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Karl Horak's avatar

Karl Horak

Community Team

POINTS TOTAL

  • 0 TODAY
  • 0 THIS WEEK
  • 251 TOTAL

participant impact

  • UP TO
    16
    single-use bags
    not sent to the landfill
  • UP TO
    450
    minutes
    spent learning

Karl's actions

Empowering the Next Generation

Learn About Indigenous Conservation Practices

Indigenous communities have stewarded ecosystems for generations through deep-rooted knowledge and connection to nature. I will spend 10 minutes exploring Indigenous conservation methods and reflecting on their role in fostering balance and equity with nature.

COMPLETED 1
DAILY ACTION

Wildlife

Learn about Native Species

The world is full of unique species that all play an important role in nature. I will spend 10 minutes learning what the native plants and wildlife are in my region.

COMPLETED 4
DAILY ACTIONS

Wildlife

Log Species to Help Scientists

The more we know about the wildlife around us, the better we can protect species. I will download a wildlife monitoring app and log 1 animal or plant species I discover.

COMPLETED 0
DAILY ACTIONS

Sustainable Innovation

Learn about Regenerative Agriculture

Healthy soil, healthy planet. I will spend 10 minutes learning about regenerative agriculture and how it helps restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and combat climate change.

COMPLETED 2
DAILY ACTIONS

Wildlife

Use Reusable Bags

Plastic bags do not always end up in landfills and if they aren't properly disposed of. In nature, they can be mistaken for food by many wild animals and harm wildlife. When I go shopping, I will be sure to bring my own bags to reduce waste and the chance that plastic bags could find their way into wildlife habitats.

COMPLETED 7
DAILY ACTIONS

Participant Feed

Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.

To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?

  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Empowering the Next Generation
    What lessons did you learn from Indigenous conservation practices, and how can these inspire the next generation to create a more sustainable and equitable future?

    Karl Horak's avatar
    Karl Horak 4/13/2025 12:39 PM
    From my reading of "A Walk in the Park," I learned that indigenous peoples living in and near the Grand Canyon have had their sustainable way of life diminished and destroyed by the encroachment of European settlers, cattle ranchers, and even the National Park Service.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    What native species did you learn about in your area, and how do they contribute to your local ecosystem or community? How might your community change if these native species disappeared?

    Karl Horak's avatar
    Karl Horak 4/03/2025 9:28 AM
    Spent the morning in the ABQ BioPark monthly volunteers meeting learning about their conservation activities and focus, including planning for Earth Day.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Sustainable Innovation
    What did you learn about the practice and benefits of regenerative agriculture? How can you support healthy farming practices for people and the planet?

    Karl Horak's avatar
    Karl Horak 4/03/2025 9:26 AM
    Took the BioPark Heritage Farm on-site training to learn how they are bringing conservation practices to this public farm.
  • REFLECTION QUESTION
    Wildlife
    How difficult was this challenge for you? What made it easy or difficult?

    Karl Horak's avatar
    Karl Horak 4/01/2025 8:53 AM
    Using and reusing my cloth bags is a complete habit these days. Easy peasy! And I've reused mine so many times that I can cheerfully refute those naysayers that claim cotton bags are more environmentally harmful than plastic bags.

    • Tracy Richardson's avatar
      Tracy Richardson 4/01/2025 10:25 AM
      I love using my re-usable bags too! I'm so glad to live in a community that is so supportive of this activity too! Thanks for doing your part!

  • Karl Horak's avatar
    Karl Horak 4/01/2025 8:51 AM
    Strong winds (not unusual for springtime in NM) but combined with a terribly low or nonexistent snowpack (very unusual), we've got ample evidence for climate change. And with the current administration attempting to deny that fact and destroy the infrastructure that would allow us to deal with it, it's more important than ever to show support of things like the EcoChallenge.