Below is a fun video featuring National Wildlife Federation Naturalist David Mizejewski on the Today show. Watch the cute squealing and squeaking armadillo!

Video Link
Armadillo squeaks and seals inside Studio 1A

What do you think of that cute monkey who wants a massage?

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Tiger Swallowtail photo by Carl R. Sams II.

Jayni Chase, the wife of actor Chevy Chase, was honored for her work promoting environmental education during the National Wildlife Federation’s 75th anniversary gala.

I remember Chevy Chase from the movie, Caddy Shack. I never realized his wife was so involved in conservation. It’s inspiring to learn about her powerful work.

Learn more in the article, “Chevy Chase pays tribute to wife, calls out Robert Redford, at National Wildlife Federation gala“. Learn more about the National Conservation Achievement Awards.

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Bluebird photo by Carl R. Sams II.

Teach your kids the importance of wildlife conservation during National Wildlife Week, celebrated March 14 – March 20, 2011.

Get your National Wildlife Week posters, one for each day!

About National Wildlife Week
From the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) website: Held annually since 1938, National Wildlife Week is NWF’s longest-running education program. Even celebrities such as Shirley Temple, Walt Disney and Robert Redford have joined National Wildlife Federation to commemorate this unique event.

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Photo courtesy Flickr: Save The Wild UP

Is sulfide mining in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula safe for our waters? The article, “Midwest Mining Rush Threatens Water: Part IV: Challenging the Mine Permitting Process“, provides insight into the maddening mine permitting process.

I’ve always felt that this Kennecott Eagle mine is a short sighted and bad idea, both for the tourisim economy and for our environment – meaning clean water – not to mention home and property values. According to the article, several groups have banded together to file a lawsuit that finds fault with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s permitting process.

Big Mistake By Joe Maki?
According to the article, the National Wildlife Federation, Huron Mountain Club, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve argue that the permitting process did not adhere to the state’s 2004 non-ferrous mining law and claims that decision making was driven by politics rather than science.

In addition, there were numerous procedural violations, including Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) official, Joe Maki, who led the Mine Review Team that recommended the permit. He admitted in sworn testimony that he did not adhere to the law, and, in fact, he did not completely understand it when he issued the permit to Kennecott, according to the article.

“They found numerous errors and omissions in the materials provided by the mining company and the Department of Environmental Quality’s own experts have raised serious concerns about the stability of the roof of the mine. Despite voluminous expert testimony stating the danger of the sulfide mine to people, wildlife and natural areas, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued Kennecott Eagle Minerals permits in 2007 to perform sulfide mining on the public lands,” stated National Wildlife Federation’s Director of the Great Lakes region, Andy Buschbaum.

Learn More
This article is part of a six part investigation into the sulfide mining boom in the Midwest. This investigation explores ways the surge in mining will affect tourism, water, and the environment. Read the entire series.

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Here are my favorite wildlife blogs – I hope you find them as informational as I do: 

• Wild Birds Unlimited Blog
• Wildlife Promise: National Wildlife Federation
• Jill’s Blog
• Making Tracks: The Wildlife Society Blog
• TreeHugger (includes some wildlife posts)

Please comment and tell us about the wildlife blogs you visit!

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In the video below, the National Wildlife Federation took Wyland – a marine life artist and passionate ocean conservationist – on his second tour of areas devastated by the BP oil spill.

I agree with Wyland about “Out of sight (…out of mind)”. Let us not forget this environmental tragedy that probably harmed many more animals than we will ever know.

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Why the concerns over the Kennecott Eagle mine in Northern Michigan? Scientists explain acid sulfide mine drainage and its detrimental impact on people and water in the video below from the National Wildlife Federation.

The first mine to be permitted under Michigan’s non-ferrous metallic mining law — the Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company nickel sulfide mine west of Marquette — continues to draw concerns and criticism according to the article ”DNRE reassurances on Kennecott mine fail to convince environmentalists, skeptics“.

Learn More
Sulfide Mining and the Great Lakes from the National Wildlife Federation.
Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve.

What are your thoughts about the planned Kennecott Eagle Mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?

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Join the Great American Backyard Campout this Weekend! The Great American Backyard Campout is this Saturday, June, 26, 2010.

National Wildlife Federation Naturalist David Mizjewski talks about the Great American Backyard Campout and shares animals that go “BUMP” in the night…or day with Kathie Lee and Hoda of the Today Show in this video.

This informative video features BP oil spill wildlife from Louisiana, and other diverse wildlife, including a North American porcupine, a gray fox, and alligator snapping turtle information.

I love the North American porcupine in this video-it reminds me of the porcupine Carl and Jean photographed (“Porcupine and Antler“) for the cover of Images of the Wild (published in 1997-no longer in production), their first book, a collection of many of their favorite photos from across North America.

Tell us about Your Great American Backyard Campout
Let us know about your Great American Backyard Campout. Please include photos and information about what you learned about wildlife.

With your permission, we may post your story on this blog. Please comment on this post to alert us to be on the lookout for your story, and e-mail information to CarlSams at CarlSams.com.

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The video below shows that water, oil and wildlife don’t mix.

See a “hands on” example in the video of why the BP Oil Spill is a threat to the wildlife and wetlands of the Gulf. Jeremy Symons, senior vice president of The National Wildlife Federation, traveled out to the Chandeleur Islands to see the oil slick first hand.

While out on the water, Mr. Symons traveled through the oil slick to get up close and feel what the wildlife will feel, and it’s not good. There are no hand towels for birds.

I think the BP oil spill in the Gulf is an absolute tragedy. Let me know your thoughts.

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Celebrate National Wildlife Week March 15-21 and get children outside. The National Wildlife Federation offers a number of outdoor activities for children.

If you are a teacher, look over our Lost in the Wood and Stranger in the Woods Curriculum Guides. Each guide contains 54 fun-filled activity pages plus 12 additional “project cards” with great ideas for bringing Lost in the Woods and Stranger in the Woods to life in the classroom.

The challenging activities in the guides were developed to meet the Michigan Education Assessment Program’s (MEAP) requirements in Language Arts, Science, Math, Music or Art.

And finally, Crayola offers some fun activities for kids during National Wildlife Week. Enjoy and please comment to keep us informed about your activities.

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