Keene State students discovered and learned about insects on campus during a guided walk on Friday, Sept. 15.
The walk was led by entomologist and former KSC professor Jenna Spear from the Harris Center for Conservation Education.
During the walk, students were given nets and cups to safely catch insects such as bumble bees, beatles, flies and butterflies.
“I thought it was nice… people seemed really interested in trying to look for the tiny creatures,” Spear said.
Spear said environmental education is important for people such as the Keene State students that attended because it opens their eyes to how our environment affects us daily.
“Having people slow down and realize how important the environment and how interesting the environment is [important],” Spear said. “We all get so busy and when we all slow down and start looking at the natural world and realize how fascinating it is, my hope is people start to care more about protecting it.”
Spear added, “Another [reason] is relationship building, to connect with people on campus… and for the people in the group to meet each other, that I think is really fun.”
Harris Center’s Science Director Brett Amy Thelen said the Harris Center’s mission is, “helping people fall in love with the natural world, particularly locally… Our research projects span everything from Keene State capstone work… to community science projects… The heart of everything we do is education for all ages from babies in backpacks to residents of retirement communities.”
Additionally Thelen said nature is captivating no matter where you are.
“Looking at the place where you spend time every day through a new lens is incredibly valuable… The reason we do so much work in schools and other places is because we want everyone to recognize that nature is where you are, you don’t have to go to it.”
Nicole Dumont can be contacted at
ndumont@kscequinox.com
