"Conservation and Peace on Earth"

    On April 17, at Hillside School's annual Forest Fest in Bridgewater, NJ, my Roots & Shoots partner, Sarah H., and I, did a fundraiser for the ACS (American Cetacean Society). I have always been passionate about wildlife. In fact, the animal that I find the most majestic, although all are incredible, is the Blue whale. So, this was a perfect opportunity to help out. Sarah made beautiful bracelets, and I made necklaces (made from clay) with the ACS logo on them. We also sold other items such as t-shirts... (To read about the rest of the event, please click here! :) )

    It is believed that orangutans are the second only to humans in intelligence, they are very smart and clever animals! Their habitats are being threatened because rainforests in which they live are being destroyed. Living in the wild rainforests of islands Sumatra and Borneo their numbers are dwindeling. Scientists say that there are only 6,600 left in Sumatra, Indonesia and Borneo, Malaysia has only 49,600; which seems like a lot but it really isn't! The expansion of palm plantation is the primary cause for the dramatic decline of orangutans in these areas and this is a HUGE problem. We need to help conserve these poor animals before it is too late. They say that by 2023 the whole Orangutan population will be extinct, we cannot let this happen!! Please help the orangutans survive and get their habitat back!
    Please sign the petition which is the next step to help preserve these magnificant animals!!!!! It'll only take a minute... please sign it...and pass it along. http://www.rainforest-rescue.org/protestaktion.php?id=514
 

~Nicole Schmitt~

There have been many horses killed over the course of many years, and each year over 100,000 are slaughtered. This is horrible and must be stopped! In South Florida, in Miami horses are being killed for their meat. Someone or group of people are going around in Florida killing innocent horses. They say it can cure medical problems and ease chemotherapy but I think they are just doing it to get their meat and sell it in the Black Market. Sources say that horse meat is very valuable and expensive. But, no matter what the case is it is wrong to kill these poor creatures. I personally love horses and would never consider killing them for their meat, that is disgusting and wrong! I used to ride horses for a couple of years and I think they are beautiful, strong, and majestic animals that should be treasured.

~Nicole Schmitt~