BLM-WO Creek Freaks: Connecting Children to the Green Zone

The objectives of this project are to establish and enhance youth connections to the outdoors by educating them about stream ecology and riparian areas and encouraging them to become stewards of creeks in their communities. Through riparian education workshops for teachers, youth group leaders, and volunteers, educators will be introduced to the BLM's Holding onto the Green Zone riparian module as well as other resources and tools that can be used to help young people explore concepts of stream ecology, learn about careers in natural resources, and develop their interest in community watershed stewardship. The principal public purpose of this project is to connect young people with the outdoors by engaging them in the study and stewardship of community riparian areas. This project serves several public purposes that have been designated as high priorities by the Secretary of the Interior�helping to connect children with nature; educating them about vital natural resources, including treasured landscapes such as those of the National Landscape Conservation System, as well as how to protect and restore those resources and landscapes; and introducing young people to natural resource careers. By educating youth about riparian areas, the project will promote stewardship values and nurture future citizens who are informed participants in land management decision-making. The recipient will further enhance opportunities for young people to become experts on their local streams and to share that information with the public through an interactive website that allows participants to post data, photos, videos, and stories about their streams. The recipient also will provide opportunities for young people to share information about local streams and connect with other young people and natural resource professionals across the country through the use of social media.