JUGHANDLE CREEK FARM'S ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

STEWARDSHIP/INCENTIVE GREENHOUSE PROJECT-1995-PRESENT

A collaborative effort between Jughandle Farm, State Parks, Americorps Watershed and Watershed Stewards Projects, landowners and community volunteers. Gives students and the community a role in the management of natural resources with hands-on stewardship and watershed education activities. Highlights of the project are students' involvement in the collection and propagation of native plants for restoration purposes as well as visits to local watersheds to learn about watershed wildlife, plants and soils. Project director and grant writer - Helene Chalfin.

SCHOOLS INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT INCLUDE:

Comptche Elementary School; Greenwood School, Mendocino Elementary School, Mendocino Middle School, Mendocino High School, Mendocino Academy High School; Redwood Elementary School, Dana Gray School, Noyo High School, Point Arena Elementary School, and Instilling Goodness School of Ukiah.

Supported by grants from: AT &T Corporation; Ca. Dept. of Parks and Recreation; State Department of Education License Plate Funds; Fish and Game Advisory Commission (3 years consecutively); Le Beau Fund of the Marin Community Foundation and Mendocino and Fort Bragg Unified School Districts. In-kind support provided by: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens; Ca. Dept. of Parks and Recreation; Ca. Dept. of Fish and Game; Americorps Watershed Stewards Project; Out of This World in Mendocino; California Native Plant Society and Ca. Institute of Man In Nature Board of Directors. Administered by Jughandle Creek Farm Project Manager.

FISHERIES AND WATERSHEDS EDUCATION PROJECT-BEG. JUNE 1999 - PRESENT

An expansion of the existing stewardship project to include student monitoring of watershed health by providing an education coordinator; bus transportation funding for five school districts and science supplies in a central repository for use by all participating schools. The goal of the project is to involve many more students in gathering data about targeted coastal watersheds. Information gathered will be shared with other schools, districts and communities as well as with agencies involved in watershed analysis. Targeted Watersheds: Noyo River, Big River, Little River, Albion River, Navarro River and Garcia River. Education coordinator and grant writer, Helene Chalfin. Supported by a grant from the State Department of Fish and Game, with in-kind support provided by county professionals involved in watershed analysis. Mendocino Water Agency, Coastal Land Trust, Ridge to River, Friends of Garcia, Fish and Game Advisory Commission, State Fish and Game Department, Hopland Field Station, County Office of Education and others are being consulted in the development of plans for student monitoring activities. Grant administered by local Department of Fish and Game.

SUMMER NATURE DAY CAMP-1981-PRESENT

Pam Huntley directs this wildly popular summer camp held at Jughandle campground from 4 to 6 weeks each year. Campers play games, look at tidepools, create totem spirit masks, hike the ecological staircase trail, camp out and participate in many other activities which explore the wondrous world of nature. Administered through the local Recreation and Parks District. Contact them at (707) 964-9446.

AFTER SCHOOL NATURE EDUCATION PROGRAM-1991-PRESENT

Helene Chalfin and Gwen Quigley lead nature exploration in a program held after school at Jughandle Creek Farm. Hikes, games, songs, stories, gardening and arts and crafts for young nature lovers. Administered through Jughandle Creek Farm.

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM AT JUGHANDLE - BEGINNING 1994

Students funded through the Mendocino Private Industry Council and their supervisors hired by Mendocino County Office of Education, visit Jughandle Farm for several weeks each summer and participate in gardening, native plant propagation, trail work and learning activities. Both summer youth employment and workability students have participated. Administered through Mendocino County Office of Education.