Starting Them Young

Carlo A. Balistrieri (cabalist@facstaff.wisc.edu)
Thu, 09 May 1996 07:47:28 -0500

>Another note: I saw an article in last months Ranger Rick magazine (a
>natural history magizine for children) featuring CP's, S. purpurea, VFT and
>a Drosera. Has anyone thought about getting out to the schools with their
>plants. A great way to save habitat is through early education. Kids
>can't get enough of VFT's.
>
>regards,
>
>
>Gary Habeeb
>ghabeeb@nccn.net
>Nevada City, CA, USA
>

I've done it and it is a blast! I give a number of different talks (Illegal
Wildlife Trade; Endangered Species; The Amazing World of Plants; Weird and
Bizarre Plants; Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll in the Plant World (don't ask))
and take a sampling of my varied plant collection with me. INVARIABLY most
of the questions are about, and interest is in, carnivorous plants. Children
make a marvellous audience but you can't prepare a talk and have to be ready
to change direction on a dime. (In other words, alway shoot from the hip!).

The thank-you cards are keepsakes and will generally tell you if you've
struck interest in the kids. I have had many questions about growing and
some indication that kids were going to get some plants to start with. All
in all it's one of the most satisfying experiences a grower can have.

Carlo

Carlo A. Balistrieri, J.D. Email: CABalist@facstaff.wisc.edu
P.O. Box 327
Ashippun, WI 53003-0327
U.S.A.
Voice: 414.474.7771
Telefax: 414.474.7772