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You don't have to travel far this summer to see wildlife in its natural habitat.

Community groups can help your children learn how local animals affect people and the local environment. For example, a local chapter of Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots program recently taught children the importance of ladybugs as natural insect controllers, and released live ladybugs in their school garden.

State parks also are a good way to expose kids to "first wildlife experiences," where they learn to use all five senses.

For information on local community environmental and wildlife groups, visit: rootsandshoots.org.