Country

Country
Orgenes musicales: folk estadounidense, spiritual, Blues, msica celta

Orgenes
culturales:

Principios del siglo XX en el este de

Estados Unidos, Tennessee, Virginia Occidental y Kentucky

Instrumentos comunes:

Guitarra, bajo, contrabajo, Pedal Steel Guitar, batera, violn, dobro, piano, banjo, armnica.

Popularidad:

Alta en todo el mundo, principalmente el sonido Nashville.

Subgneros

Sonido Bakersfield - Bluegrass - Country folk - Honky tonk - Sonido Lubbock Sonido Nashville - Country neotradicional - Outlaw country - Texas country

Fusiones

Americana - Country alternativo - Country blues - Country rock - Psychobilly Deathcountry - Rockabilly - Country rap - Country pop - Rock sureo - Cowpunk

Enlaces

Categora:Msica country

El country (tambin llamado country & western) es un estilo musical surgido en los aos 20 en las regiones rurales del sur de los Estados Unidos. Combin en sus orgenes la msica folclrica de algunos pases europeos de inmigrantes, principalmente Irlanda, con otras formas musicales ya arraigadas en Norteamrica, como el blues y la msica espiritual y religiosa como el gospel. El trmino country comenz a ser utilizado en los aos 50 en detrimento del trmino hillbilly, que era la forma en que se lo conoca hasta entonces, terminando de consolidarse su uso en los 70. El country tradicional, se tocaba esencialmente con instrumentos de cuerda, como la guitarra, el banjo, el violn sencillo (fiddle) y el contrabajo, aunque tambin intervenan frecuentemente el acorden (de influencia francesa para la msica cajn), y la armnica. En el country moderno se utilizan sobre todo los instrumentos electrnicos, como la guitarra elctrica, el bajo elctrico, los teclados, el dobro, o la steel guitar. La familia Carter (The Carter Family) fue la primera en grabar en disco una cancin country, junto a Jimmie Rodgers, consolidando este gnero musical con el nombre inicial de "hillbilly", que luego dejara paso al de simplemente "country". Ambos influyeron con sus respectivos estilos a numerosos cantantes que les sucedieron. En los aos 40 fueron sobre todo cantantes como Pete Seeger y Hank Williams los que contribuyeron a su creciente popularidad. En la dcada de los 50 la msica country adquiri elementos del rock and roll (el vigoroso "rockabilly") de Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bill Haley o Buddy Holly), gnero que por aquel entonces viva un enorme auge, y que aport ritmos y melodas ms desarrolladas. Si bien se pueden escuchar hoy en da toda clase de variantes del country, el que se combina con el rock, y ms recientemente con el pop, es el que ms xito tiene ante el gran pblico poco entendido. As, el trmino country, actualmente es un cajn de sastre en el que se incluyen diferentes gneros musicales: el sonido Nashville (ms cercano al pop de los aos 60), el bluegrass (popularizado por Bill Monroe y Flatt and Scruggs, basado en ritmos rpidos y virtuossimos, interpretados con mandolina, violn y banjo), la msica de westerns de Hollywood, el western swing (una sofisticada msica basada en el jazz y popularizada por Bob Wills), el sonido Backersfield (popularizado por Buck Owens y Merle Haggard), el outlaw country, cajn, zydeco, gospel, oldtime (msica folk aterior a 1930), honky tonk, rockabilly o Country neo-tradicional. Cada estilo es nico en su ejecucin, en el uso de ritmos y acordes, aunque muchas canciones han sido adaptadas para los diferentes estilos. Por ejemplo, la cancin "Milk cow blues", una antigua meloda blues de Kokomo Arnold ha sido interpretada en una amplia variedad de estilos del country, desde Aerosmith a Bob Wills, pasando por Willie Nelson, George Strait, Ricky Nelson o Elvis Presley.

Contenido
1 Historia 1.1 Influencia de Jimmie Rodgers

1.1.1 Hank Williams 1.2 Influencia de The Carter Family 1.3 Bluegrass 1.4 El sonido Nashville

Historia
Vernon Dalhart fue el primer cantante de country en tener un xito a nivel nacional (en Estados Unidos, en mayo de 1924, con "The Wreck of Old '97"). Otros pioneros importantes fueron Riley Puckett, Don Richardson, Fiddling John Carson, Ernest Stoneman y los grupos Charlie Poole and the North Carolina Ramblers y The Skillet Lickers. Pero como ya se dijo, los orgenes de las grabaciones del country moderno (hillbilly) se encuentran en Jimmie Rodgers y The Carter Family ("La Familia Carter"), que estn considerados por ello, los fundadores de la msica country, ya que sus canciones fueron las primeras en ser registradas en soportes fonogrficos, en la histrica sesin del 1 de agosto de 1927, en Bristol (Tennessee), donde Ralph Peer ejerci como tcnico de sonido. Es posible categorizar a muchos intrpretes de country atendiendo a si pertenecen a la rama de Jimmie Rodgers o la rama de la Carter Family.

Influencia de Jimmie Rodgers

Jimmie Rodgers incorpor al country el folk (hillbilly). Rodgers escibi y cant canciones basadas en baladas tradicionales e influencias musicales de sur. Parti de sus propias experiencias vividas en la ciudad de Meridian (Misisipi) y en la gente pobre que conoci en trenes ("hobos" o vagabundos), en los bares o las calles, para escribir las letras de sus canciones. Desde el 26 de mayo de 1953, se celebra en Meridian el festival "Jimmi Rodgers Memorial" en el aniversario de su muerte. Personajes patticos, forajidos, humor, mujeres, whisky, asesinatos, muerte, enfermedades y pobreza estn presentes en sus letras, temas que han sido tomados y desarrollados por sus seguidores. Msicos como Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson o Johnny Cash han sufrido y compartido el sufrimiento de interpretar sus canciones basados en estos temas. Jimmie Rodgers cant sobre la vida y la muerte desde una perspectiva masculina, un punto de vista que ha dominado en muchas modalidades de country. Su influencia ha sido crtica en el desarrollo del honky tonk, el rockabilly y el sonido Bakersfield. Hank Williams Jimmie Rodgers es una pieza clave en la msica "hillbilly", pero el artista ms influyente de la "rama de Jimmie Rodgers" es Hank Williams. En su corta carrera (muri a los 29

aos) domin la escena country, y sus canciones han sido interpretadas por prcticamente todos los artistas country, tanto hombres como mujeres. Hank tuvo dos personajes: Hank Williams, el cantautor y "Luke the Drifter", el cantautor moralista y religioso. La complejidad de estos personajes se refleja en las canciones ms introspectivas que escribi sobre el amor, la felicidad, el amor y los corazones rotos ("I'm so lonesome I could cry") o las ms optimistas sobre la comida cajn ("Jambalaya") o sobre las tpicas figuras de madera de indios que aparecen en las tiendas de cigarros estadounidenses ("Kaw-Liga"). Hank Williams llev a la msica country a otro nivel y la hizo llegar a un pblico ms amplio, inaugurando el estilo "honky tonk" ("country" de los bares: alcohol, mujeres, y peleas...). Su hijo, Hank Williams Jr y su nieto Hank Williams III han sido tambin grandes innovadores en la msica country. Hank Williams Jr. fusiona rock con outlaw country, mientras que Hank Williams III va ms all, rozando el psychobilly y el death metal.

Influencia de The Carter Family

The Carter Family fue el otro descubrimiento de Ralph Peer. En sus comienzos formaban el grupo A. P. Carter (voz), su mujer Sara (voz, arpa y guitarra) y su cuada Maybelle (guitarra). Desarrollaron una larga carrera musical. A. P. contribuy con un montn de canciones y baladas recolectadas durante las excursiones que realizaba alrededor de su casa en Maces Springs, (Virginia). Adems, al ser un hombre, hizo posible el que Sara y Maybelle se dedicasen a la msica sin que ello supusiese un estigma para ellas. Sara y Maybelle se dedicaban a realizar arreglos a las canciones que A. P. recolectaba, adems de escribir sus propios temas. Ellas fueron las precursoras de toda una serie de cantantes femeninas de country como Kitty Wells, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Skeeter Davis, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Linda Rostand, Emmylou Harris o June Carter Cash (hija de Maybelle y posteriormente mujer de Johnny Cash).

Bluegrass
El bluegrass continu con la tradicin de las antiguas bandas de instrumentos de cuerda estadounidenses y fue inventado, en su forma original, por Bill Monroe. El trmino "bluegrass" fue tomado del nombre de la banda que acompaaba a Bill: The Blue Grass Boys. La primera grabacin que realizaron fue en 1945: Bill Monroe (mandolina y voz), Lester Flatt (guitarra y voz), Earl Scruggs (banjo de cinco cuerdas), Chubby Wise (violn) y Cedric Rainwater (contrabajo). El grupo fue el referente para todas las bandas de bluegrass que les siguieron. De hecho, muchas de las primeros y ms famosos msicos de bluegrass fueron o miembros, alguna vez, de The Blue Grass Boys (como Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Jimmy Martin y Del McCoury) o tocaron con Monroe ocasionalmente (como Sonny Osborne, The Stanley Brothers o Don Reno). Adems, Monroe fue una gran influencia para Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris o Sam Bush (estos ltimos del grupo de la Nash Ramblers), quienes mezclaron elementos del folky con el bluegrass.

El sonido Nashville

Durante los aos 60 la msica country se convirti en una industria, centrada en Nashville (Tennessee), que mova millardos de dlares. Bajo la direccin de productores como Chet Atkins, Owen Bradley y, posteriormente, Billy Sherrill, el denominado sonido Nashville acerc el country a un pblico ms diverso. El sonido tom prestados muchos elementos del pop de los aos 50: voces suaves acompaadas de una seccin de cuerdas y coros vocales. Los artistas ms importantes fueron Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves y, posteriormente, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, y Charlie Rich. Debido a que la msica country tena una gran variedad estilstica, hubo muchas voces crticas que sealaron que el sonido Nashville estaba acotando esta tetrahidrounidiversidad. Contra este sonido aparecieron el Sonido Nashville y el Outlaw country.

By: Yuluisa Guadalupe Soto Romero English Class 22/09/10

Causes of Endangerment
There are many reasons why a particular species may become endangered. Although these factors can be analyzed and grouped, there are many causes that appear repeatedly. Below are several factors leading to endangerment: Habitat Destruction Our planet is continually changing, causing habitats to be altered and modified. Natural changes tend to occur at a gradual pace, usually causing only a slight impact on individual species. However, when changes occur at a fast pace, there is little or no time for individual species to react and adjust to new circumstances. This can create disastrous results, and for this reason, rapid habitat loss is the primary cause of species endangerment. The strongest forces in rapid habitat loss are human beings. Nearly every region of the earth has been affected by human activity, particularly during this past century. The loss of microbes in soils that formerly supported tropical forests, the extinction of fish and various aquatic species in polluted habitats, and changes in global climate brought about by the release of greenhouse gases are all results of human activity. It can be difficult for an individual to recognize the effects that humans have had on specific species. It is hard to identify or predict human effects on individual species and habitats, especially during a human lifetime. But it is quite apparent that human activity has greatly contributed to species endangerment. For example, although tropical forests may look as though they are lush, they are actually highly susceptible to destruction. This is because the soils in which they grow are lacking in nutrients. It may take Centuries to re-grow a forest that was cut down by humans or destroyed by fire, and many of the world's severely threatened animals and plants live in these forests. If the current rate of forest loss continues, huge quantities of plant and animal species will disappear. Introduction of Exotic Species Native species are those plants and animals that are part of a specific geographic area, and have ordinarily been a part of that particular biological landscape for a lengthy period of time. They are well adapted to their local environment and are accustomed to the presence of other native species within the same general habitat. Exotic species, however, are interlopers. These species are introduced into new environments by way of human activities, either intentionally or accidentally. These interlopers are viewed by the native species as foreign elements. They may cause no obvious problems and may eventual be considered as natural as any native species in the habitat. However, exotic species may also seriously disrupt delicate ecological balances and may produce a plethora of unintended yet harmful consequences. The worst of these unintended yet harmful consequences arise when introduced exotic species put native species in jeopardy by preying on them. This can alter the natural habitat and can cause a greater competition for food. Species have been biologically introduced to environments all over the world, and the most destructive effects have occurred on islands. Introduced insects, rats, pigs, cats, and other foreign species have actually caused the endangerment and extinction of hundreds of species during the past five centuries. Exotic species are certainly a factor leading to endangerment.

Overexploitation A species that faces overexploitation is one that may become severely endangered or even extinct due to the rate in which the species is being used. Unrestricted whaling during the 20th century is an example of overexploitation, and the whaling industry brought many species of whales to extremely low population sizes. When several whale species were nearly extinct, a number of nations (including the United States) agreed to abide by an international moratorium on whaling. Due to this moratorium, some whale species, such as the grey whale, have made remarkable comebacks, while others remain threatened or endangered. Due to the trade in animal parts, many species continue to suffer high rates of exploitation. Even today, there are demands for items such as rhino horns and tiger bones in several areas of Asia. It is here that there exists a strong market for traditional medicines made from these animal parts. More Factors Disease, pollution, and limited distribution are more factors that threaten various plant and animal species. If a species does not have the natural genetic protection against particular pathogens, an introduced disease can have severe effects on that specie. For example, rabies and canine distemper viruses are presently destroying carnivore populations in East Africa. Domestic animals often transmit the diseases that affect wild populations, demonstrating again how human activities lie at the root of most causes of endangerment. Pollution has seriously affected multiple terrestrial and aquatic species, and limited distributions are frequently a consequence of other threats; populations confined to few small areas due to of habitat loss, for example, may be disastrously affected by random factors.

4 Endangered Animals

Leopards are mainly found over nearly the whole of Africa, south of the Sahara, northeast and Asia. They are well known for their dark spots arranged in rosettes over much of their body without the central spot as found in jaguars.

Besides being known for their spots, they are also known for running very fast with up to speeds of about one hundred kilometres per hour. They also have the agility to climb trees as well as swim. Their diet consist of antelope, wild pigs, monkeys, porcupines, birds and domestic livestock. They favour dogs as a meal. If they are unable to lure a dog out of the village, leopards are known to go right into the village to get the dog they want. They frequently store the remains of their kill up on trees for protection among the branches while they eat or rest. In the past, leopards were considered a nuisance to cattle and were frequently shot or hunted. But as man destroyed their habitat for cattle, farming and other human activities, the leopards had no where to survive and their prey decreased due to immigration and lack of food. Therefore leopards had no choice but to kill cattle and domestic livestock. As a result, man killed them to protect their livestock. This caused the leopards to decrease drastically. Besides that, the leopards were poached illegally for their valuable skin and body parts. In the 1980s and 1990s, the demand for their skins increased sharply due the furs popularity in fashion. Due the conservation efforts, these leopards are now a protected species in Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and most parts of the world. Efforts also have been made to hand breed them and then be released in the wild or enclosures are being made.

The Komodo Dragon is the largest living lizard on earth. Discovered in 1912 on small islands in Indonesia, this lizard can weigh over 350 pounds and grow over 10 feet long. There are several differences between the female and the male Komodo Dragons. The female is an olive-brown colour with yellow patches on her throat. She has an incubation period of 6-8 weeks and can lay up to 25 eggs. All Komodo Dragons reach a sexual maturity at the age of 3-5 years and live over the age of 25. Male dragons are a lot larger and vary in colour from a dark grey to a brick red. These reptiles are the largest predators on the islands in which they live. They hunt hogdeer, wild pig, macaques, rats, and dig up eggs of mound birds (the mound birds eggs are

considered a free treat whenever a Komodo Dragon crosses their path). When they eat, the dragons take a huge chunk of flesh of the preys' body. Using their forefeet to hold down the prey, the Komodo Dragon then swallows the flesh without chewing. Komodo Dragons use their eyes to locate prey and find it extremely difficult to see stationary animals. They have a rudimentary sense of hearing and a fairly acute sense of smell. When they are born Komodo Dragons are left to fend for themselves. Sometimes their parents can forget they are their children and eat them. Up until the age of about 2-3 years old they are able to climb up trees and stay there. Climbing protects them from the predators on the ground and they capture prey by jumping down and landing on their unsuspecting backs. This sudden attack is one of the only ways a young dragon can survive, the other way is their surprising speed. Even a full grown lizard can run up to 35 miles per hour. When the Komodo Dragons eats, there is a strict order of priority feeding enforced by the males. The strongest male will eat first and not let any others eat until he has had his share. However females are allowed to eat without any interference and can tolerate each others presence. The Komodo Dragon makes a burrow about 3-6 feet wide in the ground and can be active both in the day and the night. In the night they use their tongue to find their way in the dark, for it has an extremely sensitive sense of taste and scent stimuli. Male Komodo Dragons are territorial. During there mating period they engage in "boxing matches" with each other. However they do not use their claws, teeth or their strong, powerful tail.

Tapirs are found in small groups in the tropical rain forests of Malaysia and Central America. They are short-legged and heavy-bodied with small eyes, rounded ears and small trunks protruding over their mouths. Their body hair are often short and usually sparse. The main source of food is grass and shrubs as well as certain roots. The central American tapirs are plain grey or brown in colour, but the Malaysian tapirs have a distinct black and white pattern. The heads, shoulders and legs are black while the

rumps, backs and bellies are white. The young are completely different from their parents, with a dark brown colour and streaked as well as spotted with yellowish white. Tapirs are shy and often travel near water. When they are disturbed, they will crash wildly through the undergrowth and hide in the water. Tapirs are easy prey as they do not run fast and do not have special defences, therefore easily become victims to carnivorous animals and hunters. Their habitat, the rain forests are also depleting quickly destroyed by human activities, leading even more to their decline.

Leatherback Turtles are found in most warm seas, often migrating from one continent to another. They are the largest of all turtles, sometimes weighing more than 1500 pounds. Their shells are covered by a thick layer of smooth leathery skin, instead of scales. Unlike other turtles, their ribs and backbones are not joined to the shell. These turtles have huge strong front flippers which can propel them in the water at high speeds. Leatherback Turtles have a very unique way of laying their eggs. From August to September, female turtles travel vast distances just to lay their eggs on the exact spot where they had laid their eggs previously. Without fail, their homing instincts are always right and rarely do they lose their way to their nesting site. As soon as they reach the shore, they will not rest until they have arrived at their nesting grounds. By using their giant flippers, they heave themselves up towards the spot and dig a deep hole in the sand. In this hole, they will lay about 100 to 200 soft rubbery eggs at one time. While they are laying the eggs, they will start shedding tears to excrete the excess salt from their bodies while swimming in the sea water. Once they are finished, the turtles will cover up the hole with sand and return to the sea, only coming next year to the same spot to dig another hole to lay eggs. The heat of the sun will warm the eggs and after a period of time, the hatchlings will climb out of the sand and crawl towards the sea. Even though many turtles are hatched, many do not survive the first few weeks of their lives. There are many predators such as seagulls who prey on the young turtles. The baby turtle's hard shell has not yet formed and has no hardened defence against the attackers. Some turtles are caught in fishermen's nets and left out to die. Other turtles are caught between the wastes man created such as plastic bags and eventually die of suffocation and strangulation.

To make matters worse, Leatherback Turtles are hunted for their ornamental shell while their eggs are considered delicacies. Illegal gathering for eggs to be sold in markets also helps in the decline of these turtles. The coming ashore of the Leatherback Turtles to lay their eggs have become quite a spectacle and have drawn large crowds to witness this event. Unfortunately, the crowds created a large amount of noise and drove many turtles away. They also made campfires which scared them away. In order to protect them, the Malaysian government has declared it as a protected animal. Various rules and regulations have been made and huge fines imposed on those who break the law.

Why Save Endangered Species?

Plants and animals hold medicinal, agricultural, ecological, commercial and aesthetic/recreational value. Endangered species must be protected and saved so that future generations can experience their presence and value. Medicinal

Plants and animals are responsible for a variety of useful medications. In fact, about forty percent of all prescriptions written today are composed from the natural compounds of different species. These species not only save lives, but they contribute to a prospering pharmaceutical industry worth over $40 billion annually. Unfortunately, only 5% of known plant species have been screened for their medicinal values, although we continue to lose up to 100 species daily.
The Pacific yew, a slow-growing tree found in the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest, was historically considered a "trash" tree (it was burned after clearcutting). However, a substance in its bark taxol was recently identified as one of the most promising treatments for ovarian and breast cancer. Additionally, more than 3 million American heart disease sufferers would perish within 72 hours of a heart attack without digitalis, a drug derived from the purple foxglove.

Agricultural There are an estimated 80,000 edible plants in the world. Humans depend upon only 20 species of these plants, such as wheat and corn, to provide 90% of the world's food. Wild relatives of these common crops contain essential disease-resistant material. They also provide humans with the means to develop new crops that can grow in inadequate lands such as in poor soils or droughtstricken areas to help solve the world hunger problem. In the 1970s, genetic material from a wild

corn species in Mexico was used to stop a leaf fungus that had previously wiped out 15% of the U.S. corn crop. Ecological Plant and animal species are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. Humans depend on ecosystems such as coastal estuaries, prairie grasslands, and ancient forests to purify their air, clean their water, and supply them with food. When species become endangered, it is an indicator that the health of these vital ecosystems is beginning to unravel. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that losing one plant species can trigger the loss of up to 30 other insect, plant and higher animal species.

The northern spotted owl, listed as threatened in 1990, is an indicator of the declining health of the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest. These forests are the home to over 100 other old-growth dependent species, which are at risk due to decades of unsustainable forest management practices.
Pollution off the coast of Florida is killing the coral reefs along the Florida Keys, which serve as habitat for hundreds of species of fish. Commercial fish species have begun to decline, causing a threat to the multi-million dollar tourism industry, which depends on the quality of the environment. Commercial Various wild species are commercially raised, directly contributing to local and regional economies. Commercial and recreational salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest provides 60,000 jobs and $1 billion annually in personal income, and is the center of Pacific Northwest Native American culture. This industry and way of life, however, is in trouble as salmon decline due to habitat degradation from dams, clearcutting, and overgrazing along streams. Freshwater mussels which are harvested, cut into beads, and used to stimulate pearl construction in oysters form the basis of a thriving industry which supports approximately 10,000 U.S. jobs and contributes over $700 million to the U.S. economy annually. Unfortunately, 43% of the freshwater mussel species in North America are currently endangered or extinct.

Aesthetic/Recreational Plant and animal species and their ecosystems form the basis of Americas multi-billion dollar, jobintensive tourism industry. They also supply recreational, spiritual, and quality-of-life values as well. Each year over 108 million people in the United States participate in wildlife-related recreation including observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife. Americans spend over $59 billion annually on travel, lodging, equipment, and food to engage in non-consumptive wildlife recreation. Our national heritage of biological diversity is an invaluable and irreplaceable resource. Our quality of life and that of future generations depends on our preservation of plant and animal species. Source of Information: The National Wildlife Federations Endangered Species Program

Ways You Can Help Endangered Species

Endangered Species Need Your Help! Here Are Some Ways That You Can Get Involved: Conserve Habitats

One of the most important ways to help threatened plants and animals survive is to protect their habitats permanently in national parks, nature reserves or wilderness areas. There they can live without too much interference from humans. It is also important to protect habitats outside reserves such as on farms and along roadsides. You can visit a nearby national park or nature reserve. Some national parks have special guided tours and walks for kids. Talk to the rangers to find out whether there are any threatened species and how they are being protected. You and your friends might be able to help the rangers in their conservation work. When you visit a national park, make sure you obey the wildlife code: follow fire regulations; leave your pets at home; leave flowers, birds eggs, logs and bush rocks where you find them; put your rubbish in a bin or, better still, take it home. If you have friends who live on farms, encourage them to keep patches of bush as wildlife habitats and to leave old trees standing, especially those with hollows suitable for nesting animals. Some areas have groups which look after local lands and nature reserves. They do this by removing weeds and planting local native species in their place. You could join one of these groups, or even start a new one with your parents and friends. Ask your local parks authority or council for information. By removing rubbish and weeds and replanting with natives you will allow the native bush to gradually regenerate. This will also encourage native animals to return.

Make Space For Our Wildlife

Build a birdfeeder and establish a birdbath for the neighborhood birds. Plant a tree and build a birdhouse in your backyard. Start composting in your backyard garden or on your balcony. It eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers which are harmful to animals and humans, and it benefits your plants! Ask your parents not to use harmful chemicals in your garden or home.

Recycle, Reduce, And Reuse

Encourage your family to take public transportation. Walk or ride bicycles rather than using the car. Save energy by turning off lights, radios and the TV when you are not using them.

Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth and use water-saving devices on your toilet, taps and showerhead. Ask your parents to buy products and food without packaging whenever possible. Take your own bag to the store. It will reduce the amount of garbage and waste your family produces. Recycle your toys, books and games by donating them to a hospital, daycare, nursery school or children's charity. Encourage your family to shop for organic fruits and vegetables.

Plant Native Plants That Are Local To The Area

If you can, plant native plants instead of non-native or introduced ones in your garden. You dont want seeds from introduced plants escaping into the bush. Native grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees are more likely to attract native birds, butterflies and other insects, and maybe even some threatened species.

Control Introduced Plants And Animals

Non-native plants and animals are ones that come from outside your local area. Some parks and reserves, beaches, bush-land and rivers are now infested with invasive plants, and native species often cannot compete with these plants. Many environmental weeds come from peoples gardens. Sometimes, the seeds are taken into the bush by the wind or by birds. Controlling these foreign species is an important step in protecting wildlife

Join An Organization

There are many community groups working on conservation activities. Join an organization in your area and start helping today!

Make Your Voice Heard

State and territory government conservation agencies are responsible for the management of national parks and the protection of wildlife. They are sometimes supported by public foundations. Tell your family, friends and work mates about threatened species and how they can help them. Start a group dedicated to protecting a threatened plant or animal in your area or perhaps to help care for a national park. Write articles or letters about threatened species to newspapers. Ring up talk-back radio programs to air your concerns, or arrange to talk on your

community radio station.