FODC has been providing quality, watershed-based education to area youth and adults since the group’s inception. Since 2006, FODC has seen its youth education and outreach programs grow as a result of Project F.L.O.W. (Future Leaders of Watersheds) funding from the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service. FODC Staff work with local teachers, group leaders, and youth themselves to develop and lead dynamic, hands-on curricula tailored to accommodate individual needs. FODC employs service-learning strategies to provide youth with meaningful outdoor education experiences to increase environmental stewardship.
Youth that are truly engaged, enthused, and educated will pass their knowledge and excitement onto their peers and families. This ripple effect will have a lasting impact on local communities, specifically regarding water conservation and pollution issues, ultimately making these communities healthier places to live, work, and play.
FODC staff members have unique education backgrounds and skills. They work to mix science with other subjects including art, social studies, and history. Many activities also incorporate math, problem-solving strategies, and public speaking. By mixing classroom lessons with field days and service projects, students learn the link between watershed health and healthy communities and see how they, as youth, can make a difference in their own backyard.
Ready to earn your creek legs? For additional environmental education support including activities, resources, safety policies, liability and photo release forms, and information on how you can incorporate watershed service-learning education into your classroom, summer program, club, or church group, please contact Jen Osha Buysse at
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, FODC’s Education Program Coordinator.
Community Workshops and Outreach
FODC participates in many local events offering outreach education to the watershed community. Staff also visits local adult groups and social clubs to spread the word about Deckers Creek and the positive changes we are working toward in the watershed. Every other month, FODC’s hosts a public outreach meeting on current topics of interest following its regular business meeting. Recent topics have included: the impact of local natural gas drilling on surface water and aquatic life, Morgantown Utility Board’s new sewage system plan, and a State of the Creek report.
In 2009, FODC hosted its first rain barrel workshop in partnership with the Morgantown Utility Board and Mon County Solid Waste. For information on rain barrel workshops and other adult workshops, contact FODC’s Executive Director, Liz Wiles, at
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.
tion to the watershed community. Staff also visits local adult groups and social clubs to spread the word about Deckers Creek and the positive changes we are working toward in the watershed. Every other month, FODC’s hosts a public outreach meeting on current topics of interest following its regular business meeting. Recent topics have included: the impact of local natural gas drilling on surface water and aquatic life, Morgantown Utility Board’s new sewage system plan, and a State of the Creek report.