Environmental education for all ages remains a steadfast commitment of Audubon de México. Working with children through PEASMA, hosting lectures, and conducting outreach and educational events are a few of the focused ways that we bring environmental educational opportunities to residents and visitors to San Miguel.


Securing the Future of Environmental Education

Board members Pinky McBrier and Linda Whynman recently attended an environmental workshop conducted by PEASMA teachers at the Fdo. Montes de Oca elementary school. The 5th graders were enthusiastically working on drawings depicting wind, fire, water, flora and fauna as part of their study of the interrelationship between earth’s elements.

PEASMA classes are hands-on learning experiences that engage all the senses, including art projects, field trips, and creating gardens. These activities are not a part of their usual school curriculum . For many of the urban kids, a trip to the El Charco may be their first real encounter with nature. In fact, teachers have noticed that it takes urban children longer to make the connection between themselves and the environment because of their unfamiliarity with the natural world.

As a non-profit, PEASMA relies on grants and donations for its existence, which means that it operates under a constant cloud of uncertainty and a great deal of time must be devoted to raising funds and figuring out how to stretch resources. Right now they have a desperate need for art supplies and other classroom materials. In an interview with the director of FAI (Save the Children) which serves as PEASMA’s administrator, Linda learned that aside from supplies, PEASMA has many needs and many opportunities for volunteer involvement. (If you’re in the holiday mood and want to make a donation of holiday supplies, contact Linda at vellum1@mac.com.)

Belief in this ambitious program’s ability to change how young Mexicans perceive their environment and help them become conscientious stewards, led Audubon board members to launch a community-wide volunteer committee to develop strategies that will help PEASMA expand its program, achieve greater financially security, and secure classroom materials and resources. This will allow PEASMA teachers to do what they do best: opening childrens’ eyes to the preciousness and interrelationship of all living things.

We hope that you will join in the effort to help secure PEASMA’s future. Contact Pinky McBrier at marymcbrier@hotmail.com 154-6088.