We will be dividing our newsletter into the following sections: 1) News - success stories, noteworthy events, policy updates; 2) Resources - books, media, websites, contacts for various themes; 3) Calendar - a place for you to advertise and discuss upcoming events in your area; 4) Tidbits - interesting facts, hints and other exciting stuff. Your comments on this format would be appreciated. One last query, would it be beneficial to house this newsletter on a website? Thanks for your input.

Guest Editor
Darlyn D. Eddington

News
Forest Service Chief of Staff Encourages Recreation/Wildlife Partnerships
In a presentation at the 1997 National Recreation Resource Planning Conference in Salt Lake City, Francis Pandolfi, FS Chief of Staff, addressed the conference, emphasizing continued Forest Service commitment to Fish and Wildlife partnerships, especially including outside organizations such as Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

FNAWS Auction Figures-State Permits for Wildlife The 1997 Auction figures were quite impressive with a total of $993,500 for Bighorn Sheep and $45,650 combined for elk, moose and goat.

National River Cleanup Week
May 10-17, 1997 will mark the 6th anniversary of this very successful program sponsored by America Outdoors and supported by the Forest Service. Although the official cutoff date to sponsor a cleanup was april 1, Forest and districts can still participate. It is a great way to build public awareness of water resources on National Forests and Grasslands. Your can get more information from American Rivers (202)547-6900 or visit them on the internet: http://www.adventuresports.com/asap/ao/nrcw/natao10.htm. Russ LaFayette, National Riparian & Watershed Improvements Program, can fax you information. (202)205-1093.

Forest Service Diarama at Public Lands Information Center, Anchorage
Employees from the Seward Ranger District built a diarama that is housed at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center in Anchorage. It is designed to attract children and adults, taking a humorous approach to the importance of "Leaving no Trace". It compares a "good" campsite with a "bad" campsite in a typical outdoor setting on the Chugach National Forest. The bad campsite is complete with bears raiding food, live trees being chopped, litter, huge fires, etc.

Generations enjoy environmental interaction with their Forest
Twice a year for the last 26 years general biology students of American River College, Sacramento, CA and their professors, George Moore and Louis Heinrich, have visited the Eldorado National Forest to learn about ecosystem management. The Pacific Ranger District hosts this annual field trip that emphasizes the many uses of the Forest and the responsible management needed to ensure its sustainability. Annually since 1971, students have been offered the unique opportunity to walk in the woods with a "ranger" and discuss their interests and concerns about their National Forest.

Kids - They're for the Birds
As part of a cooperative program with the Nevada County Office of Education, The Sierra Foothills Audubon Society and the Tahoe National Forest, nearly 5000 children have shown their continuing enthusiasm for all things avian. During April (Audubon Month) and May (Migratory Bird Month) Audubon volunteers and Forest Service employees visit elementary classrooms to share slides, posters, specimens and join in games and songs about various birds. Kids flapped their "wings", made the sound of the killdeer, took an imaginary flight around their school, and told stories of their favorite birds. Through an NRCE grant, 6 mounted birds were purchased (with permits). The children cautiously touched a beak, leg, or feathered back. In 1997 actual bird walks are taking place and teachers are excited about Cornell's Project Feeder Watch.

Grand Opening - Columbia Gorge Discovery Center/Wasco County Historical Museum
The May 24, 1997 grand opening of this site in Dalles, Oregon, culminates extensive Forest Service involvement and leadership in partnership with major contributors ($14,000,000 or 2/3 of the project cost) to fulfill a mandate of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act. Through careful planning and creative marketing, this world class facility will not be an ongoing cost to the federal government.

Jack Ward Thomas - Public Land Advocacy Continues
He may have retired as Chief, but Jack Ward Thomas is still in the public eye supporting retention of Public Lands under federal management. A few quotes from a recent published paper reflects his deepest feelings, "..the issue of [public land] ownership transcends arguments over 'efficiency' of management, purposes of management or the agency of management. Those matters can and will be debated over and over. But such debates will persist only so long as the lands in question remain the public's land". "...the lands of all the people". "Our land is all the land that most Americans of modest or lesser means will ever own outside of our house lots. That land is simply too precious to be a bargaining chip in one expeditious deal after another." "Such lands, owned by all the people, are rare in the world and destined to become ever more rare and infinitely more valuable as human populations, gross national products and land values soar". "...as part owner of the public's lands, I do not consider any part of my heritage available for devolution...speaking for my grown sons [and] ...grandchildren, we will oppose any loss, any diminution, any giveaway and any sale of our birthright in the public's lands".

Artist * Forest * Community
Last summer Helena National Forest, in partnership with the Holter Museum of Art, became the natural setting and inspiration for new music, paintings and writings when the Artist in Residence Program was initiated. The program provides professional artists with opportunities to experience the Forest in an intimate, personal way through one week residencies in remote Forest Service cabins. The products developed are then shared with outlying rural areas through a wide variety of visual, performing and literary presentations, workshops, exhibits and publications. The Artist in Residence program links community and Forest and provides an opportunity to highlight the history of the area and the cabins

The Helena National Forest and the Holter Museum have experienced increased interest and new audiences for the work produced. 1996 proved such a success that outside funding is being sought to expand the program. For more information contact Amy Teegarden:R01F12A.

Kids in Creeks
This popular, successful program in the San Francisco Bay area has spawned $45,000 in contributions from the Contra Costa Clean Water Program and the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program. These funds were distributed to teachers to conduct projects which educate, inform, and inspire people to protect and enhance urban creeks by preventing pollutants from entering creeks and the San Francisco Bay. Successful projects include:
1) A Learning Adventure on Tice Creek , in which kindergarten though third grade students monitored water quality in Tice Creek and studied the flora and fauna of the creek to produce a plant guide. The students conducted an in-depth study of bats, creating a field guide to the bats of Tice Creek.
2) Sausal Creek Clean Up and Public Awareness Campaign , in which over 200 students from five schools in Oakland participated in creek clean ups, storm drain stenciling, created fliers and booklets to inform the public about the creek s history and effects of urban runoff pollution, developed and distributed door hangers in seven languages that urged residents to protect the creek.
3) Creeks in the Classroom , in which a kindergarten class documented on video the construction of a self-contained ecosystem in their classroom as an educational tool.
4) The Harwood Creek Interpretive Project , in which an entire school student body participated in the removal of exotic vegetation and planted and cared for native riparian plants, designed a nature walk, created a field guide, gave native plant tours of the site and held an Open Creek Day for the public to tour the restoration project.
5) Classroom by the Creek , in which students of Oxford School conducted Codornices Creek clean ups, creek tours, and formed discussion groups with students form another school to discuss creek clean up. Kindergarten through third grade classes shared their knowledge through a mural of the Codornices Creek and a wonderful field guide written and illustrated by the students.

You can purchase the Field Guide to Bats of Tice Creek or Cordornices Creek: A Children s Guide to its Plants and Animals, by sending $3.00 (includes s&h) per copy to Kids in Creeks, San Francisco Estuary Institute, 1325 South 46th Street, Richmond, CA 94804.

Resources
The following is a simple outline for organizing an Environmental Education Day program:

1. Program Organization
   1. Contacts
      1. Invitation Letter to schools via superintendent of County or District Schools
      2. Calls to teachers for class size information and pre-program meeting, if needed
      3. Contact state Game and Fish Dept Education Specialist for donation of materials (i.e. for Fishing Day - fishing rods, reels and any written materials available)
      4. Contact national program (i.e. National Fishing Week) to request current catalog (catalog items are given to students and teachers (i.e. pencils, sunglasses, etc.)
      5. Contact presenters from FS, BLM, State Game and Fish, and local organizations (i.e. Trout Unlimited or AFS) to determine availability to participate in current year's event.
      6. Contact local media to publicize the event.
      7. Contact businesses/organizations for contributions (i.e. for Fishing Day: Fly shops, sports shops, etc,)
   2. Presentations
      1. Interactive program on subject
      2. Interactive program on management (i.e. sampling, water quality, measurements)
      3. Interactive program on values of restoration, preservation or maintenance
      4. Interactive program on low impact camping
      5. Interactive program on supplemental hobby or concern (i.e.Fishing-knot tying, casting)
      6. Interactive program on plant identification in area (native and exotic)
2. Program Implementation
   1. Program Date: Determine through contacts and management or use national set aside date
   2. Alternate Site: in case of inclement weather have an inside location that can handle the stations (i.e. a school auditorium)
   3. Primary Location: Get all needed endorsements and permission
   4. Program time line:
      1. Start time: Coordinate with teachers as to when students can be on site
      2. Presentations: approximately 20-25 minutes each
      3. Lunch: Where, what, when
      4. Draw Names for prizes and hand out student packets
      5. End time: Coordinate with teachers to meet need to return to schools for daily dismissal

Note: It helps to have in-house help to organize a program. Someone to write grant proposals for funds to help buy prizes and educational materials, and/or to find contributors.

For background information and analysis of studies made on environmental communication, you might want to get a copy of Environmental Communication: Messages, Media and Methods, by Lea J. Parker. Part one discusses environmental issues, problems and messages that need to be imparted to the public; part 2 discusses communication channels and how they have been and may be used. Chapter 14 is based on research of the author on several environmental case studies and the media portrayal of them. A copy can be obtained from Kendall Hunt Publishing Co., 4050 Westmark Drive, P.O. Box 1840, Dubuque, IA 52004-1840. (319) 589-1000. Lea Parker can be reached by email: Lea.parker@nau.edu

USDA Design Center
New and improved, the center is available to work with Forest Service personnel in meeting communication goals. They cost effectively provide consultation, planning and design service for exhibits, print, and electronic media. They can assist the on-site team or collaboratively manage the total project. The Nebraska National Forest and Kaibab National Forest are using the center to create exhibits for visitor centers. For information contact Steve Ferretti, 202/690-0852 or email: steve.ferretti@usda.gov

CD Rom/Video Programs
Rainforests: Zooguides is an easy to use CD rom multimedia reference that explores the ecology, peoples, animals, plants and resource of rainforests worldwide. It covers the causes and effects of rainforest destruction and investigates why these regions should be saved. The program includes over 400 photographs, 60 minutes of video clips and full color maps. Cost is $59.95.

Encyclopedia of Endangered Species is a comprehensive CD rom reference guide to more than 700 species legally classified as endangered or threatened in the United States. It features illustrated reports, text, and locator maps on each species, including their legal status, origin and population. Over 3,500 color photos illustrate the reports. Cost is $49.95

Endangered is a 30 minute video, produced by the National Wildlife Federation, which provides an introduction to the reasons thousands of species in the United States are endangered, the importance of protecting nature is diversity, and how the Endangered Species Act works. An action guide is also included. Cost is $29.95

These materials can be purchased from The Video Project, 200 Estates Drive, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. (800) 4-PLANET. For further information contact Jeff Waldon, Dept of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Tech, 205B Washington St., Blacksburg, VA 24060. (540)231-7348 or contact their website: http://www.fw.vt.edu/fishex/

"Alaska's Rim of Fire and Ice" and "Alaska's Inside Passage", CD roms produced by the Cordillera Group, a company producing a series of National Park CD ROM's, has included coverage of National Forests. For more information on the Group and the project, contact Kristi Kantola:R10A.

Signs, Exhibits, Printed Materials
Chugach Design Center, a part of the Sister Forest Program, housed in the Chugach NF Supervisor's Office, has gained much popularity over its eight year history. It is currently subsidized by the Forest, but is working on becoming partially self sufficient. The quality of work is the highest, they are in big demand in Alaska and are looking to expand their clientele. For FS projects, they charge hours worked and a small overhead; they are quite a bargain. They design exhibits, anything in print (including silk screening) on almost any material, including publications, signs and even T-shirts. They sub-contract to state of the art private firms in Anchorage when needed. A couple examples of recent projects include: Smokey Bear T-shirts for a rural community fire prevention outreach program; public mural in Anchorage, National NRCE annual report. For more information contact Dave Allen:R10F04A (907)271-2505.

Touch Screen Technology
Earlier this year a request went out for information on existing touch screen programs and how they are working out. From the comments received the following are some of those suggestions and contacts where appropriate:

1. Think through exactly what you want the user to walk away with: what is the message; what is the purpose (an introduction, overview, or in depth information).
2. Consider what will be housed on the system, who will maintain and be responsible for needed updates, how often will the information you provide need updating? Involve your IC personnel early in the process.
3. Visit as many sites in operation as possible, talk to those who design, maintain and operate the systems.
4. Monitoring of systems in use showed that the most return for the money were systems that were simple, short and to the point. The more graphics, pictures and maps and limited text to tell your story, the better. Save detailed information for other media, referenced on the screen (i.e. brochures, trail maps, etc.) More people were exposed to the process and more people were satisfied with the product.
5. The most cost effective systems were considered those that opted for high quality and limited quantity of information.
6. Many options exist, one of the most mentioned as effective was foreign language software. Other uses for the systems included, conducting surveys, designing signs and ROG sheets, and internet interface,
7. Some sources for further information (all have systems):
   • State of West Virginia 1-800-CALL-WVA ask for Visitor Center Admin.
   • Elaine Langstaff:R02F15D08A (870)625-2371
   • Don Fox, Yosemite NP (209)372-0290 or (209)379-1068
   • Minnesota Office of Tourism, Dick Haskett (800)657-3636
   • Mike Rhodes:R06f12a (508)750-7205 (Mike has built several systems)
   • Joel Strong:R02f02A (307)672-0751
   • Keith Thurlkill:R01A
   • Phil Smith:R08F06a and Mike Miller:R08F06A (Louisiana experience)
   • Kurt Schindler, Manistee Co Planner, Michigan (616)723-6041
   • Wes Massey:R03F07A Grand Canyon Gateway-high use-foreign language
   • Clair Brown:R02F15A (970)945-3343 further uses (design signs, etc.)
   • Roberta Paterson:R02F22A (541)386-2333 cost effectiveness
   • Steve Ferretti, USDA Design Center (202)690-0852 state of art, cost effective hardware
   • Teri Cleeland:R03F07A (520)635-2676
   • Joe Hunkins, Oregon Visitors Assoc., (541)535-7640 - hardware & software

Education Centers
This may be repeated information for some of you, but it merited repeating. This is a list of contacts who have experience in educational centers using partnerships and special use permits.

• Bob London:R05F12A (909)337-2444, Children's Forest Association manage an Information Center - environmental education & visitor services
• Becky Smith:R01F10D08A (406)8622508, Ski Resort EE Center, 40,000 annual use *Ray Johns:R08F11A (704)257-4859 EE Center on NF land permitted to the state, involves $10M improvement on 400 acres, partnership w/N.Carolina Arboretum.
• Fred Bell:r05F08A (916)934-3316 EE Center at Lake Red Bluff, partnership
• Fred Kacprzynski:R09F22A, Visitor Center, Use Permit/partnership
• Frank Mosbacher:R05F03A, Sly Park EE Cntr, partner County Schools
• John Hojnowski:R09F04D03A, EE Cntr, special use permit
• Kristine Komar:R05F12A (909)884-6643 x.3121 Interpretive Programs
• Kyle Noble:R06F09D01A (360)877-5254 EE Ctr, partnership w/non-profit
• Terry Ellis:R05F01D51a EE camps run by school districts
• Al McPherson:R08F08A (540)265-5100 Wildlife Hospital/EE Center, housed off Forest, partnership with Virginia Wildlife Center
• Jack DeGolia:R01F02A (406)683-3984 EE Center, partnership w/university
• Jeff Herrett:R09F06D02A (715)479-2827. EE Center within city limits
• Sarah Fisher:R08F08A, EE Center, partnership VA Dept. of Corrections

As you can see, there is a wide spectrum of partnerships and of further interest was how some existing facilities were utilized. An old Job Corps site was very successfully converted to an EE Center, ski resort areas, campgrounds, visitor centers, nurseries, work centers, and permitted buildings on FS land that have been abandoned have also been converted. Perhaps this is a welcome alternative to new construction which is quite restricted under FSM 2340.3 Policy.

Celebrating Wildflowers
The official Celebrating Wildflowers Week is May 18-24, 1997. Coincidentally, National Grasslands Week was recently set up and during the same week. This is a real opportunity for Grassland employees to utilize Celebrating Wildflowers as a way to celebrate our National Grasslands. New national Celebrating Wildflowers brochure and the Celebrating Wildflowers &Calendar of Events& are now out for your use. The Wildflower Flowers hotline is running through August this year. Please give your Regional CW Coordinator of what's blooming in your neck of the woods (or grass).

Birds of a Feather
As we near International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) May 10th, these sources may be of some help:

IMBD materials are now available. Eye catching artwork of Keith Hanson is displayed on posters, T-shirts and more. They offer organizer packets, educator packets, pins, patches stickers, etc. Ask for IMBD Representative at (703)358-2318 or email: IMBD@FWS.GOV

For the Birds video program teaches basic bird biology and conservation. Although this video was produced for Latin America, it is a viable source for stimulating thinking and awareness of neotropical migratory bird conservation issues and culture. It is available in Spanish and English. Order from William Burkett or Laurel Reuben, Natural History Education, 207 NE First Street, Enterprise, OR 97828. Ph/FAX: (541)426-4151 or email: lreuben@eoni.com. Cost per video $22.00 plus #3.00 postage and handling. Gail Tunberg:R03F10A uses this video in their new Public Lands Information Center. It has received rave(n) reviews! People are flocking to see it!!!

Aquatic Wonderlands
National Fishing Week and other aquatic celebrations are just around the corner (June 2-8). The following are sources that may help you give your presentations a new lift.

Books, Pamphlets, Programs
1) The Stream Scene: Watersheds, Wildlife and People , a publication of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, PO Box 59, Portland OR 97207, second edition was published in 1992, cost approximately $15, is an aquatic education publication for teaching about aquatic macro invertebrates, salmonid histories and riparian areas.

2) Fishing and Our Environment: Fun and Facts, Anglers for Clean Water publication #5158-23 can be purchased from ACW, Inc. P.O. Box 17141, Montgomery, AL 36141-0533. It was a collaborative effort of BASS, FS, FWS, BLM, BOR, COE and several others.

3) Fish Friends, published by Atlantic Salmon Federation is a watershed based curriculum supplement for Grades 4-6. Available from Les Dominy, ASF, Box 429, St. Andres, NB EOG 2XO.

4) Adopt-a-Salmon-Family, a program initiated by USFWS contains curriculum for grades 5-8, focusing on watershed protection in general and habitat needs of salmon in particular. Contact Matt Poole, USFWS, 151 Broad St. Nashua, NH 03060 (603)598-3493

5) WOW!: The Wonder of Wetlands, developed by Environmental Concern, Inc. and supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Federation and Chesapeake Bay Trust contains great materials for wetlands education. Call (410)745-9620 for more information. Also contains extensive bibliography of other educational sources.

6) Tennessee s Watchable Wildlife, a K-12 curriculum designed to support the Tennessee Wildlife Viewing Guide, has a 55 page section of 10 activities on aquatic creatures ranging from insects to freshwater mussels to fish. It also includes activities to support choices and decision making, sustainable development, management practices that work, etc. Three ring binder format; cost approximately $15. Contact Dr. Mary Ball, Box 72044, Carson-Newman College, Jefferson City, TN 37760. (423)471-3254

7) Water Wonders, discusses value of water and amounts needed for many different uses (i.e. washing machines). Cost $1 per copy (s&h). Contact National Rural Water Association, P.O. Box 1428, Duncan, OK 73534 (405)252-0629.

The following private organizations, government agencies, on-line services provide assistance, resources and direction for watershed and water quality programs for schools and communities:

Displays & Games

Interpretive Signs
These resources are not only good for aquatics, but are food for thought on any kind of interpretive sign.

1. Wilderness Graphics, Tallahassee, FL have reasonably priced fiberglass signs.
2. The following interactive display was used during Fishing Week, but is applicable to any event:
   6'x4' painted plywood mounted on tripod at child eye level. Felt was used to make sky, clouds, mountains, trees, streams, lake, meadow, etc. Velcro backed pieces of trash (gum and candy wrappers, wadded paper, small plastic bottles and soda cans) were stuck on all areas of the scene. Children were asked to draw a picture of animal, bird or fish on a 4"x4" piece of paper, attach a piece of two sided tape and exchange it for a piece of trash on the board. The trash went into a recycle bin (small boxes labeled: aluminum, paper, or plastic.)
3. A sign in a fishing area for children interprets fish habitat and fishing tips by making visual comparison to things the children could relate to. For more information contact, Martha Moran, Estes Poudre RD, Fort Collins, CO.
4. Popular signing that seems to answer questions that the general public have includes:
   1. historical background on the native fish of the area
   2. historical background on the invasive fish and how they have affected native species
   3. illustrated discussion of fish life cycle (emphasis on what the viewer can expect to see)
   4. fish behaviors and their contribution to the ecosystem
   5. predator/prey (food chain) information
   6. how changes in ecosystem affect fish (particularly human element)
   7. keep it short, accurate and interesting.
5. GPO is a good source for signs. An example: Watercolor signs were laser xeroxed and encapsulated with UV plastic. There was very little distortion in printing. Contact Wayne Branum:DCRE (R06F01D02A) (541)433-3229 for more information.

• Steve Lanigan, Gifford Pinchot NF, 6926 E. 4th Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98668-8944 (206)750-5109.
• Don Virgovic, PNW R.O., 333 SW First Ave., Portland, OR 97204 (503)326-4091
• Mike Riele, Sisters RD, Deschutes NF, PO Box 249, Sisters, OR 97759 (503)549-2111

Animal Havens
Here are some exciting programs you may find useful.
1) The Bobwhite Brigade is a boot camp for high school youth in Texas that emphasizes quail ecology, conservation and leadership development.

The curriculum is rigorous, fast-paced, hands-on and multi-disciplinary; days are long (minimum 18 hours) and expectations are high. Upon graduation, cadets are expected to return the investment in them by conducting a minimum of 3 educational programs over the next year. Last year, the top 6 cadets conducted 210 programs among them. Cadets from a previous year are invited to assist in the current year s program. For more information check out the website: http://texnat.tamu.edu/specpgms/bwbrigad/bwbmain.htm

Websites Galore
1) http://ice.ucdavis.edu/Toads/herp.htmlToads/wwrog.html Focuses on amphibian conservation in California and includes the following: a) a multimedia tour of selected California species; b) bibliographies an short papers on various threats to amphibian survival; c) a table of listing status for frogs; d) a sampling techniques and identification guide bibliography, e) an expert contact list; f) a table of education source materials and g) links to related sites. Amy Lind:S27L01a was instrumental in developing this site and would love to hear your comments.
2) http://www.2nature.org This Second Nature website lists a bibliography and professors working on environmental communication.

Calendar
Grand Opening
May 24, 1997 the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Wasco County Historical Museum will open in The Dalles, Oregon. The public Grand Opening ceremony will be from 12 noon to 2:00pm. The governors of Washington and Oregon, current congressional representatives and former Senator, Mike Hatfield are on the agenda. The Chief has been invited. There is an open invitation to all who can attend.

Heritage Expeditions in the Northwest
The Pacific Northwest Region is hosting two heritage expeditions this summer as part of the Fee Demo program. Both involve participants learning about American Indian pictographs and assisting the forest hosts with site stewardship/rehabilitation efforts on these fragile sites. A Whitewater Adventure: The Wild and Scenic Snake River Corridor is an opportunity to explore the mysteries of ancient rock art along with the thrill of a whitewater adventure in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, July 26-30. Cave Rock Art: Ancient Painters of the North Umpqua provides in-depth study into exciting rock art found in two caves in the Umpqua Basin. Both expeditions are led by rock art experts. Contact: Jim Keyser 503/326-3644

Resort Naturalist Training
The Superior and Chippewa National Forests are sponsoring a "Resort Naturalist Training" session at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota, June 4-6. Naturalists, youth leaders, and camp personnel will learn how to develop informative and educational interpretive programs in a variety of styles. Contact: Carrie Anderson:R09F09D07a (218) 663-7280

Tidbits
Help Wanted
The following are requests for information or resources. If you can be of help, please respond directly to the person making the request to Lori D. Neely email: dsturgis@voyager.net
Michigan United Conservation Club is looking for a way to measure the impact of educating Michigan school children and residents through their conservation education programs and publications. They want to report educational impact in a similar way the Forest Service reports in-kind services. Any ideas or addresses of other organizations doing similar reporting would be greatly appreciated.

Luigi Lou Torretti email: torretti@inforamp.net
An archery club has extended its program of teaching archery to children to include some primitive hunting weapons. The program is proving a great success and they want to expand the children's program into education on identifying and using edible plants. They have several questions:

1. What activities and how much time for each have you found successful?
2. Is splitting into small groups and teaching different skills a good idea?
3. Do you find spending a few hours a week or a concentrated 2-3 day exposure best?
4. What about waiver and insurance concern?

The Earth in a Village
If we could shrink the Earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people,with all existing human ratios remaining the same it would look like this: 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 West Hemisphere, 8 Africans; 51 would be female, 49 male; 70 would be non-white , 30 white ; 30 would be Christian, 70 non-Christian; 50% of the world's wealth would be in the hands of 6 people (all U.S. citizens); 80 would live in substandard housing; 70 would be illiterate; 50 would suffer from malnutrition; 1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth; 1 would have a college education; no one would own a computer.

When we consider our world from such an incredible compressed perspective, the need for both tolerance and understanding becomes glaringly apparent.

**Please submit bits of news to Kimberly Anderson:R02A for "storage" for our next newsletter!! Rich Calnan:W01C, Kimberly Anderson:R02A, and Pam Godsey:W01C want to hear from you. Please send them your thoughts!

"Learning Link" is a cooperative venture and partnership between Interpretive Services, NatureWatch, and Natural Resource Conservation Education.