[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 96 (Tuesday, July 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1271-E1272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TALKING TALONS YOUTH LEADERSHIP MAKES SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO NEW 
                                 MEXICO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 16, 2002

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, during the Independence Day 
work period, I had the opportunity, like many of my colleagues, to 
visit constituents and groups in my home state. There was one visit 
that was especially gratifying that I would like to relate to my 
colleagues.
  Talking Talons Youth Leadership, located in the mountains East of 
Albuquerque, is a non-profit youth development organization. This 
program works in several different ways to evaluate youth to be 
effective advocates and ethical stewards of themselves, wildlife, and 
the environment. I went into this program believing that it was a basic 
rehabilitation program for wild animals. I was pleasantly surprised to 
learn that Talking Talons is so much more.
  I want to give a brief history of this program. In 1988, Wendy C. 
Aeschliman, a nurse at Roosevelt Middle School, in Tijeras, New Mexico, 
with a side practice as a licensed animal

[[Page E1272]]

rehabiltor, observed that her young patients suffered less from 
physical ailments and more from a downcast spirit and low self-esteem. 
The youth did seem, however, extremely curious and excited about her 
animal patients. With a small Burrowing Owl named ``Bo'' who had been 
declared non-releasable, she set forth to combine the natural love of 
animals she observed in youth, with the goal of increasing their self-
esteem. She implemented, on a small scale at the middle school, a 
curriculum which trained students to perform public presentations about 
injured wildlife and their conservation. Thirteen years later, Talking 
Talons' basic approach to instill healthy lifestyles and attitudes in 
young people has grown and taken off.
  Today, the program thrives in New Mexico. Through a dedication team 
of staff, volunteers, contributors, and state and federal government, 
Talking Talons is realizing its vision of the future. Through 
experiences in public speaking, team-building activities, and 
conservation projects, the youth of our communities and our 
environmental advocates of tomorrow are developing a commitment towards 
conservation of natural resources. We owe Talking Talons our gratitude 
for ensuring that such valuable opportunities exist.
  Mr. Speaker, it seems that every time we open a newspaper or watch 
the news, we hear of another devastating scandal involving corporate 
America. From Enron to WorldCom, the news of recent months has been 
disheartening and unbelievable. It is nice to know, however, that there 
are some businesses out there that want to do the right thing. They 
want to become community partners. In that spirit, I want to commend 
Campbell Corporation and its President and CEO Robert Gately for 
recently donating land where students can implement reparian 
restoration practices, and for pledging to assist in the development of 
a new Talking Talons Leadership Center and Museum, along New Mexico's 
historic Turquoise Trail. At this new facility, Talking Talons will 
engage the community in conservation-based projects, including 
education wildlife programs designed to connect children and teens with 
nature.
  Campbell Corporation is also working with Talking Talons to support a 
private-match funding source that will enable the program to qualify 
and compete for grants available from various foundations and agencies. 
I am so pleased that the East Mountains has a community partner like 
Campbell Corporation to help quality non-profits expand their 
operations.
  During my visit, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the 
restoration project that Talking Talons has been conducted at the San 
Pedro Creek since spring this year. This ongoing restoration of the 
fragile environment involves the young preservationists working to 
identify native and non-native plant species and restoring the creek to 
its original state.
  When I visited Talking Talons, I met a number of the students that 
are involved in the program. These young adults were clearly inspired, 
intelligent, and friendly. Some of the students gave me presentations 
on different projects that they were undertaking. Just meeting the 
students was positive proof that the mission of Talking Talons is 
soaring and succeeding.
  Many of the students work directly with animals that can never be 
released again, either due to permanent injury or their unnatural 
contact with humans. These animals, however, will be taken care of and 
used in a positive way. I was especially pleased to learn that Talking 
Talon, in conjunction with the New Mexico Department of Health's 
Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program, is working to warn other 
students about the deadly realities of tobacco. The students use the 
animals as metaphors for the strength and courage it takes to resist 
the peer pressure of tobacco and other negative influences. Seeing the 
animals used this way is truly novel. It is just another example of the 
creative approach that the staff of Talking Talons has taken to address 
the various challenges that are facing New Mexico's youth.
  Another important element of this program is its location. Talking 
Talons is located in what is called the Tri-County area. So named 
because in about a ten-minute drive you will go through the counties of 
Bernalilo, Sandoval and Santa Fe. This particular area of the state is 
rural in nature and surrounded by beautiful forests. As is the case 
with most rural areas, finding things for youths to do--whether it be 
working or volunteering--is often difficult. Without positive outlets, 
our children often end up in negative and unhealthy situations. The 
genius of Talking Talons is that because of its location young people 
in the East Mountains have a wonderful and productive alternative way 
to spend their time.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to building a relationship with Talking 
Talons Youth Leadership. I am very proud to be able to share with you 
the story of these terrific students and the wonderful gift they are 
giving to their community and to themselves. They are demonstrating 
what life really is--being a leader, a good student, and living a 
healthy lifestyle.

                          ____________________