Wildlife
In this project, youth engage in exploring the outdoor world by learning names and classifications. Youth will understand the essentials of studying nature: stop, observe, discover, how to correlate findings and more.
- Increase awareness and appreciation of nature and it’s structure.
- Explore human interdependence with the natural world.
- Gain knowledge of environmental and ecological concepts.
- Identify how humans impact the environment.
- Improve problem-solving and advocacy skills; take action that assumes responsibility of the environment
Expand Your Experiences!
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Construct and install birdhouses for specific birds. Collect on specific criteria.
- Form small groups or committees to prepare reports detailing the conservation needs of an area. Outline a plan of action for improving the area or restoring a natural cycle.
- Set up a water quality monitoring program on a local stream.
Healthy Living
- Create an interpretive nature trail. Find a location, design the trail, contact appropriate authorities, fundraise, make posts, install. Enjoy.
- Identify “point source” and ‘non-point source” pollution and the effects on water quality, humans, and wildlife.
Citizenship
- Work with community groups to restore habitat for endangered or threatened species.
- Remove invasive species, i.e., caper spurge at Bodega Marine Lab.
- Plant wildlife cover or food in an abandoned creek or pasture area in a key wintering area.
- Learn about environmental laws and create a project focusing on political action.
Leadership
- Be a park steward. Volunteer at Bird/Wildlife/Songbird/Marin Mammal Rescue centers.
- Write a proposal asking that a vacant lot be turned into a playground/native plant garden/kids’ vegetable garden. Follow up, and build the playground/garden etc.
- Become an active leader who models positive environmental behavior.