One important aspect of CSERC’s work is to educate and engage youth in discussions about natural resource issues in our region. Studies about today’s school-age generation suggest that the majority are civic-minded, concerned about climate change, and searching for ways to have a positive effect on the world. We at CSERC have found that we can have a positive influence on the community through educational interactions with students.
Since 1990, CSERC has provided stimulating and informative school programs to over 153,000 students. Our Executive Director travels to schools throughout the Central Valley to talk about wildlife, water, and habitat values. Using the incredible photos from our annual wildlife photo contest, John has spoken to auditoriums full of students in these urbanized areas to inspire appreciation of the natural world.
CSERC and the Central Sierra Audubon have also partnered to provide educational programs to local elementary school students, in hopes of getting kids excited about local birds. Our aquatic biologist, Megan Layhee, leads programs for students in 2nd to 5th grade that discuss native bird species and their habitat requirements. Megan has already seen the impact. Many students she presented to last school year have told her about their bird-watching adventures, how they can remember the song of the mountain chickadee (“cheeseburger”), and the colors of the American robin.
Recently, CSERC staff biologist Heidi Beswick presented about environmental advocacy at a youth coalition of local high school students. In small groups, they had discussions about how to be an effective advocate, what environmental issues our region faces, and the general nature of Heidi’s work. The students were highly informed and curious, asking thoughtful questions and wondering how to advocate for the issues most important to them.
In addition to these educational programs, CSERC continues to reach out to kids of all ages with our online list of nature activities, our informative blogs, and our kids’ games (including the “Watershed Game,” “Build a Food Chain,” and the new “Whose Tracks Are These?”).
With environmental damage occurring every day, it’s so important build public appreciation for the resources that are at stake - clean water, a resilient forest, and a functioning ecosystem among other things. CSERC will continue to provide free educational presentations and materials to students to highlight the value of forests and wildlife, so that they are inspired to be good stewards of our natural resources throughout their lifetimes.