2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 4

Martha C. Monroe and Janice O. Easton, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110410, Gainesville, FL 32611-0410; 352.846.0878; and Elaine Andrews, mcmo@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu, University of Wisconsin-Extension, Environmental Resources Center, Agriculture Hall, Room 216, 1450 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1562

Give Forests a Hand: A Guide to Youth Community Service Projects focuses on trees, forests, and ecosystems. Since trees grow in cities, small woodlots, plantations, natural forests, and wilderness areas, trees of some type are accessible to youth in all areas of the nation. It is important that young people throughout the United States learn more about the importance of trees and forests as the conflict between ecosystem services and wood products is increasingly evident around the nation. A significant section of the Guide is devoted to urban forests and the development questions that arise at the margin, as these are the resources most accessible to the majority of the population. Give Forests a Hand (GFH) blends the energy of youth with the need to improve the environment and social fabric of communities. Service learning projects engage students in critical reflection and problem-solving skills by connecting education to the real world. Involvement in these projects also stimulates students? interest and hopefully long-term involvement in the communities in which they live.

Extension agents will be able to access GFH materials directly from the internet or attend regional teach-the-trainer workshops, to be held next year. A separate leader guide will increase leader effectiveness in this action-oriented style of project. The Guides were modified from the successful Give Water a Hand (http://www.uwex.edu/erc/index.html) developed at the University of Wisconsin. A National Advisory Committee made up of public and private forest managers and educators, who have expertise in community service projects and forest education, reviewed the content of the guides, made refinements, and provided local case studies and regional examples. Trained leaders will hold workshops for local youth leaders and educators who wish to engage youth in forest service learning projects. Where possible, training workshops will be held in conjunction with the nationally known companion project, Give Water a Hand.

Multiple evaluation strategies will be used to determine the level of success in implementing the project goals and activities. Agents and educators will be asked to assess the relevance and usability of the materials. Evaluation of the materials will include focus group interviews with select youth to assess their knowledge of local forest issues and their confidence and skill in environmental problem solving. A summative evaluation will be addressed through the analysis of pre/post surveys of participating youth. Surveys will assess change in knowledge, attitudes, and skill. Interviews with community leaders on the program success and on their growth and experience with service learning projects will also be conducted.