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| Youth across Louisiana will learn about the value of the wetlands during Youth Wetlands Week March 31-April 4. Some schools will sponsor field trips into the marsh. (Photo by Bruce Schultz) |
News Release Distributed 03/28/08
Gov. Bobby Jindal has issued a proclamation declaring March 31-April 4 Youth Wetlands Week in Louisiana, according to Paul Coreil, vice chancellor for the LSU AgCenter.
“Our Youth Wetlands Week educational program reaches across the state,” Coreil said. “More than 55,000 youth will be involved this year. We appreciate the governor’s endorsement of this effort.”
During Youth Wetlands Week, teachers in Louisiana’s elementary and secondary schools incorporate lessons about the environment and the value of the wetlands into their curriculum. These lessons often involve field trips to nearby wetlands and activities such as planting coastal grasses.
The LSU AgCenter through its 4-H program has recruited the schools for participation and prepared the lesson plans, which are online at www.lsuagcenter.com/yww.
“All the curriculum materials are online for the convenience of the teachers,” said David Latona, LSU AgCenter 4-H science and technology educator. “The lesson plans will help young people – our future leaders – understand the value of the wetlands, their connection to our culture and their strategic importance to the nation and the world. The materials can be used year-round.”
The educational materials were developed by a team from the LSU AgCenter, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, America’s Wetland Conservation Corps and the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program.
America’s Wetland Conservation Corps is a partnership between the LSU AgCenter and 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.
“We have funding for another year of the program,” Coreil said. “But because of its success, we are confident we will be able to secure funding for many more years of Youth Wetlands Week.”
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Contacts: Paul Coreil at (225) 578-6083, or pcoreil@agcenter.lsu.edu
David Latona at (225) 578-2196, or dlatona@agcenter.lsu.edu
Writer: Linda Foster Benedict at (225) 578-2937, or lbenedict@agcenter.lsu.edu