VOA英语：美国自然保护计划教导青少年自然知识

VOA 英语：美国自然保护计划教导青少年自然知识 VOA 英语：美国自然保护计划教导青少年自然知识 US Conservation Program Teaches Teens about Nature MURRIETA, CALIFORNIA— Teenagers have been removing invasive plants and protecting endangered species around the United States this summer, in a program run by The Nature Conservancy a nonprofit environmental group. These girls are getting their first closeup look at lizards, doing a count of the creatures for an environmental census. Some of these species are threatened by their changing habitat. 17 years old Yulissa Arevalo is learning a lot. “I used to just go on hikes and look at lizards and think that they were all the same, but there are different ones horned lizards, whiptail lizards, fence lizards, she said. The Western Fence Lizard is identified by its blue belly. The students are part of a summer program at nature preserves and parks around the United States to educate students about the environment, and steer some into environmental careers. Open to boys and girls, its called Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future. Outside the Nature Conservancys New York office, Brigitte Griswold says its the result of a partnership between the conservation group and 25 environmental high schools. “Students are involved in our nature preserves doing everything from shellfish restoration to restoring the L.A. River to helping to ensure healthy populations of trees right here in New York City, said Griswold. Its a month of exploration for these California students. Some are now thinking about careers as environmental lawyers, teachers or scientists. Griswold says whatever their chosen field, the summer program broadens their perspective. “As we explore urban sustain...