FODC Youth Advisory Board’s Whirlwind Spring Tour

Friends of Deckers Creek’s core group of youth volunteers, YAB, is preparing for several outreach events culminating with the 3rd annual Skate Jam at Marilla Park in Morgantown. YAB has been working hard to fill rain barrel demands since December, selling over 40 barrels to area residents interested in conserving water and preventing stormwater runoff pollution. They will now shift gears to outreach and recruiting just in time for Earth month/Earth Day.

YAB’s Chair, Alex Dennis, will co-host a session entitled, Youth Voice in the Classroom and Boardroom, at the WV Environmental Education Conference at Oglebay Resort on March 28. To register for the conference visit www.wveea.org. YAB is also sponsoring a statewide Green Project Poster Contest to be displayed at the conference with a cash prize of $50. For more information on the poster contest e-mail Amanda@DeckersCreek.org.

On April 18, YAB will participate in Morgantown’s Impact Earth event at Hazel Ruby McQuain Waterfront Park. On Earth Day, April 22 YAB members will provide information on Deckers Creek and environmental service opportunities for Morgantown High School’s Green Initiative Earth Fair. Later that evening, YAB members will lead a basic water chemistry and stream bug workshop for young Kaleidoscope Learning Center students when Gayle Manchin visits Morgantown Public Library from 6:30-8:00. The following day, YAB members will lead two workshops at the Department of Energy’s Bring Your Kids to Work Day.

These outreach events will also serve as a marketing strategy for the Skate Jam on Saturday, April 25 from 11-2pm. This free community event will include live music, skateboarding contests, eco-focused workshops such as acid mine drainage tie-dyes, stream bug identification, and rain barrel building, games, giveaways, and more! If you or your group would like to participate in the Skate Jam by hosting a workshop, donating prizes, or providing volunteers please contact YAB at Youth@DeckersCreek.org.

Respect my wheels & my Earth!