The Ecological Preservation Restoration and Education Program

by Patrick M. Oliver
September 6, 2004


Humboldt Bay High School Earns State Recognition For
Eco-PREP

The California Department of Education recently recognized Humboldt Bay High School's innovative Eco-PREP Program as one of 10 exemplary programs in the state.

Eco-PREP, the Ecological Preservation Restoration & Education Program, is an environmental education service that promotes career opportunities in natural resources to approximately 120 at-risk youth at six Humboldt Community Schools. Eco-PREP's mission is to offer exceptional educational services that provide opportunities for at-risk youth in Humboldt Community Schools to learn of career opportunities in natural resources through in-class lessons, guest speakers, field trips, and partnerships with government agencies, non-profits and local businesses.

For the past five years, Eco-PREP has provided an opportunity for high school students to engage in hands-on science learning and career exploration that includes stream restoration, native plant study, salmon propagation and field trips to local forest and beach locations.

Humboldt Bay High School Principal Georgeanne Fulstone-Pucillo said she believes Eco-PREP is one of the reasons the school makes important connections with its students.

"Eco-PREP connects classroom effort with work in the real world," Fulstone-Pucillo said. "The Exemplary Program Award recognizes that community partners provide relevant and meaningful challenges that engage students and promote critical thinking."
The program was developed in collaboration with a variety of partners that include the U.S. Forest Service, the California Conservation Corps, Humboldt State University, local logging practitioners, environmental groups, the Freshwater Native Plant Nursery, the Mad River Fish Hatchery and the California State Park System.

All students participate in team-building ropes course activities early in the program and develop science lessons focused on environmental concerns and issues for elementary-school "buddies" during the year. Students also volunteer at community events such as the Cesar Chavez Work Day and the Redwood Environmental Education Fair at College of the Redwoods.

Materials, transportation and training are provided by local businesses at no cost to Humboldt Bay High School.



This article can be found online at www.treesfoundation.org/publications/article-155

Forest & River News is produced by Trees Foundation.