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Resource Problem: <br /> Education and Outreach <br /> Goal: Educate urban and rural residents on all of the identified concems in the Finley Creek watershed. <br /> Action: Coordinate workshops and presentations to groups, educators, and residents. <br /> Findings: <br /> A community's connection with their watershed has an effect on how natural resources are managed and <br /> what land use decisions are made. A stronger connection or concem for a hea.lthy watershed will result in I <br /> better decision-making choices for the watershed and its natural resources. �I <br /> A reconnection between the public and government and their watershed can be achieved through outreach <br /> and education. Activities that encourage watershed awareness or the implementation of this plan will <br /> ultimately benefit the watershed and a11 who live, work, and play in it. <br /> Recommendations: <br /> Initiate Group Activities <br /> Picnics,tours,and other social activities a11ow the Planning Committee to interact and share experiences <br /> and lrnowledge with watershed residents. Utilize workshops to bring together residerrts and educate them <br /> on a number of resource concern topics. These activities spread awareness and build support for the <br /> Planning Committee's efforts. The Soil and Water Conservation District and NRCS can work closely <br /> with communities to plan tours and implement educational workshops. <br /> Sponsor Workdays <br /> Creek cleanups and prairie restoration are some of the most common ways to get watershed citizens <br /> actively engaged. Garden groups, boys and girl scouts, Mt. Zion Recreation Commission, school clubs <br /> such as FFA, and other groups are a source of workers to plant prairie plugs or remove invasive species. <br /> Support Volunteers <br /> Promote and support volunteers with the NRCS Earth Tea.m, Illinois Department of Natural Resources' <br /> RiverWatch and UrbanWatch programs,and the Illinois Envirothon Program for 9�'- 12�'grade students. <br /> These programs help interested individuals become actively involved in their watersheds a.nd the <br /> environment. <br /> Initiate a"Know Your Watershed" Week <br /> During one week, sponsor tours,picnics, educational workshops, workdays, fun run/walks, and awards <br /> ceremonies to dedicated landowners, businesses, government and citizens. Sponsor a drawing, <br /> photography or other contest for local school children and either conduct the contest or award contestants <br /> during the Watershed Week. <br /> Identify Educational Resources <br /> Develop a list of educational materials available from organizations like the Conservation Inforn�ation <br /> Technology Center, the Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Cooperative Extension, and <br /> various non-profit groups. Locally the Macon County Soil and Water Conservation District and NRCS <br /> have many educational materials available for the public. Share the list with educators in the watershed. <br /> Work with partners to develop a comprehensive educational presentation that can be used by teachers and <br /> others to inform a.nd educate. <br /> OS/31/02 10 <br />