LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 15 Butterfly House at the Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC), where I get to work with the kids that I wrote the book for. I'm also a part of the Wild Center's Youth Climate team where I get to work with teens from all over New York and advocate for youth incorporation in climate projects. The Youth Climate Program is also the source of Youth Climate Summits that are now happening all over the world, three of which I've had the chance to attend and help plan. I've also been able to work with Mark Manske of Adirondack Raptors, who has taught me a lot about the power of storytelling in education, not to mention everything I've learned about birds of prey. I've been so lucky to have so many opportunities doing what I love, not just with my book but with all the amazing organizations here in the Adirondacks. In the future, I plan on going to college to study en- vironmental education and continue working in nature centers and science museums to make an impact on kids that love being outside just like me. Concisely, my goal is to be like that first nature club I went to and encourage other kids to get outside and explore, because you never know what that love of nature will lead to for them. Getting to work with the public as an educator has really allowed me to step into a role that I didn't imagine myself in when I first started as a natu- ralist. It feels like everywhere I go, I see a mini version of myself. I've listened to little kids in the Butterfly House telling me about the butterflies they raise at home and at school and how much they love bugs. I've been with people who rarely get the chance to take a hike in nature or go on a canoe trip and watched their faces as they see things they never would experience in a city. I've also talked with retired educators that share with me how much their students taught them, and I can't imagine wanting to do anything else. If you'd like to buy a copy of The Explore More Chal- lenge, they are available throughout the Tri-Lakes, such as at the VIC, the Book Nook, and Hamlets to Huts. It's also available on Amazon; you can find it as well as some of my other products at exploremore- challenge.com. Plus, subscribe to my YouTube channel, get outside, and explore more! Above: Jenna Audlin pictured with fellow Wild Center's Youth Climate Leaders and Canadian Youth Climate Leaders at the Northern Ontario Youth Climate Summit in May 2023. The students presented and facilitated a Climate Action Workshop and had the opportunity for an inti- mate conversation and Q & A with Dr. Jane Goodall. Photo courtesy of The Wild Center. Opposite: Jenna Audlin holds her self-published book, The Explore More Challenge, which encourages kids and families to get outside and explore the Adirondacks. Photo courtesy of Jenna Audlin.

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