Recognizing the incredible value of service-learning activities in environmental education, this year PRI has been actively expanding its audience to include high school, middle school and even elementary school children. Since 2005, we've been working on a project to integrate a service component into the curriculum of Canyonlands Field Institute, an educational onon-profit organization in Moab and long-time partner of PRI. Through this project, which has been supported by a grant tawarded to PRI from the EPA, we have engaged over 130 students and teachers enrolled in CFI programs. Participants have cut back tamarisk, removed cheat grass and other annual weeds, seeded treatment areas with native grasses and planted willows along Mary Jane Creek in Professor Valley. And the best part was that students said they had fun, even pulling cheat grass!
We also had eigth-graders from California Waldorf School, a class of fifth through seventh grade students associated with a program at University of Denver, and a group of Girl Scouts from Salt Lake City participating in projects. Students enthusiastically dug out tamarisk stumps in Arches National Park, removed diffuse knapweed in Castle Valley, cut out russian olive along the Colorado River and weeded at Ken's Lake BLM Recreation Area near Moab.
5/01/2007
Quotes From Our 2007 Alternative Break Season
Here are some quotes from our 2007 Alternative Break season:
Do you believe that the work you have provided has made a difference on the public and private conservation lands of the Canyonlands region?
"I believe that the work I did with the Tamerisk was very impactive for the future of that river and the wildlife around it. What REALLY helped me believe in my impact was the hike to the finished site where Tamerisk had been removed and Willow was growing. It gave me hope that the river I worked on would look as beautiful." - Amber, AB Participant from Sonoma State University
"Yes! Through just a few days of work, I feel like the results are apparent and important. Seeing recreationists on a stump-free beach after we cleared it gave me the feeling our work will be enjoyed" -Alida, AB Participant from Colorado State University
What was your most enjoyable aspect of this volunteer work experience?
"I loved planting native plants and removing invasives. This whole trip was amazing. I have always felt a responsibility to the earth and natural areas, but so often I don't know how to help and now not to harm. Having someone instruct and teach was amazing and I felt good about my contribution." -Rachel, AB Participant from Northwestern University
Do you believe that the work you have provided has made a difference on the public and private conservation lands of the Canyonlands region?
"I believe that the work I did with the Tamerisk was very impactive for the future of that river and the wildlife around it. What REALLY helped me believe in my impact was the hike to the finished site where Tamerisk had been removed and Willow was growing. It gave me hope that the river I worked on would look as beautiful." - Amber, AB Participant from Sonoma State University
"Yes! Through just a few days of work, I feel like the results are apparent and important. Seeing recreationists on a stump-free beach after we cleared it gave me the feeling our work will be enjoyed" -Alida, AB Participant from Colorado State University
What was your most enjoyable aspect of this volunteer work experience?
"I loved planting native plants and removing invasives. This whole trip was amazing. I have always felt a responsibility to the earth and natural areas, but so often I don't know how to help and now not to harm. Having someone instruct and teach was amazing and I felt good about my contribution." -Rachel, AB Participant from Northwestern University
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