Eco-Hero Commander Ben talks about his work with invasive species at the Action for Nature awards ceremony
Last year, I was honored to be selected as an International Young Eco-Hero by Action for Nature.
I was invited to talk at their 11th annual awards ceremony in October at the American Institute of Architects in San Francisco, California. I gave a presentation about my work protecting our native ecosystem and educating kids of all ages about invasive species in a fun and engaging way, through my Commander Ben blog, InvasiveHunter Twitter account, YouTube channel, and Invasive Hunter Academy.
Getting ready to talk about invasive species at the Action for Nature awards ceremony
Here I am getting ready for my invasive species presentation. Two other Eco-hero winners, Malcom Barnard and Eric Bear, also talked about their work as environmental role models. I was also glad to meet 2009 Eco-Hero Kevin Huo who talked about his latest work.
Ben Shrader, Brent Plater, and Kevin Huo during the Action for Nature Awards Reception
Mr. Brent Plater, Executive Director of the Wild Equity Institute, gave an inspiring keynote, “From I to We: Building a just and sustainable world for people, plants, and animals that accompany us on earth.”
Adrienne Scroggie, Benjamin Shrader, and Shimon Schwarzschild
I met many great naturalists there including Action for Nature Founder Shimon Schwarzschild, President Beryl Kay, and board member Adrienne Scroggie. I enjoyed talking with Mr. Shimon Schwarzschild about his environmental work with birds and nature preserves and about St. Francis’ special connection with nature.
Action for Nature President Beryl Kay with Benjamin Shrader
Thanks President Beryl Kay and the Action for Nature board for selecting me to join the distinguished ranks of the Eco-Heroes!
Become a 2014 International Young Eco-Hero
Are you a young naturalist between the ages of 8-16 whose work has helped to protect our environment? If so, then don’t miss out on applying to become a 2014 Eco-Hero! Submit your application before January 31, 2014, and describe your environmental work and how you’ve helped to protect the plants, animals, and ecosystems that we all share.
Your friend,
Ben
Commander Ben 
You are really inspiring! My 10 year old son has followed your work since meeting you at the wildflower center. I have a mother’s question for you: with so much time spent at your computer, how have you avoided being seduced by the many inappropriate websites vying for your attention? What would you recommend to parents about how to help their children use their computers for good purposes as you have done?
Hi Ms. Johnson,
Thank you so much for asking me. I really think the two things that have kept me on the straight and narrow are an excellent education from my parents that things like that are wrong and avoiding areas on the Internet where things like that might come up.
Something that has always helped me too is the company that I keep. Encourage your son to socialize with other nice kids and to avoid crude or crass people.
Find what your son enjoys and what he has a passion for and encourage him to pursue those areas. When kids are more focused on what they enjoy, they won’t search the Internet for inappropriate things.
Thanks for being a fan. I look forward to meeting you and your future scientist son again at the Wildflower center!
Your friend,
Ben