EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Youth & Community Education Programs

Clinton County is proud to provide environmental education opportunities for the community. A range of topics are available, and activities can easily be tailored to meet requests. The cornerstone of the county's programming is developing “A Sense of Place” within the community – that is connecting residents, and especially youth, to their natural environment in a way that builds awareness and caring on a personal level. The great quote by Babia Dioum, a Senegalese Ecologist explains this well: “In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We only love what we understand. We only understand what we are taught.”

The county's programs are structured to leave attendees with specific actions they can take to foster environmental conservation through everyday activities. This may include taking simple steps to reduce waste, recycle, reuse items where possible, conserve energy, organize a local clean-up – just to name a few!

Program topics range from forensic science classes to learn about water pollution, composting yard waste in one's own backyard, using red worms to turn food waste into valuable soil fertilizer, conducting a nature study, how waste materials become new products through recycling, understanding what global warming is all about and how to calculate your own carbon footprint, and more!

K-12 school presentations are available for “Annie's Big Nature Lesson” camps, classrooms, homeschooling groups, team teaching settings with themed multiple subjects (language arts, social studies, science, math, art, theater, etc) or alternative settings.

Presentations are also available to community groups such as youth groups (Scouts, 4-H, FFA, student clubs), camps, parks & nature centers and adult community groups (clubs, organizations & senior centers or retiree organizations).

The possibilities are endless, and this fantastic resource is available to the public free of charge! Click here for a brochure. Presentations can be scheduled by calling Kathleen Donahue, the Environmental Education Coordinator at 989-224-5177 or by emailing her at donahuek@clinton-county.org .

America Recycles Day is celebrated each year around the country with special events held in the fall. A special event is being planned for Saturday, October 18th at the Bengel Wildlife Center in Bath . Activities include will feature a hands-on wildlife encounters program, an environmental puppet show, naturalist hike and a performance by the well-known naturalist and story-teller Wil Reding on Michigan mammals. Space is limited so early registration is suggested by calling 989-224-5186. For an event brochure, click here.