Issue 3 -- LAND, SEA, & AIR MAIL

November 2000

Slow moving and dull gray, manatees may not grab our attention immediately. But look closer and these gentle animals have an interesting story to tell. November’s LAND, SEA, & AIR MAIL spotlights the marvelous manatee. This issue includes classroom activities and animal information; a note from Julie Scardina, SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Ambassador; links to other web sites on manatees; and this month’s Cool School.

This month’s classroom activities for K through 12 focus on the marvelous manatee. For in-depth information read our manatee information book.

Cool School

Check out the unbelievable environmental program in place at the Heritage Elementary web site, located in Lewisville, Texas. The six-year-old school has an outdoor classroom, grade-level gardens, a compost pile, and an active environmental club run by students. Their logo: Our environment is our "Heritage."

Teaching about the environment is not always easy. Do you know a teacher who’s figured out a unique way to inspire students, communicate concepts, or encourage exploration? What about a school that has dedicated itself to a project? We want to hear about them. Use our easy entry form to nominate your favorite school or teacher.

Where In the World?

Julie's Journal
Catch up with Juile Scardina, SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Ambassador, who helped with the release of three rehabilitated Florida manatees this past August.

Conservation Partners: Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Insitute
Hubbs-Sea World scientists study animals in some far off places. See the efforts underway to help save the endangered manatee by preventing or reducing debris entanglement.

Have You Seen This?

Meet the "Manatee of the Month". The Florida Marine Research Institute (part of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) works to provide timely information to protect, conserve and manage Florida's marine and coastal resources. Visit their web site.

Go Environ-mental!

100 Florida manatees died in the first three months of 2000, most from injuries caused by watercraft collisions. Others got caught in flood gates or canal locks. If you live near manatees, find out how you can help save them.

COMING NEXT MONTH

With colder weather coming in December, the LAND, SEA, AND AIR MAIL will be visiting the Arctic and Antarctic to explore polar animals and their lifestyles. See you next month.

SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Information Database
http://www.seaworld.org/ / http://www.buschgardens.org/