Louv
- Silent Spring, (1962) by Rachel Carson
- The Land Remains: A Midwestern Perspective on Our Past and Future, (2022) by Neil D. Hamilton
Volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved or learn more
- Volunteer water monitoring with the Iowa DNR
- Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring programs through the DNR, including frog and toad surveys, bat surveys, and bird nest monitoring.
- Reach out to your local County Conservation Board or State Park to learn about many volunteer opportunities.
- If you want to manage your land for improved wildlife habitat or forest health, look up contact information for District Foresters or Private Lands Wildlife Biologists with the Iowa DNR, Pheasants Forever, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that can help on the mapping application from ISU Extension and Outreach.
- Learn more about field days and other programs offered by ISU Extension and Outreach to continue learning about natrual resources in Iowa.
- Volunteer with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Do you have ideas for how we can improve this online module? Did we miss a resource that you think should be included? Were elements too long or too short? Too technical or not technical enough? Please help us improve the Master Conservationist Program by providing feedback on this short online form?