Issue 17 -- LAND, SEA, & AIR MAIL

January 2002

Come meet our frolicking friends of the sea—sea lions, seals, and walruses. January’s newsletter takes a closer look at these members of the family Pinnipedia.

Classroom activities cover K-3 and 4-8 grade levels. Students learn to tell seals from seal lions, create a harbor seal visor, draw a sea lion while exploring pinniped adaptations, and conduct a heat-loss experiment.

Find additional information in our harbor seal booklet, walrus booklet and the "Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses" Teacher's Guide.

This month we feature two teachers: Kevin Willis and Rob Cole from Carmichaels Area School District in Pennsylvania. Check out how these two teamed together on a positive project benefiting both high school seniors and elementary school sixth graders.

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
This month Julie Scardina, SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Ambassador, recounts her early experiences working with sea lions and the subsequent developments in SeaWorld animal training techniques.

Conservation Partner: Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute has been involved in pinniped research since the mid-1970s. Check out the Institute’s research on Hawaiian monk seals and the seals and sea lions of the Channel Islands off California.

Have You Seen This?

Looking for a certain seal? Or sea lion? Find great species IDs at the Seal Conservation Society’s Web site.

Also take a look at SCS’s list of organizations helping pinnipeds worldwide and those involved in rescue and rehabilitation.

Go Environ-mental!

Even if you live away from the coast, there are ways to help our flippered friends.

1.	Join conservation agencies that protect marine mammals such as Ocean Conservancy or the World Wildlife Fund.
2.	Stay informed about conservation issues. Support upcoming legislation or officials that promote conservation. A good place to find information is at the National Wildlife Federation’s “Take Action” Web page. Also see American Oceans Campaign “Current Activities” page.
3.	Be aware of endangered species and products produced and sold from them. Want to know the current status of an animal or plant? Try the Web page of CITES (Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
4.	At the beach, dispose of trash or fishing line and gear appropriately. Pinnipeds are coastal animals and often encounter discarding fish nets, line, and discarded trash like plastic bags.
5.	Be aware that helium balloons released during special events or projects often land in streams, lakes, and the ocean. Latex materials can be harmful to wildlife.

COMING NEXT MONTH

February is National Wild Bird Feeding Month. Why February? For most wild birds in the US, February is one of the most difficult months to survive. Land, Sea & Air Mail gives projects and tips to help our backyard friends.

If you or your class want to get an early start, see National Bird-Feeding Society’s Web page with activities and projects.

Our most familiar and commen goose, the Canada goose lives throughout Canada and the United States.

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