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Wildlife gardening course offered for school children
Texas
Some bats are beneficial and some birds can drive a person batty. "Wildlife Gardener," a new elementary school curriculum, can help children learn how to get along with critters in the city.
"As Wildlife Gardeners, children will gain a greater understanding and stronger appreciation for the wildlife part of their local community," Randy Seagraves, Junior Master Gardener national curriculum coordinator said. "Through novel, hands-on learning, they will discover how to garden for wildlife while strengthening skills in math, science, language and social studies."
The curriculum "Wildlife Gardener" has been a two-year collaborative project between the National JMG Program, administered by Texas Cooperative Extension, and the National Wildlife Federation. The program was tested in seven states with more than 20 schools and youth organizations involved. Seven other land-grant, cooperative Extension systems also participated, according to Lisa Whittlesey, National JMG Program coordinator.
"The interest in this newest curriculum has been phenomenal, with pre-orders for the curriculum soaring," she said.
The curriculum provides hands-on activities for grades three through five. The 231-page hardbound book is available for $34.50 by calling 1-888-JMG-KIDS (564-5437).
"This exciting new resource is a valuable tool for educators to help students make connections to the natural world," said Bethe Almeras, senior coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation's 9-year-old Schoolyard Habitats program. "Becoming a Wildlife Gardener is a winning situation for students, educators and wildlife alike."
A student who completes the program will be recognized as a Certified Wildlife Gardener. Garden habitats developed under the curriculum will be recognized by NWF as Schoolyard Habitat sites.
JMG is modeled after the highly popular Master Gardener program for adults. Its horticulture and environmental science education is offered through fun and creative activities that can be done in classrooms, JMG clubs, after-school programs, home school groups or any other group setting where youngsters want to learn more about plants. Whittlesey said there are JMG groups in all 50 states and 10 foreign countries.
The Schoolyard Habitats program is modeled after the wildlife federation's 31-year-old Backyard Wildlife Habitat program.
For more information about JMG or to order the book, see http://www.jmgkids.org or call 1-888-JMG-KIDS (564-5437).
Date: 3/25/04
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