HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark 2017-09-13 Item 5A - Wildlife Explorers Program RequestCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
Parks & Recreation Department - Rick Still, Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Tukwila Parks Commission
FROM: Kirstin May, Recreation Coordinator
DATE: September 1, 2017
SUBJECT: National Parks and Recreation Wildlife Explorers Grant
Each year the City of Tukwila hosts a summer camp program that serves 120 youth in grades K -5t", also
known as "Camp Tukwilly." In January, the Parks and Recreation was awarded a grant and invited to
participate in a program called the Wildlife Explorers, a wilderness exploration program developed by
National Parks and Recreation Association, National Wildlife Federation, and the Cornell School of
Ornithology.
Youth staff implemented the Wildlife Explorers curriculum in the Camp Tukwilly program; 35 fourth
and fifth graders participated in the six-week program. Each week kids went to the Duwamish Hill
Preserve for an hour of learning and exploration. They learned about native habitats, salmon habitat,
trees and stewardship, leave no trace, local wildlife along the Duwamish River and the history of
Tukwila.
All kids received a workbook which contained a journal, games, and content to encourage play in
nature. The response from kids has been very positive, they have really enjoyed the dedicated time to
learn about the natural world that surrounds them in their local parks and backyards.
Some of the grant funding was utilized to support a service project. The kids chose to focus on trees
and shrubs at Duwamish Hill Preserve by purchasing and installing gator watering bags. Children
worked in teams to decorate gator bags and name a tree or shrub. They also learned about trees,
water conservation and stewardship throughout the process. When walking around "the Hill" one can
see their crafty creations.
I am writing this memo to request financial support from the Parks Commission as expenses for the
children's project at the Hill exceeded expectations. The grant covered most of the expenses for the
gator bags and hoses, however an additional $700 is needed for the remainder of the project. The
project served dual purposes: introducing kids to stewardship while providing needed support to trees
and shrubs at "the Hill."
Thank you for your consideration.
GOOD HEALTHY FUN
12424 42nd Ave. S. • Tukwila, Washington 98168 • Phone: 206-768-2822 • Fax: 206-768-0524
4
City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
Parks & Recreation Department - Rick Still, Director
GOOD HEALTHY FUN
12424 42nd Ave. S. • Tukwila, Washington 98168 • Phone: 206-768-2822 • Fax: 206-768-0524
GOOD HEALTHY FUN
12424 42nd Ave. S. • Tukwila, Washington 98168 • Phone: 206-768-2822 • Fax: 206-768-0524