Audubon Society Member Honored for Work With Teens

Jess Morton got involved with the Palos Verdes/South Bay Audubon Society 20 years ago because he wanted to learn about the wildlife in his backyard. And through Audubon he learned about the hummingbirds, sparrows and doves that come to visit his San Pedro home and how to care for the environment.

But most important, Morton, 59, has learned to share his knowledge and recently received national recognition for starting a program that educates teenagers about the environment. Morton is the 1996 recipient of the Charles H. Callison Award, which is presented annually by the National Audubon Society to a member who exemplifies environmental activism. Morton was selected from more than 500,000 volunteer members and 500 chapters nationwide.

“He’s been instrumental in working with the youth in the area and a loyal walk leader for the conservancy for years,” said Judy Christmas, former executive director of the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy, which Morton help found 15 years ago. “He’s just very easy to get along with.”

With the help of Rancho Palos Verdes teenager Holly Gray, Morton founded the Youth Environmental Services program. As part of the YES! program, members from the Audubon Society go into high school classrooms to teach students about environmental issues.

Students who are interested in working in the program take part in activities such as beach cleanups and habitat restoration projects. The students receive points for their efforts. After they have worked for 50 hours to improve the environment, they earn a certificate of recognition.

“There are so many students who are concerned about the environment and who want to do something useful, but they don’t know how they can help,” Morton said. “And if we can give these kids, who are full of energy, a chance to get involved, there is a lot that they can do.”

Since the inception of YES! in 1994, more than 500 students around the South Bay have gotten involved with the Audubon chapter of 650 members. Morton said the program has also expanded to other chapters who are now offering the YES! program, including the San Fernando and El Dorado Audubon chapters.

Morton, a self-employed bookkeeper, spends much of his time working on environmental issues.

He leads bird walks on the peninsula for the Land Conservancy and represents Los Angeles County on the Endangered Habitats League, a Southern California organization that seeks to protect endangered species and habitats.

Over the next year he hopes to spend more time promoting the award-winning YES! program.

“My personal goal is to see this program spread so it can serve 100,000 kids across the nation and so 100 to 200 chapters are participating,” he said.