Commander Ben fist bumps a new graduate from the Invasive Hunter Academy at the Wildflower Center
This summer, I brought the Invasive Hunter Academy back to Nature Nights at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. It was such a blast. I met lots of kids who had gone through the Academy last year, so they helped me bring a whole new battalion of Invasive Hunters through the Academy this year.
Invasive Hunter Academy at Nature Nights in 2013
Here are some pictures from this year’s Academy at the Wildflower Center.
Invasive Hunter Academy setup before the Nature Nights event
With my Academy materials, I also show videos from my Battles with Invasive Species series. The Amazing Invasive Hunter Man was a favorite with this year’s young invasive hunters.
A growing battalion of invasive hunters are learning the secrets of the Invasive Hunter Academy
A crowd of young invasive hunters are learning about invasive plants. That’s Tea Time with English Ivy showing on the monitor.
Young invasive species hunters practice their action moves with Commander Ben
Part of becoming an invasive hunter is learning the action moves to take down invasive species. Here I’m kiaping with a young invasive hunter with one of our taekwondo moves.
A kiap is an energy yell to get you psychologically ready for battle. It helps motivate you and frighten your enemies. (We felt the invasives quaking in their rhizomes when we kiaped!)
Julie Graham, Commander Ben, and Alice Jansen at the “From Roots to Shoots” Nature Nights event
My thanks to Julie Graham, Education coordinator, and Alice Jansen, Education manager, with the Wildflower Center for inviting me to be part of the fun Nature Nights event!
Young invasive hunters having fun creating their battles with invasive species action diorama at the Wildflower Center
This makes it all worthwhile. Seeing the kids have fun and learn about invasive species and how to protect our native ecosystem.
Your friend,
Ben
Commander Ben 