Youth summit needs help to reach Citrus

The Roots & Shoots program, which promotes concern for animals, humans and the environment, seeks donations of $3,000 and the loan of a bus.

By JIM ROSS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published December 15, 2001

HOMOSASSA -- Jane Goodall doesn't just help chimps. She also helps kids.

The world-renowned biologist and chimpanzee expert is best known for studying the animals in Africa. Less publicized is the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots program, which encourages children to develop care and concern for the environment, animals and humans.

But if Goodall is going to help kids, some people have to help Goodall.

Roots & Shoots is bringing 40 youths ages 12-17 to Citrus County next year for a regional summit meeting. Local volunteer Susan Davis said the group needs about $3,000 to make the trip possible.

Roots & Shoots started in 1991. Today, more than 3,000 Roots & Shoots groups have registered in more than 68 countries, according to Goodall's Web site.

The program's goal is to "foster respect and compassion for all living things, to promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs and to inspire each individual to take action to make the world a better place for the environment, animals and the human community," the Web site said.

Making the Citrus trip March 6-10 will be young people from the Southeast region, which includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Students will qualify for the trip by completing environmentally friendly projects at their home schools.

Last year, Roots & Shoots held its national summit in Pasco County. Children attending the gathering spent a day at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. A Roots & Shoots group from Tanzania also has spent time in Citrus.

The students visiting in March will stay at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch's Caruth Camp, which is several miles north of Inglis. Davis said the money is needed to finance the students' lodging and handle related expenses.

While attending the summit, participants will visit the wildlife park, watch manatees on the Crystal River and do some community service.

Florida Power already has donated $1,500, Save the Manatee Club has chipped in $500 and the Felburn Foundation has donated $1,000, Davis said. But $3,000 more is needed. Davis said the group also needs a bus to use March 6-10.

Potential donors may call Davis at 628-5707.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright