Get Out. Go Wild. Change the Future.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ChugachChildForest
The Children’s Forest is symbolic and substantive, hopeful and hands-on. It is an organizing force for existing programs that get kids outside, and the source of new programs and strategies that engage our next generation of leaders in fostering healthy, sustainable communities and forests by:
Improving the long-term physical and mental health of children and adults through the many preventative benefits of a connection to the outdoors, recreation opportunities, and a more active lifestyle.
Expanding educational opportunities by engaging students in real-world science, technology, and media.
Engaging youth and connecting the American public to the global and personal implications of climate change through direct involvement in research, monitoring, service and dialogue.
Revitalizing the role of forests as hubs of economic and career opportunities, by connecting youth to meaningful work and mentorship opportunities.
Breaking down physical, social, economic, cultural and regulatory barriers to stewardship and enjoyment of public lands.
Increasing the public’s awareness of the values and benefits of national forests and their connectivity with other public lands.
The Children’s Forest recognizes the overlap in the challenges faced by forests, communities, and children, and operates across conventional boundaries and jurisdictions to identify and build a ladder of meaningful opportunities for youth and their families to get outdoors and back onto America’s public lands. In the process, it creates an identity for forests and provides a pathway for Americans of all ages to rediscover their forests and for forests to reconnect with communities.
First Season Successes to be celebrated this September 25th at the official Children’s Forest Launch:
Supporting and partnering with our public land partner, Anchorage Parks & Recreation, to grow and mentor Youth Employment in Parks – one of the first stair-steps to the Chugach Children’s Forest!
The first annual Children’s Forest Science & Media Expedition in Prince William Sound.
Coming in FY10: 4 NEW Climate Expeditions across the Chugach National Forest!
The first Chugach Conservation Corps. working to propose a Youth Managed Section on the Chugach National Forest.
Youth leadership and media development for the Chugach National Forest’s virtual visitor center – Sound Stories - for Prince William Sound.
Coming in FY10/FY11: “Trail to Every Classroom” teacher and youth education and training tied to the Iditarod National Historic Trail.
Countless other community stewardship projects and partner programs!
Partners:
Alaska Geographic
National Geographic
National Wildlife Federation
Choose Outdoors
Alaska Teen Media Institute
Anchorage, Cordova, and Chugach School Districts
Anchorage Parks & Recreation/Anchorage Parks Foundation
University of Alaska
Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council
Prince William Sound Science Center
HomeBase After and Summer School Program
