PROJECT
MANAGEMENT AND GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS
SUSTAINING YOUR SCHOOL
HABITAT: KEYS TO SUCCESS
By Sue Powers
4-H Wildlife Steward
William Walker Elementary School
The keys to success as a
4-H Wildlife Steward will depend on seven key issues:
Planning
Teamwork
Resources
Networking
Maintenance
Education and Publicity
Long-term Use
It is important to think
of these key issues as you work on your project with the students and
teachers at your school. Here are a few helpful reminders for each of
these issues:
PLANNING
- Plan with teaching staff,
principal and others interested in the project.
- Don't forget maintenance
staff (ask about their needs and earn their respect)
- Start with a small area
and a set goal or focus; for example, start with a grade level team
of teachers
- It's good to have a broad,
long-term vision, but it's best to start small and build on the project
each year; add new staff and teachers as the program grows. Ultimately
you will have included as much of the school population as possible.
TEAMWORK
- Don't go it alone; try
to involve as many people as possible and delegate tasks
- Don't just think of the
school population (involve your local 4-H clubs, after school groups,
garden clubs, neighborhood associations, OSU Master Gardeners, businesses,
neighbors)
BECOME INFORMED AND USE
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
- Use the internet - there
are lots of good web sites
- Take a naturescaping class
- Take the OSU Master Gardener
class
- Visit native plant nurseries
NETWORK
- Visit other school habitats
- Talk with 4-H Wildlife
Stewards at other schools
- Visit the 4-H Wildlife
Stewards website "forum"
MAINTENANCE
- Plan work days, nature
nights and other special events
- Include "fun"
functions for students and families
- Plan for summer care and
watering
EDUCATE AND PUBLICIZE
- Publicize your project
through school newsletters, bulletin boards and park signage.
- Also use every opportunity
you can to educate others about your project. School site base meetings,
PTA meetings or newspapers are good ways to educate others
LONG TERM USE
- Your habitat is planted
and certified - now what?
- Tie in activities to school
benchmarks
- Check out curriculum kits
from OSU Extension 4-H
- Attend additional trainings
and workshops to further develop your own skills and knowledge.
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