Category Archives: Invasive Hunter Academy

January 6, 2014 · 9:00 am

Calling All Young Eco-Heroes – Action for Nature Needs You

Eco-Hero Commander Ben talks about his work with invasive species at the Action for Nature awards ceremony

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

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

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

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

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

actionfornature_ecohero

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

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Filed under Action for Nature, Adrienne Scroggie, Beryl Kay, Eco-Hero, Invasive Hunter Academy, Invasive Species, Shimon Schwarzschild

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August 8, 2013 · 7:11 am

Young Recruits Join the Fight Against Invasive Species at the Wildflower Center

Commander Ben fist bumps a new graduate from the Invasive Hunter Academy at the Wildflower Center

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

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 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

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 "Roots to Shoots" Nature Nights event

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

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

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Filed under Alice Jansen, Amazing Invasive Hunter Man, Battles with Invasive Species, From Roots to Shoots, Invasive Hunter, Invasive Hunter Academy, Invasive Species, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Ms. Julie Graham, Nature Nights, Taekwondo, Uncategorized, Wildflower Center

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August 3, 2013 · 12:29 pm

Secrets of the Invasive Hunter Academy

I wanted to film a video to thank Action for Nature for honoring me with their International Young Eco-hero Award for my work on educating kids about invasive species and for creating the Invasive Hunter Academy.

As part of the video, I share a bit about my background with invasive species and the secrets as to why the Academy is so popular with kids. I also talk about my experiences training young invasive hunters and bringing my Academy to the United States Botanic Gardens in Washington, D.C., and to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.

Thank you Action for Nature for your International Young Eco-Hero Award!  I will put it to great use to help educate kids of all ages learn about invasive species.

Your friend,
Ben

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Filed under Action for Nature, Eco-Hero, Invasive Hunter, Invasive Hunter Academy, Invasive Species, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, U.S. Botanic Garden, Wildflower Center

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June 10, 2013 · 7:57 am

Watch Out Invasive Species! Invasive Hunter Academy Returns to Nature Nights at Wildflower Center

Young naturalists train to be invasive hunters during last year's Nature Nights at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Young naturalists train to be invasive hunters during last year’s Nature Nights at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Nature Nights starts this Thursday, June 13, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is free and has great activities for the entire family. Get to know the difference between a root and shoot at this Thursday’s event, focusing on the power of plants.

And I have great news to share!  I’m bringing back my Invasive Hunter Academy to this Thursday’s Nature Nights, so be sure to stop by and say “Hi!”, get to know some common invasive species in Central Texas, and train to become an Invasive Hunter.  It’s lots of fun for kids of all ages!

Get to know the Invasive Hunter Academy

Commander Ben having fun with young Invasive Species Hunters last year at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Commander Ben having fun with young Invasive Species Hunters last year at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Get a free ticket for the special auditorium presentation

If you enjoyed Nature Nights during previous summers, there’s also something new happening at this year’s Nature Nights. The first 250 people who attend Nature Nights will receive a free ticket at the admissions table for the special auditorium presentation.

So in addition to enjoying all the display tables and activities (and the Invasive Hunter Academy!), be sure to get your ticket so you can get admitted into the auditorium for the special presentation that’s part of each Nature Nights event.

Summer 2013 Nature Nights at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Summer 2013 Nature Nights at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Summer 2013 Nature Nights schedule

  • June 13 – From Roots to Shoots
  • June 20 – Amphibians
  • June 27 – Insects
  • July 11 – Birds of Prey
  • July 18 – Wildlife
  • July 25 – Snakes

Learn more about Nature Nights at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

I look forward to seeing you there! 🙂

Your friend,
Ben

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Filed under From Roots to Shoots, Invasive Hunter, Invasive Hunter Academy, Invasive Plants, Invasive Species, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Nature Nights, Power of Plants, Wildflower Center

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May 31, 2013 · 6:49 am

Young Invasive Species Hunters Train at the Milam County Nature Festival

Future invasive species hunters train with Commander Ben at the Invasive Hunter Academy during the Milam County Nature Festival

Future invasive species hunters train with Commander Ben at the Invasive Hunter Academy during the Milam County Nature Festival

As I was asking folks which booth was their favorite,
the overwhelming majority said Commander Ben with a smile.

Chris Harper, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

I have been so busy finishing up eighth grade that I have not had a chance to share with you yet about a great experience I had last month.

On Saturday, April 13, I brought the Invasive Hunter Academy to the Milam County Nature Festival at the Rockdale Fair Park.  It was a great event with over 500 people in attendance.  I was invited to participate in the festival by Dr. John Pruett and Ms. Joyce Dalley, two wonderful Milam County Master Naturalists I had met last year at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center when I attended invasive species training for citizen scientists and the Invaders of Texas Program.

Ms. Joyce Dalley, Commander Ben, and Dr. John Pruett in the "Green room" before Ben's invasive species presentation at Rockdale Intermediate School

Ms. Joyce Dalley, Commander Ben, and Dr. John Pruett in the “Green room” before Ben’s invasive species presentation at Rockdale Intermediate School

The day before, I was invited to talk about invasive species and dyslexia at the Rockdale Intermediate School by Dr. Pruett, Principal Kathy Pelzel, and Ms. Susan Boyd, ACE Coordinator for the school. I had a great time with the students–future invasive hunters for sure!

Commander Ben talks about invasive species to over 350 kids at the Rockdale Intermediate School.

Commander Ben talks about invasive species to over 350 kids at the Rockdale Intermediate School

Lots of great kids came to the Milam County Nature Festival events and to participate in the Invasive Hunter Academy, including quite a few adults too!  After five hours of activities, I was exhausted but it was a lot of fun. Here are some pictures of the day:

Commander Ben getting the Invasive Hunter Academy ready for the Milam County Nature Festival

Commander Ben getting the Invasive Hunter Academy ready for the Milam County Nature Festival

Commander Ben's a featured festival presentation at 9:30 a.m. with the Invasive Hunter Academy going on all day.

Commander Ben’s a featured festival presentation at 9:30 a.m. with the Invasive Hunter Academy going on all day

Finding Commander Ben on a map of the Milam County Nature Festival.

Finding Commander Ben on a map of the Milam County Nature Festival

Commander Ben training budding naturalists to hunt invasive species.

Commander Ben training budding naturalists to hunt invasive species

Kids having fun at the Milam County Nature Festival

Kids having fun at the Milam County Nature Festival

El Camino Real - Texas Master Naturalists Chapter display

El Camino Real – Texas Master Naturalists Chapter display

More fun activities at the Milam County Nature Festival.

More fun activities at the Milam County Nature Festival

Near the end of the festival, I took a quick tour around the Rockdale Fair fair grounds to take in all the sights of the other nature festival activities. There were lots of booths, including a great exhibit about butterflies and the plants they like, another about how the coyote is the only relative of the wolf left in Texas, and still another was teaching all about crayfish. I even bought one of the books about crayfish.

I want to send out a special thank you to Dr. Pruett, Ms. Dalley, and all the Milam County Master Naturalists and volunteers for inviting me to be part of their Nature Festival.  Thanks to Mr. Harper and all the young invasive species hunters that I talked with.

I had a great time and know everyone else did too! 🙂

Your friend,
Ben

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Filed under Chris Harper, Invasive Hunter, Invasive Hunter Academy, Invasive Species, John Pruett, Joyce Dalley, Lights Camera Help Annual Nonprofit Film Festival, Milam County Master Naturalists, Milam County Nature Festival, Rockdale Fair Park, Uncategorized, US Fish and Wildlife Service

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