It's 1992, and you're a bright 12-year old. You're convinced that the environment is going down the tubes. You worry about it the way your parents worried about the bomb.

You know about recycling and the lists of `things you can do to save the Earth'. You do some of these, but it doesn't seem like it will help much.

Maybe you could learn to do more, maybe become a Natural Scientist or something like that? Ah, what's the use? It's probably hopeless. Mostly what you hear about is more problems, never any big solutions. Computers and basketball are more fun than biology and geology anyhow....

Talked with any kids lately? Most are acutely aware of an environmental crisis being handed to them as they grow up. Yet most of their teachers are not prepared to give them more than fundamentals, generalities, opinions. They need you-now. They need the picture painted better. They need to know how to filter media hyperbole, how to arrive at an objective view of polarized issues. Gifted students need to be motivated, by example, to consider going into natural resources.

Education is what the Watershed Management Council is about; but we've mostly been busy educating ourselves and other grown-ups. Let's be generous with our knowledge and experience. Let's bring the next generation along, help prepare them for greater challenges than we now face.

Why not put it on your list of things to do; your short list. They grow up fast. - Ed