The New Initiative Audubon Outdoors Views Nature Awareness and Involvement a Must

PALM HARBOR, Fla. - May 14, 2013 - PRLog -- Humans are continuing to distance themselves from nature as society becomes a more urban and technological-based society.

As a not-for-profit mission-driven organization, ISC-Audubon believes that a fundamental problem in today’s society is a growing disconnect between people and nature. This, they believe, is leading to less understanding and appreciation of all the benefits that nature provides. One of the organization’s goals is to encourage and promote people to get outdoors and appreciate nature that will ultimately increase their appreciation, and drive for protecting the environment.

Ronald G. Dodson, Chairman of organization is calling for increased connections to, and involvement with, nature as a way to reverse the ongoing decline in the Ecosystems of the world. “People who do not have any connections with nature, are not aware of nature’s importance, and they do not understand it, appreciate it or value it.  If people do not value nature, they will not take any actions to conserve it for themselves, let alone for future generations,” Dodson said.

ISC-Audubon clearly understands that reversing the present degradation of the environment is going to be a long-term effort. But, continues Dodson, “Maintaining biodiversity is like an insurance policy that ensures that we will maintain a strong natural infrastructure to provide the products and services that all life, including human life depends on to live healthy and productive lives. We literally depend on nature to provide the air we breathe, the water we drink and the medicines we use to cure unspeakable diseases. Today, most people don’t even know where their food comes from and most certainly don’t know where their wastes go too, or how that waste is being managed.  Unless we change this attitude, dwindling natural resources, coupled with a growing population will lead to serious adverse consequences,” Dodson said.

ISC-Audubon thinks that the global nature of the problems associated with sustainability are so overwhelming that most people have just about given up of ever being able to make much of a difference individually.  The organization recognizes the breadth of the problems faced by humanity, but the fact of the matter is that efforts must be made and ISC-Audubon has decided that the time is now, and in doing so they created Audubon Outdoors.

Audubon Outdoors was created to encourage people to become involved in outdoor and nature related activities. The primary objective is to encourage outdoor recreational activities such as nature-based travel and tourism, bird watching, hiking, fishing, golfing, gardening, kayaking, climbing, nature photography and anything else that gets  people and families outside and enjoying nature.  

Audubon Outdoors will serve as the environmental conservation and education advocate for ISC-Audubon. It will focus primarily on nature-based travel and tours, environmental education and awareness, and conservation action and demonstration.

In addition, Audubon Outdoors will serve as the administrator of The Seeds of Sustainability Fund, and will promote the Spreading the Seeds of Sustainability efforts on specific regional levels. Audubon Outdoors will coordinate all regional and local sustainability demonstration projects for the organization.

In announcing the launch of Audubon Outdoors, ISC-Audubon Chairman, Ron Dodson said, “To me this is really a bit like back to the future. I first became involved in the environmental movement because of my love of the outdoors and in particular bird watching. Over the past couple of decades I have gotten away from the very things that I am most interested in. In addition, it seems to me that as society in general become more technology-based, we are tending away from basic outdoor related activities, which, I for one feel is a bad thing.” Dodson, will also serve as the management of the Audubon Outdoors initiative.

Dodson continued, “To me, Audubon Outdoors can be viewed essentially as a Nature Travel and Adventure Club within our organization. So the first thing we want is for people to join up. Membership is $25 per year and benefits include several publications which will keep members up to date on the latest planned activities of Audubon Outdoors, and early notice and discounts on special Audubon Outdoor events and travel opportunities. We already have discussions underway for Audubon Outdoor trips to Central and South America destinations for those interested in long-distance experiences to some exotic destinations, but just as fun we are also developing a couple of local and regional Audubon Outdoors hometown-based nature activities also.”

The intention of Audubon Outdoors is also to serve as a clearing house for other organizations that offer public education, field trips, manage sanctuaries and parks that include opportunities for people to get outdoors, learn about and enjoy nature.

“After 30 years of working mostly in an office or with various companies on conservation projects, I am really looking forward to getting back in the field with nature and to do whatever I can to encourage everyone, families, kids, young and old to reconnect with nature and to have some fun in the great outdoors,” Dodson concluded.

To learn more about ISC-Audubon or Audubon Outdoors, and to become a member go to: http://www.isc-audubon.org