Engaging Communities in Stewardship

Earth Discovery Institute will use interpretive events and volunteer stewardship activities to build public understanding of the purposes and value of habitat conservation on the San Diego NWR and other conserved lands near urban areas of south and east San Diego County. By providing opportunities for urban residents to find, appreciate, and care for nearby nature, we will raise awareness of the Service¿s mission and Urban Wildlife Refuges, and other conserved lands and open spaces. We can share how the conservation of natural resources is important to the local community, and provide multiple types of engagement opportunities for audiences of different comfort and skill levels to participate in stewardship activities. Volunteer stewardship activities can make a valuable contribution to habitat improvement and maintenance, and provide opportunities for community conservation volunteers to become citizen scientists, thus leveraging the work of Refuge and other conserved lands¿ staff. "