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Expo connects nature lovers
Ben Cochram ties flies at the Environmental Educational Expo at Philpott Lake Park on Saturday. (Bulletin photo by Johnny Buck)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
By JOHNNY BUCK - Bulletin Sports Editor
Brian Williams is fond of the Native American proverb, “We don’t inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
On Saturday, Williams was in like-minded company as 36 exhibitors and roughly 400 patrons gathered for the second annual Environmental Educational Expo at Philpott Lake Park.
Williams was at the expo to represent the Dan River Basin Association, where he is the education, outreach and conservation coordinator. But he was among many friends and peers, all of whom are bound by their passions for conservation and outdoor recreation.
“We want people to be aware of the recreational opportunities that are right here under their feet,” said Williams. “If we can bring the outdoors to the people here and let them understand the resource, we can help grow the economy and protect the environment.”
The expo was organized by the Friends of Philpott, a non-profit group dedicated to maintaining environmental quality and enhancing opportunities at the lake through community involvement and education.
“This is the kickoff for the National Environmental Education Week (which runs today through Sunday), and every year we put this on to help the other environment-related groups in the area get increased exposure,” said Linda Drage, event coordinator with Friends of Philpott.
Many exhibitors had free activities or handouts for expo patrons. At the Virginia Museum of Natural History’s booth, 4-year-old Lily Fredericksen won a small prize by playing “Bee Bingo,” an educational game designed to teach children about the important role bees play in the life cycle of plants such as flowers, apples and watermelons.
Jo Carter, education specialist with the VMNH, said the response to the booth had been positive.
“It’s wonderful. The children are learning a lot and they’re enjoying themselves while they’re learning,” she said.
At the Trout Unlimited booth, Ben Cochram was tying flies, many of them specifically designed for the trout in the Smith River.
“I’ve always said the river built this community, and now it can save this community if it’s used properly,” he said.
Robb Herbst brought a red-tailed hawk, which grew a constant crowd of curious onlookers.
“Most people have never seen a hawk up close before,” explained Herbst, a master falconer and education director for the Friends of Philpott organization. “We’re just letting people know that we share the resources with the animals. We all need to work together to get it done.”
Despite threatening rain clouds Saturday morning, the expo’s turnout increased significantly from last year. According to Drage, 15 exhibitors set up booths in 2007, while an estimated 200 patrons attended.
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