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JAMESTOWN, NY (WNY News Now) — Our Earth is important, as it is the only one we have to call home, so preserving it and taking care of it is vital to our survival.
SUNY JCC is on a mission to share the significance of nature and why we should do better for our planet with the annual student-driven Earthfest Celebration.
“Earthfest is an event that has been going on annually since probably about 1990. Our Earth awareness club came into existence right around that time and we started with a very small event with maybe four or five vendors, campbell man and tie-dyes, and over the years it has grown to a really big festival event that we have every year,” said Biology Professor and Coordinator of Environmental Science Program Jan Bowman
Professor Bowman explains that not only do humans have an impact on the environment, the environment impacts us just as much.
“Conservation, keeping in mind that we are part of the environment, we aren’t really an exception to the environment, and learning a little bit more about how our role influences other organisms and back at us. They also have influences on us and our health and wellbeing,” said Professor Bowman. “Did you get a snowstorm in the middle of July, or a heatwave in the middle of December? We have a lot of climate change going on and a big part of that is loss of conservation, loss of very important lands and trees, forests, that are the lungs of the planet.”
When talking about nature, it’s a no-brainer that animals must be included in the conversation.
“We have live animals, so Mike Morton’s little baby goats and rabbits and all the little critters that he brings in will be a big hit with the students I’m sure and we have a noon show with Jeff Musial of Nickel City Reptiles and Exotics. He brings in all kinds of exotics and talks about the importance of not having exotics in your home,” Professor Bowman explains.
According to the professor, students cannot wait to host the event and educate more people on the importance of environmental consciousness.
“It’s just a really good time, and it’s a student club that hosts this and I happen to be one of the advisors, student driven. Every year we have students who are eager to move into the Earthfest planning,” said Professor Bowman.
To learn more about the SUNY JCC Earth Awareness Club and other events they hold, visit the SUNY JCC website.
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