This is the fourth of five Local 10 Eco-Hero finalists that are competing to win a Eco-Adventure to the Canadian Rockies with Kristi Krueger and Zoo Miami's Ron Magill. After the five finalists are introduced, the public will have an opportunity to vote on their favorite.
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. - Leapin' lizards!
The students in the Green Club at Jose Marti MAST Academy are participating in one cool science project, and 13-year-old Sebastian Mercado is leading the way.
While observing lizards in their natural habitat, the students measure them and gather data.
The information is used for evolutionary research at the University of Rhode Island. It's just one of the eco-friendly projects that has Mercado, a 7th grader, excited about nature.
"I got interested in the environment because it's such a beautiful place," says Mercado. "It's a great place to explore and to learn."
Exploring and learning, that's exactly what goes on in the arboretum where Sebastian has volunteered to help maintain native trees and plants. The Green Club codes every one of them so that the other students, and adults, can learn about Florida's amazing nature.
Sebastian enjoys spreading eco-friendly message while participating in several community clean-up projects.
Mercado believes that each of us can make a difference, "Basically every day things, recycle, conserve water, conserve electricity."