Jamie Hawk believes that the simple act of getting people outside is extremely important in promoting conservation. If people aren’t given the opportunity to appreciate the natural world, they’ll have little motivation to conserve it. But if you are able to inspire them through outdoor discovery, as well as teach them that conservation provides personal benefits, you have given them the motivation and tools to affect change within themselves and their communities.

In Atlanta, Jamie wants to connect local youth to their local environment and their food sources. For his fellowship, Jamie will work with farmers to create bird-friendly habitat on their farms while working with local students to teach them about the important role birds play in our ecosystem.

Jamie will develop a new backyard Wildlife Sanctuary program for farms and develop a new curriculum for the farm-to-school setting. He will engage farmers, planners, teachers, and students in this process, with the ultimate goal of creating bird habitats in agricultural sectors, and empowering people to care for and maintain them.

Jamie believes that once individuals understand the powerful role they play in environmental protection, and the many benefits a healthy environment brings, taking action is a logical next step. And with his fellowship, Jamie is poised to help them take that next step.