2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 9

Shelley Stanley, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Jefferson County, 15200 West Sixth Avenue, Suite C, Golden, CO 80401-5018; 303.271.6620; sstanley@co.jefferson.co.us

Jefferson County is one of the fastest growing counties in Colorado. Located in the Denver metro area, Jefferson County is geographically principally mountainous with only 20% of the land mass falling into the plains category. Population growth in both metro and mountain communities has exerted increasing pressures on the county?s water, soil, and wildlife resources.

Recent studies have confirmed pollution, bacteria and nutrients, in mountain communities using fractured rock aquifers. Jefferson and adjacent Gilpin and Clear Creek counties are the headwaters for several creeks that serve as municipal water supplies. Soil erosion has increased with new home construction, road expansion, and other growth related activities. Wildlife/human conflicts are becoming more frequent.

Educating children in stewardship of the land and its resources empowers them to act for the good of the environment. Jefferson County Cooperative Extension supports environmental education through its Eagle?s Nest/Owl?s Roost (ENOR) environmental day camp program.

Since its inception in 1974, more than 12,000 fourth and fifth grade students have spent a week learning about survival skills, animal habitats, tree and flower identification, geology, Colorado history, respect for the environment, teamwork, and more. Social themes related to the environmental theme of the day strengthen and reinforce the importance of individual choices and actions in preserving and protecting our natural resources.

To support science and social studies standards as identified by Jefferson County Public School District, master skills for continued learning, and promote and develop a sense of responsibility and respect towards our natural resources and fellow man.

Survey data indicate that the learning experience is extended to family members, anecdotal stories corroborate this, excellent student return rate (fourth grade Owl?s returning for fifth grade Eagle?s), parental satisfaction with programmatic quality and learning experience consistently in the 90+ percentile, program enrollment consistently at or near capacity, and winner of numerous national and local awards.