A Girl Who Loved Nature
Wangari Maathai grew up in Kenya, in Africa.
As a girl, she loved the green world around her. She noticed trees, plants, birds, and the land beneath her feet.
Nature was all around her.
And Wangari paid attention.
A Little Idea
When Wangari grew older, she became a scientist.
She also noticed a problem.
Many trees were being cut down, and the land was being harmed.
Wangari wondered what people could do.
Her answer was simple.
Plant trees.
One Tree at a Time
Wangari encouraged women in Kenya to plant trees.
They planted tiny seedlings.
They watered them.
They cared for them.
Then something wonderful happened.
The little trees began to grow.
One tree became many trees.
Many trees helped make the land greener.
In 1977, Wangari founded the Green Belt Movement, which helped communities plant trees and care for the environment. The movement eventually helped people plant tens of millions of trees.
A Very Special Award
Wangari did not stop there.
She encouraged people to care for their communities and work together.
People around the world learned about her work.
In 2004, Wangari received the Nobel Peace Prize.
She was the first African woman to receive it.
Small Things Can Grow
Wangari Maathai showed us something important.
A little seed can become a big tree.
A little idea can become a big change.
And one person can inspire many others.
You can start small, too.
You can care for a plant.
You can help a friend.
You can take care of nature.
What little thing could you do today to help?
Little Explorer Question
If you could plant one tree, where would you put it?
What would you hope to see around it?
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You reached the end of today's learning adventure!
