Speaking of Contests…

So we have announced the winners of both of our Go Green Youth Challenge contests for 2013 and you’re bummed because you just found out about them and would have entered, except you missed the deadline.  Never fear, there are more contests where that one came from…just not hosted by us (at least not until next year).  Here are a few that might hold you over until next spring, when the Go Green Youth Challenge returns.  These are all youth contests with various age ranges that focus on an environmental/outdoor message.  I will be on the lookout for more throughout the spring and summer.  And of course, if you find any neat ones you would like to pass along, be sure to put a link to them in a comment on this post.

Jamestown Audubon Society’s Nature Photography Contest – Deadline June 30, 2013

• Age groups (aka Divisions):  ages 8-18 and adult, open to entrants worldwide
• Categories:  landscapes, plants or wildlife
• May submit as many photos as you like in any or all of the above categories
• $10 entry fee/photo
• Prizes:  1 cash prize of $100, $50 gift certificate for photo processing
• Click here for Official Rules

National Association of Conservation Districts Poster Contest - Deadline October 8, 2013 for local contests

• Contest Theme:  ”Where Does Your Water Shed?”
• Open to K-12 public, private and home school students across the U.S.
• Entries are submitted to local contests first, then winners move on to the National Competition, click here to find your Conservation District
• All entries must be created by only one student (no team efforts)
• Prizes:  National prizes are sponsored by NACD and include $100 for first place and $75 for second place for each age category; local prizes vary
• For more information click here

Ranger Rick “Your Best Shots” Photo Contest – ongoing contest, no deadline

• Open to any child 13 or under
• Limit of 3 entries per person per month
• Entries can be any nature shot; must be original, must be yours
• No entry fee, but you have to submit online
• Winners get their photo published in Ranger Rick magazine
• Click here for Official Rules

Congratulations to the Winners of the Go Green Youth Challenge!

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance is proud to announce the winners of this year’s Go Green Youth Challenge!  This year’s program featured two very different components, but had one unified message – celebrating the benefits of trees.

The original Go Green Youth Challenge was a fundraising contest.  Teams collected money in any way they could think of in order to raise funds to plant trees in Michigan.  This year, through school participation and sponsorships, this program raised over $16,824 to fund tree plantings.

Congratulations to the Grand Prize winner of the Go Green Youth Challenge fundraiser – the Smith Middle School Ecology Club from Troy.  Together they raised $250!

The 2013 Challenge was different because the program also included a Creative Writing Contest.  Students K-12 were invited to submit a short piece of writing expressing what trees meant to them.  We had a total of 479 contest entries from across the state!  Congratulations to the top entries and Thank You to everyone who participated.

Grand Prize Winner – Nathaniel C. from Bloomfield Twp.

K-4th

First – Mattye T. from Beverly Hills

Second – Anna R. from Northville

Third – Sophia W. from Beverly Hills

5th-8th

First – Julianna K. from Oakland

Second – Jessica R. from Perry

Third – Kayla D. from St. Johns

9th-12th

First – Jordon M. from Brooklyn

Second – Ellen Z. from Troy

Third – Zach C. from Northville

We hope you enjoyed this year’s contest.  Be on the lookout next spring for another chance to participate!

Thank You for making Michigan greener

Celebrate Arbor Day this Friday!

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

 

Contact Information:                                               Phone:  (517) 543-5848 x 5

Jennifer Hunnell                                                                Email:  miarborday@gmail.com

Michigan Arbor Day Alliance                  Website:   http://www.miarbordayalliance.com

551 Courthouse Dr., Ste. 3 Charlotte, MI 48813                               Sent:   4-23-13

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On or after 4-22-13

Celebrate Arbor Day Every Day

 

MICHIGAN –The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance (MADA) encourages you to join us in celebrating Arbor Day this year.  On Friday, April 26, 2013 MADA will be hosting the 20^th State Arbor Day Celebration for over 1,100 second and third grade mid-Michigan students at Potter Park in Lansing.  Volunteers from several organizations will spend the day teaching students about water, wildlife, soil, and of course, trees.

“Planting a tree is a simple way to make a lasting impression.  The benefits from that single tree will be felt for generations,” says MADA Program Coordinator Jennifer Hunnell and encourages you to celebrate Arbor Day in your own way.  You could plant a tree, volunteer, recycle, use reusable grocery bags, read a nature-themed book to a classroom, visit a local park, or organize a community beautification project or clean-up effort.  Several Michigan communities are also hosting their own Arbor Day Celebrations.  Find an event in your area on our website, www.miarbordayalliance.com and check out the Community Calendar.

The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872.  J. Sterling Morton, a pioneer and journalist championed the idea of a “tree planting” holiday in the Nebraska Territory.  In 1885, the Michigan Legislature resolved “that the Governor is hereby requested to call the attention of the people of the state to the importance of planting trees for ornament and by naming a day upon which the work shall be given special attention to be known as Arbor Day.” Each year the Governor and Michigan Legislature proclaim the last week in April as Arbor Week and Arbor Day as the last Friday of that week.

 

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance is a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Arbor Day throughout Michigan.  The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance is a program of the Eaton Conservation District in Charlotte, MI and is made possible through a partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

New Grand Prize for Creative Writing Contest!

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

 

 

Contact Information:                                                                                              

Jennifer Hunnell

Michigan Arbor Day Alliance

551 Courthouse Dr., Ste. 3 Charlotte, MI 48813

Phone:  (517) 543-5848 x 5

Email:  miarborday@gmail.com

Website:   http://www.miarbordayalliance.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On or after 2-19-13

 

New Grand Prize for Creative Writing Contest

 

CHARLOTTE, MI – The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance (MADA) has announced today that they will be adding a new prize to their Go Green Youth Challenge Creative Writing Contest.  In addition to the first, second and third prizes for each age category, there will also be one overall Grand Prize of a Samsung Galaxy Tablet.

The Creative Writing Contest is open to all Michigan K-12^th grade students.  Public, private, charter and homeschooled students are all eligible to participate.  The writing contest will have an environmental theme each year, this year’s theme being “What Do Trees Mean to You?”  Students can submit any type of creative writing (i.e. essay, short story, poem, etc.) fewer than 300 words, and remember originality and imagination count!

This contest runs alongside the Go Green Youth Challenge fundraising program, where students raise money to plant trees across Michigan.  Both contests have a deadline of April 1, 2013.  For full program rules and details, please visit www.miarbordayalliance.com and look under the Go Green Youth Challenge and Creative Writing Contest tabs.

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance’s Go Green Youth Challenge engages Michigan youth in environmental stewardship, community development and service-learning through a statewide effort to plant trees in Michigan.

MADA is a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Arbor Day throughout Michigan.  Our dedication comes from our belief in the importance of trees and their role in community health and well-being.  Since 1993, MADA has provided educational programs and services to Michigan communities.

This is the 20^th Anniversary of the MADA program.  We encourage you to celebrate with us and Go Green in 2013!

 

MADA is a program of the Eaton Conservation District

What Is ‘Good’ Habitat?

The term habitat gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean?  And what qualifies as “good habitat” versus “bad habitat?”

First, habitat is defined as:  The area or natural environment in which an organism or population normally lives.  A habitat is made up of non-living components such as soil, moisture, temperature and availability of light; as well as living components like food availability and presence of predators.

What makes one habitat more suitable than another depends on what the goals are for that habitat.  Economic targets (like in commercial forestry), preferred species for viewing or hunting, managing for threatened or endangered species, etc. will all have different traits deemed beneficial to the habitat.  In short, it depends a lot on what the individual managing the area ultimately wants.

The following article was written by Bill Cook, a Michigan State University Extension Forester.  More of his articles can be found on this page hosted by the Michigan Society of American Foresters.

 

What Is Good Habitat?

The term “wildlife habitat” conjures-up different meanings for different people.  Some of these meanings contradict each other.  Management practices that “improve” habitat will benefit some species but will also discriminate against others.

It’s usually a bit misleading to hear people mention that a management practice is “good” for wildlife, even though the notion has a warm fuzzy feeling.  Such statements offer an opportunity for education, or at least clarification.  Any practice is both good and bad, depending upon which species of wildlife are considered.  What people probably mean is that a management practice might be good for their favorite species.  Often, they don’t or aren’t aware of other species’ habitat needs.

Habitat, in an ecological sense, incorporates physical characteristics in the landscape within which a particular species can find basic life cycle requirements such as food, water, and cover (e.g. shelter, nesting, etc.).  There about as many sets of requirements as there are species.  Species can be animal or plant or other living organism.

Alternatively, when one gazes upon a forest or wetland, there is a sense of habitat quality that loosely incorporates the numerous physical characteristics of that particular landscape, or ownership.  One can imagine how well those characteristics might suit their particular favorite species.

If the habitat appears to satisfy the needs of those favorite species, the gazer deems the habitat “good”.  If the gazer discerns something lacking, then perhaps the habitat will be perceived as “bad”.  Humans tend to qualify the goodness of something by using personal preferences.  Sometimes, those preferences are even rooted in science-based knowledge.

Confusion can easily erupt with the complexity of species requirements and human perception.

In a certain sense, there is no such thing as “bad” habitat.  As an extreme example, even a parking lot has some attributes favorable for some species.  Take for instance; if you’re a gull, that parking lot has plenty of tidbits to glean from trash that have been left behind by unthinking shoppers.  If gulls were the only species of interest, might parking lots be considered critical habitat?

Ecologically, each vegetation type has a range of natural attributes.  A type with a full set of attributes would be considered high quality habitat.  A habitat progressively loses functionality with the absence or reduction of each natural attribute.  For example, a northern hardwood forest might be missing den trees, standing snags, or large dead trees on the ground.  That forest doesn’t possess the full range of attributes; therefore, it is not as high quality, in an ecological sense, as a similar forest that does have the full range.  However, it is still a bountiful resource.

Of course, management can alter the characteristics of a particular vegetation type or can create an altogether different type.  Management can restore lost habitat components.  A similar dynamic occurs with long-neglected forests.

The goals of a forest owner may not include all the natural attributes of a forest type.  Continuing with the northern hardwood example, an owner may wish to manage for maximum tree quality and monetary value.  In the process, those den trees, standing snags, and large dead-and-down trees may not have much importance to the owner.  The forest continues to possess most habitat attributes but the loss of some ecological richness will reduce the potential for wildlife species dependent upon den trees, snags, and old logs.  In this way, an owner may unintentionally lessen the aesthetic appeal of their woodland.

Similarly, folks will often evaluate habitat through the lens of a favorite wildlife species, such as white-tailed deer.  “Good” habitat is often gauged by seeing lots of deer.  “Bad” habitat doesn’t have many deer.  The habitat may have huge missing pieces and may not be sustainable, nevertheless it will be deemed good if deer can be easily seen while hunting.  Habitat quality extends beyond the last half of November.

Conversely, good deer habitat, from an ecological perspective, will likely be more diverse and may have more deer than what can be easily seen, even when a fair-sized deer population exists.  To the casual observer, if they ain’t easy to see it ain’t good.  Good deer habitat will provide enough cover so that deer aren’t so easily seen.

This same “lens viewing” idea might be applied to many other species and situations.  Endangered species management, such has Kirtland’s warbler, results in a more narrow-focused habitat perspective due to federal and state laws.  In some cases, this practice may be warranted and will yield net benefits over time and space.

The manner in which we manage, or don’t manage, forest habitats and larger landscapes often has more to do with what we want to see, what we think we see, and less about measures ecological function.  Sometimes, conflicts arise between forest users with different viewpoints.  Occasionally, those conflicts carry considerable political charge and significant economic consequence.

In the end, it might be helpful to remember that all habitat has value and all habitat will naturally change with time, assuming it’s not replaced by some other land use.  Obtaining professional wildlife management advice will help owners better understand some of the complexity and, hopefully, lead to more satisfying ownership benefits.

Make Your Go Green Youth Challenge Collection a Success!

We want your Go Green Youth Challenge to be a success.  The greatest tip we can offer is don’t be afraid to customize your fundraising campaign.  Think of ways your community likes to get involved in projects and incorporate that into your efforts.  We have come up with tips we think will help you run a successful campaign.

• Talk about why trees are important.  Ask yourself, friends, parents, teachers and anyone else you can think of the following questions: Why do we need trees?  What do trees provide for humans? Do trees provide different services for wildlife, insects, birds, etc?  Explore the world-wide web for information about trees. Or click here for information about trees.
• Challenge yourself to set a goal.  You will have more success if your goal is realistic and achievable.
• Brainstorm who you can team up with.  Perhaps your classroom, school, youth group, business, friends and family, etc.
• Spread the word.  Let people know about your efforts to raise money for trees. You can send letters, put up flyers, call people, email, whatever it takes to get the word out.
• Think about how you can raise money – get Creative!  Ask friends and family for donations. Hold a garage or bake sale.  Collect pop cans from neighbors.  Power off electronics at home and donate the money saved.
• Talk about where in your community trees are needed…….schools, neighborhoods, parks, etc.
• Contact a local professional to learn about trees in your area.  Your local city or town might even have an urban forester on staff.
• Get excited and motivated!  Decorate a collection jar, make a banner or anything else you can think of to kick off your campaign.

Hopefully, these tips will get you started and thinking of ways to run a successful Go Green Youth Challenge.  The sky is the limit.  All it takes is a little creativity and you will be on your way.  Don’t forget we want to hear how you did.  Send your photos, drawings, or letters to gogreenyouthchallenge@gmail.com.

** Modified and Re-posted from January 11, 2011 **

Environmental Adventures with the Whobuddies!

Every child likes cartoons right?  Well how about a cartoon that also teaches them something?  That seems to be the thought behind the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Conservation Service‘s Whobuddies Adventures series.

So who are the Whobuddies?

Bubo, Otus, Tyto, Strix, Ninox and Asio are cartoon owls who really care about the environment.  Each owl specializes in one particular natural resource and are bestowed with all the knowledge about that resource.  And if you know your Latin, you may notice that each owl’s name comes from the genus of that particular owl.  As their mild-mannered selves, they enjoy teaching others about the importance of conserving and protecting our precious natural resources.  But when they are needed, they become their super-powered alter egos, taking on abilities specific to their assigned resource and jumping into action to get conservation efforts off the ground.

There are all kinds of resources available on the NRCS website, including activity sheets, discussion questions, a downloadable poster, two comic book stories and even narrated video versions of their comic adventures.

So if you’re looking for a different approach to teaching children about natural resource conservation, check out the Whobuddies.  I’m sure they’d be happy to help.

*Character Descriptions

Bubo is a strong, powerful owl who really “digs” the soil. His main emphasis is to teach how soil conservation practices help in preventing soil erosion. Bubo relies on his awesome strength and power to move anything in his way. He is as powerful as a bulldozer and he doesn’t like it when soil is treated like dirt!

Otus really knows how to have fun in the water. He also deeply appreciates clean water. He likes to teach others how to conserve this precious resource. Otus can remarkably turn himself into a liquid form which has its advantages. He can maneuver himself in and around any obstacle.

Strix is a funloving and playful owl who’s heart goes out to all animals. He teaches the importance of having an abundance of wildlife habitat. Strix has the ability to communicate with all animals, and the animals all love his childlike play. They would do anything for their dear friend.

Ninox specializes in science. He enjoys using his skills and intelligence in showing others how we all depend on plants every day. Ninox has a special talent with the elements of science. His customized formulas can animate any plant species.

Tyto can be a little flighty at times, but he is all business when it comes to air quality. He gives the importance of clean air his fullest attention. Not only can Tyto cause himself to float, but he has the incredible ability to cause other objects to become lighter than air, too.
Asio is a real dynamo who gets things done. She is very energetic in teaching others about the necessity of energy conservation and efficiency. Asio is lightening fast. Her super quickness is a huge benefit in helping her complete any difficult task.

*Whobuddies created by NRCS District Conservationist Brad Harrison. Art by RODGON.

Contact:
Laura Crowell, State Public Affairs Specialist, NRCS
Phone: 515-284-4262

The Go Green Youth Challenge Begins Again!

PRESS RELEASE

Contact Information:

Jennifer Hunnell
Michigan Arbor Day Alliance
551 Courthouse Dr., Ste. 3 Charlotte, MI 48813

 

 Phone:  (517) 543-5848 ext.5

Website: www.miarbordayalliance.com

Email: miarborday@gmail.com

 

Sent: 12-17-12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On or after 12-17-12

Writing Contest Added to Go Green Youth Challenge

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance’s Go Green Youth Challenge engages Michigan youth in environmental stewardship, community development and service-learning through a statewide effort to plant trees in Michigan. Children, pre-K through 12th grade, are challenged to collect coins, as an individual, classroom or club. All money collected directly funds community tree plantings across Michigan. Next year, the Go Green Youth Challenge runs from January 14 until April 1, 2013.

New to the program is our Creative Writing Contest. This contest runs alongside the youth coin collection. All K-12 students are eligible to submit a creative writing piece of any type and tell us “What Do Trees Mean To You?” Prizes are available to students for both the fundraiser and the writing contest. You can even win trees for your community or school. Program details and rules can be found on our website at www.miarbordayalliance.com/creative-writing-contest.

Since the beginning of the program, Michigan’s youth have helped plant over 600 trees in 12 different communities across our beautiful state! We invite you to join the cause and Go Green in 2013!

The 2012 Go Green Youth Challenge raised a total of $15,470 for tree planting in Michigan. We would like to thank everyone who participated including our sponsors:  ITC, Lansing Board of Water and Light, Glenn Buege Chevrolet of Eaton Rapids, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Eaton Conservation District and Michigan State University Federal Credit Union.

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance (MADA) is a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Arbor Day throughout Michigan. Our dedication comes from our belief in the importance of trees and their role in community health and well-being. Since 1993, MADA has provided educational programs and services to Michigan communities.

 

MADA is a program of the Eaton Conservation District.

– END –

Using Tech to Connect Students & the Environment Online Contest

Here is a great, and easy, way to get some new technology for your classroom.

If the link in the post above doesn’t work, here is the direct link to NEEF’s Facebook page where you can find the video.  The deadline to post a comment is December 14, 2012 so act fast if you want to take advantage of this opportunity!

 

MSU Program Teaches Youth Land Use Issues and Community Responsibility

Junior Citizen Planner curriculum teaches community land use issues to youth in fun ways

There are a multitude of reasons for educators to use fun, hands-on MSU Extension Junior Citizen Planner curriculum to teach youth about land use issues within their communities.

 

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Judy Ratkos, Michigan State University Extension

 

Michigan State University Extension’s Junior Citizen Planner program strives to develop responsible and involved citizens by educating youth through fun, hands-on learning activities within their communities on land use issues. The 33 lessons in the Junior Citizen Planner curriculum make it easy for kids to visualize the impact of development. Lessons are divided into five subject areas:

• Community and civics indoor activities
• Geography indoor activities
• Environment and land use indoor activities
• Outdoor community service activities
• Technology enhancement activities

Each lesson plan includes an overview, objectives, subject, skills to be gained, activity duration, background information, materials needed and step-by-step instructions with:

• Fun and creative teaching strategies and learning meth­ods, including experiential and hands-on components
• Information on the pertinent Michigan curriculum standards – content and skills that are included in the Common Core State Standards which Michigan adopted in 2010 and is transitioning toward
• Unbiased background information presenting all sides of controversial land use issues in a fair and honest manner
• A  design that builds knowledge and skills for inquiry, investigation, analysis, decision-making and action
• Evaluation strategies directed toward a variety of learning styles that assess student learning
• Adaptation ideas and technology extensions on activities to further student understanding and investigation
• Potential to spark ideas for projects that can be displayed at fairs or community events
• Additional data, facts, resources and reference material

The lessons are age-appropriate and really help youth appreciate the need to be thoughtful about land development issues. One activity, A Slice of Planet Earth, uses apple slices and fractions to create awareness of the very small amount of useable land we have proportionately to the whole planet. The debriefing discussion gives kids a chance to process and apply what they’ve learned to their local community.

The Michigan Map Road Trip activity is a great way for youth to really learn how to read a map and everything on it. It’s a fun activity because it is hands-on and like a game. Adults will likely learn some new things right along with the kids. Land Uses – There Are So Many is also often deemed a favorite. It teaches zoning in fun and meaningful ways that youth can understand.

Junior Citizen Planner is just one of many 4-H environmental and outdoor education programs that help young people develop a sense of stewardship toward our natural resources.

Related MSU Extension articles and resources:

• “Junior Citizen Planner program provides youth lessons in community, environment and civics”
• Michigan Citizen Planner
• Junior Citizen Planner

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visithttp://www.msue.msu.edu. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).