NATIONAL NEWS
April 18, 2008
Seeking a Green World
A brother and sister team start an environmental movement for kids.
TFK Kid Reporter Alex Woods talks with Deanna Neil about The EcoSeekers, an environmental awareness group that she started with her brother, David, in 2006, and her new book series "Yellowstone." The stories are all based on real places and events. The first book is The Land of Curiosities: Adventures in Yellowstone, 1871-1872.
 |  David and Deanna Neil on an EcoSeekers’ trip in Alaska |
TFK:
What inspired you and your brother to create The EcoSeekers?
Neil:
My brother and I realized that kids' youthful enthusiasm for the environment has the potential to change the world for the better. We were inspired by the fact that kids influence adults to become better environmental stewards. After the birth of his first son, Dave was inspired to help instill a life-long commitment to environmentalism among the next generation. That is why we created The EcoSeekers to connect kids with nature and environmentalism. Through our eco-storytelling and related efforts, we seek to inspire kids and adults to cherish nature and take personal responsibility for protecting the environment.
TFK:
Could you tell me a little bit about the plot of your book?
Neil:
In The Land of Curiosities: Adventures in Yellowstone, 1871-1872, you will visit the American West and experience the creation of the world's first national park, Yellowstone, as seen through the eyes of the fictional Clifton family. During this eco-adventure, you will encounter bison, meet prospectors, travel with railroad men, and have a run-in with the Bannock tribe. In their first adventure, James and Alice must ultimately learn to protect each other and the environment as they uncover an evil plot. The book was thoroughly researched and is inspired by real events and places. I consulted with Yellowstone historians, visited the region and read primary sources. The back of the book includes a special history section with facts and photos of the time period.
TFK:
How many more books do you plan to have in your series?
Neil:
We plan to have at least two more books in the "Yellowstone Series," and then we will move on to another major event in the history of environmentalism. We welcome your suggestions on which events to write about! We are also exploring the possibility of publishing a book for ages 2-5 in to go with each series.
TFK:
What else have you and your brother done to raise awareness about the environment?
Neil:
We have spent much of our lives trying to raise awareness about the environment. Our interest began when we were kids, which is one reason we are so committed to inspiring kids today to care about the environment. Interest developed at an early age usually translates into a life-long commitment to environmentalism. As a kid, Dave did things like organize efforts to reduce the use of his camp's waste incinerator and increase recycling efforts. I focused on reading eco-books and on eco-lifestyle issues, such as reducing water usage in the toilets.
TFK:
Aside from the books, what else does The EcoSeekers have to offer?
Neil:
Beyond the books, we intend to focus our efforts in two areas, which can be found on theecoseekers.com. The EcoSeekers Marketplace is a place to purchase environmentally friendly products. Our goal is to educate kids about the importance of being responsible consumers and to provide them with opportunities to do so. The EcoSeekers Community is a place for kids and adults to share information and resources about what they are doing for the environment, including taking a pledge to learn about and help the environment.
TFK:
What is your philosophy regarding the environment and our future?
Neil:
People have interacted with, and sought to understand, the natural world since the beginning of time. Our stories highlight past struggles and successes and explain how these experiences influence environmentalism today. The EcoSeekers exposes kids to a wide range of environmental issues, themes and topics. We believe that tremendous environmental and social progress is achieved when diverse people unite in the common cause of environmental protection. And, that young people possess a unique ability to inspire such efforts.
