From “Farm to School” for preschoolers, Wheat and Watershed Week for Elementary Schools, to the spring Envirothon competition or YESS for High Schools, Dr. Alana Springer, Environmental Education Program Manager, shared the wide outreach of the Snohomish County Conservation District to develop future environmental leaders. Preschoolers often get six garden lessons, cook dinner, create cookbooks, create bee hotels. Teachers get training and support packets and toolkits to use.
Kira McClure, Environmental Education Leader, told of her work with elementary students to examine the DNA of a wheat germ, then grow it in a terrarium. She heard a once-reluctant student express how suddenly interesting he found science during Wheat Week!
Dr. Springer also described efforts during Watershed Week to examine the various dynamics of watersheds: its cycle, riparian zone, possible pollutants. They use chemical tests and a turbidity tube to test for its temperature, pH, O2, phosphate and turbidity.
High School students get invited to an annual countywide competition on a pre-decided topic: wildlife, aquatics, soils and land use, renewable energy. Next year YESS will return – Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems. This is a five week restoration effort by students in a particular locale.
Dr. Springer says they are developing a program for the Community Colleges. For the full experience, look for this presentation on our League’s YouTube!
Reports:
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Citizens Climate Lobby -Asked what inspired him, Jim Bloss complimented the League for the enthusiastic way members engage with the issues.
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Transportation - Steve Trautwein gave the transportation report as wrapped up by issue chair Cynthia Stewart. Lael White was pleased with some expansion of rail lines but cautioned that the funds are far from adequate. Steve lauded all the hard work of the League issue chairs!
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Urban Tree Canopy and Mature Forests - Kate Lunceford applauded $10 million for Trust Land Transfers that included preservation of Morning Star, an area by Wallace Falls. For the preservation of mature forests, $15 million was designated, but not any that had already received a permit. She appealed for letters to the DNR Board and County Council to plead for Stilly Ridge Revisited.
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Earth Day event on April 27th at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds - Kate Lunceford also encouraged members to volunteer for the Earth Day event on April 27th at the Fairgrounds.
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Sierra Club – Nancy Johnson encouraged participation for the Electrify Everything series! This March 19th and 21st were Energy Audits and a chance to meet Derek Hoshiko, founder of Kicking Gas. Also, the Sierra Club is gearing up to defeat Initiative 2117, which would undo the work of the Climate Commitment Act.
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Marsh and Edmonds Conservation News – Pending council approval, Edmonds has received a NOAA grant for marsh restoration, written by Greg Ferguson and Bill Derry of Edmonds Marsh Estuary Advocates in collaboration with Edmonds Parks and Public Works. Joan appealed to members to voice their input for the city’s and county’s comprehensive plans.
When Joan suggested that the new novel The Women by Kristin Hannah spoke to the long term unrealized ravages of Agent Orange, Julie Winchell mentioned how surprised she was at how much Round Up was used as a herbicide in Arizona. What we don’t know can hurt us!
NEXT MEETING: APRIL 19TH, 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M., by Zoom Guest Speaker will be Ta’Leah Van Sistine, Environmental Reporter for the Everett Herald. She will share past, present and future stories!