Youth Estuary Stewardship (YES) Project

Project Outline

Purpose :
To educate students about estuary ecosystems and rehabilitate areas of the Fraser River Estuary through coordinated youth stewardship activities.

Details of Project:
NWPS has worked on the rehabilitation of the Fraser River Estuary for a number of years and looks to continue our efforts into the future. We have produced and distributed a youth newsletter (CRITTERS) specifically on the topic of estuaries as well as produced an Estuary Stewardship Manual designed as a teaching aide for schools and volunteers in the community. The manual provides interesting facts about Estuaries and includes procedures for conducting plant surveys, wildlife surveys, water quality testing, woody debris removal, and many other stewardship activities.

Implementation Process:
With our Estuary Stewardship Manual, the NWPS education team will continue to provide activity-based educational series on estuaries. Schools are contacted for participation when funding is secured. Once a school is selected we coordinate with participating teachers the timing of presentations/field work. For details of time break down please view our YES Action Plan.

Project relevancy as it relates to Children or Youth:
In class and field work learning opportunities will be provided to school aged children to develop an awareness of wildlife and wildlife habitat. These opportunities do not normally exist in their current curriculum.

Project Relevancy within the Community:
Through participation in other projects related to estuaries, we have established solid relationships with a wide range of experts, community based organizations and volunteers who are prepared to endorse, support, and contribute to the success of this project. NWPS has had three successful years of working along the Fraser River Estuary and we feel it is exceedingly important to continue to monitor our past work and continue our stewardship efforts into the future.