LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND 

Girl Scouts of the USA and 

 Federal Natural Resource Agencies 

Partnering to Protect the Earth 

Resource Guide 

Spring 2007 

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 Resource Guide, Semi-Revised Spring 2007 
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 Resource Guide, Semi-Revised Spring 2007 
Chair, National Board of Directors 

Patricia Diaz Dennis

Chief Executive Officer 

Kathy Cloninger 

Vice President, Program Collaborations and Initiatives 

Harriet S. Mosatche, Ph.D. 

Director, Program Initiatives 

Verna Simpkins 

Authors 

Jodi Stewart Schwarzer, Anne Fege, Karen Brown 

Editors 

Janet Lombardi, Laura Tuchman 

Photography 

Anne Fege, cover photo 

Karen Brown, page 46 

Contributors 

Chuck Bartlebaugh, Center for Wildlife Information; Kim Benson, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration; Jennifer Black, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation; Michelle Cangelosi, Take Pride in 

America; Carolyn Cohen, Bureau of Land Management; Sue Cummings, U.S. Forest Service; Ora Dixon, 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Linda Green and Paul Reich, Natural Resources Conservation Service; Dr. 

Deborah Hyde, Girl Scouts of Big Sky Council; Andrea Keller-Helsel, National Parks Conservation 

Association; Ben Lawhon, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics; Patty Scott, Environmental 

Protection Agency; Minerva Woodard, National Park Service.

GSUSA thanks the Herford N. Elliott Trust for generously funding the Elliott Wildlife Values Project and 

supporting the Linking Girls to the Land partnership. We would also like to thank all the Linking Girls to the 

Land partners, including federal and state natural resource agency staff and organizations that donate their 

time and in-kind services to Girl Scouts around the country. A special thanks to the U.S. Forest Service, 

Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for funding the Linking Girls to the 

Land Council Grant program. 

This resource guide is updated periodically and distributed electronically to agency partners and Girl Scout 

volunteers and councils. It may be downloaded, printed, or copied in its entirety for use with Girl Scouts. 

Inquiries and suggestions related to the Linking Girls to the Land Resource Guide should be directed to: 

Manager, Linking Girls to the Land, Elliott Wildlife Values Project, 420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 

10018-2798; 800-223-0624; Linkinggirls@girlscouts.org; www.girlscouts.org, www.epa.gov/linkinggirls. 

© 2003, 2006 by Girl Scouts of the United States of America 

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CONTENTS 

I. Introduction........................................................................................................................................................7 

II. Benefits of Working with Natural Resource Agencies.................................................................................9 

III. Getting Started .................................................................................................................................................11 

IV. History of Linking Girls to the Land................................................................................................................13 

V. Federal Natural Resource Agency Partners .................................................................................................14 

 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) .................................................................................................14 

 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).........................................................................................15 

 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).......................................................20 

 National Park Service (NPS)................................................................................................................22 

 National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)..........................................................................26 

 Take Pride in America ..........................................................................................................................29 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) ............................................................................................30 

 U.S. Forest Service (USFS....................................................................................................................32 

 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)...........................................................................................................34 

VI. Additional Partners..........................................................................................................................................35 

 Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship Campaign........................................................................35 

 Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics .....................................................................................36 

 National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF)....................................38 

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation..............................................................................................38 

 National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)..........................................................................39 

 

VII. Grant Opportunities and Trainings ....................................................................................................41 

 Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants.............................................................................................41 

 Developing Projects Without Grant Funding...................................................................................43 

 The Nature of Learning Program and Grants........................................................................................46 

 Leave No Trace Scholarships, Trainings, and Materials..................................................................48 

VIII. Girl Scout Patch Projects ............................................................................................................................52 

 Get with the Land Patch ......................................................................................................................52 

 Water Drop Patch Project....................................................................................................................54 

IX. Travel Opportunities: STUDIO 2B destinationssm ......................................................................................................................................................56 

 Natural Resource and Science-Based STUDIO 2B destinations.......................................................56 

 Wyoming’s Wildlife Wonders (formerly Natural Science in the Tetons)......................................58 

X. National Environmental Events....................................................................................................................60 

 National Trails Day (NTD)..................................................................................................................60 

 National Public Lands Day (NPLD) ..................................................................................................61 

 World Water Monitoring Day .............................................................................................................63 

 2008 Environmental Events Calendar ...............................................................................................66 
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XI. Appendix...........................................................................................................................................................71 

 About Girl Scouts of the USA ............................................................................................................73 

Girl Scout Membership and Organization .........................................................................................74 

Girl Scout Program Age Levels ...........................................................................................................74 

Elliott Wildlife Values Project (EWVP)..............................................................................................76 

 Girl Scout Program Resources ............................................................................................................80 

 Linking Girls to the Land Resources ......................................................................................................86 
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I. Introduction 

Linking Girls to the Land (LGTTL) is an interagency partnership between Girl Scouts of the USA’s Elliott 

Wildlife Values Project and federal natural resource agencies, initiatives, and partner organizations. LGTTL

serves as a pathway for the Girl Scout program model, which supports girls’ leadership development and 

personal growth. Through LGTTL and this unique Girl Scout leadership model, girls discover, lead, and take 

action. As the result of cooperative and experiential learning, girls acquire skills that build courage, confidence, 

and character, inspiring them to become environmentally responsible and make the world a better place. 

The partnership: 

• Works toward the vision that every girl have an opportunity to participate in conservation and 

outdoor programs through partnerships between Girl Scouts and federal* agency representatives on 

national and local levels. 

• Offers joint conservation and outdoor programs to nearly four million girl and adult members 

nationwide. Focuses on environmental education, outdoor recreation skills, volunteer service 

opportunities, and career awareness. 

• Recognizes the Girl Scout handbooks and earned age-level awards, which already include extensive 

outdoor program and environmental education, emphasis on volunteer service, and Girl Scout 

troops and groups serving communities near and distant from public lands. 

• Started in 1995 with five federal natural resource agencies: 

 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS) 

 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 

 U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 

 U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 

 U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service 

• Has since expanded to include the following: 

Federal Natural Resource Agencies 

 U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA) 

 U.S. Department of Interior, Take Pride in America (TPIA) 

 U.S. Department of Interior, United States Geological Survey (USGS) 

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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Additional Partners 

 Center for Wildlife Stewardship, Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship 

Campaign 

 Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics 

 National Environmental Education Foundation, National Public Lands Day 

(NEEF) 

 National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) 

 National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) 

*When no federal agency personnel are available, Girl Scouts are encouraged to work with state agencies. Many Girl Scout 

troops, groups, and councils also collaborate with county, city, and other local natural resource agencies to offer conservation 

and outdoor programs to girls. Additional collaborators may include nonprofit and volunteer groups that offer environmental 

education and outdoor programs, with which Girl Scouts and councils can work. 
II. Benefits of Working with Natural Resource Agencies 

Girl Scouts and agencies benefit from the wide range of projects that are available. The natural resource 

agencies can provide settings for day hikes, overnight campouts, and hands-on service projects. Through 

such projects, girls can develop outdoor skills, learn about the land, and explore careers in the outdoor and 

environmental fields. Agency specialists can also help Girl Scouts work toward earned awards as outlined 

in “Linking Girls to the Land Resources” (see p. 85). 

The agencies benefit from many extra pairs of hands to complete planned projects and the large volunteer 

base of girls and adults to participate in nationwide conservation events. They also benefit from the 

opportunity to build a pipeline for future conservation jobs. The agencies can provide information about 

national projects or they can work with local Girl Scout offices to develop projects designed to benefit Girl 

Scouts and the agency. Through these experiences, Girl Scouts learn how to use the land responsibly and 

become good stewards in the future. Multitroop, group, or councilwide activities are encouraged to best 

utilize time and effort and allow for the greatest number of girls to experience outdoor activities. 

Natural resource agencies can participate by: 

• Sharing information with a Girl Scout council representative about agency programs. 

• Involving girls in hands-on service, scientific research, and conservation projects. 

• Serving as short-term consultants to groups of girls working on badges, patches, and awards in 

areas such as wildlife, ecology, plant life, eco-action, outdoor survival, camping, and hiking. 

Power in Numbers 

A project that 

might take 

two professionals 

100 hours to complete 

would only take 50 girls 

two hours to complete. 

 Girl Scouts can partner with natural resource agencies by: 

• Disseminating information about the agency’s programs and natural 

environments. 

• Co-sponsoring service, research, and conservation projects. 

• Highlighting the work of the agency in the community. 

• Gathering Girl Scouts to assist in projects on agency lands. 

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How to Contact a Federal National Resource Agency 

Contacts for agencies are listed at www.epa.gov/linkinggirls and in the “Federal Natural Resource Agency 

Partners” section of this guide (see p. 14). Girl Scouts and other partners can contact federal agencies by 

looking up the name of the agency in the “blue” or government pages of a local telephone directory to 

find the location of the nearest national wildlife refuge, national park, or national forest. Sometimes these 

are listed by local name, and sometimes under the U.S. Department of Agriculture or U.S. Department of 

Interior. Listings are also available for the county offices of the National Resource Conservation Service 

and for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) state and field offices found mainly in the western United 

States. 

How to Contact a Local Girl Scout Council 

Go to the Girl Scouts of the USA homepage, www.girlscouts.org, and click on “Find a Council” or find 

the name and telephone number of the local Girl Scout council by looking under “Girl Scouts” in the 

telephone directory. 
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III. Getting Started

A designated council person contacts the local office of a federal or state agency to discuss 

potential projects or events focusing on subjects such as field ecology, ecosystem monitoring, 

biological research, and local environmental issues. The council distributes the information to 

volunteers, troop leaders, and girls. 

For a project on council property, the council contact person would be designated to meet 

with agency professionals to request help from the agency. 

Another way to get started is to organize a regional workshop, where members of 

neighboring councils can meet agency representatives and learn more about Linking Girls to 

the Land. For help setting up a workshop, contact GSUSA. A workshop can include a panel 

of representatives from various agencies that would share ways partnerships have worked as 

well as help participating Girl Scouts contact their local agencies. 

Before a Girl Scout calls a natural resource agency, she should be thinking about or have answers 

to the following questions: 

1. Which federal natural resource agency do you think would be the best to work with? You will 

need to do some research on different agencies. The Internet should be a good starting point.

2. What are the mission statements of the federal natural resource agencies you want to approach? 

(Look in the “Federal Natural Resource Agency Partners” section on p. 14 or on the agency’s 

website for this information.) How do they differ from one another? 

3. How could your project fit into the mission of the federal natural resource agency? 

4. What can your project and Girl Scouts can do for federal natural resource agencies? 

5. What current programs does the federal natural resource agency support or sponsor? 

6. What times of the year are especially busy for the agency? How could this affect the completion 

of your project? 

7. Based on your project idea, what is the job title of the person to contact at the federal natural 

resource agency? (The environmental education coordinator? The volunteer coordinator? A 

ranger?) 
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Before you call, also know the answers to the following questions about Linking Girls to the 

Land, your project, and Girl Scouting: 

1. What is Linking Girls to the Land?

2. Why do you want to do a Linking Girls to the Land project? 

3. What is a brief description of your project idea? 

4. How many Girl Scouts will participate in running the event or project? 

5. How many Girl Scouts will be helped or taught by your project? 

6. How will your community be helped? 

7. Are there other organizations, businesses, or clubs that will be working with you on your 

project? 

8. Is there funding for the project? 

9. What skills do you bring to the project? 

Once contact has been made and a plan developed, councils can request a packet to apply for a Linking 

Girls to the Land grant. Packets can be requested through the website or via e-mail at: 

linkinggirls@girlscouts.org. 

Tips for Girl Scouts as They Develop Linking Girls to the Land Project Partnerships 

• Start with the local conservation or community need. Know your local population and target 

audience; incorporate the diversity of your community into your project design. Have girls 

choose project content that meets their interests. 

• Prepare your girls and have them approach the agency. 

• Be prepared to explain your project needs, the Girl Scouts’ age range, skill level, and project 

time commitment to the agency with which you wish to collaborate. 

• Ask the agency about existing partnership opportunities with possible volunteer service 

projects, career programs, special events, or nature conservation activities that are already in the 

planning process of the local agency. 
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IV. History of Linking Girls to the Land

Girl Scouts have been involved in volunteer conservation projects and have been learning about natural 

resource careers since the organization’s start in 1912. Troops hike and camp in national parks and many 

summer camps have special-use permits in national forests or are forest neighbors. Many women 

professionals in the natural resources agencies gained their passion for and competence in the outdoors 

through Girl Scouts or similar youth organizations. Over the years, there have been countless local 

projects and relationships between agency professionals and the Girl Scouts. Annually, over 35,000 Girl 

Scouts are served through Linking Girls to the Land activities. 

The first Linking Girls to the Land activity, an interagency workshop with 42 Girl Scout professionals, was 

held at Camp Joe Sherman in Southern California. From 1997 to 2003, the agencies have sponsored 

regional interagency Linking Girls to the Land workshops in Florida, Arizona-New Mexico, southern and 

northern California, Maryland-Virginia, Georgia-Carolinas, Kentucky, New England, Louisiana-TexasArkansas, and West Virginia-Ohio. These one- to two-day workshops have introduced Girl Scout 

professionals and volunteers to local agency professionals for the purpose of learning how to build 

partnerships, networking, developing local events, and learning how to apply for a Linking Girls to the Land

grant. More workshops are planned and can be requested. 

Since the founding of the grant program in 1998, 105 Girl Scout councils have been awarded a total of 131 

grants for projects that served more than 70,000 girls and adults. Before the Linking Girls to the Land

Council Grant Program was established, many agencies rarely directed their declining resources to 

environmental education. This seed money brings together ideas and staff with the professional expertise 

to create programs and outdoor experiences for girls that otherwise may not happen. Projects include 

cooperation with local natural resource professionals, a communications and media plan, and post-event 

follow-up and evaluation. 

National Interagency Meetings 

Agency professionals meet two or three times annually to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate Linking 

Girls to the Land projects. The meetings are generally coordinated by GSUSA’s Elliott Wildlife Values 

Project staff. 
V. Federal Natural Resource Agency Partners 

Nine federal natural resource agencies, ranging from the Bureau of Land Management to the National 

Park Service, now partner with Linking Girls to the Land. Knowing the details of each agency’s work and 

mission and the Linking Girls to the Land opportunities available can help Girl Scouts choose the best 

partner for their project. 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 

BLM’s mission is to help sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public 

lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 

The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for managing 261 million acres of America’s public 

lands—about one-eighth of the land in the United States. The BLM manages a wide variety of resources 

and uses, including energy and minerals; timber; forage; rangelands; wild horse and burro populations; 

fish and wildlife habitat; wilderness areas; archaeological, paleontological, and historical sites; and scenic 

lands. The BLM manages these resources under the principles of multiple use to provide for the present 

and future needs of the American people. 

Most of the lands the BLM manages are located in the western United States, including Alaska. These 

lands are dominated by grasslands, forests, mountains, arctic tundra, and deserts. 

BLM Programs and Volunteer Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts 

• Adopt a Horse and Burro Program: Unique opportunity for qualified individuals to care for, 

and then own, a wild horse, or burro. For information go to: 

http://www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov or call toll-free 866-4-MUSTANGS. 

• Learning and Volunteer Opportunities: To join in and help manage our public lands, go to 

http://www.blm.gov/education/LearningLandscapes/explorers/joinin. 

• National Public Lands Day (NLPD): An annual event that brings thousands of volunteers 

together in all 50 states to improve our country's public lands. Go to www.npld.com or call 

800-865-8337 for information. 

• For information on recreational opportunities, go to www.recreation.gov. 

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Contacts 

For project information, contact your nearest BLM office environmental education coordinator through 

www.blm.gov/education, “Contact us.” The coordinator can put you in touch with the appropriate 

resource specialist. 

For general information about BLM’s Linking Girls to the Land program, contact: 

Linda Rosenblaum 

Bureau of Land Management 

National Office 

1849 C Street, NW (LS 406) 

Washington, DC 20240 

202-785-6583 Phone 

202-452-5199 Fax 

Linda_rosenblum@blm.gov

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

The EPA’s mission is to protect human health and safeguard the natural 

environment—air, water, and land—upon which life depends. The EPA 

ensures that federal laws protecting human health and the environment 

are enforced fairly and effectively.

EPA Programs and Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts

• Adopt Your Watershed: Search an online database to locate a watershed group active in 

 your community and learn about opportunities to help protect your watershed. For more 

 information, visit www.epa.gov/adopt. 

• Environmental Education Grants Program: Some Girl Scout councils have received 

financial support for environmental projects through EPA’s Environmental Education 

Grants Program. The solicitation is generally posted in the fall. For more information, 

visit www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html. 

• EstuaryLive/National Estuaries Day: EstuaryLive uses satellite technology and the 

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Internet to give classrooms around the world the opportunity to take live and interactive 

tours of several of the nation's estuaries. EstuaryLive is targeted to middle and high 

school students, but anyone with a computer and Internet access can participate. The 

broadcast is usually transmitted in conjunction with National Estuaries Day, which is 

celebrated annually on the last Saturday in September. For more information, visit 

www.estuaries.gov. 

• Hands on the Land (HOL): A network of field classrooms stretching across 

America from Alaska to Florida, HOL is sponsored by Partners in Resource Education, a 

collaboration of five federal agencies, a nonprofit foundation, schools, and other private 

sector partners. For more information, visit www.handsontheland.org. 

• National Public Lands Day: See the 2006 Calendar of National Conservation Events 

(p. 66), visit www.npld.com, or call 800-865-8337 for information. 

• Presidential Environmental Youth Awards: Since 1971, the EPA has sponsored the 

President’s Environmental Youth Awards. The program recognizes young people across 

America for projects that demonstrate their commitment to the environment. Young 

people in all 50 states and the U.S. territories are invited to participate in the program. 

For more information, visit www.epa.gov/enviroed/awards.html. 

• Water Drop Patch Project: Described in this resource guide (see p. 54). 

• Wetlands Five Star Restoration Projects: The Five Star Restoration Program brings 

together students, conservation corps, other youth organizations, citizen groups, 

corporations, landowners, and government agencies to provide environmental education 

through projects that restore stream banks and wetlands. The program provides 

challenge 

grants, technical support, and opportunities for information exchange to enable 

community-based restoration projects. For more information, visit 

www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/restore/5star. 

• World Water Monitoring Day: See the 2006 Calendar of National Conservation Events 

(p. 66). 

Other EPA Resources 

• EPA Drinking Water Website for Students: www.epa.gov/ogwdw/ 

• EPA Environmental Education Center: www.epa.gov/teachers
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• EPA High School Environmental Center: www.epa.gov/highschool

• EPA Student Center: www.epa.gov/students

How to Contact Your Regional EPA Office 

• Visit www.epa.gov (click on “About EPA”) to contact any of the EPA’s 10 regional 

offices. 

• For Linking Girls to the Land projects, call or e-mail the Environmental Education (EE) 

coordinator in your EPA regional office. For a map and a list of contacts, visit

www.epa.gov/enviroed/otherepa2.html. The EE coordinators can also provide 

information about the EPA’s Environmental Education grants program: 

www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html. 

• If you are interested in organizing a water-related project, ask to speak to one of the Office 

of Water national communicators. 

Region 1: Connecticut, Maine, 

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, 

Rhode Island, Vermont

Kristen Conroy 

U.S. EPA, Region 1 

Environmental Education Grants (MGM) 

1 Congress Street, Suite 1100 

Boston, MA 02114 

conroy.kristen@epa.gov 

Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, 

Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin

Megan Gavin 

U.S. EPA, Region 5 

Environmental Education Grants 

Grants Management Section (MC-10J) 

77 West Jackson Boulevard 

Chicago, IL 60604 

gavin.megan@epa.gov 

Region 2: New Jersey, New York, Puerto 

Rico, Virgin Islands 

Teresa Ippolito 

U.S. EPA, Region 2 

Environmental Education Grants 

Grants and Contracts Management Branch

90 Broadway, 27th Floor 

New York, NY 10007-1866 

ippolito.teresa@epa.gov 

Region 6: Arkansas, Louisiana, New 

Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas 

Jo Taylor 

U.S. EPA, Region 6 

Environmental Education Grants (6XA) 

1445 Ross Avenue 

Dallas, TX 75202 

taylor.jo@epa.gov
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Region 3: Delaware, Washington, D.C., 

Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West 

Virginia 

Bonnie Turner-Lomax 

U.S. EPA, Region 3 

Environmental Education Grants 

Grants Management Section (3PM70) 

1650 Arch Street 

Philadelphia, PA 19103-2029 

lomax.bonnie@epa.gov 

Region 7: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, 

Nebraska 

Denise Morrison 

U.S. EPA, Region 7 

Environmental Education Grants 

Office of External Programs 

901 North Fifth Street 

Kansas City, KS 66101 

morrison.denise@epa.gov 

Region 4: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, 

Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, 

South Carolina, Tennessee 

Alice Chastain 

U.S. EPA, Region 4 

Environmental Education Grants 

Office of Public Affairs 

61 Forsyth Street, SW 

Atlanta, GA 30303 

chastain.alice@epa.gov 

Region 8: Colorado, Montana, North 

Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming 

Christine Vigil 

U.S. EPA, Region 8 

Environmental Education Grants 

999 18th Street (80C) 

Denver, CO 80202-2466 

vigil.christine@epa.gov 

Region 9: Arizona, California, Hawaii, 

Nevada, American Samoa, Guam, 

Northern Marianas, Palau 

Kathy Goetz and Bruce Sivils 

U.S. EPA, Region 9 

Environmental Education Grants (PPA-2) 

75 Hawthorne Street 

San Francisco, CA 94105 

goetz.kathy@epa.gov 

sivils.bruce@epa.gov 

Region 10: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, 

Washington

Sally Hanft 

U.S. EPA, Region 10 

Environmental Education Grants 

Public Environmental Resource Center 

1200 Sixth Avenue (ETPA-124) 

Seattle, WA 98101 

hanft.sally@epa.gov 
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Contact: 

Patricia Scott, Environmental Protection Agency 

Ariel Rios Building (4501T) 

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 

Washington, DC 20460 

202-566-1292 Phone 

202-566-1544 or 202-566-1326 Fax 

scott.patricia@epa.gov 

www.epa.gov 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment and 

conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our nation’s economic, 

social, and environmental needs. 

As the federal agency charged with collecting and applying scientific information to help 

us understand, predict, and manage our Earth-changing systems, NOAA has broad scientific 

responsibility, including forecasting weather, tracking climate variability, mapping our nation’s navigable 

waters, and protecting and managing the natural resources in our oceans and estuaries. For a wealth of 

information about NOAA activities, visit the NOAA homepage at www.noaa.gov or use the following 

links to specific science topic areas: 

• Charting and Navigation (www.noaa.gov/charts.html): nautical and navigational charts, 

mapping, remote sensing, etc. 

• Climate (www.noaa.gov/climate.html): drought assessment, global climate change, El Niño and 

La Niña, paleoclimatology, etc. 

• Coasts (www.noaa.gov/coasts.html): estuarine research reserves, marine protected areas, coastal 

zone management, etc. 

• Fisheries (www.noaa.gov/fisheries.html): marine mammals, sea turtles, shark information, 

essential fish habitat, etc. 

• Ocean (www.noaa.gov/ocean.html): marine sanctuaries (our national system of underwater 

parks), coral reefs, tidal prediction, ocean charts, Aquarius underwater laboratory, etc. 

• Research (www.noaa.gov/research.html): ocean exploration, Sea Grant, undersea research 

centers, etc. 

• Satellites (www.noaa.gov/satellites.html): real-time imagery, geostationary and polar satellites, 

etc. 

• Weather (www.noaa.gov/wx.html): severe weather (such as hurricanes, tsunamis), space weather 

(such as sun spots, solar flares, auroras), fire weather prediction and tracking, etc. 

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NOAA Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts 

Girl Scouts can learn about and get involved in NOAA science directly by interacting with local NOAA 

offices, laboratories, and field locations such as sanctuaries and reserves. Activities range from field trips, 

tours, and site visits to educational programming, volunteer activities, and internships. To learn more 

about options in your area, visit NOAA in your state and territory at 

www.legislative.noaa.gov/noaainyourstate/noaainyourstate.html.

• Ocean Education Fairs: NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration holds port call events 

during the summer and fall to highlight major expeditions. Local school and civic groups 

are invited to learn firsthand about ocean exploration science and technology. 

• STUDIO 2B Focus book Makin’ Waves: www.epa.gov/linkinggirls/makinwaves.html. 

NOAA Programs with Major Educational Activities 

• Coral Reef Program: www.coralreef.noaa.gov/

• Marine Protected Areas: mpa.gov/

• National Estuarine Research Reserves: www.nerrs.noaa.gov/

• National Marine Sanctuaries: www.sanctuaries.nos.noaa.gov/

• Ocean Exploration: www.oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/

• Protected Resources: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/

• Sea Grant: www.seagrant.noaa.gov/

NOAA Resources, Information, and Educational Materials Targeted Toward Public Audiences, 

Teachers, Students, and Recreational Groups 

• NOAA Education: www.education.noaa.gov/

• NOAA Library: www.lib.noaa.gov/

• NOAA’s National Ocean Service (NOS) Education: 

http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/welcome.html

• Questions about NOAA: http://answers.noaa.gov
Contact: 

Molly Harrison 

Coordinator for Outreach and Education 

NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources 

NMFS/PR4 

1315 East West Highway, Rm. 13634 

Silver Spring, MD 20910 

301-713-2319 x 139 Phone 

 

National Park Service (NPS)

The National Park Service mission is to preserve unimpaired, the natural 

and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the 

enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

The National Park Service administers more than 350 national parks, seashores, monuments, historic sites, 

and recreation areas. These lands help define our national identity and tell the story of America’s history. 

They are also a great place to go for a vacation or troop camping trip. 

The National Park system encompasses approximately 83.6 million acres, of which more than 4.3 million 

acres remain in private ownership. The largest area is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in 

Alaska. At 13,200,000 acres, it is 16.3 percent of the entire system. The smallest unit in the system, at onefiftieth of an acre, is Taddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Pennsylvania. 

The National Park Service, which is under the U.S. Department of the Interior, has nearly 400 units in its 

park system. Each of these units, along with the national and regional offices, is listed on the NPS website 

at www.nps.gov. Many names are descriptive—lakeshores, seashores, battlefields—but others cannot be 

neatly categorized because of the diversity of resources within them. 

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Where Can You Find a National Park? 

Each year, millions of people visit America’s national parks. National park sites are in every state except 

Delaware. Have you heard of Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park in northern California, which 

celebrates the role of women in World War II? You can also visit the Women’s Rights National Historical 

Park in Seneca Falls, New York, where women came together to fight for the right to vote. You can walk 

the Black Heritage Trail in Boston to learn about the history of Boston's nineteenth-century AfricanAmerican community and visit the Abiel Smith School, which was built in 1834 to educate the city’s 

African-American children. And if you explore Olympic National Park’s beaches at low tide, you may 

discover petroglyphs (pictures) that were carved into seaside rocks 300–500 years ago by American 

Indians. 

NPS Programs and Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts 

• Inviting a national park ranger or superintendent to your Girl Scout troop meeting or 

visiting them to find out how they work to protect and manage national parks. 

• The Job Corps: A vocational/educational training program created in 1964 to provide 

economically disadvantaged young people with an environment where they can learn job 

skills, attain their General Educational Development (GED) diplomas, and learn social 

and character-building skills. Since 1964, the Job Corps has provided more than 1.8 

million young people with vocational, job, and academic skills to become productive 

citizens. All students who attend Job Corps centers must volunteer to enroll. The National 

Park Service has three Job Corps centers. The Youth Programs Division has agreements 

in place for all three centers, whereby students can be hired into the NPS through the 

Student Career Experience Program or the Cooperative Education Program. 

• National Association of Service and Conservation Corps (NASCC): NASCC serves as a 

national umbrella organization for local youth groups that provide training and public relations 

services for local youth organizations servicing young adults between the ages of 16–25. NASCC 

works as a cooperating partner with the National Park Service in bylining youth corps agencies 

with conservation projects in national parks. In most cases, participants are paid the minimum 

wage for their services. 
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• Public Lands Corps (PLC): Exposes young men and women ages 16–24 to public 

service while furthering their understanding and appreciation of the nation’s natural and 

cultural resources. The program is designed to: 

 Partner with nonprofit youth organizations 

 Provide young Americans an opportunity to work, learn, earn, and enjoy using our 

national parks as a resource 

 Help alleviate backlog maintenance of needed repair and restoration projects in 

national parks 

• The Student Conservation Association, founded in 1957, is a private nonprofit 

educational organization that provides high school and college students with the 

opportunity to improve the management and conservation of our nation's parks, public 

lands, and natural resources. The students undertake conservation projects or assist park 

staffs in a variety of resources management, visitor services, and maintenance work. The 

National Park Service participates in such youth programs as described below to 

accomplish many worthwhile projects that would not have otherwise been completed. 

Girl Scouts are eligible to participate in: 

 The High School Program:. This program offers volunteers ages 16–18 

opportunities to work for a month or more in an outdoor setting, while living in a 

backcountry camp and working on conservation projects. 

 The Urban Initiatives: Year-round programs for middle and high school youth to 

include environmental education, outdoor field trips, community service projects, 

weekend camping excursions, and special crew opportunities in which members 

build trails, restore riverfront environments, and conserve habitats in and around 

the cities in which they live. 

• STUDIO 2B Focus: Parks Matter: www.epa.gov/linkinggirls/parksmatter.html 

• Volunteering for community service projects. 

• Youth Conservation Corps (YCC): Public Law Act 93-408 established the YCC in 

partnership with the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture. The 

YCC is a summer employment program for young men and women ages 15–18 who 

work, learn, and earn together on projects that further the development and conservation 

of the nation’s natural resources. The purpose of the YCC is to accomplish needed 

conservation work on public lands; to provide gainful employment for 15- to 18-year-olds 
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of all social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds; and to instill within the 

participating youth an environmental understanding and appreciation of the nation’s 

natural, historical, recreational, and cultural heritage. 

Local National Park Contact Information 

• Call 800-NAT-PARK, ext. 122, for a free map of national park sites across the country. 

• Visit the NPS website at www.nps.gov. 

• Contact one of the regional offices and ask for the volunteer coordinator or the chief of 

interpretation: 

 Alaska Area Region, Anchorage, Alaska: 907-644-3525 

 Midwest Region, Omaha, Nebraska: 402-661-1892 

 Intermountain Region, Denver, Colorado: 303-969-2500 

 Pacific West Region, San Francisco, California: 510-817-1340 

 Northeast Region, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 215-597-7013 

 National Capital Region, Washington, D.C.: 202-619-7246 or 202-619-7457 

 Southeast Region, Atlanta, Georgia: 404-562-3108 

Contact:

George McDonald, Management Analyst-Partnerships, Interpretation, Visitor Services, Education & 

Outdoor Recreation 

National Park Service 

1201 Eye Street, NW, 11th Floor 

Washington, DC 20005 

202-513-7146 Phone 

george_mcdonald@nps.gov 

www.nps.gov
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 

 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a 

 partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our 

 natural resources and environment.

The NRCS puts nearly 70 years of experience to work in assisting owners of America's private land with 

conserving their soil, water, and other natural resources. Local, state, and federal agencies and 

policymakers also rely on our expertise. NRCS delivers technical assistance based on sound science and 

suites the customer's specific needs. Cost shares and financial incentives are available in some cases. Most 

work is done with local partners. Partnerships with local conservation districts serve almost every county 

in the nation, as well as the Caribbean and the Pacific Basin. Participation in our programs is voluntary. 

NRCS Activities and Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts

Volunteer Projects with the NRCS 

The NRCS needs Earth Team volunteers willing to commit their time and talent to conserving and 

protecting soil, water, and wildlife for their communities and everyone in it. NRCS accepts Earth Team 

volunteers to increase soil and water conservation efforts by working closely with the nation’s Soil and 

Water Conservation Districts. In every state in the U.S., the Earth Team is a growing volunteer workforce 

making a difference. The concept of Earth Team includes not only volunteers, but also NRCS staff and 

Soil and Water Conservation districts. The mission of the Earth Team is to provide an effective volunteer 

workforce within the NRCS to help people conserve, improve, and sustain our resources and 

environment. 

You can work:

• On the Land—with professional conservationists who are working directly with 

farmers and ranchers. 

• In schools—with elementary and high school, college, and university students. 

Through camps and classes, you can introduce young people to the wonders of nature. 

• With organizations—youth groups, professional societies, or civic groups. All 

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types of organizations are joining together to sponsor water quality education 

campaigns, community beautification, and erosion control projects. Cooperative 

Earth Team efforts can help solve many natural resource problems in your area. 

• In offices—where the NRCS or your conservation district may want to use your talents 

for clerical assistance, organizing information in a computer, preparing newsletters, 

or educating others about natural resource conservation. 

On the Land In the Community In the Office 

Conservation 

Planting Trees 

Conservation 

Conservation Planning 

Drafting 

Computer 

Data Entry 

Surveying Writing Map Interpretations 

Water Sampling Special Tours and Fairs Typing 

Soil Mapping Photography Telephoning 

Establishing 

Wildlife Habitat 

Nature Areas Editing 

Native Grass Seeding Public Speaking Reception 

Resource 

Inventories 

Working with Youth Groups Filing 

Practice Layout Outdoor Classrooms and 

Conservation Education 

What Volunteers Have to Say 

"Being an Earth Team volunteer put me in touch with more resources that I can pull into my classroom to teach 

environmental concepts and nurture the responsibility each of us has for our environment." 

—Teresa Bufkin, Prattville, Alabama, Kindergarten Teacher 

“I am majoring in an agri-related field and wanted experience in agriculture. I was not raised on a farm or exposed to 

agricultural information in my family so I needed a way to get this knowledge for my future career."

—Student Volunteer, Arkansas 
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"One of my major responsibilities is presenting programs on Conservation Education to school children which I find both 

rewarding and a lot of fun. The place to start is with our youth. They need to learn the difference between ‘Conservation’ and 

‘Preservation’ and the importance of both." 

—George McNeil, Texas Weatherford Field Office 

"Being an Earth Team volunteer through the Green Thumb program truly gave me a purpose in life—a reason to get up each 

morning. Having had the opportunity to work with the Windbreak Field Trial Tree Plot and the Living Snow Fence has 

been a real inspiration (education) for me. I love the outdoors, the plants, and the experience of helping to maintain, expand, 

and improve these two projects. I hope to be able to work with the Tree Plot and Snow Fence again this summer." 

—W.O. “Dub” Adkins, Pampa, Texas 

Where Can I Find a Local NRCS Office or Volunteer for the NRCS Earth Team? 

Go to the NRCS Earth Team website at: www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/volunteers/vol/join.html. 

Contact: 

Paul Reich 

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW 

6121 South Building 

Washington, DC 20250 

202-690-0037 Phone 

202-720-4593 Fax 

paul.reich@wdc.usda.gov

www.nrcs.usda.gov
Take Pride In America 

Take Pride in America® is a national partnership program that 

encourages, supports, and recognizes volunteers who work to improve 

public parks, forests, grasslands, reservoirs, wildlife refuges, cultural and 

historic sites, local playgrounds, and other recreation areas. Take Pride 

involves federal, state, and local governments; conservation, youth, and 

recreation groups; and national corporations and organizations that work 

together to protect and enhance public lands. For more information, 

please visit www.takepride.gov.

Activities and Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts

• Volunteer for Take Pride in America events: Visit www.takepride.gov to find events on public 

lands near you. 

• Earn the Get with the Land Patch for volunteering in collaboration with a federal or state 

natural resource agency on federal or state lands. 

• Receive a Take Pride in America National Award: Nominate your Girl Scout troop or group 

project for an award at www.takepride.gov/awards/index.cfm. 

• Publish your work in the Take Pride in America newsletter at 

www.takepride.gov/news/newsletters.cfm. 

Contact: 

Take Pride in America 

U.S. Department of Interior 

1849 C Street, Mail Stop 3559 

Washington, DC 20240 

202-208-5848 Phone 

202-208-5873 Fax 

takepride@ios.doi.gov 

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 

The Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance 

fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American 

people.

The USFWS manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and 

restores vital wildlife habitat, protects and recovers endangered species, enforces Federal Wildlife 

Protection laws such as the Endangered Species Act, monitors international wildlife trade, and helps 

foreign governments with their conservation efforts. 

The USFWS also manages and operates the following to conserve natural resources: 

• 95 million acres of National Wildlife Refuge Systems 

• 542 individual refuges, wetlands, and special management areas 

• 69 national fish hatcheries 

• 64 fishery resource offices 

• 81 ecological services field stations 

 

USFWS Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts

• The Nature of Learning Program and Grants: 

http://refuges.fws.gov/education/natureoflearning/index.html. The USFWS National Wildlife 

Refuge (NWR) System's community-based environmental education initiative. The Nature of 

Learning grants provide financial and technical assistance to help Girl Scout councils and their 

communities use NWRs as outdoor classrooms to promote a greater understanding of local 

conservation issues. Contact Deborah Moore at 703-358-2386 or deborah_moore@fws.gov. 

• Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program: http://duckstamps.fws.gov. Girl Scouts of all ages can 

participate in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program, a dynamic arts 

curriculum designed to teach wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Girl Scouts design a Junior 

Duck Stamp and enter their designs in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest. E-mail 

duckstamps@fws.gov or call 703-358-2000. 

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How Do You Contact Your Local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office? 

The local USFWS office is listed in the “blue” or government pages of the phone book 

under the Interior Department. The work of the Service is also described on USFWS 

websites: 

• Region 1 www.fws.gov/pacific/ 503-231-6828 

• Region 2 www.fws.gov/southwest/ 505-248-6911 

• Region 3 www.fws.gov/midwest/ 612-713-5360 

• Region 4 www.fws.gov/southeast/ 404-679-4000 

• Region 5 www.fws.gov/northeast/ 413-253-8200 

• Region 6 http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/ 303-236-7905 

• Region 7 http://alaska.fws.gov/ 907-786-3542 

• Region 9 www.fws.gov/ 800-344-WILD 

• Customer Service Center E-mail: contact2@fws.gov 800-344-WILD 

 

How to Implement Projects with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Call for an appointment to visit your local USFWS office. Request to speak with the manager, outdoor 

recreation planner, project leader, park ranger, or volunteer coordinator. 

 

What Information is Available on the Website? 

• General information: http://www.fws.gov/

• Information for students of all ages: http://www.fws.gov/educators/

• Information for formal and informal educators: http://www.fws.gov/educators/ 

• Website resources for environmental educators: http://library.fws.gov/ or call 304-876-7399 

• Where can I find volunteer opportunities? http://www.fws.gov/volunteers/ 

• Publications, index/site map, agency field locations, permits, questions and answers: 

http://www.fws.gov/faq/

• Where can I get information about refuges? http://www.fws.gov/refuges/

• Where can I get information about fisheries? http://www.fws.gov/fisheries/

• How do I get a job with the USFWS? http://www.fws.gov/jobs/ or 

http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/
Contact: 

Attention: USFWS National Girl Scout Coordinator 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

National Conservation Training Center 

698 Conservation Way, MS-19 

Shepherdstown, WV 25443 

304-876-7314 Phone 

E-mail: scouting@fws.gov

U.S. Forest Service (USFS) 

 

 The U.S. Forest Service’s mission is to help people share and enjoy the national forests, while 

 conserving the environment for future generations.

The Forest Service, under the U. S. Department of Agriculture, manages 193 million acres of public land 

in national forests and grasslands—about 8 percent of all of the land in the United States. These lands are 

managed under the multiple-use principles to provide for the present and future needs of the American 

people. There are 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands located in 44 states, Puerto Rico, and the 

Virgin Islands. The Forest Service has the leading U.S. research and development organization for forest 

and rangeland sciences. It is responsible for promoting the sound management of all the nation’s forests, 

both public and private. It does this by offering support and assistance for state, tribal, and private 

forestry. It also has a strong international program. Each forest is composed of several ranger districts, 

varying in size from 50,000 acres to more than one million acres. Most on-the-ground activities occur in 

the ranger districts, including trail construction and maintenance, operation of campgrounds, and 

management of vegetation and wildlife habitat. 

Forest Service Programs and Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts 

• Job opportunities: The Forest Service employs about 30,000 full-time employees and almost as 

many seasonal temporary employees. They are ecologists, wildlife biologists, foresters, 

hydrologists, engineers, archaeologists, firefighters, research scientists, business managers, public 

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affairs specialists, and many more professionals and technicians. The Forest Service prides itself 

on serving the public, getting the job done on the ground, working in teams, and providing work 

and training to the underemployed, the elderly, youth, and the disadvantaged. For career and 

other employment information, call your local Forest Service office or visit this website: 

www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs.

• Recreation opportunities: People enjoy many leisure activities in national forests, including 

backpacking in remote wilderness areas, staying in a campground, mastering an all-terrain vehicle 

over a challenging trail, enjoying the views along a scenic byway, fishing in a trout stream, and 

learning about natural history at a visitors’ center. The website, www.fs.fed.us/recreation, 

includes information about how to reserve individual and group campsites, cabins, picnic areas 

and day use sites, and wilderness permits. 

• Volunteer opportunities: Call or visit your local office and ask to speak with the volunteer 

coordinator or public affairs specialist. Be ready to explain what your girls are interested in, their 

ages and skills, and the time commitment you have. Come to the office to talk about natural 

resource and outdoor careers with a Forest Service professional. Offer to assist with a volunteer 

service project that has already been organized. Get further information on the Web page 

www.usafreedomcorps.gov and click on “Parks and Open Spaces”.

More Information About Forest Service Programs 

• The main Forest Service website is www.fs.fed.us/. 

• There is a “Just for Kids” section on the Web page http://na.fs.fed.us/spfo/ce that has links for 

teachers (Girl Scout leaders and advisors) and students. It also links to the “Kids’ Page” at the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

• Information about Smokey Bear and fire prevention can be obtained at most Forest Service 

offices and at www.smokeybear.com. 

• Information about various Forest Service management activities can be accessed at 

www.fs.fed.us/pages/nfs. 
Contact: 

Sue Cummings 

USDA Forest Service 

Conservation Education 

1400 Independence Avenue SW, MS 1147 

Washington, DC 20250-1147 

202-205-0986 Phone 

202-690-5658 Fax 

scummings@fs.fed.us

www.fs.fed.us

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 

USGS is a world leader in the natural sciences. The USGS serves the nation 

by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the 

Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage 

water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect 

our quality of life. 

Contact: 

United States Geological Survey 

MS 153 National Center 

12201 Sunrise Valley Drive 

Reston, VA 20192 

1800-275-8747 Phone 

www.usgs.gov

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VI. Additional Partners

Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship Campaign 

The Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship Campaign is a cooperative partnership of youth groups, 

community groups, educational organizations, outdoor recreation groups, and state and federal wildlife 

and land management agencies and their professional support organizations. The campaign’s goal is to 

educate the public about how to enjoy all wildlife safely and responsibly, which will reduce human-wildlife 

conflicts that can result in people and animals being injured and killed. The campaign provides bear 

avoidance and wildlife safety and stewardship education materials and training to people who recreate in 

the outdoors—whether it is a park, in the middle of a city, a summer camp, a national park, forest, nature 

center, or refuge—and people who live in residential areas where there is frequent contact with wildlife. 

The materials and training program provided by the Campaign have been produced in partnership with 

state and federal wildlife and land management agencies to provide a consistent message about how to 

avoid human-wildlife conflicts. 

Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship Campaign Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts 

• Train-the-Trainer Program provides an excellent opportunity for older Girl Scouts to learn the 

latest safety techniques for avoiding conflicts with wildlife while hiking, camping, viewing, and 

photographing wildlife. Trainers will learn how to set up educational trails that will highlight 

recognizing wildlife activity signs and avoiding confrontations with animals (ranging from small 

rodents to large predators) common to their region. The program also teaches how to set up a 

safe campsite. 

Graduates of the Train-the-Trainer Program learn presentation, public speaking, and leadership 

skills and go on to train younger Girl Scouts and members of their local communities. The 

training program can be tailored to fit local and regional needs. 

• Wildlife Stewardship Interest Project Patch (IPP): The Campaign, in collaboration with the 

Girl Scouts of Big Sky Council, has developed a local IPP focused on wildlife stewardship and 

career opportunities in nontraditional fields such as forestry, wildlife biology, wildlife 

management, and conservation. 
• Bear Avoidance and Wildlife Stewardship Educational and Training Materials: These 

support materials are available for individuals and groups who complete the Train-the-Trainer 

Program and are conducting their own training programs. 

Contact: 

Chuck Bartlebaugh 

Center for Wildlife Information 

P.O. Box 8289 

Missoula, MT 59807 

406-721-8985 Phone 

bearinfo@qwest.net 

www.bebearaware.org

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics 

 The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a national nonprofit 

 organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor 

 recreation through education, research, and partnerships. Leave No Trace 

 builds awareness, appreciation, and respect for our wildlands. 

As part of the Girl Scout Law, Girl Scouts have been taught since 1912 to “use resources wisely” and to 

leave a place better than they found it. But, they need not be in the back country to practice this. This ethic 

is applicable to the backyard, local park, and Girl Scout camp as well. Leave No Trace builds awareness, 

appreciation, and respect for the outdoors. It builds girls’ courage, confidence, and character so that they 

can plan and be prepared for the situations they encounter in the outdoors, enjoy their outdoor recreation 

experiences, and make a less harmful impact on the Earth. When Girl Scouts practice Leave No Trace 

skills and ethics, they truly do make the world a better place. Leave No Trace concepts are strongly woven 

into the Girl Scout handbooks and resources, earned age-level awards, and training objectives. 

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Seven Leave No Trace Principles are rooted in scientific studies and common sense: 

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 

3. Dispose of Waste Properly 

4. Leave What You Find 

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 

6. Respect Wildlife 

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors 

Leave No Trace has regional adaptations for different areas and ecosystems: North America; Northeast 

Mountains; Southeast; Pacific Northwest; Sierra Nevada; Alaska Wildlands; Deserts and Canyons; Western 

River Corridors; Tropical Rainforests; Lakes Region; Rocky Mountains; Mountain Biking; Rock Climbing; 

Sea Kayaking; Horse Use; Fishing; Caving.

Leave No Trace Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts are outlined in the Leave No Trace 

Scholarships, Training, and Materials section on p. 48. 

Contact: 

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics 

Ben Lawton 

P.O. Box 997 

Boulder, CO 80306 

800-332-4100 Phone 

303-442-8217 Fax 

ben@lnt.org 
National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)

The National Environmental Education Foundation believes 

environmental education is linked to core goals such as better health, 

improved education, environmentally sound and profitable business, 

and volunteerism in local communities. The NEEF manages National 

Public Lands Day, which is held annually on the last Saturday in 

September. Visit www.publiclandsday.org. 

Contact:

National Public Lands Day 

National Environmental Education Foundation 

4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 160 

Washington, DC 20008 

202-261-6462 Phone 

202-261-6464 Fax 

robb@neetf.org 

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the private, nonprofit partner to the 

federally managed National Marine Sanctuary Program. The Foundation was created to 

inspire all people to preserve, protect, and promote our national marine sanctuaries. Through public and 

private sector partnerships, the Foundation creates conservation-based research as well as educational and 

outreach programs designed to connect the public with these special ocean and coastal resources. 

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Contact:

Joy Williams 

Deputy Director & Director of Development 

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation 

8601 Georgia Avenue, Suite 201 

Silver Spring, MD 20910 

301-608-3040 Phone 

301-608-3044 Fax 

joy@nmsfocean.org

www.nmsfocean.org

National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)

The NPCA, its members and partners, work together to protect the 

park system and preserve the nation’s natural, historical, and cultural 

heritage for future generations. The NPCA is working to encourage 

Congress and the administration to meet the annual needs of the 

national parks to preserve America’s heritage and provide 300 million 

visitors annually with memorable and educational park experiences. 

Activities and Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts 

• National Parks Scrapbook: Share your photos and memories of the national parks with the 

world. Visit the online scrapbook and post your photos at http://www.npca.org/scrapbook. 

• Protect the Parks: Get information about other ways to help protect the national parks at 

http://www.npca.org/take_action. 

• Service Projects: Troops across the country are encouraged to complete Linking Girls to the Land

service projects and take on leadership roles as protectors of the national parks. 

• STUDIO 2B Focus: Parks Matter: www.epa.gov/linkinggirls/parksmatter.html 

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Contact:

Andrea Keller Helsel 

Director of Media Relations 

National Conservation Association 

1300 19th Street, NW, Suite 300 

Washington, DC 20036 

202-454-3332 Phone 

202-659-0650 Fax 

akeller@npca.org

http://www.npca.org
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VII. Grant Opportunities and Trainings 

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants 

Girl Scouts of the USA’s Elliott Wildlife Values Project, along with the federal natural resource agencies 

partnering in the Linking Girls to the Land program, have contributed funds and support for Linking Girls to 

the Land Council Grant projects. 

Objectives 

• Encourage Girl Scouts to become leaders and stewards of conservation and natural resources by 

inviting girls to help plan, implement, and participate in projects related to environmental 

education, volunteer service, or outdoor skills development. 

• Encourage Girl Scouts to explore careers in environmental, outdoor, and science fields. 

• Create positive environmental impact or improvement on the natural land or water resources. 

• Strengthen federal* natural resource agency participation in the Girl Scout program by helping 

girls earn conservation-related awards such as badges, patches, charms, and Girl Scout Bronze, 

Silver, and Gold Award projects. 

• Encourage councils and federal* natural resource agencies to develop meaningful and sustainable 

conservation-related partnerships. 

Guidelines 

The project submitted for a grant award must focus on one or more of the following content areas:

• Environmental Education: Nature Observation; Developing Human/Environment Connections; 

Field Ecology; Ecosystem Monitoring; Scientific Research; Interpretive Programs; Leave No Trace 

• Outdoor Skills Development: Frontcountry Camping (at established campsites, including those 

that are owned by councils); Backcountry Camping; Horseback Riding; Cross Country Skiing; 

Rock Climbing; Hiking; Canoeing; Fishing 

• Volunteer Service: Environmental action or conservation service projects on public or private 

land 
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The following criteria are used to determine which councils receive grant awards. The project 

must: 

• Serve at least 100 Girl Scouts ages 5–17 and adult volunteers. 

• Involve the interest of girls and involve girls in the planning and implementation. 

• Involve the investment of the community and meet a community need. 

• Be focused on local land or natural resources. 

• Be reviewed and approved by the applicant's Girl Scout council. 

• Be planned and completed within one year. 

• Involve at least one federal* natural resource agency as a project partner and show a written 

commitment. 

• Present a plan that incorporates the diversity of girl and adult membership within the council’s 

jurisdiction and reaches out to serve underrepresented populations. 

• Encourage creative and innovative use of community resources. 

• Include natural resource, science, or environmental career development and awareness for girls. 

• Be able to measure the positive environmental change or impact the project has on the land or 

water resources. 

• Present a plan for post-event followup and evaluation. 

• Be sustainable and replicable within your council and other Girl Scout councils nationwide. 

• Adhere to and support Girl Scouts of the USA policies, safety standards, and guidelines. 

 * In areas where there are no federal natural resource agencies available, state natural resource agencies may serve as 

collaborative partners. 

How Many Girl Scouts are Being Served Through Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants?

Since 1998, more than 70,000 Girl Scouts have been served through 131 grants, awarded to 105 Girl Scout 

councils. 

Who Can Submit a Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application? 

Any Girl Scout adult volunteer, council staff member, Campus Girl Scout, or Girl Scout ages 15–17 who 

has the full support of her council can submit a Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant application. 
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Request for proposals for Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant projects are announced annually, pending 

funding. Information is announced to the public on the Linking Girls to the Land website at 

www.epa.gov/linkinggirls and to Girl Scout councils via the Online Council Network. For more 

information, contact: Jodi Stewart Schwarzer, Girl Scouts of the USA, linkinggirls@girlscouts.org or call 

800-223-0624, ext. 8076. 

Developing Projects Without Grant Funding 

Keep in mind that it is not possible for all Linking Girls to the Land projects to be funded through the 

Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant fund. Even without grant funding, Girl Scouts and natural resource 

agencies can develop partnerships and projects that meet the needs of all parties involved and seek creative 

ways of making the projects sustainable. 

Project ideas can be simple or elaborate. Girl Scout councils and professionals from federal (or 

state) agencies may work together to: 

• hold an event at an historic site exploring archaeological digs 

• build an accessible walking trail 

• count migratory birds or survey plant communities 

• conduct a low-impact camping workshop for girls 

• co-sponsor a National Public Lands Day event 

• offer wildlife research opportunities for girls, such as catching, identifying, and tagging fish 

• involve girls as interpreters at an education center in a natural area 

• run a day camp where girls can make bird and bat boxes or create brush piles 

• co-host a career day with hands-on activities 

• participate in a soil erosion control project, such as replanting a stream bank 

There are many successful Linking Girls to the Land projects, and 10 are outlined below: 

• Create a Rehabilitated Environment: Girl Scouts of Broward County Council, Florida, 

partnered with the Division of Natural Resource Protection of Broward County for an event with 

150 Girl Scouts to remove non-native plants from a Girl Scout property. The Girl Scouts also 
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developed and will maintain a nature trail that highlights native plants. A patch program was 

created, with a focus on native versus exotic plants. 

• Eco-Expo: Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital holds annual Eco-Expo daylong events, 

with hands-on activities conducted by professionals from the Environmental Protection Agency, 

Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, National Park Service, and others. Eco-Boxes, 

containing materials and instructions for easy-to-do environmental activities and experiments, 

were made and are used by Girl Scout troops. Both projects aim to increase Girl Scouts’ 

understanding of key environmental issues such as ecosystem monitoring and conservation of 

natural resources. 

• Eco-Island: Girl Scouts of Moccasin Bend Council, Tennessee, held an event with activities that 

integrated hands-on learning, mathematics, science, and technology at natural resource areas in 

urban settings. More than 400 Girl Scouts participated at three different sites, depending on their 

age level. Activities also promoted responsible environmental stewardship through habitat 

restoration. Agency partners were the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Tennessee 

Valley Authority, and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Department of Forestry. 

• Fisheries Biology Field Day: More than 375 Junior Girl Scouts (grades 4–6) from Girl ScoutsPacific Peaks Council (near Olympia, Washington) explored fisheries biology during three spring 

field days. Girls saw the “critters” in the water, learned about their ecological roles, watched Dr. 

Deanna Stouder and three other Pacific Northwest Research Station scientists collect the fish and 

other aquatic animals, and learned about local American Indian connections to fish. 

• Fort Ord Lands Habitat Restoration and Monitoring Project: Girl Scouts of Monterey Bay, 

California, sponsored hands-on service projects on federal land that is part of the former Fort 

Ord military base. Girl Scouts learned how to use compasses, clinometers, and Global 

Positioning Systems. In an ongoing effort, they make observations and record data for grassland 

research, collect seeds, restore native plants to control erosion, and more. 

• Hamlin Habitat Environmental Center: This project is creating a sustainable and wildlifefriendly environment surrounding a high-use Sangre de Cristo Girl Scout council property. Girls 

are involved in the planning and design of the center and its programs that will promote wildlife 

education, enhance environmental stewardship, and highlight the use of solar energy. Girls can 

earn a special patch, Southwest Environmentalist, when they complete special program activities 

at the Center. 
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• Leave No Trace Training: Girl Scouts-Spanish Trails Girl Council in Montclair, California 

created and is expanding a network of Girl Scout volunteers who teach Leave No Trace camping 

skills to Girl Scouts at all age levels. A training weekend was held in the fall, and an event with 

200 Girl Scouts was held in the spring at Portrero Girl Scout Camp, in cooperation with the 

Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, and four other Girl Scout councils. Girl Scouts, 

Mohawk Pathways Council, New York, completed the Leave No Trace training for adult 

volunteers and staff members, who then created a patch project and conducted an event for 200 

girls. The council’s resident camp lies within the Adirondack State Park, and the training was 

conducted with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the 

Adirondack Mountain Club. 

• Scouting Out Your Future in the Wild: What if your primary workplace had no walls or doors 

and the rising sun or the changing tide dictated your schedule? Or, what if your daily interactions 

were mostly with pods of whales or flocks of birds? For many women, these possibilities are 

realities because they work in careers in natural resource management. Through an immersion 

weekend, Girl Scouts, Seal of Ohio Council, and Girl Scouts, Heart of Ohio Council, 

collaborated with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to showcase the fascinating 

opportunities and careers that exist in fields related to the environment. During the weekend the 

participants were linked with positive female role models, attended forums to share 

environmental concerns, and created a community of environmental activists. The girls also 

enjoyed a host of unique hands-on experiences in nature such as telemetry, bird banding, animal 

tracking, fishing, and photography. 

• Vanishing Footprints: Girl Scouts of Swift Water Council, New Hampshire, trained about 500 

Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts and adult volunteers in the Leave No Trace and Project Learning 

Tree programs. These trained girls and leaders brought these activities into Brownie and Junior 

Girl Scout troops. The council partnered with the Forest Service, New Hampshire Project 

Learning Tree, and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. 

• A Walk in Our Urban Forest: Three hundred Girl Scouts were introduced to urban forestry 

and nontraditional careers for women in two events sponsored by Girl Scouts of Pine Valley 

Council, Georgia. Professional women from various federal, state, and county agencies, as well as 

local universities, led hands-on environmental activities. Partners included the Forest Service, 

Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and others. 
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service teaches Girl Scouts 

about wildlife through a 

creative game. 

The Nature of Learning Program and Grants 

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

(USFWS), National Wildlife Refuge System, National Conservation Training Center (NCTC), Keystone 

Center, and National Wildlife Refuge Association, is pleased to solicit applications from Girl Scout 

councils interested in initiating or expanding The Nature of Learning in their communities. 
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The Nature of Learning is the National Wildlife Refuge System’s new community-based 

environmental education initiative that seeks to: 

• Use National Wildlife Refuges as outdoor classrooms to promote a greater understanding of local 

conservation issues. 

• Encourage an interdisciplinary approach to learning that seeks to enhance student academic 

achievement. 

• Utilize field experiences and student-led stewardship projects to connect classroom lessons to 

real-world issues. 

• Involve a partnership among local schools, community groups (e.g., Girl Scouts), natural resource 

professionals, and local businesses. 

Pending funding, competitive small grants are awarded annually to support start-up expenses associated 

with new programs and to provide continued support to existing Nature of Learning programs. We expect 

Girl Scout councils and local National Wildlife Refuges to develop projects that build sustainable, longterm partnerships. 

Why Should Girl Scout Councils Apply for The Nature of Learning Grants?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a partner of the Girl Scouts of the USA’s Elliott Wildlife Values 

Project’s Linking Girls to the Land partnership. By becoming part of the Nature in Learning Program, Girl 

Scout councils are participating in Linking Girls to the Land. Girl Scouts who participate in activities in 

collaboration with U.S. Fish and National Wildlife Refuges are eligible to earn the Get with the Land Patch 

and certificate. In 2005, Farthest North Girl Scout Council and Girl Scouts of Milwaukee Area received 

the Nature of Learning grants. We are hoping for even more Girl Scout council involvement in 2006 and 

beyond. 

The Nature of Learning grants provide financial and technical assistance to help Girl Scout 

councils and their community: 

• Build educational value on National Wildlife Refuges so that visits and exposure to public lands 

continue to expand. 

• Introduce a process to enhance critical thinking skills and better prepare Girl Scouts as future 

community leaders. 
• Create long-lasting relationships among Girl Scout councils (volunteers and staff), teachers, local 

businesses, community leaders, and Refuge personnel. 

• Develop and nurture a strong sense of stewardship and civic pride, using the National Wildlife 

Refuge and community as outdoor classrooms. 

Learn More About The Nature of Learning Program and Grants 

Visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges/education/natureoflearning/index.html or contact Deborah Moore at 

deborah_moore@fws.gov or call 703-358-2386. 

Leave No Trace Scholarships, Trainings, and Materials 

Girl Scouts of the USA fully supports the Leave No Trace values and ethics 

that teach stewardship, minimal impact camping, and responsible 

recreational use of the land. GSUSA encourages Girl Scout councils to 

become familiar with the Leave No Trace principles, trainings, and 

educational materials and integrate them into their outdoor program. 

Councils can work with federal natural resource agency partners of Linking Girls to the Land to provide staff 

to assist with Leave No Trace trainings. 

Many Girl Scout Councils (GSC) include major Leave No Trace activities in their outdoor 

program. Some examples include:

• Fair Winds GSC and San Fernando Valley GSC trains most of their camp staff as Trainers. 

• San Gorgonio GSC has done Trainer Courses taught by older girls for older girls. 

• Spanish Trails GSC started giving Trainer Courses in 1998. 

• Tierra del Oro’s Wider Op in 2003 trained all participants as Trainers. 

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In 2005 a Girl Scout Leave No Trace task force was created to integrate Leave No Trace ethics and 

principles into GSUSA policy, program, and training.

Leave No Trace Trainings, Opportunities and Materials Available to Girl Scouts 

• Awareness Workshops, facilitated by a Leave No Trace Master Educator or Trainer, may vary 

in lengths of one hour to one day for adults and children. Many pre-designed programs and 

activities are available from the Center. Awareness Workshops and discussions are appropriate 

program for outdoor days, camporees, leader weekends, and camp. Certificates are available for 

completion of the event. 

• Trainer Course is a 16-hour experiential course (comparable to Girl Scouts Train-the-Trainer) 

for older girls and adults. While it is done outdoors, it does not necessarily include a back country 

trip. Trainers and at least one Master Educator facilitate this course. Cost varies depending on the 

venue but usually runs about $50.00 and each Master Educator does her own scheduling. Some 

courses are listed on the Leave No Trace website 

www.LNT.org/training/trainercourses/index.html. A certificate and pin are usually awarded to 

those completing the course. Participants who complete this course are able to facilitate other 

Trainer and Awareness Courses. 

• Master Educator Course is a 5-day comprehensive course for adults that provides an overview 

of Leave No Trace techniques through practical application in a field setting. The first day is 

spent in a classroom, introducing the course, reviewing gear, and packing. The remaining four 

days are spent on a short hiking, sea kayaking, horse packing, rafting, or canoeing trip learning 

and practicing the principles of Leave No Trace. A certificate and sometimes a pin are presented 

to those finishing the course. 

Tuition is $500–$830. Partial scholarships are available through the Center. Applicants must be 

enrolled in an approved Leave No Trace Master Educator course before applying for a 

scholarship. Scholarship recipients are expected to conduct Leave No Trace Trainer Courses and 

Awareness Workshops regularly to Girl Scouts and others, and to report on such courses to the 

Center. For more information, visit www.LNT.org/training/mastercourses/index.html#tuition.

• Educational Materials are available for Girl Scout staff, volunteers, and older Girl Scouts to 

help teach Leave No Trace principles in the Girl Scout outdoor training curriculum. 
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• The Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids (PEAK) program for children 5–12 years 

old includes activities for leaders and program aids to share Leave No Trace with younger girls. 

A PEAK activity is also an excellent experiential lesson for outdoor leader training. Not only do 

leaders learn about Leave No Trace, but they go home with a ready made activity. For more 

information on obtaining a PEAK pack, visit www.LNT.org/programs/peak/index.html. 

Federal and state natural resource agencies often have PEAK packs available for loan. 

• Resources available for purchase include videos, Skills and Ethics Books, hangtags, pins, patches 

and stickers, a Cookbook of activities, and brochures at 

www.store.LNT.org/Merchant2/merchant.mvc. 

• State and National Park and Land Management personnel often present Leave No Trace 

mini workshops and trailhead discussions in their areas. Contact the ranger station for more 

information. 

• Subaru Traveling Trainers provide free Leave No Trace trainings ranging from one hour 

workshops to large scale events. Trainings can be tailored to Girl Scout staff, leaders, or a girl 

audience and should be scheduled 6–8 months in advance. Note: There is a fee for the Trainer Course. 

• Teaching resources and activities may be downloaded free from the Center’s website. A howto guide for running Awareness Workshops and the Awareness Workshop Guidelines are at 

www.LNT.org/training/resources/index.html. 

• Tools for Teaching Grants are available for those in need of Leave No Trace materials, training 

and information that will be used to serve girls underserved girls from underserved and diverse 

backgrounds. To apply, visit www.LNT.org/programs/grants/index.html. 

More Information 

• For general information, Master Educators Scholarships, or to schedule the Subaru Leave No 

Trace Traveling Trainers—contact the Outreach Manager at the Center for Outdoor Ethics, 800- 

332-8222 or www.LNT.org. 

• For information on how to incorporate Leave No Trace into your Girl Scout council program 

and training—contact Liz Garland Williams, Girl Scouts Heart of Central California in Rancho 

Cordova, California, at 916-669-2777 or e-mail liz.williams@girlscoutshcc.org.

• To join the Girl Scout Leave No Trace Task Force, contact Marj Eby Chair, Girl Scouts of 

Southeastern Pennsylvania, Inc., at 215-643-3924 or e-mail marjeb@gmail.com. 
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• To network with other Girl Scouts interested in Leave No Trace, join the Yahoo Group 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/girl_scout_leave_no_trace_task_force or e-mail 

girl_scout_leave_no_trace_task_force_@yahoogroups.com.
VIII. Girl Scout Patch Projects 

Get with the Land Patch

Brownie Girl Scouts, Junior Girl Scouts, and Girl Scouts ages 11–17 are 

eligible to wear the Get with the Land Patch and receive an official 

certificate of appreciation from the Girl Scouts of the USA Linking Girls 

to the Land Committee when they complete the following patch criteria. 

The patch order form and certificate are available through your local council and are also downloadable 

from the Linking Girls to the Land website at www.epa.gov/linkinggirls. 

The patch program: 

• Gives natural resource agency professionals and Girl Scout girls and adults a reason to become 

more familiar with the federal natural resource agencies so that both groups understand the 

benefits that come from working collaboratively. 

• Encourages girl-to-girl, leader-to-leader, and girl-to-leader discussion about the program by 

having a visible award that recognizes the Linking Girls to the Land partnership. 

• Encourages leaders and girls to go to environmental experts when they have questions when 

earning environmental badges, Try-Its, Interest Project patches, or STUDIO 2BSM charms. 

• Shows girls a way to focus their earned awards when working toward the Girl Scout Bronze, 

Silver, and Gold Awards. 

To earn this patch, girls will:

 1. Learn about the Linking Girls to the Land partnership and the federal natural resource 

agencies that are involved by using the Linking Girls to the Land Resource Guide, website, video, 

and other resources. The resource guide is available electronically on the GSUSA website, 

www.girlscouts.org. In addition, at least one copy of the resource guide and video were sent to all 

Girl Scout councils. Girl Scouts and leaders can contact their local council for help in borrowing 

or printing this resource guide. 

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 2. Work side by side with a federal* natural resource agency professional in a joint volunteer 

conservation service, research, or other collaborative project. The names of agencies and contacts 

are listed in this resource guide and on the LGTTL website. Girl Scouts are encouraged to make 

contact with the agencies through their council. Some of the volunteer service opportunities 

available through the federal natural resource agencies are: Take Pride in America, 

www.takepride.gov; National Public Lands Day, www.npld.com; National Public Trails Day, 

www.americanhiking.org; International Migratory Bird Day, www.birdday.org; National Wildlife 

Week and World Water Monitoring Day, www.worldwatermonitoringday.com. Note: It is not 

required to have council involvement to participate in these service opportunities. 

 3. In collaboration with one or more federal* natural resource agencies, complete one Girl 

Scout earned, age-level award related to the environment, outdoors, or science, or fulfill at least 

two requirements from each of three Girl Scout earned age-level awards related to the 

environment, outdoors, or science. For suggested awards, see the “Girl Scout Program Resources” 

section (p. 80) or on the LGTTL website, www.epa.gov/linkinggirls. 

OR

Learn about Linking Girls to the Land national programs and opportunities such as the Linking Girls to the 

Land Council Grant projects, Water Drop Patch Project, Aquarius Project, or a national conservation 

event. Participate in at least one. 

OR 

Interview someone who works for a federal natural resource agency. Ask how she or he became 

interested in working for the agency and how you might be able to develop a career in this field or with 

that agency. If possible, try to shadow this person for a few hours or even a day. Share what you have 

learned. 

OR 

Participate in a science, outdoors, or environmentally related STUDIO 2Bdestination or use STUDIO 2B 

materials on the website, www.studio2b.org, and in print (Focus books, STUDIO 2B Collections, etc.) that 

are related to the environment, the outdoors, or science. 

OR 

Improve your skills in outdoor recreation and environmental protection by demonstrating Leave No Trace 

ethics, or teaching others the Tread Lightly pledge. 

*Where there is no federal natural resource agency personnel available, state natural resource agencies may be contacted. 
Water Drop Patch Project 

A national collaboration between 

the Environmental Protection Agency 

and Girl Scouts of the USA 

All Girl Scouts can benefit from the existing partnership between 

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Girl Scouts of the USA by 

participating in the Water Drop Patch Project. This facet of the Linking Girls to the Land partnership is 

available to all program age levels. The project was originally jointly developed by the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) and the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. 

The purpose of the project is to encourage girls to: 

• Make a difference in their communities by becoming watershed and wetlands stewards 

• Use their skills and their knowledge to educate others in their communities about the need to 

 protect the nation’s valuable water resources 

• Explore the natural world to gain an interest in science and mathematics 

• Use the Internet as a source of information 

Available Opportunities for Girl Scouts

The Water Drop Patch Project offers learning opportunities to Girl Scouts in watersheds, nonpoint source 

pollution, wetlands, and groundwater/drinking water. Service learning and activities range from “do’s and 

don’ts around the home” to stream cleanups to building your own aquifer. 

Additional Information About the Program and Projects 

The project booklet can be located on the LGTTL website at: www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/. Copies of the 

booklet are also available free by calling the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at 

800-490-9198. 

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Why Should Girl Scouts Participate in the Water Drop Patch Project? 

By participating in the Water Drop Patch Project, individual Girl Scouts, troops, or groups gain hands-on 

skills in water management and resource conservation efforts. Each project can be conducted in 

conjunction with an EPA representative or other federal or state water quality agency representative, 

thereby providing career mentoring to interested Girl Scouts. Since the Water Drop Patch Project can be 

completed anywhere and because there is a minimal cost (the cost of the patch) for Girl Scouts, this 

project is easily accessible to Every Girl, Everywhere. This patch project will also cover one of the 

requirements required to earn the Get with the Land Patch. 

How is the Patch Distributed and Troop Recognition Received? 

There is a Water Drop Patch order form and application for troop recognition form on the LGTTL 

website at www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/ and in the project booklet. To date, over 33,000 girls are proudly 

wearing a Water Drop Patch. 

Contact: 

Jodi Stewart Schwarzer 

Elliott Wildlife Values Project 

Girl Scouts of the USA 

212-852-8076 Phone 

linkinggirls@girlscouts.org

or 

Patty Scott 

Environmental Protection Agency 

202-566-1292 Phone 

scott.patricia@epa.gov
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IX. Travel Opportunities: STUDIO 2Bsm destinations

Teens are offered STUDIO 2Bdestinations, (formerly called “Wider Opportunities”) as 3- to 14-day events 

organized by local councils or Girl Scouts of the USA. STUDIO 2Bdestinations incorporate advanced skills 

and learning about a focused area or subject. Participants are ages 11–17 from across the United States and 

are selected based on a national application process. There is continuing high interest in programs with 

advanced outdoor skills, national history, and cultural learning. Agency natural resource professionals 

greatly enhance the programs, serve as role models, and lead volunteer service activities. Many of these 

teens already have an interest in outdoor careers, science education, and leadership—and their awareness 

of natural resource careers through these sessions will enhance agency recruitment of such young women. 

Natural Resource and Science-Based STUDIO 2Bdestinations

Numerous STUDIO 2Bdestinations focus on outdoor adventures, advanced skills, leadership, and career 

exploration in natural resources. 

Following are examples of recent STUDIO 2B destinations, many of which included field trips or 

presentations by natural resource professionals: 

• Advanced Scuba, Traverse City, Michigan 

• Aerospace Career Explorer—U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama 

• Alaska: Midnight Sun Sea Kayaking, Anchorage, Alaska 

• Astronaut Fast Track—U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama 

• Canoe Country Rendezvous, Ely, Minnesota 

• Cool Desert Climbing, Palm Springs, California 

• Craggin’ and Baggin’ in Colorado, Denver, Colorado 

• Cruising the Coast Maine Sailing, St. George, Maine 

• Design & Discovery, Hillsboro, Oregon 

• Expedition: Michigan, Traverse City, Michigan 

• Girls in the 'Glades, Miami, Florida 
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• Great Lakes Aquatic Biology, Traverse City, Michigan 

• High Country Heaven: North Cascades, Seattle, Washington 

• Hiking Boots and Swimming Suits, Las Vegas, Nevada 

• Montana Big Sky Breakaway, Billings, Montana 

• Mush, Mush in Minnesota, Duluth, Minnesota 

• Oregon Splashdown! Whitewater Rafting, Portland, Oregon 

• Peachy Days and Starry Nights, Atlanta, Georgia 

• Robotics Space Mission—U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama

• Rockin’ Adventure, Asheville, North Carolina 

• Scuba Michigan, Traverse, Michigan 

• Tropical Travels: Florida Keys, Key Largo, Florida 

• Winter Sports, Traverse City, Michigan 

For more information, visit www.studio2b.org/escape/destinations/. 

Contact: 

Program Manager, Teen Leadership Opportunities 

Girl Scouts of the USA 

420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor 

New York, NY 10018-2798 

212-852-6538 Phone 

212-852-6515 Fax 

destinations@girlscouts.org
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Wyoming’s Wildlife Wonders (formerly Natural Science in the Tetons) 

As part of a STUDIO 2Bdestination sponsored by the Elliott Wildlife Values Project and hosted by a local 

Girl Scout council, 12 teams of two Girl Scouts (24 girls) from across the United States learn wildlife 

biology and naturalist skills under the instruction of Teton Science Schools instructors. Girls learn how to 

keep a naturalist's journal and get up close to wild birds, some of nature's most intriguing creatures. Girls 

also become part of a national bird-banding effort and learn how the local ecosystem functions. They live 

among pronghorn antelope, bison, coyote, and osprey, and hike the Grand Teton National Park and 

Bridger-Teton National Forest, which offer views that will leave them breathless. As part of the event 

experience, each team is responsible for designing a project or training to share with their council and 

community about what they learned during the STUDIO 2Bdestination. Projects will be completed within 

the following year.

Two recent back-home projects include: 

1. Virginia and Allison—Girl Scout Council of Coastal Carolina, North Carolina 

Project Title: Camp Pretty Pond Educational Nature Trail: How To Use It. 

Project Objectives: Raise awareness of local plants and wildlife; create an interpretive trail guide 

to make a trail usable for all ages. We will lead groups around the trail and teach them about 

“Leave No Trace” hiking and the local plants and wildlife. We will leave the trail guide at the 

camp and come back next summer to calculate the final number of people who used the trail for 

the year. 

Resources: Brunswick Soil and The Nature Conservancy, North Carolina Wildlife Resources 

Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Edie Reed, Joanne Brooks 

Target Audience: Girl Scouts of all ages and local groups 

Estimated Number Served: 270 

 2. Megan and Jennifer—Girl Scouts of Riverland Council, Wisconsin 

Project Title: River Badge Project

Project Objective: Introduce girls to river wildlife and habitats and provide girls with the

opportunity to do a service project. Age-specific badge projects will be developed to teach girls 

about river habitats, fish, plants, birds, and animals. A councilwide event will be organized to 

provide opportunities for girls to earn these badges.
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Resources: River Studies Department at University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse, U.S. Geological 

Survey, Department of Fish and Wildlife, LaCrosse Historical Society 

Target Audience: Girls Scouts: Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors 

Estimated Number Served: 300 

For More Details and Application Information 

Visit the Girl Scouts STUDIO 2Bdestinations website: www.studio2b.org/escape/destinations/ or contact 

the Elliott Wildlife Values Project staff at 1-800-223-0624 or Linkinggirls@girlscouts.org. 
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X. National Environmental Events 

(See the 2008 Environmental Events Calendar on p. 66) 

National Trails Day (NTD) 

Girl Scouts of the USA joins the American Hiking Society, many federal and local agencies, and the public 

in celebrating National Trails Day. This annual event, held the first Saturday in June, promotes awareness 

of and appreciation for America's 200,000 miles of trails and encourages cooperative efforts among 

different trail users, including hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, walkers, runners, and others who enjoy being 

on the trail. There are more than 3,000 events and a million participants annually. 

Since NTD falls in June, it makes a great end-of-the-year troop activity. Girl Scouts can participate in 

already planned community events on National Trails Day, or they can help organize an event. In the past, 

these have included new trail dedications, workshops, educational exhibits, equestrian and mountain bike 

rides, canoe events, trail maintenance, and hikes on America's favorite trails. 

Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts Through NTD 

• Education about the healthy benefits of hiking 

• Hiking and biking on trails on Girl Scout property and in federal and state parks and forests 

• Nature crafts, games, campfires, and songs 

• A weekend leadership course 

• Trail marking and cleanup with a 2-mile run/walk to “reopen” the trail 

• Letterboxing 

• A geology hike on a scenic trail 

Girl Scouts who participate in NTD projects and who are in collaboration with federal or state national 

resource agency personnel or on federal or state lands, are working toward earning the Get with the Land 

Patch. 
More Information About Local National Trails Day Events 

The American Hiking Society is the overall coordinator, but all of the activities are planned locally by 

community groups, four federal agencies, the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the Bureau of 

Land Management, and the Federal Highway Administration, as well as corporate and retail sponsors (an 

event organizers manual is available for Girl Scout leaders from the American Hiking Society). Additional 

information can be obtained from local hiking clubs and outdoor equipment retailers, or from the 

American Hiking Society, at 301-565-6704 or ntd@americanhiking.org. 

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) 

NPLD is a Saturday in late September, when thousands of 

people volunteer in parks and on public lands. Volunteers join 

the staff and managers of our public lands to build trails, restore 

wetlands, improve wildlife habitats, battle invasive species, 

harvest native seeds, and sow wild flowers. 

Organizers and Partners 

This effort, organized by the National Environmental Education Foundation in 1994, is the largest 

volunteer event that benefits America’s public lands. Sometimes individuals or our partner organizations 

organize an event. 

Many events are organized by federal agency partners: 

• U.S. Bureau of Land Management 

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

• U.S. Forest Service 

• U.S. National Park Service 

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Opportunities Available to Girl Scouts Through NPLD 

Since the beginning of Girl Scouts, our members have enjoyed the outdoors. With NPLD, Girl Scouts 

take the next step—active stewardship of the environment. 

• Across the country girls are already planting trees, installing owl boxes, mending fences, and 

weeding plant nurseries. Here are more examples of Girl Scout projects: 

 Troop 624 worked at Golden Gate National Park in California on a “Trails 

Forever” project, cutting back vegetation, weeding, and removing invasive plants. 

 Troop 1212, from Girl Scouts of Mile High Council, built birdhouses, tubed trees, 

and helped maintain the lakeshore at Barr Lake State Park in Colorado. 

 Troop 4638, from Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, Orlando, Florida, helped clean up 

the nature center at Geneva Wilderness Area. They painted an outdoor education 

area and did trail maintenance. 

 Troop 106, from Girl Scouts-Totem Council in Washington, helped with trail 

restoration at Watmough Bay and received training in Leave No Trace skills and 

ethics. 

 Troop 747, from Richmond, Virginia, improved fisheries habitat and helped 

improve water quality by stabilizing the shoreline to help reduce erosion. 

• NPLD dovetails with many scouting goals. 

• NPLD gives Girl Scouts an opportunity to plan a significant project with officials, engage their 

community in environmental stewardship, and make a real difference in their world. 

• Girl Scouts working on NPLD have been featured in Parade magazine and in Girl’s Life. 

• Girl Scouts who participate in NPLD projects that are in collaboration with federal or state 

national resource agency personnel or on federal or state lands are working towards earning the 

Get with the Land Patch. 

More Information About National Public Lands Day 

A Girl Scout section and Get Involved Guide is available at 

www.publiclandsday.org about/partners/girl scouts.htm
Contact: 

Robb Hampton 

National Public Lands Day 

National Environmental Education Foundation 

1707 H Street, NW, Suite 900 

Washington, DC 20036 

202-261-6461 Phone 

202-261-6464 Fax 

Robb@neetf.org

www.npld.com 

World Water Monitoring Day 

World Water Monitoring Day, held annually between September 18 and October 

18 engages communities in monitoring the condition of local rivers, streams, 

estuaries and other water bodies. The program offers participants an opportunity 

to use a simple test kit to take water quality samples in their local streams, lakes, 

bays, or wetlands, enter their data into an international database, and take part in activities that educate us 

all about our role in protecting clean water. The period leading up to October 18 was selected because it is 

the anniversary of the landmark 1972 Clean Water Act. 

Why Monitoring Is Important

We need to monitor in order to answer basic questions about our waters. Can we safely swim in them? 

Can fish and other aquatic animals live in them? Can we safely eat the fish we catch? Is the quality of our 

waters improving? Today we cannot always answer these questions. The U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) is working to build partnerships with other federal agencies, states, local governments, 

watershed groups, the private sector, and the public to improve the comprehensiveness and effectiveness 

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of water monitoring programs. 

Who Organizes This Event? 

World Water Monitoring Day is planned and coordinated by the Water Environment Federation and the 

International Water Association, in partnership with a number of other organizations, including the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency. Local monitoring and educational activities are organized by 

participating watershed organizations, schools, government agencies, and individual citizens. 

How Girl Scouts Can Participate 

Beginning in mid-July of each year, Girl Scout troops and councils can order an easy-to-use water testing 

kit from the World Water Monitoring website at www.worldwatermonitoringday.org. The kit contains 

instructions on how to test for four key parameters: dissolved oxygen, water temperature, pH, and water 

clarity. Troops and councils need to select an appropriate site for monitoring and monitor the site between 

September 18 and October 18. The kit includes safety instructions, which should be followed carefully. 

Once Girl Scouts have recorded their data, they enter their findings in the international database available 

on the World Water Monitoring Day website. Troops and councils may also want to get involved in other 

fun activities in their area, like water festivals and stream cleanups. Girl Scouts who participate in World 

Water Monitoring Day projects that are in collaboration with federal or state national resource agency 

personnel or on federal or state lands are working toward earning the Get with the Land Patch. 

How to Learn More

Visit www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/about/girlscouts.php for more information, to order test kits 

(international orders and bulk orders accepted), register your site(s), enter your data, and find out what is 

going on in your area and around the globe. To learn more about volunteer environmental monitoring, 

visit www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer. A Girl Scout brochure is available at 

www.epa.gov/linkinggirls. 

Contact: 

Lorien Onderdonk 

Program Manager, World Water Monitoring Day 

Water Environment Federation (WEF) 

601 Wythe Street 
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Alexandria, VA 22314 

703-684-2400 x5264 Phone 

703-684-2472 Fax 

londerdonk@wef.org 

Patty Scott 

U.S. EPA, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 

Ariel Rios Building, 4501T 

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 

Washington, DC 20460 
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2008 Environmental Events Calendar 

January 1

On January 1, 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 was enacted. It required all federal 

agencies to assess the impact of federal actions on the environment. 

January 21

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, www.mlkday.org

February 2

World Wetlands Day, www.ramsar.org/wwd/wwd_index.htm

February 15 - 18

Great Backyard Bird Count, www.birdsource.org/gbbc

February 21

Establishment of the Washington Monument 1885, www.nps.gov/wamo/home.htm

March 1

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park, the nation’s first national park, was established by an act of 

Congress, and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant, www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

March 1 - May 31

Great American Cleanup, www.kab.org

March 13

On March 13, 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System was established, www.fws.gov/refuges 

April

National Garden Month, www.nationalgardenmonth.org 

April 13 - 19

National Environmental Education Week, www.eeweek.org 

April 19 - 27

National Park Week, www.nps.gov/npweek

April 22

Earth Day, www.earthday.gov and www.earthday.net 

April 25 - 27

National & Global Youth Service Day, www.ysa.org/nysd 
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April 27 – May 3

National Volunteer Week, www.pointsoflight.org/programs/seasons/nvw

April 25

National Arbor Day, www.arborday.org

May 1-31

American Wetlands Month, www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/awm 

May 3

Join Hands Day, www.joinhandsday.org/scripts/home.cfm

May 4 - 10

Drinking Water Week, www.awwa.org/advocacy/dww 

May 10

International Migratory Bird Day, www.birdday.org

May 16

Endangered Species Day, www.stopextinction.org

May 28

Sierra Club founded in 1892, www.sierraclub.org

May 31 – June 8

National River Cleanup Week, www.nationalrivercleanup.com

June 1-30

Great Outdoors Month, www.greatoutdoorsmonth.org

June 7

National Trails Day, www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd 

June 1-8

National Fishing and Boating Week, www.rbff.org/page.cfm?pageID=11

June 5

World Environment Day, www.unep.org/wed 

June 9-13

Great Outdoors Week, www.greatoutdoorsmonth.org

June 28

Great American Backyard Campout, www.backyardcampout.org/girlscouts
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June 29-July 5

National Clean Beaches Week, www.cleanbeaches.org 

July 18 - 25

Wyoming's Wildlife Wonders STUDIO 2B destination, www.studio2b.org/escape/destinations

August 4

On August 4, 1954, the Small Watershed Program was enacted to help communities protect watersheds. 

August 9

Smokey Bear’s birthday, www.smokeybear.com

August 25

National Park Founder’s Day. On August 25, 1916, the National Park Service was created by an act signed 

by President Woodrow Wilson. 

September 3

The Wilderness Act of 1964 enacted by Congress 

September 20

International Coastal Cleanup, www.coastalcleanup.org

September 18

World Water Monitoring Day, www.worldwatermonitoringday.org

September 27

National Public Lands Day, www.npld.com

September 27

National Estuary Day, www.estuaries.gov/neday.html

October 2

Appalachian Trail established in 1937, www.nps.gov/appa 

October 7 - 13

National Wildlife Refuge Week, www.fws.gov/refuges 

October 18

1972 Clean Water Act enacted by Congress 

October 25

Make a Difference Day, www.usaweekend.com/diffday/index.html
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November 15

National Family Volunteer Day, www.pointsoflight.org/programs/seasons/nfvd

November 18

On November 18, 1977, the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act was enacted to further the 

conservation, protection and enhancement of the nation’s natural resources for sustained use. 

December 23

On December 23, 1985, the 1985 Farm Bill was passed. It was the first farm bill to include a conservation 

title and to require that farmers follow conservation measures to be eligible for USDA program benefits. 

Additional Information 

Girl Scouts can earn the Get with the Land Patch by volunteering in national conservation events done in 

collaboration with a federal or state natural resource agency or on federal or state lands. 

Visit www.takepride.gov and www.volunteer.gov for additional events. 
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XI. Appendix 
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About Girl Scouts of the USA 

Mission 

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who 

make the world a better place. 

Girl Scouts of the USA is the world’s preeminent organization for 

personal growth and leadership development for girls. In Girl 

Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls 

together. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as 

extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community 

service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental 

stewardships, girls grow courageous and strong. More information 

about Girl Scouts can be found on the website, www.girlscouts.org. 

The Girl Scout Promise and Law 

The Girl Scout Promise and Law are shared by every member of 

Girl Scouting. The Girl Scout Promise is the way Girl Scouts agree 

to act every day toward one another and other people, and the Law 

outlines a way to act toward one another and the world. 

The Girl Scout Promise 

On my honor, I will try: 

To serve God and my country, 

To help people at all times, 

And to live by the Girl Scout Law. 

The Girl Scout Law 

I will do my best to be 

honest and fair, 

friendly and helpful, 

considerate and caring, 

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courageous and strong, and 

responsible for what I say and do, 

and to 

respect myself and others, 

respect authority, 

use resources wisely, 

make the world a better place, and 

be a sister to every Girl Scout. 

Girl Scout Membership and Organization 

Nationally there are nearly 3.6 million Girl Scouts, 2.7 million girl members, and 928,000 adult members 

working primarily as volunteers in local Girl Scout councils. Girl Scouting is open to all girls ages 5–17. 

Girls at home and abroad participate in more than 236,000 troops and groups in more than 90 countries 

through USA Girl Scouts Overseas, and local Girl Scout councils offer girls the opportunity for 

membership across the United States. Girl Scouts takes great pride in serving girls of all racial/ethnic 

backgrounds, abilities, and income levels. National recruitment materials and local goals are to increase 

service to underrepresented groups. Girl Scouts has a longstanding emphasis on diversity and offers many 

after-school, group, troop, and non-troop programs to underserved youth. 

Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouting, organized the first group of Girl Scouts on March 12, 

1912, in Savannah, Georgia. Girl Scouts of the USA was chartered by Congress on March 16, 1950. More 

than 50 million women in the United States have enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood. 

Girl Scout Program Age Levels 

• Daisy Girl Scouts, ages 5–6 (kindergarten or first grade), can engage in outdoor activities but do 

not receive earned age-level awards. 

• Brownie Girl Scouts, ages 6–8 (first through third grades), can earn Brownie Try-Its and explore 

many topics, including the environment and the outdoors. 
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• Junior Girl Scouts, ages 8–11 (third through sixth grades), can earn Girl Scout badges, explore 

scientific topics, complete service projects, and explore careers. 

• Girl Scouts 11–17 (Cadettes, ages 11–14; Seniors, ages 14–17): 

 Girls ages 11–17 can use books from the STUDIO 2BSM Focus series, set goals, 

and earn charms corresponding to the activities and projects they complete. 

 Girls ages 11–17 can use Interest Projects for Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts to earn 

awards. (See www.studio2B.org/lounge/gs-stuff/ip-intro.asp for new Interest 

Projects.) 

 Girls ages 11–17 can mix and match, using both Interest Projects and STUDIO 2B 

Focus book activities. 

 Girls ages 11–14 can earn the Girl Scout Silver Award (for completing a project 

taking 40 hours). 

 Girls ages 14–17 can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award (the highest honor in Girl 

Scouting is awarded for completing a project taking more than 65 hours). 

• Girl Scout Adults: Girl Scout leaders are volunteers who guide a group of girls through the Girl 

Scout experience by helping them plan their meetings and Girl Scout activities. Other adults work 

as volunteer trainers or as staff at the national and council levels. 
Elliott Wildlife Values Project (EWVP) 

Linking Girls to the Land is a very important component of the Elliott Wildlife Values Project at Girl Scouts 

of the USA. The EWVP develops GSUSA’s national environmental program, collaborations, and 

initiatives. The EWVP is funded by the Herford N. Elliott Trust Fund, established in 1977. Some EWVP 

projects are provided additional funding through in-kind and financial support of EWVP partners. 

EWVP activities provide Girl Scouts the opportunity to: 

• Learn the importance of wildlife, nature, and the environment. 

• Have hands-on field experiences. 

• Practice science and stewardship skills. 

• Investigate careers. 

• Do community service activities that benefit the environment and Earth’s resources. 

These goals are achieved by working directly with girls, Girl Scout council volunteers, and outside partners. 

The EWVP publishes print, electronic, and audiovisual materials, sponsors workshops, provides grants to 

councils, offers travel adventures, and collaborates with organizations and agencies that encourage girls to 

develop lifelong commitments to conservation. 

 

Recent Opportunities 

• EarthPACT (Plant and Animal Conservation Team): These grants 

support activities that benefit native wildlife and plants through 

partnerships between Girl Scout councils and nature-related 

organizations, educational institutions, businesses, or municipal 

government. Examples of projects: habitat restoration, container 

gardening with residents at geriatric facilities, and landscaping with drought-resistant plants. 

Career exploration or mentorship is included. 

• Elliott Wildlife Bird Conservation Sites: This program awarded grants to councils so they 

could use their property to provide long-term bird conservation opportunities for girls. Natural 

areas to support native or neo-tropical bird populations were developed in collaboration with an 

environmental organization or business. 

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• From Sidewalks to Treetops/Del suelo al cielo: A program that trains adults to conduct 

nature, wildlife, and environmental education activities in their own neighborhoods—even if they 

live in a city. With materials provided in English and Spanish, a closed-captioned video, and ideas 

for adapting activities for different audiences, From Sidewalks to Treetops meets the needs of girls 

and adults with disabilities, Spanish-speakers, and those from underserved urban or rural areas. 

The Del suelo al cielo Grants offered in 2004 gave councils a tool for recruiting Latino adults as 

episodic or long-term volunteers and encouraged Latinas to champion the conservation of 

wildlife in their own communities. 

• Linking Girls to the Land (LGTTL) www.epa.gov/linkinggirls 

An interagency partnership between GSUSA and federal natural 

resource conservation agencies, as well as other associated 

organizations, LGTTL encourages Girl Scouts across the country to 

become involved in conservation and natural resources issues through partnerships with federal 

agencies on national and local levels. It offers funding, STUDIO 2BSM destinations, awards, 

workshops, environmental education, volunteer service, outdoor skills development, and career 

exploration. 

Collaborations 

• Forces of Nature (National Geographic Society): www.nationalgeographic.com 

• Girls for Planet Earth (Wildlife Conservation Society): www.teens4planetearth.com/girls 

• Great American Backyard Campout and Ranger Rick magazine (National Wildlife Federation): 

www.nwf.org 

• Great Backyard Bird Count (National Audubon Society): www.audubon.org 

• Linking Girls to the Land: www.epa.gov/linkinggirls

 Bureau of Land Management 

 Center for Wildlife Stewardship, Be Bear Aware and Wildlife Stewardship 

Campaign 

 Environmental Protection Agency 

 Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics 

 National Environmental Education & Training Foundation 

 National Marine Sanctuary Foundation 

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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

 National Park Service 

 National Parks Conservation Service 

 Take Pride in America 

 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

 U.S. Forest Service 

 U.S. Geological Survey 

 U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service 

• National Gardening Month (National Gardening Association): www.garden.org

• National Public Lands Day (National Environmental and Training Foundation): 

www.npld.org/about/partners/girl_scouts.cfm 

• National Trails Day (American Hiking Society): www.americanhiking.com 

• Whale Rider (Pacific Islanders in Communications): www.piccom.org/whalerider

• World Water Monitoring Day (America’s Clean Water Foundation): 

www.worldwatermonitoringday.org 

• Wyoming’s Wildlife Wonders STUDIO 2Bdestination (Teton Science Schools): 

www.tetonscience.org

Print and Electronic Resources 

Girl Resources 

• Fun and Easy Activities—Nature and Science, 1996 (English/Spanish; for ages 6–11) 

• Green Scene: www.studio2b.org/escape/greenscene 

• Makin’ Waves, STUDIO 2B Focus book, 2004 

• Parks Matter, STUDIO 2B Focus book, 2004 

• STUDIO 2B Collection 11–13, 2002 

 “A Case for the Environment” p. 76 

 “Buffy the Pollution Slayer?” p.78 

• STUDIO 2B Collection 13–15, 2002 

 “Steppin’ Out for Change,” p. 88 

• STUDIO 2B Collection 15–17, 200 

 “Mending the Cracks with Gold,” p. 68 

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Adult Resources 

• From Sidewalks to Treetops: The Amateur’s Guide to Exploring Nature in Your Neighborhood, 2003 (video 

and booklet; closed-captioned; English and Spanish versions) 

• Fun and Easy Nature & Science Investigations, 2002 (English and 

Spanish versions) 

• Linking Girls to the Land Resource Guide (Electronic version) 

• Linking Girls to the Land (video, 2002 (11-minute tape and 90-

second clip; closed captioned) 

• Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting, 1996 

• Water Drop Patch Project (booklet) 

For More Information About the Elliott Wildlife Values Project 

Visit www.girlscouts.org/program/program_opportunities/environment/elliott_wildlife.asp

Contact: 

María Cabán or Jodi Stewart Schwarzer, Project Managers, Environmental and Outdoor Program 

Elliott Wildlife Values Project/Girl Scouts of the USA 

212-852-8000 Phone 

212-852-6515 Fax 

wildlife@girlscouts.org

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Girl Scout Program Resources 

The following Girl Scout publications contain activities related to Linking Girls to the Land. Many of these 

publications also include resource information and suggested reading lists. Many can be purchased from 

local Girl Scout councils or found online at http://shop.girlscouts.org/ and 

www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/. You can also order resources by calling a Girl Scout 

Merchandise customer service representative at 800-221-6707. 

Daisy Girl Scouts

• Daisy Girl Scout Activity Book, 2000 (English and Spanish versions) 

Daisy Girl Scouts Have Feelings, Thoughts, and Dreams, p. 6 

Life Takes Shape, p. 32 

Move with Me, p. 34 

Nature in Action, p. 24 

Sound Sense, p. 36 

• The Guide for Daisy Girl Scout Leaders, 2000 (English and Spanish versions) 

Community Helpers, p. 79 

Mini-Garden, p. 73 

My Community Album, p. 67 

Brownie Girl Scouts

• Try-Its for Brownie Girl Scouts, 2000 

Animals, p. 86 

Careers, p. 22 

Citizen Near and Far, p. 148 

Earth and Sky, p. 94 

Earth Is Our Home, p. 98 

Eco-Explorer, p. 102 

Her Story, p. 106 

Math Fun, p. 108 

Movers, p. 110 

Numbers and Shapes, p. 114 
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Outdoor Adventurer, p. 118 

Plants, p. 122 

Ready, Set, Go Camping, p. 124 

Science in Action, p. 126 

Science Wonders, p. 130 

Senses, p. 134 

Space Explorer, p. 138 

Watching Wildlife, p. 140 

Water Everywhere, p. 142 

• Brownie Girl Scout Handbook, 2000 

Chapter 4: What’s Out There? p. 89 

• Guide for Brownie Girl Scout Leaders, 2000 (English and Spanish versions) 

Chapter 4: What’s Out There? p. 47 

Junior Girl Scouts 

• Junior Girl Scout Badge Book, 2001 

Adventure Sports, p. 68 

Aerospace, p. 180 

Architecture, p. 128 

Art in 3-D, p. 132 

Being My Best, p. 32 

Camera Shots, p. 138 

Camp Together, p. 92 

Careers, p. 12 

Computer Fun, p. 182 

Creative Solutions, p. 144 

Discovering Technology, p. 148 

“Doing” Hobbies, p. 150 

Earth Connections, p. 94 

Eco-Action, p. 96 

Environmental Health, p. 72 

Finding Your Way, p. 98 
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Global Awareness, p. 14 

Hiker, p. 102 

Horse Rider, p. 106 

Humans and Habitats, p. 16 

It’s Important to Me, p. 36 

Lead On, p. 18 

Math Whiz, p. 160 

Model Citizen, p. 20 

Ms. Fix-It, p. 162 

My Community, p. 52 

Oil Up, p. 196 

Outdoor Cook, p. 108 

Outdoor Creativity, p. 110 

Outdoor Fun, p. 112 

Outdoors in the City, p. 114 

Plants and Animals, p. 116 

Puzzlers, p. 166 

Rocks Rock, p. 198 

Science Discovery, p. 200 

Science in Everyday Life, p. 204 

Science Sleuth, p. 208 

Sky Search, p. 212 

Small Craft, p. 118 

Swimming, p. 120 

Water Fun, p. 122 

Water Wonders, p. 214 

Weather Watch, p. 216 

Wildlife, p. 124 

Your Outdoor Surroundings, p. 126 

Ready for Tomorrow Badge: 

www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/online/junior/ready_for_tomorrow.asp 

• Junior Girl Scout Handbook, 2001 
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Chapter 3: It’s Great to Be a Girl, p. 40 

Chapter 7: Let’s Get Outdoors, p. 128 

Chapter 9: Explore and Discover, p. 172 

Chapter 10: Junior Girl Scout Awards, p. 189 

• Junior Girl Scout Leader Guide Book, 2001 

Explore and Discover, p. 49 

It’s Great to Be a Girl, p. 42 

Let’s Get Outdoors, p. 46 

Girl Scouts Ages 11–17

• Cadette Girl Scout Handbook, 1995 

Chapter 2: Wider Opportunities 

Chapter 6: Exploring New Interest and Activities 

Chapter 7: Recognitions for Cadette Girl Scouts 

• Interest Projects for Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts, 1997 

All About Birds, p. 50 

Architecture and Environmental Design, p. 114 

Backpacking, p. 150 

Build a Better Future, p. 52 

Camping, p. 152 

Computers in Everyday Life, p. 86 

Desktop Publishing, p. 88 

Digging Through the Past, p. 56 

Eco-Action, p. 58 

Emergency Preparedness, p. 154 

Exploring the Net, p. 92 

From Shore to Sea, p. 62 

Graphic Communications, p. 96 

High Adventure, p. 158 

Horse Sense, p. 160 

Inventions and Inquiry, p. 64 

Leadership, p. 38 
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Math, Maps, and More, p. 68 

Media Savvy, p. 100 

Museum Discovery, p. 130 

Orienteering, p. 166 

Outdoor Survival, p. 168 

Paddle, Pole, and Role, p. 170 

Paper Works, p. 134 

Photography, p. 138 

Planet Power, p. 72 

Plant Life, p. 74 

Travel, p. 40 

Why in the World? p. 78 

Wildlife, p. 80 

• Online Interest Project Patches, 2005: 

http://www.studio2b.org/lounge/gs_stuff/

http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/online/ 

B Xtreme!: http://www.studio2b.org/lounge/gs_stuff/ip_b_xtreme.asp 

Hi-Tech Hide & Seek: http://www.studio2b.org/lounge/gs_stuff/ip_tech.asp 

Uncovering the Evidence: http://www.studio2b.org/lounge/gs_stuff/ip_evidence.asp 

• Resource Book for Senior Girl Scouts, 1995 

Outdoor Recreation, p. 130 

Sample Service Projects, p. 139 

Taking Action, p. 22 

Chapter 6: Recognitions and Wider Opportunities, p. 141 

• Studio 2B Collections 11–13, 2002 

“A Case for the Environment,” p. 76 

“Buffy the Pollution Slayer?” p. 78

• Studio 2B Collections 13-15, 2002 

“Steppin’ Out for Change,” p. 88

• Studio 2B Collections 15–17, 2002 

“Mending the Cracks with Gold,” p. 68 

• STUDIO 2B Focus books: 
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Parks Matter, 2004 

Makin’ Waves, 2004 

Other Girl Scout Books and Resources

• From Sidewalks to Treetops: The Amateur’s Guide to Exploring Nature in Your Neighborhood, 2003 

(video and booklet in English and Spanish) 

• Fun and Easy Activities: Nature and Science, 1996 (Bilingual, English/Spanish) 

• Fun and Easy Nature & Science Investigations, 2002 (English and Spanish versions) 

• Get with the Land Patch, 2005: 

http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/online/participation_patches/getwithla

nd/

• Linking Girls to the Land Resource Guide, 2006 

• Linking Girls to the Land Video, 2002 

• Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting, 1996 (11-minute tape and 90-second clip; closed-captioned)

• Water Drop Patch Project (booklet) 

http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/online/participation_patches/water_dr

op/ 
Linking Girls to the Land Resources

Linking Girls to the Land Website—visit www.epa.gov/linkinggirls for: 

• The latest news about Linking Girls to the Land

• Additional ideas for environmental awareness programs 

• An overview of the partnership 

• Highlights of national projects and opportunities, Girl Scout council projects, national 

conservation events, as well as methods for partnering with federal natural resource agencies and 

Girl Scouts. 

• A downloadable version of this resource guide 

• Examples of partnering projects 

• GSUSA program links 

• Summaries of each Linking Girls to the Land partner agency and organization and current 

information 

Linking Girls to the Land Video and DVD 

Through an in-kind collaboration with the U.S. Department of the 

Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal natural resource 

agencies, an 11-minute promotional video was produced in 2002. A 

DVD is now also available. This video demonstrates some of the 

benefits and forms that partnerships between Girl Scout councils and federal natural resource agencies can 

take. It also illustrates the importance of multi-agency partnerships to provide needed conservation and 

environmental education opportunities for participants from more diverse audiences and underrepresented 

areas to ensure Girl Scouting for Every Girl, Everywhere. The video is in English and is closed-captioned. To 

view the video or DVD, please contact your local Girl Scout council at 800-GSUSA 4 U or 

www.girlscouts.org/councilfinder. To order additional copies of the video or DVD, contact Video 

Transfer, 5800 Arundel Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852, attention: Maria Spottswood, or call 301-881-0270. 

The maximum cost per video tape is $12.00 and the DVD is $12.50 plus shipping. Reduced pricing can be 

arranged for bulk orders. 

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Linking Girls to the Land Certificate 

Would you like to recognize the work related to environmental 

education, volunteer conservation service work, or outdoor skills 

development that Girl Scouts (girls and adults) have done in 

collaboration with a federal or state agency through the Linking Girls to 

the Land partnership? Girl Scout council volunteers, staff, and partner 

representatives can download this certificate in PDF format from the LGTTL website at 

www.epa.gov/linkinggirls. The certificate is a fill-in formatted document. Just type the recipient’s name 

and the date right on the certificate. Click in the space below the line in the left corner to add the issuer’s 

name and affiliation, print, and sign.

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE) 

More than 30 federal agencies formed a working group in 1997 to make hundreds of federally supported 

teaching and learning resources easier to find. The result of that work is the website 

www.ed.gov/free/index.html. Each topic area (Science, Social Studies, etc.) is further broken down into 

subtopics (there are 20 subtopics within the science category alone). Each topic and subtopic is connected 

to numerous online educational resources. 

Website Resources for Environmental Education

A useful list compiled by the USFWS, National Conservation Training Center’s Division of Education 

Outreach: http://library.fws.gov. 

EPA Information Sources

A Web page highlighting the EPA environmental education sources including hotlines and clearinghouses, 

dockets, employee directory, publications, libraries, and information centers, newsletters and lists servers, 

databases and software, and test methods and models: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/resource.htm. 

EPA Education Resources 

A great Web page with environmental education resources geared to various audiences including: kids 

(pre-K to fourth grade), students (grades 5–8), high schools (grades 9–12), teachers (classroom and 

nontraditional educators), Office of Environmental Education, and researchers: 

http://www.epa.gov/epahome/educational.htm

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EENews@NAEE 

A biweekly e-mail bulletin provided by the North American Association for Environmental Education 

(NAEE), with funding from the Environmental Education and Training Foundation Partnership 

(EETAP): http://eelink.net/ee-news/ . To subscribe, send a blank e-mail to ee-news-subscribe@naee.org. 

Information Exchange for Marine Educators 

A compilation of environmental programs, websites, grants, internships, conferences, workshops, 

educational resources, and initiatives sent via e-mail monthly. To subscribe, send a blank message to 

requests@williamette.nos.noaa.gov with “subscribe info exchange” in the subject field. For more 

information, e-mail Phyllis.dermer@noaa.gov or call 865-932-5074.