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Facts, Figures and Photos Are you fascinated by animals and their behaviour? This is the place for you! Visit the sections below for facts and photos of all sorts of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, plants--you name it. In each section you'll learn not only about the amazing creatures that live on our planet, but you'll also find facts and information about human impact--how each and every person living on the Earth directly affects our natural world.
 Want to Get Your Hands Dirty? If you have an interest in wildlife and conservation, consider volunteering at your local wildlife rehabilitation center, botanical garden, or zoo. It's a great way to get involved in animal care and learn what conservation programs are all about. Want More?  |
Welcome to RSCF's Learning Center. If you're interested in nature, this is the place to be!
Browse around and discover fascinating facts about wildlife, wild places, and wild creatures. We have "green" games, projects and crafts, and links to other great "green" websties. Our Facts and Photos sections are full of images and information about unique animals from around the world, so be sure to check them out. Alternative/Renewable Energy comes from resources like the sun (solar), the Earth (geothermal), the wind (wind power), wood, agricultural crops and animal waste (biomass), landfill or methane gasses (biogas), and other sources like fuel cells. These resources are abundant and are renewable fuels. By using alternative fuel sources we can conserve our non-renewable fuel sources like natural gas and oil. By doing this we can be more energy efficient in producing electricity and heat while protecting our environment. Renewable energy plays an important role in the supply of energy. When renewable energy sources are used, the demand for fossil fuels is reduced. Unlike fossil fuels, non-biomass renewable sources of energy (hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar) do not directly emit greenhouse gases. Greenhouse Gases are gases that trap the heat of the sun in the Earth's atmosphere, producing the greenhouse effect. The two major greenhouse gases are water vapor and carbon dioxide. Lesser greenhouse gases include methane, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere (water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, for example) trap energy from the sun. Without these gases, heat would escape back into space and Earth's average temperature would be about 60 deegrees F colder. How Does This Effect Me? The greenhouse effect is important. Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth would not be warm enough for humans to live. But if the greenhouse effect becomes stronger, it could make the Earth warmer than usual. Even a little extra warming may cause problems for humans, plants, and animals. Scientists have shown that the Earth's temperature is rising, and this is directly impacting the overall health of the planet. Polar ice caps are melting, putting too much fresh water into the ocean, and causing habitat loss for animals like polar bears. Higher temperatures seasonally effect crops around the globe, contributing to crop failure, higher food prices, and world health issues. The ocean's temperature is rising, causing coral reefs to die and directly impacting the health of mariine life around the world. Weather patterns are different due to higher global temperatures. Weather related catastrophes such as hurricanes, drought, wildfires and flooding now occur with more frequency in more places. So What Do We Do? Invest in renewable sources of energy that does not contribute to global warming. Two well-known sources are solar and wind energy. Solar energy converts the heat of the sun into usable energy through solar panels. The panels store the energy which is converted into electricity. Wind has been used as a source of energy for thousands of years. Windmills and wind machines generate energy using rotars and blades that are connected to generators to make electricity. These are two classic examples of renewable energy sources that do not contribute to global warming. What Else? To really reduce greenhouse gas emissions, humans need to explore alternatives to gasoline and oil--non-renewable energy sources that damage the environment. Hybrid and fuel cell technology in the auto industry will make a huge difference, once the technology is converted into readily available, affordable transportation alternatives. Biodiesel is a great alternative to gasoline, created from recycling various organic feedstocks including vegetable oils and animal fats. Tougher government regulations regarding emission and pollution standards will also promote the development of these alternative fuels and energies. In the meantime, we must be concious of the dangers of global warming, and begin immediately to develop strategies to reduce or stop the negative effects on our planet's health. Be aware, watch the news, surf the 'Net. Knowlege is power, but only if that knowlege leads to action.  |
Games and Projects Games, puzzles, projects--we've got it all! Test your memory with a game of Concentration, or get creative with our cool art and enviroment projects. Watch
out though, you might just learn something!
Check out our Calendar of Environmental Events. Hold your mouse over the cirled dates! |
