Learning about animal adaptations
Coastal fisheries fun with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Creating a wetland webThe Youth Wetlands Education and Outreach Program is a statewide LSU AgCenter 4-H program sponsored by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA). The program is designed to heighten students’ awareness of Louisiana’s wetland loss through an organized educational program of outreach, empowerment and advocacy.
Program materials – including structured lesson plans, materials used to teach lessons and step-by-step procedures to activities – are provided at no cost to participating educators. These lessons are implemented throughout the academic year with the program culminating during an intensive week dedicated to wetland learning known as Youth Wetlands Week (YWW). The program curriculum is endorsed by the Louisiana Science Teachers Association, and lessons are designed to follow Louisiana’s Grade Level Expectations (GLEs). Pre- and post-tests are completed by participating students, and the results reflect increased knowledge of main science concepts.
During the summer, students are encouraged to attend three summer camps that use the program curriculum and provide wetland-related, hands-on learning activities: 4-H Camp Grant Walker, Louisiana Outdoor Science and Technology (LOST) Camp, and Marsh Maneuvers.
Opportunities to participate in wetland restoration projects are available to students throughout the year in various locations across the state. Students have helped with vegetative plantings and invasive species removal, constructed and installed wood duck boxes, and assisted in trash bashes/beach sweeps.
Please take a moment to explore our website. Learn more about the program curriculum, mark your calendars for upcoming YWP events and check out the photos of participants making a difference in these unique wetland environments.
If you have additional questions about the YW Program, please contact Mindy M. Brooks (YWP Extension Associate).
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Partnerships
The Youth Wetlands Program is a partnership between the LSU AgCenter and the Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration (OCPR).
Additional Partners of the Youth Wetlands Program are:
Curriculum Providers
- Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP)
- Louisiana State University (LSU) College of Education
- LSU AgCenter's School of Plant, Soil, and Environmental Science (SPESS)
- Louisiana Sea Grant College Program
- Ponchartrain Institute for Environmental Sciences
- Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service
- America's Wetland Conservation Corps Members