Assignment 7A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

Assignment 7A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

 Hypothesis: 

Amateur Naturalists in the north-central Indiana region do not have access to field trips where they can learn from local experts about the local natural environment with other like-minded naturalists because a history of poor attendance at nature themed public outings  has stifled the inertia required to generate a company that could exist in this space. 

The Who: Amateur Naturalists in the north central Indiana region. This includes anyone interested in getting outside and learning about the local ecology, flora, and fauna. Naturalists also look at things like geology, the weather, astronomy, and phenology. 

The What: Lack of access to a way of learning about the local natural environment that teaches people not only in the classroom setting but also brings them out into the woods, nature preserves, state and city parks so that they can learn from local experts with other like-minded naturalists. 

The Why: A history of poor attendance and interest in nature themed outings has stifled the inertia required to generate a company that could exist in this space. The local bird club does offer the occasional walk at the local city park. This walk generally only has 1-3 members of the bird group in attendance. An hour north and south of the target location sit Department of Natural Resources nature centers that hold several walks throughout the year. These are mostly geared towards children 5-10 years old. 

Testing The Who: Are there people interested in such an idea? Would people spend time and/or money on going out of walks and field trips to learn about the local natural history? Is there a target audience for the perceived unmet need?

Testing the What: Is this an unmet need?

Testing the Why: Does the idea encroach upon other’s operating area (local bird club, nature centers) Does the lack of attendance indicate this is an endeavor fated to failure?

Interview 1: Dan Rebuck

            Dan is between 50 and 60 years old and works as a leader in the maintenance department of a local distribution center. Dan and his daughter Hannah have attended local nature themed events at our city park (it was a night event that was a lesson in attracting moths and other night-flying creatures for study and photographing them). “People want to have a connection to nature,” Dan says.

            They see beautiful places like Zion National Park on television but have little to no connection with the area that they live in. It’s kind of a disappointment to many people I think. One thing people might like, instead of car pooling to a destination, is buying a short bus for transportation. And on the way to the spot you could prepare people for the theme of the day. Talk to them about the area, what we’re looking for, things like that. What would be really cool, is if you replaced the roof of the bus with a clear plexiglass roof so you could have astronomy nights with the group. 

Interview 2: Tim Kimmel

            Tim is an “amateur” botanist. He was an insurance man before his retirement, but one might assume he spent a career teaching college level botany. He’s an expert if there ever was one. Tim lives in Fort Wayne. 

            I’ve tried to get people organized for similar purposes. To go out and enjoy and learn about the local flora, specifically. I couldn’t do it with just my name, I guess. I don’t know. I guess many people who are interested in something like this either are at an age where they’re not able to go out on long walks, or they’re out focusing on working a job to provide for their families. Not to mention sports. That’s huge around here. So many people have their children plugged into high school sports. I don’t know that you could draw people away from that and direct their attention at a tree or a bird or a spring ephemeral wildflower. I’ll tell you, you should talk to high school science teachers as well as local self-study teachers. 

            Self study teachers are in the space of homeschooling. It seems that they teach very small groups of children. Time said they take their children out on field trips throughout the school year.

            How do you get the message in front of people that this is an option? Marketing, I say. And that takes money. 

Interview 3: Laurie Marx

            Laurie is an active member of the local Mississinewa Audubon Society where we live. She has experience organizing events for the club and is aware of the poor attendance that they struggle with. Laurie invited me to host a moth night at the local city park, the same event that Dan Rebuck attended. If this idea is a possibility, Laurie would know.

            High school sports is such a big thing for families in our area. Look at our bird hikes, they attract less than five people normally. And it’s always people from the club. We don’t see anyone from the public coming in and joining these walks. I don’t think there is enough interest, at least here, for something like this. You might want to talk to 4H folks. They have entomology clubs. You might find out where they are and if they’re interested in something like this.

Interview 4: Morgan Lara

            Morgan, my wife, is a 7 year birdwatcher and has attended nature education courses at the local state park. She teaches dance is very connected with local families. “As someone with no children, I feel  many of the events in this space are geared towards young children. Some are centered towards the older audience, but most of what they do doesn’t interest me.”

 I want to learn about something while out in the woods or walking along a river. Not watching nature from a car, or standing in a parking lot. What about everyone in between those two demographics? Yes, people are busy with sports and so many extracurricular activity with their kids. When do the parents get to slow down and catch their breath? Something like this would allow families to come together and enjoy not only the local environment, but also each other’s company. Groups like the Mississinewa Audubon Society are dated and their activities are mundane. And they only focus on birds. IF there was something, an organization, that did weekly or even biweekly outings with different themes, this could bring in people for whatever interests them. I’m not into trees. And when I took the Master Naturalist course at Mounds State Park, I just kind of tuned out during those hours spent learning  about trees. This could offer something for everyone. 

Interview 5: Rick Johnson

            Rick is on his second year of beekeeping. He is a 60 year old Air Force veteran. 

            

            I love the idea. Sure there’s people who would jump in and take advantage of it. There’s nothing like that around here. I’d go. You could apply for grants to purchase that short bus. Keep in mind you would have to spend money on upkeep and maintenance of the bus, insurance, fuel. And you would need a chauffeur’s license. There’s a lot of things to look and enjoy that aren’t far away. Not enough people take advantage of that. 

Summary

            I drew great inspiration from this learning experience. In addition, I had some great ideas handed to me that I didn’t think up myself. Some practical and vital points were raised. Things like interest and marketing were brought to the forefront of my conversations with Tim and Laurie. I was encouraged by the responses from Morgan, Rick, and Dan. While my thoughts and hopes for this idea have not yet matured, talking to people allowed me to give my thoughts some form and shape.