Head Start staff develop activities to help children develop healthy life habits. Building upon previous work, this project increases the community's knowledge about using proper solid waste management practices and energy efficient measures to preserve natural resources. Telecommunication, fact sheets, radio broadcasts and ten cartoon strips for local newspapers are the core of this multi-media program. This project targets the Native American community of approximately 5,200 located on the St. Regis Mohawk Indian Reserve. This program increases marine ecosystem education in the VI by training Marine Education Center staff to teach educators, students and the general public about protecting the local marine ecosystems.
Participants learn how to engage center visitors in a range of in activities.
The program provides an understanding of local environments and how activities, such as untreated sewage discharges, commercial damage to coral reefs and non-point source pollution, can impact the island's priceless ecosystems. Another goal is to increase effective marine ecosystem education in local public schools. A video is being produced to facilitate training current and future staff. St. Croix Environmental Association. The program includes study of a Caribbean Sea food web, identification and importance of mangroves, field trips, and hands-on activities that teach the importance of solid waste reduction, reforestation, and community involvement.