Ecochallenge.org

Earth Month Ecochallenge 2025: Conservation

April 1 - April 30, 2025

Kerry Keck

Sustainable Houston

"I continue to explore ways to live more sustainably and support others in doing so as well"

POINTS TOTAL

0 TODAY
0 THIS WEEK
1,623 TOTAL

participant impact

UP TO

5.0

donations

made
UP TO

7.0

public officials or leaders

contacted
UP TO

4.0

community events

hosted or attended
UP TO

14

hours

volunteered
UP TO

1.0

school

supported
UP TO

1.0

advocacy action

completed
UP TO

1.0

new places

explored
UP TO

1,306

minutes

spent learning

Kerry's actions

Share My Why

Take the Earth Month Ecochallenge Feedback Survey

I will take a short survey about my experience to help the Ecochallenge team improve future events, earn a chance to win a prize, and earn 15 points!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Share My Why

I will share my Ecochallenge story and why I'm taking action for the planet — and earn 15 points!

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn to be a Responsible Tourist

Being a responsible tourist means not disturbing wildlife and choosing eco-friendly tour operators and destinations that prioritize wildlife conservation and respect animal welfare. I will spend 20 minutes researching ways to travel responsibly to ensure my adventures support, rather than harm, wildlife and their habitats.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn about Native Species

The world is full of unique species that all play an important role in nature. I will spend 15 minutes learning what the native plants and wildlife are in my region.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Offer a Skill or Service

Sharing our talents can benefit those around us. I will offer my skills or services to support my community, such as helping someone with a task, tutoring, repairing something, or volunteering my expertise.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Try At Least One Principle of Leave No Trace

After learning about the Principles of Leave No Trace, I will take at least one action to minimize my impact on the outdoors while enjoying nature. I will post what I tried to the feed to encourage others to do the same!

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Visit or Learn About a Culturally Significant Site Near Me

Sites of cultural and spiritual significance hold deep meaning for many communities, particularly Indigenous peoples. I will learn about or visit a site near me that is significant to the history, culture, or environment of the area. I will approach my visit with respect by researching its importance and guidelines beforehand, reflecting on how we can preserve these spaces for future generations.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Learn About Water Justice

Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend 30 minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Explore the Feed and Connect with Others

I will spend 15 minutes reading the Ecochallenge feed each day and giving high fives or commenting on posts by people who I don't know, but whose content inspires or interests me.

COMPLETED 29
DAILY ACTIONS

Community and Connection

Explore My Area

Discovering what’s nearby fosters a deeper connection to my community. I will explore 3 new places in my area, such as parks, historical sites, or local businesses.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Wildlife

Learn the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace means enjoying nature responsibly by minimizing our impact and leaving the environment as we found it, or better. I will spend 20 minutes learning about the seven core principles to minimize my impact while enjoying the outdoors.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Community and Connection

Attend a Local Event

Local events such as farmers' markets, festivals, or community meetings like town halls are great ways to feel part of a community. I will attend 2 community events to connect with others and learn more about my area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Choose a Product Made with Sustainable Materials

Every choice matters. I will purchase or switch to products made from sustainable or recycled materials to support innovation and reduce environmental impact.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Empowering the Next Generation

Host a Bio-blitz

A bio-blitz helps youth engage with local biodiversity. I will organize or participate in a bio-blitz with young people to identify and document the plants, animals, and insects in our area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Empowering the Next Generation

Support a School

Schools play a crucial role in youth development and be hubs for sustainability. I will donate funds, time, or supplies to 1 local schools to support environmental education, field trips, sustainability projects, and youth empowerment. I will share how I supported schools on the feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Advocate For Better Food Packaging

When companies and governments make large-scale changes to their products and practices, it makes sustainability more accessible to the masses, in turn creating further demand for sustainable products, and the cycle continues. I will advocate for improved, sustainable food packaging through petitions, letters, or by supporting brands that prioritize eco-friendly packaging - and share my advocacy actions on the feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Empowering the Next Generation

Support a Youth-Led Project

Youth-led projects drive innovation and change. I will support youth-led environmental projects by offering time, resources, or encouragement and share how I supported youth on the Ecochallenge feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Sustainable Innovation

Support a Crowdfunded Sustainability Innovation

Small contributions can drive big ideas. I will support a crowdfunded sustainability project to help bring innovative, eco-friendly solutions to life and share the project on social media or on the Ecochallenge feed.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Land, Water, and Air

Advocate for Green Spaces

Green spaces improve air quality, support wildlife, and enhance well-being. I will call or write 1 public officials per day to advocate for more green spaces around my town, particularly in neighborhoods that currently lack equitable access to green spaces such as parks and gardens.

COMPLETED 8
DAILY ACTIONS

Land, Water, and Air

Save Water When Washing Dishes

Dishwashers can save water — if used wisely. I will only run the dishwasher when it’s full and skip the pre-rinse to reduce water and energy use. If I don't have a dishwasher, I will turn off the tap as often as possible while washing dishes.

COMPLETED 30
DAILY ACTIONS

Land, Water, and Air

Join a Cleanup Effort

Working together to clean up public spaces helps the environment and builds community. I will participate in 1 community cleanup efforts in my neighborhood or local area.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

Empowering the Next Generation

Donate to Support Emerging Leaders

Investing in young leaders helps shape the future. I will make a donation to a program or organization that supports emerging environmental leaders.

COMPLETED
ONE-TIME ACTION

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?

Kerry Keck 4/30/2025 9:19 AM
For my last daily goal of learning about a native species, I again turned to iNaturalist for a species reported by a neighbor.

My native species is the Tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor). It is a small heron, breeding on the Gulf states of the USA (and stretching through Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean to Brazil and Peru). It is a solitary bird and has a diet consisting mostly of small fish.

A water retention series of lakes has been established approximately 3 blocks from me, with the area being further developed with walking trails, a fishing pier, and future plans for a dog park, performance space, etc. Because of the constant presence of water in the ponds, we enjoy a wide variety of water birds, including the tricolored heron.

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Empowering the Next Generation

How did participating in a bio-blitz with young people enhance their understanding of local biodiversity? What impact do you think activities like a bio-blitz have on inspiring youth to protect nature?
Kerry Keck 4/29/2025 8:51 AM
The biobliltz I attended WAS THE CITY NATURE CHALLENGE 2025. This biobliz is an independent activity, using iNaturalist. I am a senior citizen, and do not know young people to form a cooperative for this activity.

I was able to participate in this sporadically and identified a range of insects, reptiles, and plants not in someone's garden.

Read More
Kerry Keck 4/29/2025 6:53 AM
In support of my daily research on a native organism, I researched a moth reported by a neighbor: Exposed Bird Dropping Moth (Tarache Africa).

The species is found from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida, and west to Kansas. The moth is an excellent nighttime pollinator.

This is one of the rare species that hosts its caterpillars (i.e. they lay their eggs on the plant and the young eat nothing else) on a non-native. Int this case, their host plant is the common hollyhock (Alcea rosea ).

Read More
Kerry Keck 4/28/2025 9:26 AM
Today, I met my daily goal of learning about native species by researching an insect observed by a neighbor in the iNaturalist system. My native is the black-bordered lemon moth (Marimatha nigrofimbria).

Adult black-bordered lemon moths, are yellow, and their wings have a black edge. There are no other lines present. There usually are two dark dots on each forewing. The forewings are often bright yellow with a lustrous or glossy look. The hindwings tend to be more muted.

Caterpillars are rather thin, with few hairs. Overall color is grass green, with some lengthwise pale stripes running down the body. Usually see on the leaves of grasses, on which they are perfectly camouflaged.

This species is found east of the Rocky Mountains; it is highly endangered in western New York State.j. Like all moths, it is an excellent pollinator especially for those plants that have their flowers open at night. They are dependent upon native grasses for their caterpillars to survive.

Read More
REFLECTION QUESTION
Land, Water, and Air

What was the most unexpected piece of trash that was picked up during your local cleanup effort? How does working with others to clean up your community make you feel?
Kerry Keck 4/27/2025 2:40 PM
This event proved to be more of a job of maintaining a segment of the paths and plantings at one of the lakes at Willow Waterhole (https://www.willowwaterhole.org/). We weeded, spread a large quantity of mulch at an area designed as a gathering place, and along a section of trails, including the pollinator garden.

There were @ a half dozen younger children from a scouting troop, @ a half dozen teens-young adults, and @ 20 adults of varying ages. It was good to see the scouts learning about how a non-profit is formed and operates (to receive a badge to that end). My friend and I use the Willow Waterhole Conservancy on a regular basis and have been gratified to see the development of the green space beyond the original mission to manage water flow from heavy rain events, and prevent flooding in the surrounding homes and businesses.

It was most gratifying to see members of the community working together to keep the trail-side plantings pleasant for park visitors. One a pleasant late-spring Houston morning, there were a goodly number of people walking and biking the trails, picnicking at the tables & benches provided.

Read More
- Michele Bourst 4/27/2025 2:58 PM
  
  Pet Parent 🐾
  
  13-DAY STREAK
  As part of my previous employment I was responsiole for all the community outreach. There were 1200 employees who I coordinated a beach clean up and it was one of the most rewarding experiences. The sea life also faces challenges with garbage that impacts their ability to live, so it was a great start cleaning the beach.
  
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Kerry Keck 4/27/2025 9:14 AM
The native animal I researched today is the Belted Kinggfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). This is is medium sized, stocky bird native to North America. This species shows reverse sexual dimorphism, with the female more brightly colored than the male.

The kingfisher is often seen prominently perched on a post close to water. The kingfisher plunges
in headfirst after its fish prey. They also eat amphibians, molluscs, small crustaceans, insects, small mammals, small birds, reptiles and berries.

Read More
Kerry Keck 4/25/2025 7:35 PM
Today I spent my time for my daily task of researching natives on Havard Penstemon, (penstemon havardii).

This is a very difficult to source native plant. I have ordered seeds from a small, specialized vendor. Like other penstemon, this plant produces bell-shaped flowers but in an unusual color for penstemon of red. The native range of this penstemon is limited to Texas. The plant can get to 6’ tall, and is a magnet for hummingbirds and native bees.

Read More
Kerry Keck 4/24/2025 2:52 PM
The native species I researched today is the Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) which is the state bird of Texas (where I reside). It is the only mockingbird found in North America, and is a permanent resident (northern birds may. move south during harsh weather).

The northern mockingbird is a medium sized bird with grayish cap and black. The slightly darker and brown-gray wings have distinct white barring. The underparts of the bird are a light buff/gray color. This bird is known for its mimicry, as the scientific name is 'many-tongued mimic.'

This bird is an omnivore, eating fruit, invertebrates and small vertebrates.

Read More
- Mary Hanks 4/28/2025 7:36 PM
  - TEAM CAPTAIN
  - Book Lover 📚
  - 16-DAY STREAK
  This bird will also attack you if it thinks you're infringing on its territory! They can get so bad that mail delivery has to be suspended because the postmen and postwomen are getting injured. This bird is no respecter of rank or privilege--some years back, the governor of the state was having to pick up his mail at the post office because a mocker decided to take over his front porch. :)
  
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REFLECTION QUESTION
Wildlife

What did you learn about how tourism impacts wildlife, and how can you make more conscious choices when planning a trip? How do you think your travel decisions can contribute to wildlife conservation and respectful interactions with nature?
Kerry Keck 4/23/2025 7:04 PM
Because of financial and physical limitations, I am highly unlikely to travel internationally, and only somewhat likely to be in the vicinity of megafauna sites. I had already been aware of most of the issues discussed in the resources: never participate/consume animal experience activities as being cruel to the animals involved. Similarly, I would never purchase items made from animals, and would not assume that people in an area are "part of the entertainment."

I can possibly see myself traveling to a national park in my country. Given the actions of the current administration, the parks are under serious threat. I will travel in the least carbon producing manner, express support (including financial) to the protection of the park (including unique environments and animal), and observe the other measures of respect as discussed to that environment

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REFLECTION QUESTION
Community and Connection

What skill or service did you offer, and how did it impact someone in your community? How did sharing your expertise or time help you feel more connected to others?
Kerry Keck 4/23/2025 6:47 PM
My volunteering involved 3 different organizations:
1) This month I have volunteered for 10 hours at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. I assisted behind the scenes in preparing materials for the Arboretum's classes, events (e.g. Arbor Day), and fund raising events. In addition, I have assisted them in managing their volunteer records.
2) I organized a native plant give away for by neighborhood. I cannot summarize the amount of time it took to assemble the plants (all were generated fro my garden from gathered seed, plant cuttings, and plant thinning). The two hours represents the time offering the plants via a neighborhood Facebook group, scheduling visits to my driveway,, educating the plant recipients regarding any issues to be aware of (e.g. milkweeds have a tendency to "die back" during the year, but are not dead just further building root systems). This involved sharing my experience with these regionally native plants with others.
3) Two hours, in a cleanup event organized by InterFaith Charities, of our local park/detention basin known as Willow Waterhole. Although I have mobility and balance issues, I am able to pick up waste, pull weeds and/or trim, etc.

Read More
- Mary Hanks 4/23/2025 6:57 PM
  
  TEAM CAPTAIN
  
  Book Lover 📚
  
  16-DAY STREAK
  I appreciate your offering your many skills in a variety of activities. The whole community prospers!
  
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