"Kids for Conservation"

Having a great time learning a serious message.

The Illinois Department of Conservation took advantage of the State Fair to make a state-wide introduction of their newest educational program, "Kids for Conservation". The program is geared to educate and encourage Illinois' children to care about the need to preserve and protect the state's natural resources.

Governor James Thompson was invited to present the "Kids for Conservation" official proclamation on Friday, August 12, the second day of the Fair. "I am pleased to have the opportunity to celebrate this new program so important to the future of Illinois," he said. "We must all do a better job as caretakers of our state's wildlife and natural heritage. "Kids for Conservation" will produce new generations of conservation-educated citizens, keeping our precious land for all time."

Located on the fairgrounds at Conservation World, the "Kids for Conservation" tent offered various presentations, games, tote bags and stickers. Children enjoyed themselves while learning fundamental conservation facts and theories. By the last day of the fair, over 10,000 children had signed up as registered members.

Any child up to 16 years of age can become a "Kid for Conservation". As the program starts up, organizers plan to send all members a quarterly magazine full of wildlife stories, puzzles, games and "how to" articles. The first issue, planned for this Fall, will feature "The Legend of Cave-In-Rock" and "How to be a Wildlife Detective". Each member will also receive a membership card signed by Governor Thompson and Department of Conservation Director Mark Frech.

Over 50 children were on hand to help celebrate the State Fair opening ceremonies for "Kids for Conservation" — a new educational program developed by the Illinois Department of Conservation. How'd they get all of those kids to stand still?

Frech is very enthusiastic about the new program. "Children, with their natural curiosity and enthusiasm, are a perfect audience for learning about wildlife and nature," he said. "Our objective is to raise the awareness level of Illinois' children concerning conservation issues by presenting information in a colorful and fun way. Response to this new program has been overwhelming. Kids from all over the state and even some from other states have joined the club."

Specifically, the Kids for Conservation program will center on raising education levels of Illinois' children and their parents on such topics as the need to:

1. set aside unique and endangered natural areas;

2. adequately manage and preserve existing resources;

3. understand man's place in nature's scheme and our abilities to accommodate each other; and

4. take individual responsibility for preserving and protecting nature.

If you know any children interested to join "Kids for Conservation", or if you'd like to start a kids' group in your community, call or write: "Kids for Conservation", 712 South Second Street, Springfield, IL 62704. Phone: 217/525-3474. Registration forms are also available at the Illinois Department of Conservation headquarters at 524 South Second St., Springfield, IL 62704.

Corporate and conservation group sponsors are encouraged to inquire about opportunities to join with IDOC as they launch this new educational program. "Kids for Conservation" will teach our children to care for and protect the land, the water, and wildlife that mirrors our state's natural heritage.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 8 September/October 1988