Our Environment

Welcome to our 127-acre urban oasis! Animals can be discovered in distinct habitats, interacting freely within Springbrook's prairies, forests and wetlands amid the wildflowers, mosses, ferns, trees and fungi. Invertebrates, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals live as predators and prey in the midst of our intense human presence!

As part of one world, we must recognize our impact on natural habitats and ecosystems. Current rates of species extinction, global warming and environmental degradation are unprecedented and due in large part to human activities. At Springbrook we strive to create programs and environments that connect people to nature so that we can all be part of the solution.

Areas of Environmental Concern

Species Extinction

The alarming and accelerated rate of species extinction is largely caused by impacts and needs of a mushrooming human population. Species worldwide are going extinct at a rate as much as 1,000 times the normal rate. This is not sustainable while maintaining healthy ecosystems, which are necessary to our survival.

Global Warming

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has unequivocally concluded that the Earth's atmosphere has heated significantly (over 1°F - this seems small but the impact across the planet is huge), and they also conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that it is due to human activities. No naturally occurring phenomenon can account for this temperature rise. Since the start of the industrial age, we have been releasing huge amounts of CO2 greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. If this continues, it will lead to catastrophic events such as major coastal flooding and significant rainfall changes, both having a huge impact on the natural world and the future for us all.

Environmental Degradation

Unfortunately, humans have caused very serious impacts to the environment worldwide. It affects the air we breathe, the food we eat, species loss and damage to our beautiful environments.

Increasingly, scientists are bring these affects to our attention. However, this big issue often gets overshadowed by seemingly more immediate issues worldwide. Here are a few sources that contribute to unhealthy conditions:

Chemical pollution of the planet's groundwater
Aerosol loading of our atmosphere (such as power plant smoke particles)
Chemical pollution in our atmosphere
Burning of tropical jungles to clear land for crop growing
Human waste (plastic, runoff, oil, etc) pollution of the oceans

Springbrook's Role

Change starts with us. While Springbrook may not lead a global educational effort regarding these issues, we realize the serious problems both globally and locally, and want to do our part. We will strive to emphasize understanding and appreciation of the natural environment, and to create awareness through programs and exhibits.

It is essential for all children to have meaningful experiences in nature and will learn to preserve the natural world for the benefit of all. Our mental, physical and spiritual health depend on it. Springbrook promotes an environment of education, activity and beauty, and we welcome you to share it with others.

You Can Make A Difference

Understand the issues
Speak out
Reduce - Reuse - Recycle