How many times have we heard the words "We must save the environment for future generations"? How many times have we said these same words ourselves? Is this not one of the rallying cries of the environmental movement? Isn't it true that people care most about those things that they realize directly affects them? Isn't it true that if you invest part of yourself in a project, that you will take better care of it, than if someone does it FOR you?

Isn't it true that people care most about those things that they realize directly affects them? Isn't it true that if you invest part of yourself in a project, that you will take better care of it, than if someone does it FOR you? What will happen to this planet when the present generation of adults is gone, if the next generation doesn't have an understanding of, and feel ownership towards, the natural world in which they live? How can a viable environment be part of this earth's future, if the present generation of children do not become part of the solution?

Nowhere is it more apparent than in this most urban area in which we live , that most of the children we meet are being shortchanged when it comes to environmental education!! How can they become part of the solution, if they have little or no concept of their personal impact on nature, and their very important role in shaping the future of the earth?
While field trips to the Refuge can definitely enhance a student's environmental learning experience, it has been shown time and again, that one day "in the field" is not going to make a life long advocate for a livable environment. This is where the EARTH STEWARDS program can come into play!!

The EARTH STEWARDS program is unique to wildlife refuges, is designed around a year long interdisciplinary curriculum, and stresses decision making skills and hands on application, as they relate to environmental issues. The program involves several field trips to the refuge throughout the year, and culminates in a service project, planned with the children, which puts into practice the concepts that the children have studied throughout the year.

The John Heinz Refuge has been sponsoring the EARTH STEWARDS program for selected area schools, all in the City of Philadelphia, for over three years, and has seen the program expand in these schools to the saturation point in terms of available resources to administer it. Although there is a pressing need to expand the program into Delaware County Schools, this cannot be done without more help.

This then is an appeal to Friends and other volunteers who have the time and inclination to try their hand at "changing the future" of this planet. If you like being outdoors, if you would like to help children "tune in" to the natural world, if you would like to share your love of nature, then this exciting and successful program may be just what you are looking for!!

As a volunteer you will have several program options amongst which to choose, ranging from assisting teachers occasionally in classrooms, to reading stories to students, or perhaps you might help out with field trips, or help plan and execute related environmental action service projects.
Maybe you prefer to work behind the scenes to make things happen. If so, you might like to help raise grant funding for EARTH STEWARDS projects. School budgets often don't provide sufficient funding for extended projects such as this. It is possible that for a school teacher, the decision on whether or not to participate in Earth Stewards can come down to a question of finding sufficient funding for materials, books, and professional development courses.

If you have the time, and you are interested in helping out, please let us know. Complete the form shown below, and return it to the address listed. The courses listed will provide interested volunteers with the basic knowledge needed to become involved, and are free!!

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