Tag Archives: Action for Nature

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

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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

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

Benjamin Shrader Receives 2013 International Young Eco Hero Award

actionfornature_ecoheroI am so excited to share with you the great news that I was named a 2013 International Young Eco-Hero by Action For Nature!

Action For Nature is an international non-profit organization that encourages young people to take personal action to better their environments and to foster love and respect for nature.  Their Young Eco-Hero Award program honors the work of kids and teens between the ages of 8 and 16 who have done creative environmental projects.

I was so surprised when I received notice that I had been named a 2013 Young Eco-Hero because this is an international award given to a small group of kids and teens from around the world.

Many thanks to Action for Nature for recognizing the work I do in Central Texas and across the country to help educate kids of all ages about invasive species and to protect and preserve our native species. I am so honored and humbled.

Visit the Action for Nature site to learn more about this great organization and also about what kids are doing everywhere to protect our natural world.

Your friend,
Ben

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Filed under Action for Nature, Eco-Hero, Environmental, Invasive Species