ENTER AGENDA SECTION HERE- Shari Kunza, Recreation Manager
Title
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Background
Staff has been further defining environmental education programs for the City’s open spaces while working with Growing Green Hearts, Wargo Nature Center, and other potential partners.
Our environmental education program will begin in May with American Wetlands Month. Events this month will include the following:
• An interactive display at City Hall focusing on wetlands. Displays will be provided by the Anoka Conservation District and the Rice Creek Watershed District
• Staff will purchase a professionally printed banner supporting AWM
• An event at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary with Growing Green Hearts
• Educational social media posts regarding the benefits of wetlands and value of the resource in Blaine
• Resources promoting families to explore the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary on their own
• A table at World Fest on May 19 (in need of NRCB members to volunteer at this event)
• Promotion of future environmental education programs
Our environmental education program will continue throughout the remainder of the year with the following:
• Three additional events provided by Growing Green Hearts (dates will be set by February)
• Constructing photo poles along the board walk for park users to take photos throughout the seasons and upload to the City’s website
• Launching the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary web page
• Contracting with Wargo Nature Center to bring their programs to the BWS and Blaine City Hall
• Purchasing field notebooks and other useful items to give to the public to promote the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary and environmental education
• Creating tool kits to donate to Anoka County libraries with field guides, binoculars, and magnifying glasses
• Promoting “No Child Left Inside Day” on October 10 with daily tips and family challenges.