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EDUCATION
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* To promote the understanding that the quality of the environment determines the quality of life *
The future of our natural environment is in the hands of our youth. That is why it is important to educate students on the importance of our natural resources and how to take care of them. The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District offers free environmental education programs to schools within our district!
2009 Area Speak-Off Competition Each year, the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District challenges high school age students to research a topic relating to conservation and present their 3-5 minute speech to a panel of judges. First, second and third prize winners are awarded cash prizes for their efforts! The first place winner moves on to the regional competition, with the possibility of going all the way to the State level Speak-Off competition. The Speak-Off is an exciting program that provides high school students a venue to explore their interests in conservation. This year's topic is the Resource Conservation District's Role in the Protection of Ground Water through Urban, Agricultural and Environmental Planning. The Speak-Off will take place at 3:15 PM on September 16th, at the Highland Environmental Learning Center Library. For more information, please find the event flier, the program rules and the application below. Please contact Amy Bonczewski, Conservation Educator with any questions regarding the event or the topic. She can be reached at (909) 799-7407 X 107 or at Amy.Bonczewski@ca.nacdnet.net. New: Adult Education Programs! The IERCD is now offering programs that are tailored for adults. They are offered free to any community group or school within the district's boundaries. Staff will work with you or your group to schedule the program time's around your meeting or event time and date! If you wish to schedule an adult education program, contact the conservation educator at (909) 799-7407 X 107. Programs offered include: Water Use Efficiency: This program covers where drinking water comes from, how it has been affected by the drought and what residents can do to conserve water. It also touches on the importance of aquifers as well as water recycling. Composting: This power point presentation covers the basics of composting; how to start composting, what containers to use as well as what can go into the composting pile. Participants will learn that anyone can compost, regardless of the size of their yard! Native Plants: The Native Plants presentation covers native plant gardens. Participants will learn the best methods for creating a native plant garden; including the best time to plant as well as what non-native plant species to avoid. Rain Gardens: The Rain Garden program teaches participants the basics of rain gardens. They will learn the value of these gardens in collecting rain water as well as what types of plants should be used to start such a garden and where the gardens should be placed. IERCD Education Programs for Youth: Backyard Conservation is a program that teaches students the importance of conserving our natural resources through reducing, reusing and recycling. These lessons will develop student awareness on the natural resources that live each day in their backyard. Students will be able to identify insects and their body parts, build a bird feeder and create compost from home. All of these activities are tied to the California state standards for the teaching profession. Trees Please teaches students conservation of trees. Throughout this program students will complete lessons that teach the benefits of trees in our environment. Students will learn how to care for trees and they will have the opportunity to plant a tree. There are several more fun activities with trees please, all of which are tied to the California state standards for the teaching profession.Wonders of Wetlands is a program designed to teach students the meaning of a wetland. Throughout this lesson students will participate in a hands-on demonstration on the values of wetlands. Students will be introduced to types of wetlands as well as the animal and plant land that inhabit them. All lessons will be tied to the California content standards for the teaching profession. Stormwater pollution is a program that uses a hands-on model to demonstrate where all of the storm water goes. Students will be able to create a city and observe where all the water ends up. Students will understand the importance of keeping the gutters clean. All lessons are tied to the California content standards for the teaching profession. Toil of soil is a program that teaches kids the importance of conserving one of our natural resources, soil. This program is designed for students to understand the significance of Earth’s soil through our every day life. Students will study the soil ecosystem and then have the opportunity to separate soil. Students will be able to complete hands on lessons that will coincide with the California content standards Recycle, Reduce, Reuse teaches students how they can help promote the wise use of our resources through recycling, reusing and reducing waste. Students understand the importance of recycling and are taught how they can implement recycling in their homes. Water Use Efficiency is the district's newest education program that teaches children about groundwater and water conservation measures. The program features an interactive, hands on approach to learning about water conservation. Children learn where water in our area comes from and the program emphasizes the local landscape and the Santa Ana Watershed. The program is tailored to each grade level (K-12) and meets the California Content Standards for Science. Inland Empire Resource Conservation District is currently partnering with the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District and the Yucaipa Valley Water District to provide Water Use Efficiency education in our local schools.
These programs are free and last about one hour. Our Conservation Educator will come directly to your classroom and provide all learning materials at no cost to you or your school. If you are a teacher, staff, or interested parent, email us or download our education form and either mail or fax it to us. Please contact Amy Bonczewski, Conservation Educator at 909-799-7407 extension 107 with any questions about IERCD's education programs.
Education Handouts:
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Copyright © 2005 by Inland Empire Resource Conservation District. All rights reserved. COMMENTS? QUESTIONS? EMAIL THE WEBMASTER. UPDATED 12/21/2009 08:44:35 PM
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