Lessons About Environmental Stewardship

I am really impressed with the stories I see and hear about how our Scouting units step forward to be stewards of the environment in their communities.

A while back, I read about how Scouts in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin have a terrific project going to monitor water quality in Little Lake Wissota. It’s part of a five-year commitment by five troops in the Chippewa Valley Council, known as the Little Lake Wissota Stewardship Project.

It’s in all of our best interests to engage in programs like this to help keep our air, water and soil clean for future generations. That’s been Scouting’s legacy for more than 100 years.

Assistant Scoutmaster Luke Pederson and Alex Pederson take a water clarity measurement on Little Lake Wissota.

Even more important is teaching our young people the importance of a clean environment and how science plays a role in protecting our natural resources. Scouts in this project are learning about water chemistry and watershed management while enjoying the outdoors at the same time. They are also getting a greater understanding of the values behind volunteering and service.

A lot of our discussions at BSA’s fall Sustainability Summit revolved around how important it is for young people to drive home the significance of sustainability programs. They are great environmental ambassadors for their peers, their families, and others in their communities.

Scouts monitoring water conditions in Little Lake Wissota aren’t alone in their efforts. These troops are partnering with local county officials, landowners, and local businesses to keep the lake monitoring project uninterrupted and on schedule. County officials have planted trees and created other along the shoreline and taken other steps to reduce runoff into the lake, and this ongoing monitoring helps evaluate whether their solutions are working.

I always find it inspiring to see different community members pitching in with our Scouts to keep their neighborhoods and local natural resources clean and protected for the future. How do your organizations gather community partners to protect the environment in your area?  I’d particularly like to know how you are able to maintain long-term community projects that contribute to environmental health and awareness.

Thanks!

Wayne