【推荐1】Duncan Jurman has been fascinated by butterflies since he was 4 years old. Early on, he learned that butterfly populations were becoming smaller globally due to human activities so he developed gardens at his home, where he raised more than 5,000 butterflies to be released.

In 2018, Jurman developed a large butterfly garden at his high school, which has since attracted 28 species of butterflies, including two endangered species. The garden has also attracted other wildlife, including birds, lizards, and insects.

Jurman is devoted to protecting butterflies by reviving natural habitats. He travels to high schools to share his knowledge and encourage others to help in his quest. He’s now working with gardeners and local residents to rescue endangered butterfly species and create better habitats in general for wildlife.

“From teaching, I recognized that most students don’t know the important roles butterflies play in our nature—as pollinators of plants and key food sources for numerous animals, such as birds and lizards,” Jurman said. “Most don’t know that butterfly populations worldwide are in serious danger. Though equipped with advanced technology as a whole today, most students don’t know gardening, insects and nature in general compared with previous generations."

“I want to change this situation and realize there’s an opportunity to raise youth’s awareness of the importance of butterflies, the many threats facing them, and the relatively little effort necessary to have an immediate effect on the future of butterflies," he added.

【推荐3】Sasha Olsen went on a trip last summer with her family to Vietnam and Japan. She was afraid to see the ocean’s pollution levels and dying sea animals.

“We went on this trip and I was so excited,” said Sasha. She is 10 years old and lives in Bal Harbour, Florida. “But when I saw the way the oceans had become, I got worried. I wanted to know why things were this way but couldn’t find an answer. ”

When she returned home to Bal Harbour, she grew even more disturbed. She learned how some of the beaches in South Florida had been closed by The Health Department because the water had too much bacteria (细菌) in it.

Sasha sought the help of her cousin, Narmina Aliyev. Aliyev is 23 years old and a recent graduate of Nova Southeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in business. Together, they started a nonprofit Iwantmyoceanback in October.

Originally, the group started small, with friends coming together on the weekends to clean the beaches in Bal Harbour. Recently, however, Iwantmyoceanback has hosted events to raise money for beach cleanups and to donate (捐赠) to protection groups such as the Sea Turtle Conservancy, Oceana and World Wildlife Fund, Aliyev said.

In January, Sasha organized “Kids Heal the Oceans” at Bal Harbour beach. There, she spoke about the oceans’ problems and guests made art out of microplastics (微塑料) gathered from the beach cleanup. “At first, our guests were a little shy, but now they’ve felt inspired to speak up! Sasha has inspired many other kids to join Iwantmyoceanback and show people that we’re able to make a change if we come together,’’ Aliyev said.

On February 16, the group threw a Plastic-Free Party. The party included a beach cleanup and guests creating art from the plastic trash they collect. “It’s important to bring awareness not just through doing cleanups and meetings, but to show people they can come together through their hobbies and working together to a common goal,’’ said Sasha.

【推荐2】One creature I often cross paths with is a blue heron (苍鹭) who, like me, calls this farm her home. I first noticed her about 7 or 8 years ago while I was tagging trees in springtime. Over the years, she has become a companion and a reminder that we share the land with many seen and unseen neighbors.

Upon our first introduction to each other, our relationship has become slightly more comfortable over the years. At first, my long-legged friend was shy and kept a low profile while fishing for her meal. Nowadays, she surprises me around every corner as she keeps an eye on the workings of the farm.

Over the course of time, I have attempted to take a photo of my neighbor but in vain. Photos simply do not give this graceful bird justice. She waits just long enough for me to get my camera ready and snickers at the lens as she flies slowly away. She refuses to give me the pose I need for a photo that is in focus or a video that shows off her awkwardly-elegant takeoff. Soon she is gliding upward, staying on the top of a tree.

Fall is getting colder with each passing day. Soon, my daily routine will consist of trying to stay warm during the Midwestern winter, while my friend will seek warmer climates with fresh open water for her next catch. I will look forward to our next encounter, much like I look forward to the next spring: with fresh eyes and a hope that the planting, growing, and harvest of next season will be prosperous not only for the farm, but for our neighbors and the community with whom we share the land.