| | Bitter panicum is one of the plants used in coastal restoration projects. (Photo by Michael D. Materne) |
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| | David Bourgeois teaches about coastal vegetation as part of a 4-H service learning project. (Photo by Bruce Schultz) |
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| | Mark Shirley conducts a week-long camp experience each summer called Marsh Maneuvers in which he teaches young people about the value of coastal preservation and restoration. (Photo by Johnny Morgan) |
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Teaching students to be aware of the environment is the first step to their actively becoming environmental stewards. And during the LSU AgCenter’s second annual Youth Wetlands Week, March 31-April 4, more than 55,000 Louisiana students in grades fourth through 12th, some in every parish, will be taking that first step.
4-H agents across the state have recruited schools to take part in Youth Wetlands Week. Hilary Collis, the LSU AgCenter program manager for America’s Wetland Conservation Corps, said the response has been overwhelming. More than 900 teachers in 53 parishes have signed up to incorporate wetland awareness in their lessons
The America’s Wetland Conservation Corps is a partnership between the LSU AgCenter and the America’s Wetland Campaign. It is supported by a grant from AmeriCorps and is administered by the Louisiana Serve Commission in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
“The overall goal is for the students to develop, at an early age, an appreciation and understanding of wetlands and why Louisiana wetlands are so important and vital to our state,” Collis said.
Louisiana’s wetland situation is dire, but a message of hope is ingrained in Youth Wetlands Week.
“We want these young minds to start thinking that there is a way to fix this,” said David Latona, LSU AgCenter 4-H science and technology educator. “And perhaps they could be the ones to fix it.”
In some schools the lessons will take place outside of the classroom. For example, since coastal wetlands are the first line of defense against hurricanes, students in the community of Montegut in southern Terrebonne Parish planted marsh grass on a deteriorating wetland last year.
Wetlands are found across the state, so students in Central and North Louisiana also can conduct wetland planting. But since all schools can’t make it to a wetland, they can participate in other activities.
“A litter cleanup in a suburban area promotes wetland restoration,” Latona explained. “They are keeping the litter from entering the water system and making its way into a wetland.”
Some schools are growing wetland plants on their property for future planting. Many schools are doing their part by planting trees.
“We ordered and delivered more than 10,000 tree saplings to schools participating in Youth Wetlands Week,” Collis said.
Students don’t have to leave the classroom to take part in Youth Wetlands Week. Latona suggested students can write letters to elected officials, newspaper editors or even their parents to create awareness of the importance of Louisiana’s wetlands.
A few projects scheduled for this year include pier cleanups, wetland grass plantings, marshland tours, putting up wood duck boxes and building bat houses.
Youth Wetlands Week has something for all students, whether their interests are math, science, writing or art, according to Collis. Students can participate in the “Keep Your Eye on the Prize” essay, photo and art contest sponsored by America’s Wetland. Contest winners will receive $500 to create a wetland project at their school.
Teachers who signed up to participate in Youth Wetlands Week received a comprehensive curriculum binder developed by the LSU AgCenter, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, America’s Wetland Conservation Corps and Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program.
Wetlands facts the students will be learning include the following:
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Since 1930, Louisiana has lost 1,900 square miles of wetlands.
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Thirty percent of all coastal marshes in the United States are in Louisiana.
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Every 2.7 miles of wetland absorbs 1 foot of storm surge during hurricanes.
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Wetlands provide habitat for wildlife, including more than 5 million waterfowl in the coastal wetlands of Louisiana.
The LSU AgCenter is one of 11 institutions of higher education in the Louisiana State University System. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, it provides educational services in every parish and conducts research that contributes to the economic development of the state. The LSU AgCenter does not grant degrees nor benefit from tuition increases. The LSU AgCenter plays an integral role in supporting agricultural industries, enhancing the environment, and improving the quality of life through its 4-H youth, family and community programs.
(This AgCenter Lead was updated on March 14, 2008, by Linda Benedict.)