This program is brought to us by the Idaho Museum of Natural History from Idaho State University. The project titled, Treasuring our Natural Heritage, is meant to enhance understanding and conservation of the rich biological diversity of our intermountain Western Region. The project uses the theme of the economy of nature to show how different species hold different occupations in the natural world.
Species exchange a variety of goods and services using energy and nutrients as currency.
The metaphor helps make ecological principles more accessible. The project will also develop units on Appreciating Nature s Services and Relation to the Human Economy and on Options to Conserve Nature s Economy. A travelling exhibit with full-time facilitator, educational science kit of curriculum materials and ideas, and broadcast video will be developed for each of the three units. The videos will be shown over Idaho PTV and eventually nationwide via the National Educational Telecommunications Association. Communities should be able to schedule the travelling exhibit in the near future.