The Center for Ecosystem Survival has modified ordinary street parking meters to accept donations of small change to save habitat. Instead of a violation flag appearing when coins are inserted and the dial turned, a colorful hummingbird flies across the face of the Meter. An accompanying chart tells the donor that a 25 cent contribution saves 90 square feet of tropical rainforest—one of several informative statistics. The meters are installed in accredited zoos and aquariums, natural history museums, botanical gardens, conservatories, and nature centers throughout the United States. (See a list of participating organizations.) The idea of an interactive, educational, fund-raising exhibit was conceived by Norman Gershenz, conservationist and educator. The conservation parking Meter combines educational information about tropical rainforest conservation with the opportunity for individual action.
One way to contribute is to deposit your change in a Meter whenever you see one! To date the Center has raised more than $2 million to save wildlife in wild places. The Conservation Parking Meter is part of a unique partnership with the zoo and aquarium community. It is the first program ever to bring zoos, an international conservation organization, and the general public together in a partnership combining efforts and energies for the direct conservation of tropical habitats. A second way to help is to sponsor the placement of a meter. Many institutions need a sponsor to install their Meter. Get involved today!   Here's how: Contact us at our new location: Center for Ecosystem Survival 699 Mississippi Street, Suite #106 San Francisco, CA 94107 (USA) Phone: (415) 648-3392 Or email us at info@savenature.org