Studies show that in order for the next generation to care about the land, they must understand its value from a young age. Mainspring works closely with Western North Carolina schools at many grade levels to encourage hands-on educational activities that allow kids to experience their natural surroundings in a way they can’t inside the classroom.
Kids in the Creek
A program for 8-9th grade students that gets them in waders to examine the health of the stream. Compatible with school science curricula. Watch a video to learn more about Kids in the Creek and the impact it has on them. (special thanks to the WCU Documentary Film Class for the video!)
Livestaking on the Streambank
Shade Your Stream is an important concept to learn at any age. Students learn how this simple step can have a lasting impact on water quality.
Classroom Visits
Citizen Science Program Manager Jason Meador regularly brings native fish to classrooms to engage students about why it’s important to take care of them.
Butterfly Migration Celebration
Kids of all ages can participate in this workshop, part of a national program of tagging and following Monarch butterflies as they migrate south for the winter.
Youth Conservation Field Day
Mainspring participates in this multi-agency event, which includes stations where 7th grade students get hands-on experience and demonstrations about topics important to our mountain landscape.
Bird Monitoring
Each year, kids can get up close and personal with birds at bird banding events. Banding these birds helps scientists study their migration patterns.
If you are an educator and would like to explore ways Mainspring can help your students learn, contact Citizen Science Program Manager Jason Meador.
