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| "At a young age I was given the opportunity to make a difference. I believe that if the opportunity is given to other young students, they will rise to the occasion." |
EARTHKEEPER HERO:
HEATHER DEWITT
by Geeta Malik
MY HERO met Heather DeWitt, a Student Conservation Association intern, on the Jason XIV expedition to the Channel Islands.
Heather DeWitt began a conservation program at the age of 16. She heard a story about the way that the iceplant, an invasive species, was taking over the native agriculture of the Channel Islands, and she decided to find a way to help. She says, "I came to the islands as a freshman in high school and was impressed by the beauty of the island, and everybody’s efforts to preseve it. I wanted to be included, so I got more involved." She organized students at her high school to form an Environmental Club, and they made expeditions to the Channel Islands to remove the iceplant.
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Written by
Geeta Malik
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The Jason Project |
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| Australian Aborigines Protecting Wetlands by working to conserve the environment around them. | Barry Commoner works to protect the environment and raise awareness about the danger of radio activity. | Ben Redclay was an earthkeeper whose legacy lives on through his daughter. | Benjamin Kahn involves school children in regrowing coral to help save damaged reefs in the Red Sea. |
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| Beth Rickard Environmentalist is an advocate of solar as the energy of the future. | Bill Roley taught children in a Mexican orphanage how to work the land. | CAMPUS CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY at Humboldt State University. | Chico Mendes was a father who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defending rainforests. |
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| Chief Oren Lyons is an internationally venerated advocate for preserving biodiversity. | David Nathan Chain was killed during a nonviolent protest to save the redwoods. | Deland Chan started an environmental group at the YMCA in New York City. | Dennis Weaver is an actor and advocate for ecologically sustainable living. |
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| Dian Fossey worked to protect the endangered Mountain Gorilla. | Donald Knaack is a musician whose unique productions inspire people of all ages to explore, create and give back to others. | Dr. E.O. Wilson studies the impact that human activity has on the planet. | Dr. Elvia Niebla Soil Scientist is dedicated to soil conservation. |
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| Dr. Richard Murphy Marine Biologist educates others about the sea and ways to protect the oceans for the future. | Dr. Robert Ballard and the JASON project bring scientific exploration to children around the world. | Dr. Shirley McGreal founded the International Primate Protection League. | Dr. Vandana Shiva works to preserve biodiversity for the planet. |
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| Envirofit retrofits engines to reduce pollution and enhance energy efficiency in developing countries. | Fin Donnelly works to keep our rivers and waters clean. | Frances Moore Lappe works to eliminate the injustices that cause hunger. | Friends of Nature: Mr. Liang Congjie is a voice for China's environment. |
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| Friends of the Sea Lion rescue, treat, and release these mammals back into the ocean. | George Schaller is a world-renowned naturalist. | Gerald Durrell established the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust for endangered species. | Greenpeace works globally to save the environment. |
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| Hayrettin Karaca is known as Grandfather Earth for making our planet brighter, greener and better for future generations. | Heather DeWitt is a devoted conservationist. | J.N. (Ding) Darling , conservationist and cartoonist, used his art to raise awareness about the environment. | Jack Johnson is a musician who encourages kids to take care of the environment. |
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| Jack Sim has started a worldwide campaign for clean public toilets and better sanitation standards. | Jacques Cousteau invented the Aqua-Lung, a predecessor to the SCUBA systems used by divers worldwide today. | Jane Goodall is an authority on wild chimpanzees. | Jane Goodall …is a renowned expert on chimpanzees and works to educate people about their own power to improve the environment. |
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| Jean-Michel Cousteau is committed to protecting the ocean for future generations through education and conservation. | Jody Williams is a human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner who began a campaign to rid the world of landmines. | John McConnell founded Earth Day (March 20) and continues his fight for environmental education and awareness. | John Muir advocated preservation, feeling that natural areas promote mental health. |
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| Joseph Ki-Zerbo works to help Africans retain control of their country's agriculture. | Julia Hill brought public attention to deforestation in California. | Kaa-Iya del Gran Chaco National Park is the only park in the Americas established and run by indigenous peoples. | Kory Johnson was honored with the Goldman Environmental Prize in 1998. |
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| Laurie David is passionately committed to stopping global warming. | Lee Myung-Bak is responsible for making Seoul, South Korea 'cleaner and greener' during his tenure as mayor. | Marjory Stoneman Douglas worked tirelessly to preserve the Everglades. | Mia Siscawati teaches people to protect their environment. |
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| Michael Reynolds Garbage Warrior combines biology and architecture to build sustainable housing. | Mrs. Mei Ng: Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong) uses education to foster environmental awareness in China | My Trip to Catalina Island Slater, a young environmental and peace activist, meets her hero, Jean-Michel Cousteau. | Nicole Dewing and Curtis McCormack joined the Peace Corps and started a waste recycling project in Joal, Senegal. |
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| Ocean Robbins helps organize young people committed to protecting the planet. | Prigi Arisandi works to educate people on the importance of protecting the rivers of Indonesia | Rachel Carson was the mother of the environmental movement. | Ramani Sankaranarayanan and Geeta Vaidyanathan founded CTxGrEn to show villagers how to turn native materials into fuel for electricity. |
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| Reef Ball Foundation restores damaged coral reef systems around the world. | Ric O'Barry works to free captive dolphins around the world. | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an eco-warrior defending the earth for future generations. | Robert Redford established the Sundance Film Festival to effect change in the world. |
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| Rory Stear and Kristine Pearson developed and distribute wind-up and solar powered radios to poor communities around the world. | Roxanne Kremer works with the Mestizo Indians of the Peruvian rainforest to save pink dolphins. | Ryan Hreljac helps build wells for clean water in Africa. | Saint Francis of Assisi was a true example of harmonious existence on Earth |
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| Sandra Postel believes in the importance of water conservation. | Severn Cullis-Suzuki an environmental activist, speaker, television host. | Stanislav Petrov averted nuclear disaster, yet remains unknown to most. | SUJANA cleans roads in Indonesia to help the environment. |
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| Suryo Wardhoyo Prawiroatmodjo educates people in Indonesia to protect the environment. | Sylvia Earle is a marine biologist and ambassador of the oceans. | Terram Foundation brings job growth, community involvement, and local solutions to larger environmental concerns. | Theodore Roosevelt worked tirelessly to protect wildlife and the environment. |
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| Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement that plants trees to help restore the desolate ecosystem in Africa. | Wes Jackson was a professor who returned to the land to advance sustainable agriculture practices. | William McDonough designs buildings for ecological sustainability. | YouthCaN is a youth- run organization promoting environmental awareness through technology. |
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| Zander Srodes and Turtle Talks has educated over 5,000 students on sea turtles and marine conservation. |
Last changed on:3/17/2003 10:30:34 AM
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