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POOLING OUR RESOURCES: A WATERSHED APPROACH FOR EDUCATING THE STUDENTS AND CITIZENS OF WYOMING
Impact/Purpose:
Presently, no watershed groups exist in Wyoming, and despite the large number of conservation districts engaged in watershed protection issues, there is little community involvement in watershed protection. Through Teton Science School's (TSS) efforts, an education-based volunteer monitoring program was developed. Since its inception in 1993, the program has grown to involve more than 25 schools. Currently, many of the schools involved in volunteer monitoring through TSS are in the western part of Wyoming. The expansion of coal-bed methane production in the Eastern part of the state has generated considerable interest in environmental issues.
Description:
The overall project goal is to provide support in three principal areas: 1) Foster expansion of volunteer monitoring and offer technical assistance and feedback to volunteers. A.) Maintain and support the educators involved in the current Wyoming DEQ educational monitoring program. B.) Design and pilot a "Data to Awareness, Community Education" curriculum supplement. C.) Develop a web link to the TSS volunteer database. 2.) Develop a watershed model for Wyoming. A.) Develop and facilitate two (2) watershed workshops for educators. B.) Lay the foundation for a watershed group through the development and facilitation of Adult Community Education Seminars. 3) Serve as a information clearinghouse and facilitate statewide communication on watershed issues. A.) Develop a multi-year, collaborative, watershed education strategy. B.) Create a Wyoming-based watershed resource guide. C.) Develop a website that links educators with Wyoming water resources.