Fifth-grader Leo Berry has gathered nearly 25,000 signatures on a petition opposing an Indiana bill that would remove existing protections from 80% of the state's remaining wetlands.
When 11-year-old Leo Berry first heard about Indiana’s Senate Bill 389, the bill that would eliminate the state law protecting wetlands, he was shocked.
The Indianapolis Star reports that Leo “loved nature. He'd spent much of his childhood at a nearby nature center and woods with his three younger siblings. He'd read thousands of books and fostered a strong interest in science. He even founded a group called Helping Ninjas, aimed at youth who want to help the planet.”
"When we heard about it we felt kind of repulsed and disgusted," Leo said, referencing first hearing about the bill while with his friend. "Wetlands are vital to our life ... By using my voice, I can stop something like this," he told the Star.
Like much of the rest the United States Indiana has already lost some 85% of its wetlands. The bill would remove protections for all but a fifth of those that remain, according to state environmental agency estimates.
SB 389 was not a bill he wanted to see pass. So the Carmel fifth-grader began petitioning to stop it — and his petition has since garnered almost 25,000 signatures.
Leo is an example of the positive environmental impact the next generation of conservation stewards can have. New, low-cost, on-demand learning platforms like Waders in the Water formally introduce wetland sciences and provide a broad base of understanding for any young person wanting to take their informal environmental efforts to the next level. Tools like this help enable the next generation to start leaving a positive and lasting environmental legacy.
Waders in the Water give students the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials and gain additional pathways to a conservation careers by learning how to improve the climate-resiliency of our streams, rivers, coastlines, and wetlands. Along with a certificate of completion, students receive a letter of recommendation, and access to job boards and contacts in the Green Economy!
