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National partnership strengthens Minnesota DNR natural resource education programs (2005-02-15)

A newly formed partnership by Ducks Unlimited (DU) and the national Project Water Education for Teachers (WET) program will strengthen current wetland and water resource education programs offered by DU and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Approximately 400 new K-12 teachers are trained each year by DNR Project WET staff in water resources.

"Minnesota DU chapters and the DNR have already been working together to teach youth about the importance of wetlands, conservation and water resources in general," said April Rust, coordinator for the DNR?s Project WET program.

"The coming together of this partnership on the national level will only enhance what we?re trying to accomplish here."

Rust said the main benefits of the partnership are coordination of joint educational programs and events and better access to schools, organizations and communities.

Project WET and DU, through its Greenwings program, sponsor educational opportunities for teachers and kids by bringing the natural world into the classroom setting. Mark Pederson, past chair of Minnesota DU, said his organization relies on the expertise provided by the DNR?s Project WET staff to help educate DU members, especially the younger members.

"Many of our members are interested in teaching, but they don't have the technical skills that Project WET can provide," Pederson said. "Educating citizens is a long-term process and a critical component in improving our wetlands and water resources."

Teachers who sign up for the DNR's Project WET workshops are trained in water-resource education and provided resource materials to assist them in planning lessons and meeting graduation standards. The hands-on activities and interactive lessons, which vary by grade, are designed to help students develop a foundation for lifelong enjoyment and stewardship of the outdoors.

"Natural resources education partnerships and volunteers are very important," said DNR Commissioner Gene Merriam. "Together we can continue to foster a connection between our actions and the outdoors, not only for the hunters and anglers, but also everyone who enjoys the outdoors."

Minnesota DU chapters boast the second largest membership for the organization nationwide with more than 43,000 members. Project WET is entering its 10th year in Minnesota.

Natural resources stewardship education is one of the six performance areas of the DNR?s Strategic Conservation Agenda 2003-2007. DNR K-12 educational programs, including projects WET, WILD and Learning Tree, and the School Forest program, reach more than 74,000 youth each year.

 

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