WSU Whatcom County Extension

Stewardship is Where You Are

Park Patrol

The Big Picture

“Our long term prosperity depends on the faithful stewardship of the air that we breathe, the water that we drink, and the land that we sow. That’s a sacred trust.”
- Barack Obama, 2009

As a community member, it is important to understand the environmental and societal benefits that parks provide. Parks can preserve historical, cultural, and natural areas of significance for future generations, while also offering recreational opportunities for communities today. The following series of activities are meant to encourage stewardship through appreciation, observation, and outreach associated with parks within the community.


Explorer - Skill Level: One Engager - Skill Level: Two Citizen Scientist - Skill Level: Three
 

 


Geocaching

Activity: Park Survey

Objective: Observe how parks are used and abused

Science Skills: GPS Technology, Collect, Measure, and Evaluate Data

Life Skills: Teamwork, Cooperation

Preparation Activities:
It is a good idea to have a discussion about the park before you visit. Where is it? What is it called? Who takes care of the park: city, county, state? What do they expect from just hearing the name of the park or looking at the park location on a map? Who do they expect to be there? What activities, both human and natural, can occur there? Are there any features that are promoted as unique to this park? This will allow them to compare their expectations before their visit to what they experienced during their visit.

What You Will Need:
          Intermediate Park Passport Booklet
          Clipboards (or something to write on)
          Pencils (or something to write with)

Activity:
Ask the youth to go out and take a survey of the park. The survey includes questions about the natural habitat, the parks function for social uses, and if the park is being properly maintained.

Vocabulary:
parks, recreation, preserve, resource, jurisdiction, maintenance, habitat, ecology, social benefit

Asking the Right Questions:
After they have had time to fill out the survey ask them “so what”, so what does that means, so why is it important. Use these questions to start a small discussion.

 

  
     

 

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WSU Whatcom County Extension, 1000 North Forest Street, Suite 201, Bellingham, WA 98225, 360-676-6736, Contact Us