I wrote in my first blog how lucky I was to have a chance to work in Antarctic and that experience has changed my life in many ways and continues to. I credit this to one of my dearest mentors and a true inspiration to me, Dr. Diane McKnight. Diane has been conducting research in the McMurdo Dry Valleys for two decades and has been inspiring new scientists for even longer.

Diane continues to inspire new polar scientists through her recently completed children's book describing the first encounter with a live seal in the Dry Valleys. I encourage all of you to check out the Lost Seal website and share this great adventure with the schools you visit and the children you know.

“Research scientists camped at the desolate McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica studying the local lakes and streams are one day surprised to find a young Weddell seal in their midst. Tired and hungry, and perhaps lured by the smell of the group’s cheeseburger dinner, the young male is a long way from his natural habitat on the sea ice of McMurdo Sound. Bound by the Antarctic Conservation Act, the scientists know they cannot provide it with sustenance, but instead contact seal scientists who, after some thought, decide they can provide assistance so the seal can return to the sea ice. The seal gets the ride of its life back to its natural habitat, and the scientists name one of the streams they have been studying to commemorate their unlikely campmate.” --The Lost Seal

The story of The Lost Seal was sent to primary school teachers in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Along with the story, students were presented with images from the McMurdo Dry Valleys LTER (Long Term Ecological Research) as well as video of the seal taken at the time of the event. The students then created original artwork featuring different aspects of Antarctica for the book and this website. The Lost Seal is the second in the National Science Foundation - supported LTER children’s book series.
How can I get my copy of The Lost Seal?

Order your copy of The Lost Seal directly from Moonlight Publishing for fastest delivery. It is also available through Amazon.

Contributed by Jenny Baeseman, APECS Director