Service Learning - Colorado Division of Wildlife

Youth conservation corps are the nation’s "conservation army". They are “earn and learn” programs for young people, ages 14-25, that complete critical land, water, and energy conservation work projects while helping them to be job-ready and achieve higher levels of education. Corps conservation projects include, trail construction and maintenance, residential water and energy conservation, weed, beetle kill, and fire mitigation, wildlife habitat restoration, and playground improvements. Youth corps training incorporates project-specific environmental education, job-readiness training, team building, life skills, and other basic education while building on the ethics of personal responsibility and civic pride.

To learn more, or to find a local youth corps conservation program, contact the Colorado Youth Corps Association, 303/863-0600.

River Watch
Colorado Watershed Assembly

(Training opportunity announced! Read page 5 of the new Colorado Connections newsletter to find out how to get involved.)

The logo of the River Watch Program. River Watch is a statewide volunteer water quality-monitoring program operated by the Colorado Watershed Assembly in cooperation with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Our mission is to work with voluntary stewards to monitor water quality and other indicators of watershed health and utilize this high quality data to educate citizens and inform decision makers about the condition of Colorado’s waters.

River Watch Volunteers come in all shapes in sizes: School groups participate in our program to provide in-depth education and experience in real life science that extends beyond the classroom. Conservation groups and community organizations concerned with water quality issues in their areas participate to learn more about the watershed health in their region.

Find out more! Contact River Watch Program Coordinator Curtis Hartenstine at 303/291-7439. Visit the River Watch Web site, too. Become involved!

Herpetofaunal Atlas
Observe, Collect Data, Report

Collecting samples for inventorying as part of the Herpetofaunal Atlas Project.

The distribution, abundance, and population trends of many herpetofaunal (salamander, frog, toad, turtle, lizard, snake) species in Colorado are poorly known. Collecting data to determine trends will help determine if there is cause for alarm over 'herps'. Students can help provide valuable information, and contribute to our knowledge about Colorado's herps.

The Herpetofaunal Atlas page will explain how to involve your students—or the entire school—in this important effort.

Schoolyard Habitat Grants
Student-led and Student-oriented

Tired of being cooped up in the classroom all day? Want to do something fun, as well as educational, with your students, something with lasting benefit? Are you interested in butterfly gardens, outdoor classrooms/learning centers, wild bird habitat projects, wildlife studies, or native grasses?

Apply for a habitat grant of up to $1000! Learn more about the program on the Schoolyard Habitat Grant page.

Last Updated: 8/3/2009