840B04002 Girl Scouts. LINKING GIRLS TO THE LAND Building Partnerships with Natural Resource Conservation Agencies and Girl Scouts of the USA Resource Guide January 2004 USGS scieaee fora cteagmg world Natural Resources Conservation Servke Elliott Wildlife Values Project EXPLORE ------- ------- Table of Contents Overview of Linking Girls to the Land 3 How Girl Scouts and Federal Agencies Can Work Together 3 What Girl Scouts Can Do For Natural Resource Agencies 4 What Natural Resource Agencies Can Do For Girl Scouts .4 Interagency Program Management. 5 Linking Girls to the Land Programs and Opportunities. 7 Introduction to Girl Scouts of the USA 8 Girl Scout Membership and Organization 8 Girl Scout Program Age Levels 8 How the Girl Scout Program "Links " Girls to the Land 9 Environmental and Outdoor Programs 10 Elliott Wildlife Values Project. 11 Major Programs of the Elliott Wildlife Values Project 11 Federal Natural Resource Agency Partners 13 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 13 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 14 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 16 U.S. Forest Service (USFS) / 7 National Parks Service (NPS) 18 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 20 Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 21 United States Geological Survey (USGS) 23 Non-Federal Agency Partner 24 Americans for National Parks (ANP) 24 Linking Girls to the Land Programs and Opportunities 25 Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants 25 Tips for Girl Scouts as they develop Linking Girfs to the Land project partnerships 29 Leave No Trace Program 30 Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarships 31 National Park Guide Opportunity 32 Water Drop Patch, EPA 33 STUDIO 2B^destinations. 34 Natural Science in the Tetons 35 NOAA Aquarius Project 36 Examples of National Conservation Events. 37 National Public Trails Day 37 National Public Lands Day (NPLD) 38 World Water Monitoring Day 39 2004 Calendar of Conservation Events 40 Sample Application Forms 41 Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants 41 2004 GSUSA Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator Course Scholarships Application Packet 53 Appendix 1 - Girl Scout Council Map 56 LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 1 ------- Partners: Girl Scouts of the USA's Elliott Wildlife Values Project Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Interior Environmental Protection Agency Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Interior Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration United States Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Interior National Parks Conservation Association Americans for National Parks Campaign The Girl Scout Promise The Girl Scout Law On my honor, I will try: I will do my best to be To serve God and my country, honest and fair, To help people at all times, friendly and helpful, And, to live by the Girl Scout Law. considerate and caring, 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. For more information on Linking Girls to the Land activities across the country, contact: Jodi Stewart Elliott Wildlife Values Project Consultant Girl Scouts of the USA 420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York, NY 1001 8 Phone 212-852-8076, Fax 212-852-6515 i stewart@girlscouts.org www.epa.gov/linkinggii-ls This Resource Guide is intended to be updated annually and distributed in print and electronically to agency partners and Girl Scout councils. Please provide suggestions and comments to: Jodi Stewart, Girl Scouts of the USA, at the above address, or Anne S. Fege, Forest Service, phone 858-674-2982 or afege@fs.fed.us LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 2 ------- Overview of Linking Girls to the Land What is "Linking Girls to the Land?" Linking Gkls to the Land is an interagency partnership initiative between the Gkl Scouts of the USA's (GSUSA) Elliott Wildlife Values Project and federal natural resource agencies. The initiative works toward the vision that every gkl will have an opportunity to participate in conservation and outdoor programs. The purpose of the interagency effort is to encourage partnerships between Girl Scouts and federal agency representatives on national and local levels in order to offer more joint conservation and outdoor programs to 3.7 million gkl and adult members nationwide. Linking Gkls to the Land provides envkonmental education programs, outdoor recreation skills, volunteer service, and career awareness. The Linking Gkls to the Land program is built on the existing infrastructure of the Gkl Scouts. It recognizes the handbooks and Earned Age-Level Awards that already include extensive outdoor programs and conservation education, die longstanding emphasis on volunteer service, and Gkl Scout troops serving many communities near and distant from public lands. This interagency effort is unique in the extent to which natural resource agencies and the Gkl Scouts have accomplished the design, development, communication, implementation, and evaluation together since 1995. Linking Girls to the Land began in 1995 with five federal natural resource agencies: Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Interior (BLM) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Interior (USFWS) U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USFS) National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior (NFS) Natural Resource Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (NRCS) Since its inception the initiative has expanded to include the: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) United States Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Interior (USGS) National Parks Conservation Association (NPCS) Americans for National Parks Campaign, a non-governmental conservation organization (ANP) Linking Girls to the Land is designed to encourage Gkl Scouts to work with federal and state natural resource agencies in an effort to do conservation work and career exploration. However, in addition to a federal or state natural resource agency partner, it is likely that many Gkl Scout troops and councils will also collaborate with county, city, and other local natural resource agencies to offer conservation and outdoor programs to girls. Additional collaborators may include non-profit and volunteer groups that offer envkonmental education and outdoor programs, which troops and councils can work with. How Girl Scouts and Federal Agencies Can Work Together Gkl Scout councils are informed that limited funding and staffing means that most agencies are unable to work dkectly with individual Gkl Scouts and troops. Multi-troop or council-wide activities are encouraged in order to best utilize each agency professional's time and maximize the number of LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 3 ------- girls who experience the outdoor activities. Councils interested in doing this would designate a contact person to meet with agency professionals and then distribute the information to volunteers, troop leaders, and girls. This council contact would work with the local or regional agency contact to identify and offer meaningful opportunities that can be accomplished with agency staff and resources, or perhaps other volunteer groups. What Girl Scouts Can Do For Natural Resource Agencies Girls are very interested in field ecology, ecosystem monitoring, biological research, and local conservation issues. Volunteer (www.volunteer.gov) projects could include hands-on service projects on federal or state land to re-vegetate damaged meadows or hillsides, remove exotic plants, monitor stream quality, restore historic buildings, and more, More outdoor recreation (www.recreation.gov) opportunities can be offered to Girl Scouts through organizational camps, group campsites, recreation permits, and Leave No Trace training. This will help girls develop outdoor skills such as developed camping, backpacking, horseback riding, skiing, hiking, fishing, and other activities. Career awareness could include meeting professionals, gaining experience in hands-on field procedures and scientific research, and first-time work experiences through internships. Some suggested projects and activities for girls include: Disseminating information about the agency's natural areas, education programs, and hiking/camping facilities through a Girl Scout newsletter and the council communications network. However, a council cannot endorse, lobby for, or raise funds for other organizations. Co-sponsoring service projects with the agency so that interested girls can participate. They can build picnic tables and storage sheds, and design, create, and maintain hiking trails, plus so much more. Highlighting the work of the agency in the community by asking representatives to speak at important Girl Scout ceremonies, participate in events, or provide educational materials. This type of community outreach can generate good public relations for both the agency and the Girl Scouts. Gathering Girl Scouts to assist in conservation projects on the agency's land, collecting accurate data on water quality in streams or counting the number of amphibian species in certain areas. Such data can help monitor ecosystems and provide alerts to potential environmental impacts occurring locally. How can I contact a local Girl Scout council? Look at the "Map of Girl Scout Councils" (Appendix 1) to locate a council near you. Find the name and telephone number of the local Girl Scout council by looking under "Girl Scouts" in the telephone directory. You may also use the "Council Finder" on the Girl Scouts Web pagewww.girlscouts.org/councilfinder/. What Natural Resource Agencies Can Do For Girl Scouts The public benefits through service projects completed by the Girl Scouts on federal lands and environmental education efforts within communities surrounding these lands. Through educational programs, girls and adults increase their knowledge of public lands and natural resource principles. Through volunteer (www.volunteer.gov) service projects, they learn how they can participate in the conservation of public lands, and will be the future advocates for public lands. Through outdoor recreation (www.recreation.gov) activities, girls and adults enjoy the outdoors, learn skills based on teamwork and individual competence, and learn how they can use the land responsibly. They are the future users, likely to be more representative socio-economically and demographically of the American public. Through contact with professionals and career awareness programs, the agencies will recruit some of the girls and adults to become future agency professionals. All of these LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 4 ------- experiences will build from awareness to knowledge, from interest and skills to participation, and ultimately to conservation as a value and habit. Some ways agencies can collaborate with Girl Scouts include: Sharing information with a Girl Scout council representative about agency programs. Girl Scouts need to know who to contact to arrange special programs, field trips, or hiking/camping experiences. Involving girls in hands-on scientific research and conservation projects such as counting birds and restoring wedands. Serving as short-term consultants to groups of girls working on badges or patches in subject areas such as wildlife, ecology, plant life, eco-action, outdoor survival, camping, and hiking. Serving as consultants to girls working on Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. Inviting girls to participate in hands-on service projects such as replanting prairies, putting up bird and bat boxes, or combating soil erosion on hiking trails. Serving as property consultants for Girl Scout councils that own land. Agencies can offer technical assistance so councils can set up long-range management plans. Guiding girls in inventorying ecological communities or setting up wildlife education centers for their Lou Henry Hoover Memorial Sanctuary or Herford N. Elliott Wildlife Memorial Bird Sanctuary projects on Gkl Scout property. How can I contact the local Federal agency office? Look first at the "Federal Natural Resource Agency Partners" section of this Resource Guide for more information about contacts and programs for each agency. Gkl Scouts and other partners can also contact federal agencies by looking up the name of the agency in the "blue" or government pages of a local telephone dkectory 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 NRCS and for the BLM state and field offices (which are found mainly in the western part of the U.S.). Interagency Program Management Strategic Plan. The Linking Girls to the Land Strategic Plan was developed at an interagency strategic planning workshop in August 1998 with 25 participants from Gkl Scouts of the USA, local Gkl Scout councils, field professionals, and agency leaders. Goals developed for 1999-2002 included integrating Linking Girls to the Land into current Gkl Scout program elements and training, developing Earned Age-Level Awards, offering national programs to teens, evaluating programs, gaining funding from agencies and foundations, gaining commitment and participation at the local level and from agency leaders, and enhancing communications within agencies and Girl Scouts. Regional Workshops. The first Linking Girls to the Land activity was an interagency workshop with 42 Girl Scout professionals, 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-Texas-Arkansas, and West Vkginia-Ohio. These one to two day workshops have introduced Gkl Scout professionals and volunteers to local agency professionals for the purpose of learning how to build partnerships, strategically building projects, "networking," and developing specific local events. More workshops are planned. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 5 ------- Most recently with a $5000 grant awarded from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), an expanded Unking Gkls to the Land Regional Workshop was held September 19-21,2003 at the Brier Inn and White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery in Lewisburg, WV. Eighteen adult and Senior Girl Scouts learned effective techniques for designing sustainable wildlife and environmental action projects and activities. Agency and GSUSA professionals led group discussions about Linking Girls to the Land and how to get involved. Through an afternoon field trip to the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery, participants learned the importance of USFWS property and programs. Girl Scouts learned what opportunities exist with agency partners such as the USFWS. It gave them time to think about how they might be able to work with an agency in their own community. It provided an excellent example of the Linking Girls to the Land goal for girls to develop conservation projects that would benefit both an agency partner and the Girl Scouts. The success of the Linking Girls to the Land Workshop is already apparent. Given less than a month to plan, three Girl Scout councils who attended the workshop submitted Linking Girls to the Land Grant applications for projects to be implemented in the year 2004. Other councils in attendance confirmed that they will be submitting grant applications for the 2005 grant cycle. In addition, Linking Girls to the Land programs and the Elliott Wildlife Values Project were highlighted in seven Regional Program Conferences in 2001, <(We Can Make It Happen: Girl Scouting for Every Girl, Everywhere." Agency professionals and Linking Girls to the Land program managers offered 90-minute workshops that outlined mechanisms for recruiting and retaining girls from under-served communities, identified partnership opportunities between councils and agencies, and offered planning steps for an environmental action activity for under-served girls using existing Girl Scout and agency resources. Almost 300 Girl Scout adult volunteers and council staff learned how to enhance conservation and outdoor programs, and took ideas back to their councils to share. Coordination Meetings. Agency professionals meet three or four times annually to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate programs. These meetings are coordinated by Jodi Stewart, Manager for the Linking Gkls to the Land program at Girl Scouts of the USA, and attended by youth program leaders or designated Girl Scout contacts from the participating agencies. Sometimes they follow other coordination meetings; for example, an interagency meeting was held October 29, 2001 in Shepherdstown, WV at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Training Center, preceding the national meeting of interagency Leave No Trace coordinators, National Girl Scout Council Session/Convention. The national convention is held every three years, with more than 13,000 adult volunteers, staff, and older gkls representing their councils. The agencies worked together for the October 2002 convention in Long Beach, CA to develop and staff an exhibit for Linking Gkls to the Land, featuring the Leave No Trace program and the new Linking Girls to the Land video developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. jjf Linking Girls ^ (is !l(t! Lam) Linking Girls to die Land Video. Through an in-kind collaboration with the U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal natural resource agencies, an 11-minute promotional video was produced. The video is designed to increase the awareness of, and motivate participation of Girl Scout councils and federal natural resource agency personnel in the Linking Gkls to the Land initiative. This video demonstrates some of the benefits and forms that partnerships between Gkl Scout councils and federal natural resource agencies can take. It also illustrates the importance of multi-agency LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN Gnu, Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 6 ------- partnerships to provide needed conservation and environmental education opportunities for participants from more diverse audiences and underrepresented areas to insure Girl Scouting for Every Girl, Everywhere. The video is in English and is close -captioned. Copies were distributed to each Girl Scout council and natural resource partner contact. Additional copies of the video can be obtained by contacting Marie Spots-wood at 301 -770-9131 or writing to Video Transfer, 5800 Arundel Avenue, Rockville, MD 20852. Linking Girls to the Land Web site. A Web site is being developed, with the expectation that the pages will highlight methods for partnering with Federal Natural Resource agencies and Girl Scouts and will be of use to Girl Scouts and Federal Natural Resource Agency representatives alike. Pertinent contact information, examples of partnering projects, GSUSA program links, and summaries of each Linking Girls to the Land partner agency and organization will be provided. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started a Linking Girls to the Land Web site at www.epa.gov/linkinggirls. This information is currently being updated. The Girl Scouts of the USA Web page also offers program ideas and contacts at www.girlscouts.org. Linking Girls to the Land Programs and Opportunities The following programs and opportunities are described in this Resource Guide: Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants Linking Girls to the Land Projects Leave No Trace Program Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarships National Park Guide Opportunity Water Drop Patch, EPA Studio 2Bsmdestinations (formerly Wider Opportunities) Natural Science in the Tetons NOAA Aquarius Project Examples of National Conservation Events National Trails Day National Public Lands Day National Water Monitoring Day LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRT, SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 7 ------- Introduction to Girl Scouts of the USA Girl Scouts of the USA is the world's pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to all girls, everywhere. In an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives. Such qualities include: leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about Glfl SCOUtS. their own potential and self-worth. Information about adult and girl programs is found on the Girls Scouts Web page, www,gjrjjscouts.org. Girl Scouts of the USA helps girls ages 5-17 build their skills and develop into contributing members of society. There are 315 Girl Scout councils across the country and a national headquarters in New York City. As part of the Girl Scout Law, girls pledge to do their best "to use resources wisely." Girl Scout Membership and Organization Nationally there are 2,900,000 girl and 984,000 adult members in 315 local Girl Scout councils (see Appendix 1 for a Map of the Girl Scout Councils). Girl Scouting is open to all girls, 5 -17. They participate in the more than 233,000 troops and groups throughout the United States and in 81 countries through "USA Girl Scouts Overseas." Girl Scouts take great pride in serving girls of all racial/ethnic backgrounds, abilities, and income levels. In 2003, about 27.3% of all Girl Scouts were from backgrounds other than white. National recruitment materials and local goals are to increase service to underrepresented groups. Girl Scouts have a longstanding emphasis on pluralism (diversity) and offer many after-school and troop programs to underserved youth of low income and backgrounds other than white. Founder Juliette Gordon Low organized the first group of Girl Scouts in March 12,1912, in Savannah, Georgia. Girl Scouts of the USA was chartered by the United Stated 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 don't receive Earned Age-Level Awards. Brownie Girl Scouts, ages 6 - 8 (first through third grades), can earn Brownie Try-Its and explore lots of topics including the environment and the outdoors. Junior Girl Scouts, ages 8-11 (third through sixth grades), can earn Girl Scout Badges, explore more scientific topics, complete service projects, and look at careers. Girls Scouts 11-17 (Cadettes, ages 11-14, Seniors, ages 14-17, and STUDIO 2BSM members, ages 11-13,13-15,15-17): o Girls 11-17 can use books from the STUDIO 2B Focus series, set goals, and earn the corresponding charms. o Girls 11-17 can also use Interest Projects for Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts to earn awards. o Girls 11-17 can mix and match, using both Interest Projects and STUDIO 2B Focus books based on their interests. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL Scours op THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 8 ------- o Girls 11-14 can earn the Girl Scout Silver Award (for completing a project taking 30 hours). O Girls 14-17 can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award (the highest honor in Girl Scouting for completing a project taking more than 50 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 volunteers or as staff at the national and council levels. How the Girl Scout Program "Links" Girls to the Land Following is a list of Girl Scout publications that contain activities related to Linking Girls to the Land. Many of these publications also include resource information and suggested reading lists. Daisy Girl Scouts The Guide for D aisy Girl Scout leaders, 2000 (English and Spanish versions) My Community Album, p. 67; Mini-Garden, p. 73; Community Helpers, p. 79 Daisy Girl Scout Activity Book, 2000 (English and Spanish versions) Daisy Girl Scouts Have Feelings, Thoughts, and Dreams, p. 6; Nature in Action, p. 24; Life Takes Shape, p. .32; Move with Me, p. 34; Sound Sense, p. 36 Brownie Girl Scouts Try-Its for Brownie Girl Scouts, 2000 Try-Its: Animals, p. 86; Careers, p. 22; Earth and Sky, p. 94; Earth is Our Home, p. 98; Eco -Explorer, p. 102; Her Story, p. 106; Math Fun, p. 106; Movers, p. 110; Numbers and Shapes, p. 114; 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; Citizen Near and Far, p. 148 Brownie Girl'Scout Handbook, 2000 Chapter 4: What's Out There?, p. 47 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 Badges and Signs: Careers, p. 12; Global Awareness, p. 14; Humans and Habitats, p. 16; Lead On, p. 18; Model Citizen, p. 20; Being My Best, p. 32; It's Important to Me, p. 36; My Community, p. 52; Adventure Sports, p. 68; Environmental Health, p. 72; Camp Together, p. 92; Earth Connections, p. 94; Eco-Action, p. 96; Finding Your Way, p. 98; Hiker, p. 102; Horse Rider, p. 106; Outdoor Cook, p. 108; Outdoor Creativity, p. 110; Outdoor Fun, p. 112; Outdoors in the Gty, p. 114; Plants and Animals, p. 116; Small Craft, p. 118; Swimming, p. 120; Water Fun, p. 122; Wildlife, p. 124; Your Outdoor Surroundings, p. 126; "Doing" Hobbies, p. 150; Oil Up, p. 198; Rocks Rock, p. 198; Science Discovery, p. 200; Science in Everyday Life, p. 204; Water Wonders, p. 214; Weather Watch, p. 216 Junior Girl Scout Handbook, 2001 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, 2001 It's Great to Be a Girl, p. 42 Let's Get Outdoors, p. 46 Explore and Discover, p. 49 LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 9 ------- Girl Scouts 11-17 (Cadette/Senior Girl Scouts and STUDIO 2BSM Members) Cadette Girl Scout Handbook, 1995 Chapter 2: Wider Opportunities Chapter 6: Exploring New Interests and Activities Chapter 7: Recognitions for Cadette Girl Scouts Interest Projects for Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts, 1997 Interest Projects: Leadership, p. 38; Travel, p. 40; All About Birds, p. 50; Build a Better Future, p. 52; Digging Through the Past, p. 56; Eco- Action, p. 58; From Shore to Sea, p. 62; Math, Maps, and More, p. 98; Planet Power, p. 72; Plant Life, p. 74; Wildlife, p, 80; Architecture and Environmental Design, p. 114; Museum Discovery, p. 130; Paper Works, p, 134; Photography, p. 138; Backpacking, p. 150; Camping, p. 152; Emergency Preparedness, p, 154; High Adventure, p. 158; Horse Sense, p. 160; Orienteering, p, 166; Outdoor Survival, p. 168; Paddle, Pole, and Role, p. 170 Resource Book for Senior Girl Scouts, 1995 Taking Action, p. 22-28 Outdoor Recreation, p. 130-131 Sample Service Projects, p. 139 Chapter 6: Recognitions and Wider Opportunities, p. 141 Studio 2B Collections 11-13, 2002 "A Case for the Environment," p. 76 "Bufry the Pollution Slayer?," p. 78 Studio 2E Collections 13-15, 2002 "Steppin1 Out for Change," p. 88 Studio 2B Collections 15-17,2002 "Mending the Cracks with Gold," p. 68 Other Girl Scout Books and Resources: Unking Girls to the Land Video, 2002 (11 -minute tape and 90 second clip, close-captioned) Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting 1996 Fun and Easy Activities: Nature and Science, 1996 (Bilingual, English/Spanish) Fun and Easy Nature & Science Investigations, 2002 (English and Spanish versions) From Sidewalk to Treetops-The Amateur's Guide to Exploring Nature in Your Neighborhood, 2003 (Video and Booklet in English and Spanish) leader Magazine, Summer 2003 "Aquarius Project," p. 8 Leader Magazine, Fall 2003 "America's National Parks," p. 18 "Stewards of the Earth," p. 24 Environmental and Outdoor Programs Girl Scouts have done volunteer conservation projects and learned about natural resource careers since their very beginning in 1912. Troops hike and camp at their favorite places in National Forests, and many summer camps have special-use permits on National Forests or are forest neighbors. Many women professionals in the natural resources agencies gained their first passion and competence in the outdoors through Girl Scouts (or similar youth organizations). There have been countless local projects and relationships between agency professionals and the Girl Scouts over the decades. Girl Scouts take great pride in serving girls of aU abilities and income levels. Girl Scouts have a longstanding emphasis on pluralism (diversity) and offer many after-school and troop programs to underrepresented populations. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 10 ------- Web pages that outline ongoing Girl Scout programs in the outdoors and environment include: Outdoor programs and agency Web pages: http://jfg.girlscouts.org/Go/Outdoors/gooutd.htm Girls Ask Why about Science and the Environment: http://jfg.girlscouts.org/Why/-why.htm Links to science and technology resources (including ecology, water) at http://jfg.girlscouts.org/LINKS/scilnks.htm Outdoor program skills: www.girlscouts.org/adults/outskills.html Outdoor education: www.girlscouts.org/adults/progoded.html Studio 2Bsmdestinations: www.studio2b.org/escape/destinations/ Elliott Wildlife Values Project The Elliott Wildlife Values Project (EWVP) of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is a nationally administered trust fund, launched in 1977. Its activities are designed to give Girls Scouts the opportunity to: Learn the importance of wildlife, nature, and the environment Have hands-on, field experiences Practice science skills Investigate careers Do community service through activities that benefit plants and animals This goal is achieved through publishing print and electronic materials; sponsoring workshops; providing small grants to councils; and collaborating with many organizations and agencies that encourage girls to develop a lifelong commitment to the conservation of wildlife. Major Programs of the Elliott Wildlife Values Project EarthPACT (Plant and Animal Conservation Team) A grant program that supports activities of benefit to wildlife and plants through partnerships between Girl Scout councils and local government (below the state level) agencies, nature-related institutions, or businesses. Linking Girls to the Land - A partnership initiative between GSUSA and federal natural resource agencies. The initiative offers funding, support, and programs for girls to become involved in conservation and natural resource issues on a national and local level through: environmental education, volunteer service, outdoor skills development, and career awareness. Hertford N. Elliott Memorial Bird Sanctuaries - Natural areas developed in collaboration with a Girl Scout council and an environmental organization. Funds are given to support bird habitat, conservation and preservation, local activism, career development, and research. Lou Henry Hoover Wildlife Sanctuaries - Natural areas, surveyed, designed, and managed by a Girl Scout council, for plant and wildlife stewardship and conservation education. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 11 ------- From Sidewalks to Treetops - Video and guide, available in English and Spanish versions, helps you guide a group in exploring wildlife and plant life in your neighborhood - even if you live in a city and know nothing about nature! This resource is great for youth group leaders or advisors. Neighborhood environmental exploration workshops are also offered. Materials can be ordered through GSUSA's NES by calling 1-800-221-6707. Collaborations with Environmental Organizations o Natural Science in the Tetons Studio 2Bamdestination (Teton Science School) o Audubon Camp (National Audubon Society) o Girls for Planet Earth (Wildlife Conservation Society - Bronx Zoo) o Forces of Nature (National Geographic Society) Printed and VHS Resources o Unking Girls to the Land Video, 2002 (11 -minute tape and 90 second clip, close- captioned) o Fun and Easy Activities: Nature and Science, \ 996 (Bilingual, English/Spanish) o Fun and Easy Nature ^Science Investigations, 2002 (English and Spanish versions) o From Sidewalks to Treetops-The Amateur's Guide to Exploring Nature in Your Neighborhood, 2003 (video and booklet in English and Spanish) o Studio 2B Collections 11-13, 2002 "A Case for the Environment," p. 76 "Buffy the Pollution Slayer?," p. 78 o Studio 2B Collections 13-15, 2002 "Steppin' Out for Change," p. 88 o Studio 2B Collections 15-17, 2002 "Mending the Cracks with Gold," p. 68 o Leader Magazine, Summer 2003 "Aquarius Project," p. 8 o Leader Magazine, Fall 2003 "America's National Parks," p. 18 "Stewards of the Earth," p. 24 For more information about the Elliott Wildlife Values Project contact: Maria Caban Manager, Elliott Wildlife Values Project Membership & Program Initiatives Girl Scouts of the USA 420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York, NY 10018 Tel: 212-852-5727 Fax; 212-852-6515 mcaban@.oirtscouts.org Jodi Stewart Elliott Wildlife Values Project Consultant Membership & Program Initiatives Girl Scouts of the USA 420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York, NY 10018 Tel: 212-852-8076 Fax: 212-852-6515 j st,gwarj@girlscouts. org Elliott Wildlife T T t ฅ"1 * Values Project LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 12 ------- Federal Natural Resource Agency Partners Bureau of Land Management (BLM) What is the BLM Mission? Its mission is to help sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of both present and future generations. What does the Bureau of Land Management do? The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for managing 261 million acres of America's public lands about 1 /8 of the land in the U.S. 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. Where are BLM Lands located? 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. What are some BLM programs and volunteer opportunities available to Girl Scouts? Learning and Volunteer Opportunities: To join in and help manage our public lands go to www. blm,gQy/gdycation/Leai-ningLandscapes / explorers / joinin. Adopt a Horse and Burro Program - a unique opportunity for qualified individuals to care for, and then own, a wild horse or burro. For information go to: \yw^-wjildhprsjganjburro.blm.goy or call toll- free (866) 4-MUSTANGS. National Public Lands Day (NHLD) - Please see "Examples of Conservation Events" in the back of the Resource Guide or go to wwwjripkLcom or call (800) 865-8337 for information. For information on recreational opportunities go to www.rec.gov. How do you contact your local BLM office? Call the state office where you'd like to work on a Linking Girls to the Land project, or contact your nearest BLM office via the Offices and Centers pull-down menu at www.blni.goy. Ask for the environmental education coordinator or the volunteer coordinator who, depending on your interest, can put you in touch with the appropriate resource specialist. Alaska (907) 271-5960 Arizona (602) 417-9200 California (916) 978-4600 Colorado (303) 239-3600 Eastern States (703) 440-1700 (states east of the Mississippi River, plus Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana) Idaho (208) 373-4000 Linking Girls to the Land Contacts: Montana (406) 896-5004 (includes North Dakota and South Dakota) Nevada (775) 861-6500 New Mexico (505) 438-7471 (includes Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas) Oregon (503) 952-6002 (Includes Washington) Utah (801) 539-4001 Wyoming (307) 775-6256 (includes Nebraska) Carolyn Cohen, BLM National Office, T. (202) 785-6583, F. (202) 452-5199 cairolyn cohen (gl.blm.gov Jo Ann Schiffer-Burdett, BLM California Desert District, T. (909) 697-5369 F. (909) 697-5299 ioann schifferburdett@,ca. blm.gov LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 13 ------- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) What is the Environmental Protection Agency's mission? The EPA has the mission of protecting human health and safeguarding 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. What are some EPA programs and opportunities available to Girl Scouts? Water Drop Patch Project; described in this Resource Guide, World Water Monitoring Day, described in this Resource Guide. Adopt Your Watershed Search an on-line 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. Presidential Environmental Youth Awards: Since 1971, 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/envirQe4/AWatds.html. 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. Please check the Web site for the latest status. For more information, visitwww.epa.gov/envifoed/grants.html. * Estuary Live/National Estuaries Day: EstuaryUve uses satellite technology and the Internet to provide classrooms from around the world the opportunity to take live and interactive tours of several of the nation's estuaries. EstuarylJve is targeted to middle school and high school age 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 Hands on the Land (HOL) is 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 non-profit foundation, schools, and other private sector partners. For more information, visit www.handsontheland.org. National Public Lands Day, please see "Examples of Conservation Events" in the back of the Resource Guide or go to www.npld.com or call (800) 865-8337 for information. 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 streambanks 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/weflands/restore/5star. What other EPA resources are available? EPA Student Center (www.epa.gov/students) EPA High School Environmental Center (www.epa.gov/highschool) EPA Environmental Education Center (www,epfl.gov / teachers) LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIIIL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL N ATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 14 ------- How can you contact your Regional EPA office? EPA has 10 Regional Offices, which are listed on the EPA Web page at www.epa.gov (click on About K7M). For Linking Gkls to the Land projects, call or email the Environmental Education (EE) Coordinator in your nearest EPA Regional Office. For a map and a list of contacts, visit The EE Coordinators can also provide information about EPA's Environmental Education grants program (www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.htfnl). If you are interested in organizing a water-related project, you may want to ask to speak to one of the Office of Water National Communicators. Region 1 CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT Kristen Conroy and Joe Supple ten) or supple. joseph@epa.goy (Joe) Main Number: (888) 372-7341 (for New England states) Region 2 NJ, NY, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Terry Ippolito and Josephine Lageda (Terry) or Region 6 AR, LA, NM, OK, TX Jo Taylor and Patty Senna taylor.jo@epa.gov (Jo) or genna. pafty@epa,ggy (Patty) Main number (214) 665-6444 www.epa.gov/region6 / Region 7 IA, KS, MO, NE Karen Flournoy and Denise Morrison (Karen) or enise) iageda.jpsephine(g).epa.gov (Josephine) Main number: (212)637-5000 www.epa.gov/ regJQn2 / Region 3 DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV Larry Brown brown.larrv@epa.goy (Larry) Main number: (215) 814-5000 www.epa.gpv/i-egion3 / Region 4 AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN Ben Blair biak.l3ej4amm@epa.gov (Ben) Main number: (800) 241-1754 www. epa,goiy/fggion.4/ Region 5 EL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI Suzanne Saric and Megan Gavin ganc.suzanne@,epa.gov or gavin.rnggan@gpa.goy Main number: (800) 621-8431 www. epa,goy/regionS / emersQn8pameIa@,epa.gov (Pam) Main number: (800) 424-4EPA www.epa.gov/regionl O/ Linking Girls to the Land Contact Patricia Scott, Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios Building (4501T), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 2046 T. (202) 566-1292 F. (202) 566-1544 scott.patriciafgiepa.gov www.epa.gov Main Number: (800) 223-0425 www.epa.gov/region7/ Region 8 CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY Cece Forget and Jan Osborne forget.cece@.epa.gov (Cece) or ojbornejan@epa.goy (Jan) Main Number: (800) 227-8917 (Region 8 states only) www.epa.govy regionS / Region 9 AZ, CA, HI, NV, American Samoa, Guam, N. Marianas, Palau Bill Jones jones.bill@epa.gov (BUT) Main Number: (886) EPA-WEST Region 10 AK, ID, OR, WA Sally Hanft and Pamela Emerson (Sally) or LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 15 ------- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) What is the Fish and Wildlife Service mission? 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. What does the Fish and Wildlife Service do? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages migratory birds, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves wetlands, enforces Federal Wildlife Protection laws such as the Endangered Species Act, monitors international wildlife trade, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. The FWS also manages and operates the following to conserve our 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 How do you contact your local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office? The local FWS 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 FWS Web sites. Region 1 www.pacific.fws.gov (503) 231 -6118 Region 2 www.southwest.fws.gov (505) 248-6282 Region 3 www.midwest.fws.gov (612) 713-5301 Region 4 www.southeast.rws.gov (404) 679-4000 Region 5 www.northeas t. fws .gov (413) 253-8300 Region 6 www.mountain-praire.fws.gov (303) 236-7920 Region 7 www.alaska.fws.gov (907) 786-3542 Region 9 www.fws.gov (202) 208-4717 How can you implement projects with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? Call for an appointment to visit your local FWS office. You should request to speak with the Manager of Outdoor Recreation Planner, Project Leader, Park Ranger, or Volunteer Coordinator. What information is available on the Web site? General information: www.rws.gov Information for students of all ages: www. educators, fws .gov Information for formal and non-formal educators: www.educators.fws.gov Web site resources for environmental educators: www.library.fws.gov or (304) 876-7399 Where can I find volunteer opportunities? www. volunteer s. fws .gov or (800) 344-9453 Publications, index/site map, agency field locations, permits, Q & A: www.info.fws.gov Where can I get information about Refuges? wwwtEgfuges.fws.gov or (800) 358-1744 Where can I get information about Fisheries? www.fisheries.fws.gov or (703) 358-1715 How do I get a job with the USFWS? www.jobs.rws.gov or www.usajobs.opm.gov Unking Girls to the Land Contact: Ora Dixon, FWS National Girl Scout Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Conservation Training Center, 698 Conservation Way, MS-19 Shepherds town, WV 25443 T. (304) 876-7314 F. (304) 876-7231 ora dixon@,fws.gov LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 16 ------- U.S. Forest Service (USFS) What is the U.S. Forest Service's mission? The mission of the Forest Service is to help people share and enjoy the national forests, while conserving the environment for future generations. We are "caring for the land and serving people." What does the Forest Service do? The Forest Service manages for multiple uses on the national forests, and these include water, wood, wildlife, range, and recreation. It also conducts forestry research and works with state/local governments, universities, forest industries, private landowners, and international groups. There are 156 National Forests and 22 National Grasslands located in 44 States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, totaling 191 million acres of land. Each forest is composed of several ranger districts, varying in size from 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares) to more than 1 million acres (400,000 hectares). Most on-the-ground activities occur on the ranger districts, including trail construction and maintenance, operation of campgrounds, and management of vegetation and wildlife habitat. What are some Forest Service programs and opportunities available to Girl Scouts? Recreation opportunities on the national forests: 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 great trout stream, and learning about natural history at a visitors' center. The Web page www.fs.fed.us/tecreatjpp.includes information about how to reserve individual and group campsites, cabins, picnic areas and day use sites, and wilderness permits. Job opportunities with the USDA Forest Service: 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 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, providing work and training to the under-employed, elderly, youth, and disadvantaged. For career and other employment information, call your local Forest Service office or visit this Web site: www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs. Volunteer opportunities with the Forest Service: 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. Ask if you can 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 is already organized. Get further information on the Web page www.fs.fed.us/peQple/programs. Where do I find more information about Forest Service programs? There Js a "Just for Kids" section on the Web page www.fs.fed.us/recreation that 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 Web site www.smokeybear.com. Information about various Forest Service management activities can be accessed at www. fs. fed^us/gages / n.fs. Linking Girls to the Land Contacts: Anne Fege, Cleveland National Forest, T. (858) 674-2982 F. (858) 673-6192 afege@fVfed.us Sue Cummings, Conservation Education, T. (202) 205-0986 F. (202) 690-5658 scurnmings@rs.fed.us LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 17 ------- National Parks Service (NFS) What is the National Park Service's mission? The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. What does the National Park Service do? The National Park Service (NFS) administers more than 350 national parks, seashores, monuments, historic sites, and recreation areas. These lands help to define our national identity and tell the story of America's history. Plus, they are a great place to go on a family vacation or a troop camping trip! Do all national parks have large amounts of land? The National Parks 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 is Taddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Pennsylvania. It is 0.02 of an acre. How is the National Park Service organized? There are nearly 400 units in the national parks system and each of these, along with the national and regional offices, is available at the NFS Web site at: www.nps.gov. The numerous designations within the National Park System sometimes confuse visitors. The names are created in the Congressional legislation authorizing the sites or by the president, who proclaims "national monuments" under the Antiquities Act of 1906. Many names are descriptive lakeshores, seashores, battlefields - but others cannot be neatly categorized because of the diversity of resources within them. All units of the system have equal legal standing in a national system and include a national park, national monument, national preserve, national seashore, national historic site, national historical park, national memorial, national battlefield, and national cemetery. Where can you find a National Park? Each year, millions of people visit America's national parks. Great Smoky Mountains and Yellowstone are two of the most popular national parks. But in fact, you can visit a national park site in every state except Delaware! Have you heard of Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park in northern California that 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, Massachusetts to learn about the history of Boston's 19th century African-American community and visit the Abiel Smith School, 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 to 500 years ago by Native Americans. What are some NFS programs and opportunities available to Girl Scouts? National Park Guide Opportunity: Earn the National Park Guide Pin or National Park Protector Patch by participating in the National Park Guide Opportunity program, which provides the opportunity to learn how to be a national park interpreter and then serve as a voluntary member of the park staff, educating and interacting with visitors. Volunteer for community service projects. Invite a national park ranger or superintendent to your troop meeting or visit them at work to find out how they work to protect and manage national parks. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 18 ------- Local National Park Contact Information: Call (800) NAT-PARK, extension 122, for a free map of national park sites across the country. Visit the NPS Web site at: www.nps.gov Or contact one of the Regional Offices and ask for the volunteer coordinator or chief of interpretation. Alaska Area Region, Anchorage, AK, (907) 257-2687 Midwest Region, Omaha, NE, (402) 221-3471 Intermountain Region, Denver, CO, (303) 969-2500 Pacific West Region, San Francisco, CA, (415) 427-1300 Northeast Region, Philadelphia, PA, (215) 597-7013 National Capital Region, Washington, DC, (202) 619-7256 Southeast Region, Atlanta, GA, (404) 562-3100 Linking Girls to the Land Contact: Minerva Woodard, Youth Programs Division National Park Service 1201 Eye Street, NW Mail Stop 7431 Washington, DC 20005 T. (202) 513-7163 Minerva.wQodardfginps .gov LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 19 ------- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Ocean Exploration (OE) E X P What is NOAA's mission? NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in Earth's environment and to conserve and manage coastal and marine resources in order to meet our nation's economic, social, and environmental needs. NOAA conducts research and gathers data about the global oceans, atmosphere, space, and sun, and applies this knowledge to science and service that touch the lives of all Americans. See www.noaa.gov. What does OE do? NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration was created to investigate the oceans for the purpose of discovery and the advancement of knowledge ww^.occancsplQrer;qoa^.goy. The program infuses teams of multidisciplinary scientist-explorers with a "Lewis and Clark" spirit of discovery, then equips them with the latest exploration tools - some pioneered specifically to support OE missions. Missions fit into four distinct areas: Mapping the physical, biological, chemical, and archaeological aspects of the ocean; Understanding ocean dynamics at new levels to describe the complex interactions of the living ocean; Developing new sensors and systems to regain U.S. leadership in ocean technology; and, Reaching out to the public to communicate how and why unlocking the secrets of the ocean is well worth the commitment of time and resources, and to benefit current and future generations. What are some OE activities and opportunities available to Girl Scouts? The Aquarius Project a partnership between NOAA, GSUSA, and the National Undersea Research Program (NURP), is a Studio 2Bmdestination held annually since the summer of 2002. It offers Girl Scouts, age 14-17, an opportunity to learn about ocean exploration and marine science by spending a week in the field working alongside mentor scientists. Staged from NURP's Key Largo, Florida field station, home to the world's only underwater laboratory the Aquarius Habitat Girl Scouts learn the fundamentals of ocean exploration, coral reef ecology, maritime archaeology, and habitat preservation and experience firsthand the excitement and challenges of ocean science (see more information about this project in the Studio 2B ^destinations section of this Resource Guide). Ocean Exploration Patch Project. The Elliott Wildlife Values Project and OE will expose all Girl Scouts to ocean wildlife by designing a Web-based curriculum that will teach Girl Scouts about ocean science and exploration and provide them with ways to participate and contribute to ocean action activities. Ocean Education Fairs. OE 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. Linking Girls to the Land Contact: Joanne Flanders National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Oceans Exploration 1315 East West Highway, Room 10145 Silver Spring, MD 20910 T. (301) 713-9444 x!79 F. (301) 713-4252 joanne.Fkndersfainoaa.gov www.noaa.gov and www.oceanexplorer.noaa.gov LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 20 ------- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 4NRCS What is the mission of the Natural Resources Conservation Service? The Natural Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership Resources effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and Conservation environment. Service What does the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) do? 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. We deliver technical assistance based on sound science and suited to a customer's specific needs. Cost shares and financial incentives are available in some cases. Most work is done with local partners. Our partnership with local conservation districts serves almost every county in the nation, and the Caribbean and Pacific Basin. Participation in our programs is voluntary. What are some NRCS activities and opportunities available to Girl Scouts? Volunteer projects with the NRCS: NRCS needs Earth Team volunteers who are willing to commit their time and talent to conserving and protecting soil, water, and wildlife for their community 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 Resource 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: o On the Land - with professional conservationists who are working directly with farmers and ranchers. o 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. o With organizations - youth groups, professional societies, or civic groups. All 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. o In offices - where 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. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 21 ------- On the Land In the Community In the Office Conservation Conservation Drafting Planting Trees Conservation Planning 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, AL Kindergarten Teacher '1 am majoring in an agrwelatedfield 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 knowkdgefor my future career." - Student Volunteer, AR "One of my major responsibilities is presenting programs on Conservation Education to school children which I find both rewarding and a lot of fan. 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, TX 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 red inspiration (education) for me. 1 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, TX Where can I find a local NRCS office or volunteer for the NRCS Earth Team? Go to the NRCS Earth Team Web site at: www.nrca.usda.gov7 feature /volunteers / vol /) oin.html. Linking Girls to the Land Contact: Fred Jacobs, Public Affairs Specialist Natural Resources Conservation Service 14th and Independence SW, Room. 6121-S Washington, DC 20250 Tel: (202) 720-6794 Fax (202) 720-1564 ffed.jacQbsfgiusda.gov www.nrcs.usda.gQV LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 22 ------- United States Geological Survey (USGS) US Geological Survey (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. 1USGS scisncftfort changing world Linking Girls to the Land Contact: Deana Demichelis Eastern Region Environmental Protection Specialist, United States Geological Survey MS 153 National Center 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston,VA20192 T. (703) 648-7943 F. (703) 648-4688 ddemichelis@usgs.gov www.usgs.gov LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 23 ------- Non-Federal Agency Partner Americans for National Parks (ANP) What does Americans for National Parks do? Americans for National Parks is a coalition of 350 nonprofit organizations, private #feM E R J CA N S FOR businesses, chambers of commerce, and other groups, including NA1 ION A L PARKS GSUSA, concerned for the future of our national parks. The campaign, launched by the National Parks Conservation Association, 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. What are some activities and opportunities available to Girl Scouts? Troops across the country are encouraged to complete Linking Girls to the Land service projects and to take on leadership roles as protectors of the national parks. National Park Guide Opportunity: Earn the National Park Guide Pin or National Park Protector Patch by participating in the National Park Guide Opportunity program, which provides the opportunity to learn how to be a national park interpreter and then serve as a voluntary member of the park staff, educating and interacting with visitors (find more information on this program in this Resource Guide). National Parks Scrapbook: Americans for National Parks is collecting park photographs and memories for presentation to the president. Girls can collect national park photos from family, friends, and community members, and submit personal photographs of troop trips and volunteer days in the national parks. The photos tell the president just how much we all care about the national parks - and how he should, too! Visit the online scrapbook and post your photos and memories at www.americansfornationalparks/scrapbook. Get information about other ways to help protect the national parks at www. americans fornatipnaliparfas, org Linking Girls to the Land Contacts: Andrea Keller Director of Media Relations Americans for National Parks National Conservation Association 1300 19th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20036 T. (202) 454-3332 F. (202) 659-0650 akellerfg).npca.org www.americansfornationalparks.org Marcia Lesky Director of Outreach and Advocacy Americans for National Parks National Conservation Association 1300 19th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20036 T. (202) 454-3393 F. (202) 659-0650 mlesky@npca.org www.americansfornationalparks.org LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 24 ------- Linking Girls to the Land Programs and Opportunities 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. These grants of up to $5,000 encourage Girl Scouts to become more involved in natural resource issues and explore careers related to wildlife and natural resource conservation. They encourage federal and state agencies to participate in the Girl Scout program by helping with conservation related award work, service projects, and Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects. Program History: Since the founding of the grant program in 1998, 74 Girl Scout councils have been awarded a total of 83 grants. These projects served more than 46,000 girls and adults. Before the Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant program was established, many councils had never worked with natural resource agencies and had not budgeted for supplies and other administrative costs. Additionally, many agencies rarely directed their declining resources to environmental education efforts. The availability of "seed money" brings together the ideas, staff time, and professional expertise to create a program and an outdoor experience for girls that otherwise would not happen. Projects include cooperation with local natural resource professionals, a communication and media plan, and post-event follow-up and evaluation. Who can submit a Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application? Any Girl Scout adilt volunteer, council staff member, campus Girl Scout, or Girl Scout 14-17 who has the full support of her council can submit a Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant application for up to $5,000. All projects must be accomplished in partnership with at least one federal or state natural resource agency. For selection criteria and application information see the Sample Linking Girls to the Land Application Packet in the back of the Resource Guide. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN Gnu. SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 25 ------- Linking Girls to the Land Projects The Linking Girls to the Land initiative encourages girls to become involved in conservation and natural resource issues and careers on a national and local level. Usually Girl Scout councils develop projects that fall into three areas: environmental education; outdoor skills development; and volunteer service. It is not possible for all Linking Girls to the Land projects to be funded through the Linking Gkls to the Land Council Grant fund. We encourage Girl Scout councils and natural resource agencies to develop partnerships and projects that meet the needs of all parties involved and seek creative ways of making die projects sustainable. Project ideas can be simple or elaborate. Girl Scout councils and professionals from federal and state agencies may work together to: hold an event at a 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; or 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. A Walk in Our Urban Forest. Three hundred Girl Scouts were introduced to urban forestry and non-traditional careers for women in two events sponsored by Pine Valley Girl Scout Council, in Georgia. Professional women from various Federal, state, county agencies, and local universities led hands-on environmental activities. Partners included the Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and others. Create a Rehabilitated Environment. Broward County Girl Scout Council in Florida partnered with 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 developed and will maintain a nature trail that highlights native plans. A patch program was created, with a focus on native versus exotic plants. Eco-Island. Moccasin Bend Girl Scout Council in Tennessee held an event with activities that integrated hands-on learning, math, 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 LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 26 ------- 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 Juniors (grades 4-6) from Pacific Peaks Girl Scout council (near Olympia, WA) 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 Native American 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. Gkl 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 wildlife-friendly 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. Leave No Trace Training. Spanish Trails Girl Scout Council created and is expanding a network of Girl Scout volunteers who teach Leave No Trace camping skills to Gkl 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, Forest Service, and four other Girl Scout Councils. Mohawk Pathways Girl Scout Council in New York completed the Leave No Trace training for staff members and adult volunteers, 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 Envkonmental Conservation and the Adkondack 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 bkds? For many women, these possibilities are realities because they work in careers in natural resource management. Through an immersion weekend, Seal of Ohio and Heart of Ohio Girl Scout Councils collaborated with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to showcase the fascinating opportunities and careers that exist in fields concerning the envkonment. During the weekend the participants were linked with positive female role models, attended forums to share envkonmental concerns, and created a community of envkonmental activists. The girls also enjoyed a host of unique hands-on experiences in nature such as telemetry, bkd banding, animal tracking, fishing, and photography. Vanishing Footprints. Swift Water Council in New Hampshire trained about 500 Cadette and Senior Gkl 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 Hampshke Project Learning Tree, and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 27 ------- Eco-Expo. Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capitol held three Eco-Expo day-long 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. Girl Scouts enjoy the Eco Expo funded through a linking Girls to the Land Council Grant, Linking Gkls to the Land partner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, teaches Girl Scouts about wildlife through a creative game. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 28 ------- 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. Choose issues that interest the girls. 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 you wish to collaborate with. 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. Before a Girl Scout calls a natural resource agency, she should be thinking about or have answers to the following questions: What is the federal natural resource agency that you think would be best to work with? (Do some research on different agencies). Why? What are the mission statements of the federal natural resource agencies you want to approach? (This information can be found in this Resource Guide or on the agency's Web page). How do they differ from one another? How could your project idea meet and fit into the mission of the federal natural resource agency? What are some of the things that your project and Girl Scouts can do for federal natural resource agencies? What are some of the current programs that are supported or sponsored by the federal natural resource agency? Are there certain times of the year that are especially busy for the agency? How could this affect the completion of your project? Based on your project idea, what is the job tide of the person that you should contact at the federal natural resource agency? (The Environmental Education Coordinator? The Volunteer Coordinator? A Ranger?) What is the federal natural resource agency representative's name and phone number? Before you call, also know the answers to the following questions about Linking Girls to the Land, your project, and Girl Scouting: What is "Linking Girls to the Land"? Why do you want to do a Linking Girls to the Land project? What is a brief description of your project idea? How many Girl Scouts will participate in running the event or project? How many Girl Scouts will be helped or taught by your project? Will your community in general be helped? How? Are their other organizations, businesses, or clubs that you will be working with on your project? What funds and skills do you bring to the project? LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 29 ------- Leave No Trace Program What is it? The Leave No Trace (LNT) program teaches outdoor skills and ethics. It develops confidence in leaders and girls so that they can plan and be prepared for the situations they encounter in the outdoors and enjoy their outdoor recreation experiences. These minimum-impact camping concepts are strongly woven into the Girl Scout handbooks, recognitions, and training objectives, and girls have been taught since 1912 to "leave a place better than you found it." Leave No Trace Principles. The LNT concepts were developed by scientists at the US Forest Service, the National Outdoor Leadership School, and federal natural resource agencies. These concepts are taught as seven skills and principles: Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly * Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors The LNT program has developed regional adaptations of the principles and skills for the following ecosystems and areas: Rocky Mountains, Southeastern States, Backcountry Horse Use, Western River Corridors, Temperate Coastal Zones, Desert and Canyon Country, Pacific Northwest, Rock Climbing, Alaskan Tundra, Northeast Mountains, and Sierra Nevada. Educational Materials. Target audiences are the outdoor trainers and adult development/volunteer directors, with the objective that LNT principles are taught explicitly in the outdoor trainer curriculum. The agencies often provide staff to assist in LNT "Train the Trainer" courses that are offered to council volunteers, staff, and older girls. The LNT principles are written in the SqftPaths book, shown in a Se^ff Paths video, and printed in 11 ecosystem-specific brochures. All are available from LNT, Inc. and the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander, WY, through the Web site www.Int.org. "Hangtags" have been produced in Spanish and English for outdoor equipment that include the basic LNT principles for children. There is a vivid purple patch earned by Trainers and a Girl Scout-specific patch available for girls to earn and purchase. LNT, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, was established in Boulder, CO with the purpose of promoting responsible use of the outdoors and educating users to Leave No Trace principles. For more information on Leave No Trace, refer to the organization's Web sitewww.lnt.org or contact: Liz Garland at (916) 669-2777 or email liz garlandfgitdogs.org. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 30 ------- Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarships The number of Girl Scout professionals and volunteers certified as Master Trainers has slowly been increasing. These trainers now offer excellent opportunities for councils to train adults and older girls as LNT Trainers (a 16-hour certification) and fully integrate these concepts into the ongoing camping programs and leader certification for outdoor activities. For example, Spanish Trails GS Council in Southern California gave the LNT Trainer course in 1998 and 2000, Tierra del Oro incorporated LNT skills into a national Wider Opportunity in 2003 and certified all participants as LNT trainers, and Fairwinds GS Council in Michigan trained most summer camp staff as LNT trainers. Scholarship Information. Each year the Girl Scouts of the USA's Linking Girls to the Land initiative offers approximately 20 scholarships for those interested in becoming Leave No Trace Master Educators. The goal of this scholarship program, funded by the U.S. Forest Service, is to provide Leave No Trace Master Educator Course scholarships for adult Girl Scouts interested in communicating and integrating the Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics message into their council's outdoor program. Grants recipients receive assistance in the form of a $650 to $765 scholarship to cover the full tuition for a Leave No Trace Master Educator Course. Tuition includes all meals and transportation during the course, including food, instruction, group equipment, and curriculum materials. Participants are responsible for travel to and from their course location, and sometimes for lodging while not in the field. Leave No Trace Master Educator Course Description. The five day Leave No Trace Master Educator Course provides participants with a comprehensive 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. Currently, all Leave no Trace Masters Educator Courses are offered by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). Leave No Trace courses are designed for people in good physical condition with a strong interest in outdoor recreation, a commitment to training others, and a desire to protect wilderness resources. Applicants must have backcountry backpacking, sea kayaking, or canoeing experience relevant to the offered course in order to attend. Applicants must also have completed a two day Leave No Trace train the trainer course. Recipients are expected to teach at least two Leave No Trace trainer courses per year. Application Process. The Girl Scout Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarship Application Packet is included in the back of this Resource Guide. (See Sample Application Forms) Leave No Trace Master Educator courses listings, GSUSA scholarship application forms, and Leave No Trace Master Course application forms are available at www.Lnt.ofg. or call LNT, Inc. (800) 466- 2721. For additional course information contact: National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Michael Cheek (307) 335-2213, michael cheekfginols.edu or Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Dara Houdek (603) 466-2721 x209, dhoudek@amcinfo.org. For more information on the scholarship program please contact: Liz Garland at (916) 669-2777 or email liz garlandfoltdogs.org LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 31 ------- [ER1CANS FOR NATIONAL PARKS National Park Guide Opportunity The Girl Scouts of the USA National Park Guide Opportunity is a result of the partnership between the national coalition of Americans for National Parks (ANP), National Park Service (NFS), and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). This expansion of the GSUSA initiative, Linking Girls to the Land, is designed for competitively selected Girl Scouts (ages 14-17). Participating Girl Scouts will assist national park interpretive staff and Volunteers in the Parks (VIP's) in enhancing their community's understanding and appreciation of the resources that their local national parks protect. Upon completion of 16 hours of training and volunteerism with the park, including leading younger Girl Scout troops through the park, Girl Scouts (ages 11-17) are eligible to receive the GSUSA National Park Guide pin. The younger Girl Scouts are eligible to receive the GSUSA National Park Protector patch and are encouraged to post their photos to the National Parks Scrapbook at: www.arn^i:iga_n^fornatj.gnalparks.org/scrapbook. Opportunity Objectives Engage the interests of Girl Scouts (ages 11 -17) with their local national park site. Enhance Gkl Scouts' understanding of the resources the national park protects. Develop Girl Scouts' understanding of the National Park Service's mission and how interpretation helps achieve that mission. Provide an opportunity for volunteer and career exploration with the National Park Service. Help address the staffing needs of national park sites across the country. Bring attention to and understanding of the funding needs of the national parks to a broader audience and engage Gkl Scouts and their families as park advocates. For more information please contact: Elizabeth McCoy, Consultant, Council Innovations, Girl Scouts of the USA 420 Fifth Avenue, 15ch Floor New York NY 10018 T. (212) 852-8681 emcco\@girl scouts, ore LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 32 ------- Water Drop Patch, EPA What is it? The Water Drop Patch Project is co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Girl Scouts of the USA. Girl Scouts can learn about water resources, complete environmental education and community service activities, and earn the Water Drop Patch. 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 math; and use the Internet as a source of information What kinds of opportunities are available? The Water Drop Patch Project offers learning opportunities to Girl Scouts in watersheds, non-point source pollution, wetlands, and groundwater/drinking water. Service learning and activities range from "do's and don'ts around the home" to stream clean-ups to building your own aquifer. Girls of all program levels can participate. 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 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. 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 Water Drop Patch Web site and in the project booklet. To Order Water Drop patches (at f 1.00 each), please write to: Membership, Program & Diversity, 15th Floor, Water Drop Patch Project Girl Scouts of the USA 420 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10018-2798 Where is additional information about the ptogram and projects? The project booklet can be located on the Internet 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. The project was jointly developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital. To date, over 10,000 girls are proudly wearing a Water Drop Patch. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 33 ------- STUDIO ZB^destinations (formerly called Wider Opportunities) Teens are offered "STUDIO 2BMndestinations," as 10 to 14 day events that are organized by local councils or the Girl Scouts of the USA. STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations incorporate advanced skills and learning about a focused area or subject. Participants are ages 14-17 from across the U.S. 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 leadershipand their awareness of natural resource careers through these sessions will enhance agency recruitment of such young women. Natural resource-based STUDIO 2B.mde8tinations In 2004, numerous STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations will focus on outdoor adventures, advanced skills, leadership, and career exploration in natural resources. Natural resource professionals will lead field trips and make presentations at many of these. Aquatic Adventure, Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, Benton, KY Aquatic Biology, Scuba Diving, Winter Sports, Wilderness First Responder, and Yes, Ma'am CaptainI (at Great Lakes Maritime Academy), various dates at the Fair Winds Girl Scout Council camp near Traverse City, MI Canoe Country Rendezvous, Land of Lakes Girl Scout Council, MN Expedition: Michigan 2004 (backpacking, bicycling, boating, sailing), Fair Winds Girl Scout Council, at camp near Traverse City, MI Great Lakes Aquatic Biology, Fair Winds Girl Scout Council, at camp near Traverse City, MI Heart of Appalachia, Girl Scouts Heart of Ohio, Zanesville, OH Montana Magic (flyfishing, hiking), Girl Scouts of Big Sky Council, Great Falls, MT Mountain Majesty (backpacking, wilderness skills), Girl Scouts of Mile High Council, Denver, CO Treasures of the Emerald Coast (swim, sea, sail), Girl Scouts of Northwest Florida, Pensacola, FL Outward Bound events for Girl Scouts at various locations, focused on backpacking, canoeing, kayaking rock climbing, sailing, sea kayaking, and skiing SeaWorld Adventure Camps focused on animal care and marine biology, in Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego For more information visit the STUDIO 2B.mdestinations Web site www.studio2b.org/escape/destinatiQns/ or contact: MariClare Krzyzewski Manager, STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations Girl Scouts of the USA 420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York, NY 10018 Tel: (212)852-6537 Fax:(212)852-6515 mkrzvzewski@girlscQuts.orii- LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 34 ------- Natural Science in the Tetons As part of a STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations sponsored by the Elliott Wildlife Values Project, 15 girls and 15 adult partners from across the United States learn wildlife biology and naturalist skills under the instruction of Teton Science School instructors, each year in the third week of July. Girls and adults learn how to keep a naturalist's journal, get up close to some of nature's most intriguing creatures wild birdsbecome part of a national bird-banding effort, and learn how the local ecosystem functions. They live among the pronghorn antelope, bison, coyotes, and ospreys, and hike the Grand Teton National Park with 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 2B8mdestination. Projects will be completed within the following year. For more details and application information: Visit the Girl Scouts STUDIO 2Bsmdestinations Web site www.studio2b.org/escape/destinations/ You may also contact Jodi Stewart at (212) 852-8076 or jstewartfgjgirlscouts.org. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 35 ------- NOAA Aquarius Project E X P L ฎ R E What is it? The Aquarius Project is an intensive week of ocean science and discovery for a nationally selected group of six Girl Scouts sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Where is it? The event is based out of the National Undersea Research Center's (University of North Carolina at Wilmington) Key Largo, Florida field station, home to the world's only underwater laboratory - the Aquarius Habitat. When is it? This five-day event occurs annually, usually during the month of July or August. What is the event about? Girl Scouts learn the fundamentals of ocean exploration, coral reef ecology, maritime archaeology, and habitat preservation. Lectures and field work may include a SCUBA dive to the Aquarius Habitat to visit mission scientists at work; working alongside marine resource scientists on the coral reefs; SCUBA diving to numerous sites, including a shipwreck site in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; and, visiting habitats unique to the region such as the Everglades National Park. In the Aquarius Project, girls learn about ocean science by hands-on experience and interaction with mentor scientists. Each participating Girl Scout devises an outreach plan for taking what they learned home to their schools, Girl Scout councils, and communities. Who can apply? Any registered Girl Scout who is: SCUBA certified and has received open water certification. Comfortable in open water. Committed to ocean science, conservation, and exploration. Willing to share her experience with her council after the event. Between 14-17 at the time of the event. What are the costs? This event is sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Ocean Exploration. There is NO event fee. Travel costs are fully funded. Food and lodging costs will be reimbursed to the participant after the event. Each participant is required to bring all necessary diving gear with her to the event (excluding tanks and weight belts). For more details and application information: Visit the NOAA Explorer Web site at bttp-/1/pceanexplorer.nj3aa,gpv/pfojects/03aquariii!j/gs couts/welcome.html. or contact: Joanne Flanders National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Oceans Exploration 1315 East West Highway, Room 10145 Silver Spring, MD 20910 T. (301) 713-9444 xl79 F. (301) 713-4252 Joanne.Flanders@noaa.gov www.noaa.gov and www.Qceancxplorer.noa a.gpy_ (You may also contact Jodi Stewart at (212) 852-8076 or jstewart@girlscouts.org.) LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 36 ------- Examples of National Conservation Events (See Calendar of Conservation Events) National Public Trails Day What is National Trails Day? The Girl Scouts of the USA join the American Hiking Society, many Federal and local agencies, and the public in celebrating National Trails Day. It is an annual event on the first Saturday in June to promote awareness of and appreciation for America's 200,000 miles of trails and to encourage cooperative efforts among different trail users, including hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, walkers, runners, and others who enjoy being on the trail. This year's event to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails will be Saturday, June 5,2004, so 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. There are more than 3,000 events and a million participants annually. How can you find mote 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, National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Federal Highway Administration, and 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. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 37 ------- National Public Lands Day (NPLD) What is National Public Lands Day? NPLD is a Saturday in. late September when thousands of people volunteer in our parks and on our public lands. Begun in 1994, it is the largest volunteer event that benefits America's public lands. What do the volunteers do? Volunteers join the staff and managers of our public lands. They build trails, restore wetlands, improve wildlife habitats, battle invasive species, harvest native seeds, and sow wild flowers. Who organizes National Public Lands Day? The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF) What is the National Environmental Education & Training Foundation's mission? Forging public/private partnerships, The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation encourages people to recognize their connections to the environment, and to take innovative and effective steps that enhance the envkonment. One of the signature projects is National Public Lands Day, a partnership with federal, state, and local land management agencies. Volunteers help to complete needed work on the public spaces where Americans go for recreation and enjoyment. Who organizes National Public Lands Day events? Who are the partners? Sometimes individuals or our partner organizations organize an event. Many events are organized by our federal agency partners: USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) USDA Forest Service (FS) USDI National Park Service (NFS) What opportunities are available to Girl Scouts through NPLD? Since the beginning, Girl Scouts have enjoyed the outdoors. With NPLD, 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. One troop's NPLD project in 2003 led to the adoption of a trailhead as its year-long service project. NPLD dovetails with many scouting goals. It also gives Girl Scouts ages 11-17 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 Ufe. Where do I find more information about National Public Lands Day? Contact: Patti Pride Director, National Public Lands Day National Environmental Education & Training Foundation 1707 H Street, NW - Suite 900 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: (202) 261-6474 Fax: (202) 261-6464 pride@neetf. org www.npld.com LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 38 ------- World Water Monitoring Day What is it? World Water Monitoring Day, held annually on October 18th, is an event designed to educate people of all ages, in all nations, about the value of clean water and the role of water quality monitoring. World Water Monitoring Day 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. October 18th was selected because it is the anniversary of the landmark 1972 Clean Water Act. Why is monitoring 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 can't 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 of water monitoring programs. Who is organizing this event? World Water Monitoring Day is planned and coordinated by America's Clean Water Foundation 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 can Girl Scouts 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 Web site at www.worldwatermonitofingday.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"1 and October 18th. 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 Web site. Troops and Councils may also want to get involved in other fun activities in their area, like water festivals and stream cleanups. How do I find out more? Visit www.worldwatermonitoringday.oirg for more information, to order test kits (international orders and bulk orders accepted), register your site(s), enter your data, and find out what's going on in your area and around the globe. To learn more about volunteer environmental monitoring, visit tpjrin/volunteer. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 39 ------- 2004 Calendar of Conservation Events January 1 March 1 March 13 April 15-21 April 22 April April 27 May 5-11 May 11 May 11-18 May 11-18 June 1-9 June 5 June 5 July 24-30 August August 4 August 9 August 25 September 21 September 18 October 5 October 18 October 13-19 October 15 October 18 November 18 December 23 On January 1,1970, the National Environmental Policy Act was enacted to require the assessment of impacts of federal actions on the environment On March 1,1872, Yellowstone National Park, the Nation's first national park, was established by an act signed by President Ulysses S. Grant On March 13,1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System was established National Wildlife Week Earth Day National Park Week (annually in April during the week of Earth Day) On April 27,1935, the Soil Conservation Service was created in the Department of Agriculture Drinking Water Week (EPA) International Migratory Bird Day (FWS) National River Cleanup Week (EPA) American Wetlands Week (EPA) National Fishing and Boating Week (FWS) World Environment Day (NRCS) National Public Trails Day (first Saturday in June) Natural Science in the Tetons STUDIO ^^destination (GSUSA) NOAA Aquarius Project (GSUSA and NOAA) On August 4,1954, the Small Watershed Program was enacted to help communities protect, improve, and develop watersheds Smokey Bear's birthday National Park Founder's Day (NFS). On August 25,1916, the National Park Service was created by an act signed by President Woodrow Wilson International Coastal Cleanup (EPA) National Public Lands Day National Estuary Day (EPA) World Water Monitoring Day (EPA) National Wildlife Refuge Week Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant applications due (GSUSA) On October 18,1972, the Clean Water Act was enacted 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 On December 23,1985, the 1985 Farm Bill was passed, the first farm bill to include a conservation tide and the first to link conservation to eligibility for USDA program benefits LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 40 ------- Sample Application Forms Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application Packet SAMPLE are the Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants? Girl Scouts of the USA's Elliott Wildlife Values Project along with eight federal natural resource agencies: USDA Forest Service USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service USDI National Park Service U.S. Geological Survey USDI Fish and Wildlife Service USDI Bureau of Land Management U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration have developed a partnership and have contributed funds and support for Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant projects. These grants of up to $5,000 encourage Girl Scouts to become more involved in natural resource issues and explore careers related to wildlife and natural resource conservation. They encourage federal and state agencies to participate in die Girl Scout program by helping with conservation-related award work, service projects, and Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award projects. Program History: Since the founding of the grant program in 1998,74 Girl Scout councils have been awarded a total of 83 grants. These projects served more than 46,000 girls and adults. Before the Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant program was established, many councils had never worked with natural resource agencies and had not budgeted for supplies and odier administrative costs. Additionally, many agencies rarely directed their declining resources to environmental education efforts. The availability of this "seed money" brings together the ideas, staff time, and professional expertise to create programs and outdoor experiences for girls that otherwise may not happen. Projects include cooperation with local natural resource professionals, a communication and media plan, and post-event follow-up and evaluation. 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 14-17 who has the full support of her council can submit a Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant application for up to $5,000. All projects must be accomplished in partnership with at least one federal or state natural resource agency. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 41 ------- Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application Selection Criteria Checklist SAMPLE The following criteria will be used to determine which councils receive grant awards. Please use this as a checklist for what your proposal must include and attach it with your application. THE PROJECT MUST: BE IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING THREE AREAS: D Environmental Education. This category includes: observation of nature and the environment, field ecology, ecosystem monitoring, biological research, interpretive programs, and career exploration. D Outdoor Skills Development. This category includes: developed camping, backcountry camping, horseback riding, cross country skiing, hiking, and fishing. D Volunteer Service. This category includes: service projects on federal, state or private land. ALSO: D Involve the interest of the girls. D Involve the interest of the community. D Be focused on local natural resources. D Be reviewed and approved by the applicant's Girl Scout council. D Be able to be planned and completed within ONE year. D Demonstrate how the project will benefit both the federal or state agency(ies) and the council. D Show written commitment of federal or state agencies. D Present a plan that incorporates the diversity of girl and adult membership within the council's jurisdiction and reaches out to serve underrepresented populations. D Encourage creative and innovative use of community resources. D Include natural resource, science and/or environmental career development and awareness for girls. D Present a plan for post-event follow up and evaluation. D Be sustainable and replicable within your council and other Girl Scout councils nationwide. D Adhere to and support Girl Scouts of the USA policies, safety standards and guidelines. D Include a council's Certificate of Insurance indicating that GSUSA is "additionally insured." (Only needed if the council is NOT in the GSUSA sponsored Property Casualty Program). LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 42 ------- Linking Girls to the Land Grant Application Project Timetable SAMPLE 2004/2006 October 15, 2004 Deadline for Linking Girls to the Land council project applications TO BE RECEIVED at Girl Scouts of the USA (faxed applications will not be accepted). October 16 November IS, 2004 Linking Girls to the Land national committee reviews project applications and selects grant award recipients. December 15,2004 January 2, 2005 July 1, 2005 January 2, 2006 Girl Scout council grant recipients notified. Initial 75% of total grant award check issued. Girl Scout council Linking Girls to the Land project implementation begins. Deadline for Girl Scout council Linking Girls to the Land interim project report TO BE RECEIVED at Girl Scouts of the USA (faxed reports will not be accepted). Deadline for Girl Scout council Linking Girls to the Land Final Project Report TO BE RE CEIVED at Girl Scouts of the USA (fed reports will not be accepted). Any unused funds should be mailed back to GSUSA. January 3, 2005 - March 15, 2006 Girl Scout council Final Project Reports compiled and evaluated by Girl Scouts of the USA, Final 25% of award check issued. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 43 ------- Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application SAMPLE || Instructions: 1. Please TYPE all materials. 2. Mail original COMPLETED application with 2 copies to be received by OCTOBER 15, 2004 to: Jodi Stewart Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants j^*"" C<^ Membership and Program Initiatives Girl Scouts of the USA 420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York, New York 10018 -2798 A. GENERAL INFORMATION: Council Name: Council Address: STREET CITY STATE ZIP Service Area: Chief Executive Officer: Phone: ( ) Project Coordinator: Phone: ( ) Email: Project Title: Project Summary Statement: Total estimated number of participating Girl Scouts: Estimated number of participating Girl Scouts by age level: Daisy Brownie Junior Cadette ___ Senior Adults Girl Scouts 11-17 TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANT FUNDING REQUESTED: _^ Did representatives from your council attend a Linking Girls to the Land Workshop?: Yes No If yes, where was the workshop located? What was the month and year of the workshop attended? LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL N ATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 . Page 44 ------- Linking (jjyls to the Land Council Grant Applicatipn SAJVJPLE Project Category: (please check the ojoe that most represents your project) Environmental Education Outdoor Skills Volunteer Service Federal or State Collaborating Agency (ies): Other Collaborators: Where will the project take place? Federal land State land City land Girl Scout property Other (indicate below) We are assuming responsibility for the attached proposed project, and will submit an interim project report to be received at GSUSA by July 1, 2005 and a final project report to be received at GSUSA by January 2,2006. Chief Executive Officer Date LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 45 ------- Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application Project Proposal Format SAMPLE B. PROJECT SUMMARY: (Two page limit) Please type an outlined project summary that specifically addresses the following: 1. Summarize the ptoject and its objectives in one paragraph. 2. Identify the intended benefits for girls and how the project meets dieir interests. 3. Identify how you are incorporating the diversity of girl and adult membership within your council's jurisdiction. How are you reaching out to underserved girls? 4. Identify the intended benefits for the community. 5. Identify the intended benefits for the nation's natural resources. C. PROJECT TIMELINE; (One page limit) Please design an estimated project timeline beginning with the grant application and concluding with the final project report. The project should be able to be carried out and completed within ONE year. D. PROJECT PLAN: (Three page limit) Please type a project plan outline that specifically addresses the following: 1. Describe how the project will be implemented. (Include the steps from the initial start up through the completion. List the staffincluding agency representatives, Girl Scout volunteers and/or council staffexpected to be involved and their role). 2. Describe how diis project makes innovative and creative use of community resources. How does the project generate community involvement and investment? 3. Identify how you are incorporating natural resource, science and/or environmental career development and awareness for girls. 4, List the facilities and/or equipment that are needed. 5. Describe the publicity efforts that are being planned (i.e., local magazines, newspapers, radio, or television). E. PROJECT EVALUATION: (One page limit) Please type a brief outline or description of the evaluation methods expected to be used that specifically addresses the following: 1. List the methods and/or tools for evaluating project results. 2. Describe how the results will be shared with the general public. 3. Describe how successful results will be used by your council, other councils, and/or outside organizations. F. AGENCY COLLABORATIONS: (One page limit) Please type a brief outlined description about your council's collaborative federal or state natural resource agency(ies) that specifically addresses the following: 1. List collaborating federal or state agency(ies) that will be partnering with your council to complete and strengthen this project. 2, Describe plans for working with each federal or state natural resource agency in this project so that the collaborations are meaningful. How do the Girl Scouts benefit from the collaboration? How does the agency benefit from the collaboration? 3. Include with this application commitment letters from all the federal or state agencies you plan to work with, on agency letterhead. 4. List any other non-federal or state natural resource agencies or organizations that you will partner with and explain how. Include a commitment letter(s) if the organization is a key collaborator. G. POST EVENT IMPLICATIONS AND SUSTAINABILITY: (One page limit) Please type a brief description about how the project will continue and could serve as a foundation for future related projects in your council or community. 1. Describe how your project will continue without additional funding from Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant money. 2. Describe how your project will serve as a foundation for future related projects in your council or community. 3. List examples of how your project could be replicated within your council or by other councils. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 46 ------- Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application Budget Fottn SAMPLE EXPENSES: AMOUNT: A. Project personnel (List project staff support, volunteers, honoraria, etc.) 1 4 i. jji 2. 3. 4. (Use separate sheet if more space is necessary.) TOTAL PERSONNEL: B. Consumable Office Supplies and Services 1. Office supplies 2. Copying/duplication 3. Equipment 4. Telephone 5. Printing 6. Postage TOTAL SUPPLIES AND SERVICES: C. Transportation What type is needed? D. Equipment [lease and/or purchase] (Please itemize on separate sheet) E. Other (Please itemize on separate sheet) TOTAL PROJECT EXPENSES: $ SOURCES OF SUPPORT: Linking Girls to the Land Grant Request from GSUSA $. Council funding f. Individual contributions $. Other sources (Please specify on separate sheet *) $. TOTAL PROJECT SUPPORT: *Describe in-kind support and indicate sources on separate sheet. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 47 ------- Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application Checklist SAMPLE Be sure to include the following with your Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Application: 1. Completed pages 4&5 of application packet and signed by your council's CEO. (Generalinformation) 2. Narrative of project proposal 3. Project timeline 4. Letter(s) of commitment from collaborating federal or state natural resource agency(ies) 5. Project budget form 6. Certificate of insurance (Only needed if the council is NOT in the GSUSA sponsored Property Casualty Program, as a copy of the certificate is already on fie). If certificate is not on file, please include a copy of your council's current certificate of insurance showing GSUSA as "additionally insured", with a combined minimum single limit of liability coverage in the amount of $1 million aggregate for bodily injury and property damage. 7. Additional supporting materials and or information (not required) 8. Selection criteria checklist Mail original application, signed by your council's CEO and all required forms along with 2 copies (double-sided and stapled) of the entire application to the address below. If you have questions about the Linking Girls to the Land Application or the Application Process Please contact: Jodi Stewart Linking Girls to the Land Council Grants Membership & Program Initiatives Girl Scouts of the USA 420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York, New York 10018 -2798 (212) 852-8076 jstewart@girlscouts.org LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRT, Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 48 ------- Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Interim Report SAMPLE1 Instructions: 1. Please TYPE all materials. 2. Mail COMPLETED interim report so that is it received by JULY 1,2005 to: Jodi Stewart Linking Girls to the Land 2005 Interim Report Membership and Program Initiatives Girl Scouts of the USA 420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York, New York 10018-2798 A. GENERAL INFORMATION: Council Name: Council State: Project Coordinator: Service Area: Phone: ( ) Email: Project Title: Project Summary Statement: Total Number of Participating Girl Scouts: Number of Participating Girl Scouts by Age Level: .Daisy .Junior . Senior Girl Scouts 11-17 Brownie Cadette Adults B. PROJECT UPDATE: 1. Please write a brief summary of the purpose of your project. 2. Please list the project collaborating agencies. 3. Please provide a brief description of the progress of the project beginning steps. (This may simply be a bulleted list of steps.) 4. Please provide a brief update on the project accomplishments to date. (This may be a bulleted list of accomplishments.) 5. Please describe any challenges you have encountered to date and how you have/hope to resolve those challenges. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 49 ------- ------- Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Final Report SAMPLE Instructions: 1. Please TYPE or PRINT all materials. 2. Please attach photographs or a CD with photos of the project and promotional material featuring the event or project. 3. Please attach all receipts related to project expenses covered by this grant award. 4. Please have your CEO sign the report. 5. Mail COMPLETED application so that it is received by JANUARY 2,200^ to: Jodi Stewart Linking Girls to the Land 2005 Final Report Membership and Program Initiatives Girl Scouts of the USA 420 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor New York, New York 10018-2798 A. GENERAL INFORMATION: Council Name: Council Address: STREET CITY Service Area: Chief Executive Officer: Project Coordinator: Project Title: STATE Phone: ( Phone: ( ZIP Email: To be read and signed by Chief Executive Officer of the council: This final report reflects the work completed for the collaborative project funded by the Linking Girls To The Land Initiative. Date CEO's Signature * Please contact Jodi Stewart, GSUSA at (800) 223-0624 Ext. 8076 or (212) 852-8076 or } s tewatt@.girlscou ts. org should you have any questions regarding this report. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 50 ------- Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant Final Report SAMPLE B. NARRATIVE REPORT GUIDELINES: Please briefly describe the following. A bulleted outline is acceptable. 1, Write a paragraph summarizing the project. 2. Describe why your council project was of particular interest to your Girl Scouts and your community. 3. Describe what environmental or social need (issue) the project aimed to address. 4. Describe the process of building a collaboration with the project partners and what role they played in the development and implementation of the project. 5. Describe the method of evaluation and evaluation results for the project. 6. Describe the challenges encountered during the planning and implementation of the project. 7. Describe how the challenges were resolved. C. PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS: 1. An outline of expenditures 2. All expense receipts 3. Samples of evaluation tool(s) used 4. List of media used for informing community of the project 5. Newspaper and magazine articles and other media attention featuring the project 6. Photographs of the project 7. Any program resources that were developed for die project D. PROJECT SUMMARY INFORMATION: 1. Participant Information: (Please estimate as best as possible.) a. Number of girls at each age level: Daisy Junior Senior Brownie Cadette Girl Scouts 11-17 b. Number of adults: c. Racial ethnic breakdown of girls: TOTAL GIRLS: TOTAL ADULTS: American Indian/Alaskan Asian/Pacific Islander Black Hispanic White d. Racial ethnic breakdown of adults: American Indian/Alaskan Asian/Pacific Islander Black Hispanic White LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 51 ------- Land Council Grant Final Report SAMPLE 2. Collaborations: List of Collaborating Agencies: (check all that apply) USDI Bureau of Land Management U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration USDI National Park Service Americans for National Parks _.... USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service __ USDI Fish and Wildlife Service USDA Forest Service _ U.S. Geological Survey LOCAL (if marked, please list local names below) 3. Finances: a. linking Girls To The Land GSUSA grant award amount: b. Please list any additional support that you were given in the midst of the project: c. TOTAL EXPENSES: E. COMMENTS: Please feel free to add any additional comments regarding the Linking Girls to the Land Council Grant process on a clearly identified additional sheet of paper. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS or THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 52 ------- ------- ^ Girl Scouts. GSUSA Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator Course Scholarships 2004 Application Packet In 2004, the Girl Scouts of the USA, through the Linking Girls to the Land Initiative, is offering approximately 20 scholarships for those interested in becoming Leave No Trace Master Educators. The goal of this scholarship program is to provide Leave No Trace Master Educator Course scholarships for adult Girl Scouts interested in communicating and integrating the Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics message into their council's outdoor program. These scholarships are funded through a grant made possible by the U.S. Forest Service to the Linking Girls to the Land initiative. This GSUSA Elliott Wildlife Values Project initiative encourages partnerships between Girl Scouts and federal natural resource agencies in order to offer joint conservation and outdoor programs to Girl Scouts nationwide. The five day Leave No Trace Master Educator Course provides participants with a comprehensive 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. Currently, all Leave no Trace Masters Educator Courses are offered by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMQ. Tuition Information Approximately 20 grant recipients will receive assistance in the form of a $650.00 - $765.00 scholarship, depending on location, to cover the full cost of tuition for a Leave No Trace Master Educator Course, Tuition includes all meals and transportation during the course. Rations, instruction, group equipment and curriculum materials are also included in the cost. Participants are responsible for travel to and from their course locationand at some locationsfor lodging while not in the field. Requirements of Scholarship Recipients Leave No Trace courses are designed for people in good physical condition who have a strong interest in outdoor recreation, a commitment to training others, and a desire to protect wilderness resources. Applicants must have backcountry backpacking, sea kayakingr or canoeing experience related to the offered cour$gjn ordered to attend). Applicants must have cojnpleted a tg/p day Leave fr4o Trace train the trainer course. One of the cooperative goals of the GSUSA Linking Girls to the Land initiative and the Leave No Trace program is to create a network of Girl Scout volunteers that are trained to teach and integrate Leave No Trace ethics and skills into their council's outdoor program. Strongest consideration will be given to applicants who have outdoor education teaching experience and can promote the Leave No Trace message in their council. Scholarship recipients are expected to teach at least twoJLeave No Trace trainer co_ujfses per year, LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 53 ------- Reporting Within six weeks of completion of the course, scholarship recipients will be responsible for writing an evaluative report summary of their experience. This report must include photos. Reports should be mailed to: Jodi Stewart, LNT Report, Elliott Wildlife Values Project, GSUSA, 420 5"> Avenue, 15"' Floor, New York, NY 10128. Application Process and Deadline The 2004 GSUSA LNT Masters Educator Scholarship applications are due to be received to the address below by M|arch 17^2004, Applicants must complete die GSUSA Scholarship Application (see last page) and attach all required information listed on the form. On the GSUSA Scholarship Application you will need to list your 1st and 2nd LNT course site and date. Send completed applications by March 17, 2004 to: GSUSA LNT Master Educator Scholarships Attn: Jo Ann Schiffer-Burdett 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos Moreno Valley, CA 92553 Awarding of Scholarships Applicants will be notified of th,ek scholarship award by npi! during tl^ week of April 14r 2QQ4. Your name will be placed on the National Outdoor Leadership (NOLS) or Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) course roster. After notification of the GSUSA Scholarship award, RECIPIENTS MUST COMPLETE a Leave No Trace Master Course application for the course you wish to attend in order to confirm your spot in the course. (Note: The GSUSA Scholarship application IS NOT a course registration or application.) Lea. ve No Trace .Master Educator courses listings, GSUSA Scholarships forms, and Leave No Trace Master Educator Course application forms axe available on the Leave No Trace website, www.LNT.org. or call LNT, Inc. (800) 466-2721. For additional course information contact; National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Michael Cheek (307) 335-2213 Dara Houdek (603) 466-2721 x209 michael cheektSJnols.edu dhoudekfaiamcinfo.org For more information on the GSUSA Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarship program please contact Liz Garland at (916) 669-2777 or by email: liz garlandfgjtdogs.org For information about Linking Girls to the Land activities contact: Jodi Stewart at (212) 852-8076 or by email at i stewartfSigirlscouts .org. LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL N ATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 54 ------- Leave No Trace Master Educator Course 2004 Girl Scout Scholarship Application Applicant Name;, Date: Matting Address: City, State, Zip Code: Phone: Fax: e-majk Council Name/Address: Cijy, State,. Zip Code: CEO Name: Council Contact: Phone: e-mail: Scholarships for Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator courses are offered to applicants who demonstrate their ability to effectively reach large numbers of Girl Scouts with the Leave No Trace message. Strongest consideration wfll be given to applicants who have outdoor education teaching experience and can promote the Leave No Trace message in their council. Scholarship recipients are expected to teach two Leave No Trace trainer courses per year. One GSUSA Scholarship is awarded per council. Requirements: You must have back country backpacking, sea kayaking or canoeing experience related to the offered course in order to attend. You must also have completed a two day Leave No Trace train the trainer course. Within six weeks of completion of the course you must write an evaluative report summary including photos. Scholar ship Applicants Must: Have completed a two day LNT Train the Trainer course. Date: * Submit 2 letters of recommendation; one from your council contact or staff person. State why you want to become a Leave No Trace Master Educator. Describe yourself, the nature of your council work, your back country experience. Quantify recent achievements related to teaching and integrating Leave No Trace into council program. Provide an outline detailing how you will implement Leave No Trace in your council. Estimate how many Girl Scouts will be reached annually by the Leave No Trace message and how many LNT trainer courses you can facilitate per year. List the dates and course sites you wish to attend. Visit www.LNT.org for a list of Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator courses or call LNT Inc. at (800) 332-4100. 1ซ Choice Date Course Site circle: NOLS/AMC 2ฐd Choice Date Course Site circle: NOLS/AMC For more course information call: National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Michael Cheek (307) 335-2213 michael_cheek@nols.edu Appalachian Mountain Club (AMQ Dara Johnson (603) 466-2721 x209 djohnson@amcinfo.org GSUSA Scholarship Applications are due to be received by March 17, 2004. Send completed application form and attach all required information listed above to: GSUSA Leave No Trace Master Educator Scholarships, Atm: Jo Ann Schiffer-Burdett; 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 For scholarship information call Liz Garland at (916) 669-2777; email: Uz gariand@tdog-s.org LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 55 ------- ------- Appendix 1 Girl Scout Council Map LINKING GIRLS To THE LAND PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GIRL Scours OF THE USA AND FEDERAL NATIONAL RESOURCE AGENCIES Resource Guide, January 2004 Page 56 ------- ------- |