ALBANY, Calif. June 23, 2010. The city recreation programs of Arcata and Eureka are offering several week-long camps focused on natural resources themes such as wildlife, forestry, aquatics and fisheries, air and space, and renewable energy. Camp participants will explore their local environment, and learn about research and careers in natural resources. The camps are supported by a special program sponsored by the USDA Forest Service's Pacific Southwest (PSW) Research Station and contributions from community partners. Spaces are still available for most camps. To sign up for a camp in Arcata, contact the Arcata Parks and Recreation Department at (707) 822-7091; in Eureka, contact the Recreation Division at (707) 441-4224. The camps are for kids ages 6 to 14 and began in late June and end August 13.
The camps received a $30,000 grant from the USDA Forest Service's national More Kids in the Woods cost-share program which provides $500,000 nationwide per year to help connect kids to the natural world. The Forest Service selected 21 projects for funding from more than 130 high-quality agency proposals created to promote environmental stewardship through innovative, hands-on activities. Thousands of partners contribute time, energy, and resources to add $1.5 million in donations and in-kind services. Local partners include the Six Rivers National Forest, Humboldt State University, Green Diamond, the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center and several others. "It's great to bring together so many local experts in natural resources to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with the youth of Humboldt County," says lead grant coordinator and PSW Research Station wildlife biologist, Karen Pope.
"The Forest Service continues to be a leader in conservation education and recreation opportunities as it has been for more than a century," says Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA). "The national forests provide opportunities for urban and rural kids to develop healthier lifestyles and science-based learning experiences."
"If we are going to put an end to childhood obesity, we must promote healthy, active, lifestyles and encourage our kids to get off the couch and get outside," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack explains. "Our More Kids in the Woods challenge not only promotes physical activity, it fosters environmental awareness and stewardship among young people as we face critical environmental challenges, such as the effects of climate change. More Kids in the Woods helps kids make the connection among healthy forests, healthy communities, and their own healthy lifestyles."
To learn more about the Forest Service's More Kids in the Woods program, please visit http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/woods/.
The USDA Pacific Southwest Research Station is headquartered in Albany, California. The station develops and communicates science needed to sustain forest ecosystems and other benefits to society. It has laboratories and research centers in California, Hawaii, and the United States affiliated Pacific Islands. For more information visit http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/.