Through Ridge Kids Stewards, students from different areas experience different parts of the ridge trail, depending on where their school is located. If we're working with a school over in the East Bay, then we'd pick a section of the trail that's in the East Bay. The program aims to educate kids early on. The more stewards we have for our parks and open spaces, the more likely it is that we'll not only maintain the wonderful resources that we have in the Bay Area, but we'll be able to add to them over time. The Ridge Kids Stewards program most often works with middle school students.
Power explains that younger kids seem to show more appreciation for their experience.
Power stresses the dangers of not educating kids about their environment. If we leave it to the current generation and don't educate those who are coming up through the school system now, then the likelihood is that the interest will wane over time, and we won't be able to maintain the wonderful resources that we currently enjoy. Teachers who are interested in providing their students with an environmental experience usually hear about Ridge Kids Stewards through word of mouth. Power explains that teachers who have enjoyed their program receive materials that they can pass on to other teachers who would also like to participate in the program as well. Interested teachers can then either visit the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council website or contact Rebecca Stein, the director of the Ridge Kids Stewards program.