Including Youth in Habitat Restoration Projects

Wetland habitat protection and restoration programs will never be truly successful until community members understand how urban development and the actions of individuals can degrade wetland habitats for fish and wildlife. Including area high school age students in habitat restoration projects is cost effective, but also helps youth become stewards of their local wetland resources and develop a commitment to maintain them.

This session will briefly describe a Youth Habitat Conservation Corps program located in Fairbanks, Alaska including structure of the program and activities taught. In addition, the presentation will discuss recruiting and selecting students, developing school and community partnerships, and seeking funding, along with some common “do’s and don’ts” to consider.