R2008-87 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT - Laserfiche WebLink

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Resource Problem: Education and Outreach Goal: Educate urban and rural residents on all of the identified concerns in the Big and Long Creek watershed. Action: Coordinate workshops and presentations to groups, educators, and residents. Findings: A community's connection with their watershed has an effect on how natural resources are managed and what land use decisions are made. A stronger connection or concern for a healthy watershed will result in better decision-making choices for the watershed and its natural resources. A reconnection between the public and government and their watershed can be achieved through outreach and education.Activities that encourage watershed awareness or the implementation of this plan will ultimately benefit the watershed and all who live, work, and play in it. Recommendations: Initiate Group Activities Picnics,tours, and other social activities allow the Planning Committee to interact and share experiences and knowledge with watershed residents. Utilize workshops to bring together residents and educate them on a number of resource concern topics. These activities spread awareness and build support for the Planning Committee's efforts. The Soil and Water Conservation District and NRCS can work closely � with communities to plan tours and implement educational workshops. Sponsor Workdays Creek cleanups and prairie restoration are some of the most common ways to get watershed citizens actively engaged. Garden groups,boys and girl scouts, Mt. Zion Recreation Commission, school clubs such as FFA, and other groups are a source of workers to plant prairie plugs or remove invasive species. Support Volunteers Promote and support volunteers with the NRCS Earth Team, Illinois Department of Natural Resources' RiverWatch and UrbanWatch programs, and the Illinois Envirothon Program for 9`�'— 12`h grade students. These programs help interested individuals become actively involved in their watersheds and the environment. Initiate a"Know Your Watershed"Week During one week, sponsor tours, picnics, educational workshops,workdays, fun run/walks, and awards ceremonies to dedicated landowners,businesses, government and citizens. Sponsor a drawing, photography or other contest for local school children and either conduct the contest ar award contestants during the Watershed Week. Identify Educational Resources Develop a list of educational materials available from organizations like the Conservation Information Technology Center,the Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Watershed Institute,Macon County Conservation District, and various non-profit groups. Locally the Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District and NRCS have many educational materials available for the public. Share the list with educators in the watershed. Work with partners to develop a comprehensive educational presentation that can be used by teachers and others to inform and � educate. 11