4-H National Headquarters and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Honor Louisiana Youth Wetlands Education and Outreach 4-H Program

The 4-H National Headquarters and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
presented the 2011 Connecting Youth with Nature through Natural Resources
Conservation Education Award to the Louisiana State University AgCenter’s
4-H Youth Wetlands Program at the 76th North American Wildlife and Natural
Resources Conference being held in Missouri.

The 4-H Youth Wetlands Program has approximately 85,000 students enrolled
in their educational and outreach program in Louisiana. By developing and
distributing wetland education curriculum and teaching materials at no
cost to participating educators, this program strives to implement
wetlands education in the classroom as well as in the field. Students
learn about water quality, invasive species, biodiversity, recreation,
adaptations, wetland lost, and many more pressing wetland topics. Youth
are empowered to contribute ideas and make decisions that will aid in the
recovery of Louisiana’s deteriorating coastline. Since January 2010, youth
participants have installed approximately 50,000 wetland plants across
Louisiana to combat wetland loss.

“The Service is proud to recognize the efforts of the 4-H Youth Wetlands
Education and Outreach Program with the 2011 Connecting Youth with Nature
Award. The program provides an opportunity for Louisiana’s youth to get
outdoors and contribute to projects benefiting fish and wildlife habitats
while gaining exposure to career choices in natural resources management,”
said Jay Slack, Director of the Service’s National Conservation Training
Center.

4-H National Headquarters recently recognized the 4-H Youth Wetlands
Program as a Program of Distinction, which is required for consideration
for this annual interagency conservation award. Programs of Distinction
reflect the highest quality 4-H youth development programs found in
communities across the United States.

The award program was initiated in 1980 to recognize 4-H volunteer leaders
from across the country who assist youth in learning about wildlife and
fisheries conservation and management. The Wildlife Management Institute,
the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Boone and Crockett
Club also support the award program.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others
to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats
for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader
and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our
scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources,
dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more
information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit
www.fws.gov.






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