Our Global Responsibility

Many of us feel over whelmed when we speak of our global environmental responsibilities.

Let's face it, our world environmental problems are daunting.

However, we need to start somewhere, and the most effective way to get motivated is often to start within our own community.

Can we put a dent in world environmental issues by starting in our own backyard? 

This generation of children today, if inspired to study, explore and engage in hands on environment and science experiences, coupled with their advanced technological skills, has the potential to become the most successful generation, as far as solving world issues; advancing energy solutions, finding cures for disease, and solutions for world hunger. The study of natural resources, biotechnology and engineering solutions can lead this generation to innovative problem solving.

These world solutions may even come from the children in our own community.

If we start by studying environmental issues in our own backyard, perhaps the challenge will seem more credible.

The ‘COTTONTAIL CHALLENGE’:

As New Englanders, we alone are ‘globally responsible’ for a species of animal.

The New England Cottontail lives only in our small region of the world. As development continues to fragment our open space, their habitats are becoming more and more scarce. If we don't act to manage early-successional habitat where they live, they will continue to decline in numbers. When we lose a species in the ecological web, it can affect ecology as a whole in many ways.

Protecting this type of habitat is a challenge because 72% of forest in CT is privately owned, making early-successional habitat in CT, reliant on private efforts. As private landowners, we can step up and help this species survive. Examples of suitable early successional habitats are old fields, utility or railroad corridors, regenerating young forest, brushy areas, dense thickets, coastal shrub lands

If you are a landowner of 6 or more acres, or in a neighborhood, or school with abutting open space, you may in a position to help! It may even be as simple as mowing less of your backyard, and maintaining simple brushy shrubland areas!

If you, a local group, or school you are affiliated with, are interested in protecting the New England Cottontail, you can call your local Nature Center, Conservation Commission, or state DEEP for advice on how to create and manage habitat for the New England Cottontail.

Many small efforts when combined, can save our world, our communities, and our New England Cottontails!