| | NSU Middle Lab students learn about protecting the environment. |
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| | Dr. Drew Moore teaching an 8th grade science class. The students did research on the Barataria Bay wet land area in between Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes in south Louisiana. |
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The LSU AgCenter is committed to the preservation and restoration of Louisiana’s wetlands through research and extension programs. In 2007, this effort is being expanded to Louisiana’s youth so they can learn about the importance of the wetlands and the need to prevent further loss of this valuable resource.
Teaching young people in grades 7th – 12th to become more aware of their environmental surroundings and more actively involved in the future is a first step to their becoming better environmental stewards. To help accomplish this goal, the LSU AgCenter in cooperation with the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will inaugural Youth Wetlands Week, April 16-20, 2007 for 4-H members and other interested students through school enrichment activities.
The objectives of the Youth Wetlands Week, which will occur in every parish, are: 1) to instill lifelong lessons in students on both the values of upland and coastal wetlands, and 2) to provide students with the opportunity to participate in a local stewardship project. During Youth Wetlands Week, the LSU AgCenter will provide science teachers with a teacher/student manual (including lesson plans and teaching aids) and service-learning activities to conduct during the week. NSU Middle Lab and Marthaville Jr. High are participating schools in Natchitoches parish.
The AgCenter is committed to a long-term, cohesive, multi-disciplinary and systematic wetlands education and research program to provide the latest science and best technologies for creating sustainable and productive wetland habitats. By implementing this program, students, educators and Louisiana citizens can better incorporate an ecological and environmental perspective into youth education and significantly contribute to the wetland restoration and preservation.
Thanks to those teachers and principals of NSU Middle Lab School and Marthaville Jr High School for their participation in this year’s Youth Wetlands Week.