WSU 4-H Eco-Stewardship Program
Receives National Award
They tag salmon, track mule deer, and build needed trails. Those activities and a host of other environmental projects are helping teens in North Central Washington make a difference in their lives, their community, and giving them fresh opportunities for their future.
The WSU 4-H Eco-Stewardship program, facing elimination due to budget cuts, was recently honored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A ten-thousand dollar award, along with additional state money, will allow the program to continue for a short time while other funding is sought.
“This program changed my life,” said Briana Head, 19, of Cashmere who restored trails and worked at two fish hatcheries. “It offered me a chance to learn new things, and opened the doors of opportunity and careers by meeting adults who are already in their field and by them helping me stay in school.”
Now in its eighth year, the 4-H Eco-Stewardship Program has served over 18,000 teens from Chelan and Douglas counties. Youth participating in high school and summer programs assist with Chinook and Coho salmon spawning activities, monitor water quality and quantity in regional streams and rivers, and work with re-vegetation efforts to reduce erosion and improve fish spawning habitat.
“The 4-H Eco-Stewardship Program has a unique impact on young people,” said WSU Chelan County Extension Director Ray Faini. “Youth work with forestry and wildlife experts to insure their efforts are accurate, reflect critical thinking skills, and implementation. Teens stay in school and move into college or careers and have better chances for meaningful employment.”
The award recognizes outstanding 4-H program development, implementation, and evaluation in wildlife conservation and environmental education. Over thirty local, state, and federal agencies partner with the program providing guidance and direction in projects including restoration and maintenance of wilderness lakes, streams 
and trail systems. Recycling programs in their schools reduce the carbon footprint and impacts on landfills.
“The youth in our program know they are making a significant difference in their community and the local environment,” said Kevin Powers, Director of the WSU 4-H Eco-Stewardship Program. “The program is tailored to the 4-H model. Our students keep journals, do presentations, and go in the field sharing their learning and knowledge with others.”
The Connecting Youth with Nature Through Natural Resources Conservation Education Award honors one program a year, and only the top 4-H programs in the nation, called “Programs of Distinction,” qualify. The award is a partnership between 4-H National Headquarters, Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Fish and Wildlife Service.
For more information on the WSU 4-H Eco Stewardship program: http://www.ncw.wsu.edu/4h/ecostewardship.html
Posted February 2010
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