g THE AMERICAN bin A Vatur (Nr SOCIETY Soll N=
NOVEMBER, 1955
Atlanta Meeting Is a Success
The 1955 meeting of the ANSS at Atlanta marks another milestone of prog- ress for perhaps the oldest of the science teaching societies. Over a hundred mem- bers and friends of the society were in attendance at one or more of the meet- ings including the banquet.
Numerous fine and significant papers were read. The Nature Study Idea of Liberty Hyde Bailey was the theme for the Tuesday afternoon meetings. Dr. E. Laurence Palmer who has been instru- mental in aiding over 4000 students to gain various degrees of insight into the philosophy behind the Nature Study Idea presented some highlights on the mean- ing of this philosophy. He had a movie of the early Cornell proponents of Nature Study among whom were John H. and Anna Bostford Comstock, Liberty Hyde Bailey and others. He also played a re- cording of an interview with Liberty Hyde Bailey in which the founder of the Amer- ican Nature Study Society answered ques- tions and clarified some of his philosophy.
In a second paper on the nature study idea, Dr. Walter Thurber gave a review of some applications of the Nature Study Idea to the elementary school situation. Through presenting opportunities to carry on observations and by providing a doing program children will grow in stature.
An evaluation of the place of the Nature Study Idea in the General Educa- tion Program at the college level was pre- sented by Stanley B. Mulaik. He pointed out that some fine work was currently being done at some of the smaller liberal arts and teachers colleges. Many of the larger schools, however, were still moti- vated by textbook, lecture and classical laboratory methods which do not lend themselves to the type of doing program which might more readily have at least an undercurrent of the Nature Study Idea.
At the program featuring ‘The appeal of the Nature Writer to all Age Groups” there were assembled the finest writers and speakers. Roger Tory Peterson most ably discussed the place of the handbooks on natural history as aids to answering the perennial question “What is it?” Herbert Zim pointed out there was dis- appearing the idea of an age level in many good natural history handbooks People are using the fine variety of these books from the lower grades to the ad- vanced naturalist. This is truly ‘“Extend- ing Horizons” in the appeal of the nature writer.
Millicent Selsam discussed ‘Encourag- ing Early Research’ and made a good case for evaluating and encouraging the young child to make independent dis- coveries regardless of how “‘trifling’’ they might be in the eyes of the graduate scientist. Through such activity, growth in stature is assured.
Ed Dodd, creator of Mark Trail showed that the comic strip is very effective in developing a sound conservation con- sciousness. However, it was necessary to carry on considerable research and field observation to gather sufficient material to make an accurate visual picture of the situation in nature being portrayed.
Charles Mohr set the stage showing how those trained in various aspects of natural history can enter into a great variety of occupational fields such as for- estry, lumbering, game management, recreation leadership and many others.
Thanks
We extend sincere thanks for the ar- rangements to make the stay of the ANSS in Atlanta a most pleasant one to the committee on local arrangements and par- ticularly to W. B. Baker who made ar- rangements for the ANSS and to Annie Sue Brown, group chairman for the Science Teaching Societies.
Dr. Bertha Chapman Cady Dies at 84
Dr. Bertha Chapman Cady who was the guest of honor at the American Nature Study Society banquet at Atlanta, and who addressed the group briefly, died in Atlanta, Georgia on January 26 at the age of 84. Dr. Cady was the tenth presi- dent. of the American Nature Study Society serving for three years from 1928 to 1930. She was the only person to have served three terms.
For 15 years Dr. Cady was the natural- ist for the Girl Scouts of America and was author of the Girl Scouts’ Nature Program. She served for a number of years as executive secretary of the Coordi- nating Council on Nature Activities with headquarters at the American Museum of Natural History.
She taught for some time at Stanford University where she received a Doctorate in entomology and she became a national authority on the doodle-bugs.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Victor J. Montoya of Vidalia, Georgia who attended the Nature Study Society banquet with her mother, and Mrs. Robert Woodman of Santa Fe, N. M. and a sister, Mrs. Robert L. Donald of Portland, Oregon. Dr. Cady’s husband died some years ago.
Howard Weaver is
New Treasurer
The new treasurer of the ANSS is Dr. Howard E. Weaver, and he is anxious to have the society membership grow. Plans are being laid for a membership cam- paign. He will welcome any ideas or volunteers as aids to implementing such a program. Send these to 202 Men’s Old Gym, University of Illinois, Urbana, IIli- nois. Dues are also welcome at that ad- dress.
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A. N.S. 56.
NEWS
LETTER
Vice-President RICHARD L. WEAVER P. O. Box 2073 Ann Arbor, Michigan
From The Editor
The appeal of your editor to a portion of the membership of the ANSS brought gratifying returns. About fifteen replies came in from which were gleaned some very interesting items. Your editor wishes to thank those who responded, and in the few cases where he hasn't replied with a written “thank you,” he will try to get one off a little later.
A multiplicity of activities plagues him as it does many others, and little notes of courtesy, or even big letters are often relegated to the background. This un- doubtedly sounds familiar to most of you. This brings to mind a comment recently seen somewhere in reading at a newsstand (yes I get some free literature) that one of the greatest curses of national organiza- tions is the feeling given to its members of being neglected. In this connection, the board of directors at their annual meeting decided that in the future new members will receive a warm welcoming letter from some of our past presidents who were glad to offer their services to this activity.
The ANSS has great prestige and honor, and the membership should cherish this and help it to grow. One way is through the good works its members per- form. Members owe it to themselves and to the Nature Study Movement which is having a great rebirth to tell the world of these works. Your editor will welcome a few lines about your doings. Don’t be one to hide your contributions under a bushel.
E. L. Will Conducts Visual Aids Study
Dr. Emery L. Will of State Teachers College, Oneonta, New York, is making a study of practices and trends in Audio Visual use in the country. This work is being carried out under the sponsorship of the National Association of Biology Teachers. A report related to this study was made at the Atlanta meetings of the National Association of Biology Teachers.
AMERICAN NATURE STUDY SOCIETY NEWS LETTER
Affiliated with The National Association of Biology Teachers The National Science Teachers Association _ The American Association for the Advancement of Science
Publication Dates: Spring, March; Summer, June; Fall, September; Winter, November
Editor
STANLEY B. MULAIK University of Utah Sale Lake City 12, Utah
Society Officers
President MALVINA TRUSSELL 2011 Lee Avenue
Tallahassee, Florida Secretary HELEN ROSS State Teachers College Fitchburg, Massachusetts
November, 1955
Treasurer HOWARD E. WEAVER 202 Men’s Old Gym University of Illinois Urbana, Illinois
Resources Directory Available
Persons interested in our natural re- sources will welcome a new publication which is the 1955 Directory of Organiza- tions and Officials Concerned with the Protection of Wildlife and Other Natural Resources. This may be obtained from the National Wildlife Federation, 232 Carrell Street, Washington 12, D. C. Enclose 25 cents with your order to cover minimum costs.
An Adult Camping Club
HurLEY GAYMAN
The formation of the Desomount Club of Los Angeles in 1951 was the result of having had nature-study field trips in L. A. State College made so valuable and charming that the registrants, having com- pleted all courses available, were unwill- ing to terminate their studies in the field which had become a fascinating avoca- tion. Their pleasure at having had their eyes opened to so many of the beauties and perfections of nature of which they were previously unaware, impelled them to form an organization for continued trips under competent leadership of local naturalists, specialists and numerous club members.
The study of desert, ocean, mountain (Des-o-mount) became an _ instilled hobby. Combined with the values of out- door living was the enduring satisfaction of meeting, over and over, persons with the same intellectual and aesthetic sensi- tivities. The inroads of population on our most precious natural areas deepened their determination to make the most of what was still to be had, and to support all conservation campaigns.
As Emerson observed, “Every institu- tion is the lengthened shadow of one man’’— so the Desomount Club is largely an emination of the personality of Roland Case Ross. His instruction is given in such a manner that all related details adhere to the theme as a whole; very little is ever lost.
All divisions of natural sciences are in- cluded in the interests developed on trips. Prominent is bird study, and the observa- tion of all animal life, plant and flower identification, and occasional astronomy hours. Discussions on the geology, local history and sociology of the regions visi- ted are fitted into the programs according to the facilities the area affords. Stalking the water holes of mountain sheep, trips through diatomaceous earth mines and processing plants, or gloating over the
gorgeously colorful beauties of undersea marine life from a diving bell, have been typically cherished incidents of recent trips.
Three indoor meetings, member pic- tures and professional showings, are called for in the constitution. Week-end and holiday trips scatter through the year ; in winter south to Sonora, Mexico; in summer north to the redwoods; short trips of 200 miles, longer ones to 1200 miles. Desomounters are constitutionally campers, from sleeping-baggers to trailer- ites, and are strollers rather than hikers. Family groups are prominent, and chil-
ren are sO numerous a college youth is often employed to provide recreation leadership. The evening gatherings in camp, the great speakers, the group dis- cussions, the intermingling smoke, song and sentiment, plus the reality of human goodwill oneal all, creates an aroma of permanence, a reaffirmation of the goodness of life.
Maine Protects Predatory Birds
Mrs. Paul E. Hannemann of Tenants Harbor, Maine, writes of progress made in that state for bird protection. On August 20 a state law went into effect protecting all hawks and owls excepting the great horned owl. The bill was spon- sored by the Bird Conservation Club of Bangor of which Mrs. David House is president and Mrs. Paul E. Hannemann is corresponding secretary. The Maine Audubon Society and several garden clubs gave active support to this bill.
It was not clear why the great horned owls were not protected since they are not numerous enough to make an issue. Farmers are permitted to destroy indi- vidual great horned owls caught in the act of destroying poultry.
November, 1955
Ellsworth Jaeger
PRESIDENT, 1951
All of the past presidents of the ANSS have been a credit to the Society, and Ellsworth Jaeger is no exception. We are happy to report that Mr. Jaeger is at present Curator of Education of the Buffalo Museum of Science at Buffalo, N. Y. This department has extensive con- tacts with the community through its divi- sions of Public School Extension, Aduit Education and Junior Education.
One of the most popular Junior Educa- tion projects under his direction is the Camporee”’ held at Humbolt Park each summer where 300 children ranging in ages from 6 to 15 gather during the day tor four weeks Monday through Fri- day. This Camporee centers around a colorful Indian Village of painted tepees, and involves a program of nature study, arts and crafts, Indian Lore and Dancing, Folk Dancing, story telling, camp crafts, outdoor cooking, hiking, council fires and others.
The great variety of activities were geared to the children of the different age groups. Nature hikes provided opportuni- ties to gather materials for crafts, and to study local birds, insects, trees and other wildlife. Campfire programs gave oppor- tunities for development of skills in se!f expression. On trips to study local
geology, some flints were obtained with which flint and steel fires were built. Jaeger’s other activities include writing for journals in the field of nature study and recreation. His Tracks and Trailcraft is a classic for the library of the student
Ellsworth Jaeger and one of his pet wolves taken near Hudson Bay when it was three
month old.
AN. SS NEWS LETTER
Invitation to
Audubon Shrine
Mr. J. d’Arcy Northwood is the busy curator of the John James Audubon Shrine, the first home in America of the Famous Naturalist, Audubon. This shrine is located near Valley Forge at Audubon, Pennsylvania, and is maintained by the Montgomery County Park Board where Mr. Northwood is always glad to meet groups and give a short talk on the history of the mansion and its association with Audubon.
This mansion is the center of a 120 acre wildlife sanctuary with five or six miles of nature trails and ruins of an old copper mine where a variety of mineral specimens may be found.
Persons interested in visiting this shrine or in getting information should write to Mr. J. d’Arcy Northwood, Curator, Audubon Shrine, Audubon, Pa.
Utahns Form Conservation Education Council
Recently a group of Utahns interested in promoting conservation education were called to a meeting in the offices of the State Board of Education for the purpose of initiating action toward the end that better conservation teaching be promoted in the schools. After some exploratory discussion a committee was appointed by the State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. E. Allen Bateman, to be known as the State Conservation Education Council. (Your editor was appointed to represent the institutions of higher learning.) Other members were chosen to represent the major agencies interested in conservation education such as the State Fish and Game Department, the Forestry Service, State Board of Forest and Fire Control, Soil Conservation Service, State Department of Education, and the Association of Soil Conservation Districts.
of nature signs and activities. Council Fires and Easy Crafts are two books which are valuable source materials for nature programs.
Mr. Jaeger’s most interesting pets are two wolves which were taken when they were about three months of age from a den in the Hudson Bay area. These ani- mals, Jaeger reports, ‘are quite mild, tractable animals as sweet and kindly as the best pet dog. They can be led on a leash and are frequently taken on walks in the park around the museum. When given food they first sing their hunting howls, a long smooth howl vibrating on two notes, and then fall to. This seems a regular procedure.”
Summer Thoughts on Child Conservation
The followmg is an abstract of an editorial which appeared in the August issue of Parks and Recreation, written by Raymond Gregg, a director of the ANSS.
“Dog Days,’ whose August heat burns into the enthusiasms of June, give cause for refuge to air-conditioned space to think a bit. Let’s think about how well we have met our responsibilities and realized upon our opportunities to make our parks and recreation programs serve the youth who move almost exmasse from classroom to outdoor living at the end of the school year.
First, how well, and what if anything, did we plan to make our areas and pro- grams serve youth constructively this summer? Figuratively, in our programs are we merely stringing beads, or are we creating design. Have we served both body and mind and touched the spark of spirit? Did the child feel the sense of achievement, of new adventure, or a new interest in each activity?
Someone has said repetition makes the master. There have been some dull mas- ters in the course of this Globe's history. Baseball, marbles, tag, ring-around-the- rosy, and tick-tack-toe can produce bored rowdies and dull people as readily as all bird-watching or moth-pinning can pro- duce screwballs. Balance in program is the key to balance in the consumer. Yet often recreation staffs operating in city park systems well supplied with woods, field, brooks, rock ledges and trails in- clude baseball experts, game leaders, playground specialists, etc., with never a specialist in such suitable activities as motivated hiking, path finding, orienteer- ing, climbing, nature study, gardening, forestry, soil conservation, camp-craft and other outdoor skills!
Often we lose sight of the fact that childhood is a process of growth, not just one of loved or tolerated existence. Learning is the essence of living — we learn or we don’t live long or well. Growing, learning, do not stop when the school doors swing outward in June. When day long guidance switches from teacher to parent, recreation leader, or no one, learning changes only in degree of formality, emphasis, orientation, and the good or bad portend for society. Many values available only in summer, and through contact with the outdoors, can never come to the child in the learning routines of extra curricular activities of the regular school year.
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Briefs
F. K. Lee, one of our Hawaiian mem- bers sent some clippings regarding an at- tempt to control the giant African snail which has become a to the Islands. Another snail, the moderate sized, canabalistic Eaglandina native home is the gulf coastal area from Texas to Florida has been released in the hopes that its appetite for other snails may lead to control of the African mon- ster which measures up to six inches.
scourge
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What of Conservation?
At the Berkeley meetings of the ANSS discussion was carried out on some prob- lems of conservation of which the world has many and in whose solution the American Nature Study has a stake. To attack the problems of conservation as is now often done is to center on the symp- toms and not on the deep rooted causes.
The education of the American people is sorely needed to the end that they will grow in interest in our wildlife, our for- ests, grasslands, watersheds, and other facets of our natural world. Unlike the Europeans, the average American knows practically none of the common. trees, birds, flowers, insects or other forms of outdoor life. There must be an increase in the numbers of those whose interests have earned for them the label of bird watchers. There must be an increase in the numbers of those whose avocational or hobby interests are in such related fields as ferns, insects, mosses, spiders, molluscs, nature photog- raphy, and nature writing. The American
flowers, trees,
Nature Study Society is in a strategic position to stimulate teachers, scout lead- ers and others to swell the numbers of young people who become deeply en- grossed in a nature interest. Such people have an understanding of nature and its many ramifying interrelationships which is basic in understanding the problems created by disturbing severely the balance of nature.
We need within the society a strong committee which will investigate ways in which the Society can become more effec- tive, and to initiate procedures to imple- ment the findings. The logical question now is to ask for volunteers. There is a job to be done. We need people to dedi- cate themselves to the accomplishment of these worthy objectives.
AN. 5.5. NEWS
Howard Palmer Piser is still deeply en- grossed in the activities of the ARBOR Day AssociaTION. The membership of the ANSS should not let Arbor Day slip up and slide by this spring without due recognition of its meaning. Harold Piser, writes in the December 1955 NATURE MaGaAZINE that ‘Arbor Day is truly every day for everybody, everywhere. Let us then make 1956 the beginning of a new and greater Arbor Day, because in the words of its originator, other holidays re- pose on the past; Arbor Day proposes for the future.”
Mrs. Harold E. Anthony is informa- tion chairman of the Palisades Nature Association which has the responsibility of developing the Greenbrook Sanctuary, an area of about 150 acres in Palisades Interstate Park. She writes of the beauti- ful view from the Palisades of the Hud- son 300 feet below; of guided weekly field trips, illustrated lectures, and of a training course for potential conservation leaders. We wonder how many ANSS members have been in Palisade Interstate Park. Your editor was last there twenty- five years ago on a summer's bicycle tour.
LETTER
= November, 1955 Nature Study Expert Goes on the Air
Mrs. Janet Nickelsburg, one of the faithful members of the ANSS, has <ar- ried on an active program in the nature study field. One of the phases of her efforts is directed toward a 52-weekly television program in nature study where she shares the spotlight with young scien- tists ranging in ages from 6 to 14. This program entitled Stop, LOOK AND LisTEN comes over KQED, covers the bay area of San Francisco, and features glid- ing snakes, crawling turtles, and demon- strations and explanations of hobbies or collections from bats to rats, to stones and shells.
An earlier program called SIGNPOsTS FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS ran for five years.
Mrs. Nickelsburg recently returned from setting up nature programs with camp counselors in 17 camps in Cali- fornia.
The ANSS is pleased to have such per- sonalities among its members. She has served the field of nature study in schools, recreation departments, and museums for 35 years.
Costs Going Ub
For many years the Cornell Rural School Leaflet and the Canadian Nature have been a source of ideas and inspiration for teachers at all levels. While all types of services and other items were rising steadily in price, that of these two fine leaflets remained fixed. However, recently it was announced that the price of each of these has gone up fifty cents. This will change the price of the membership in the various cate- gories for the ANSS. The new listing is given below.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Group I Group Group II Group VI Group V [| Group IV Group VII Canadian Nature Send Applications and Dues Payments to:
$2.00 membership, Newsletter, Cornell Leaflet
$3.00 membership, Newsletter, Canadian Nature
$4.00 membership, Newsletter, Cornell Leaflet, Canadian Nature $4.00 membership, Newsletter, Nature Magazine
$5.00 membership, Newsletter, Nature Magazine, Cornell Leaflet $6.00 membership, Newsletter, Nature Magazine, Canadian Nature $7.00 membership, Newsletter, Nature Magazine, Cornell Leaflet,
Howard Weaver 202 Men’s Old Gym University of Illinois Urbana, Illinois
AMERICAN NATURE STUDY SOCIETY State Teachers College, Fitchburg, Mass.
Sec. 34.65 (e) P. L. @ R.
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