Not your typical fundraiser

We surely all can remember being propositioned by a third-grader to buy cookie dough, or maybe the sixth-graders down the street knocked on your door to ask if you'd like to buy some magazine subscriptions.

Usually, public schools encourage their students to sell such products to raise money for the school, or maybe it's a particular program at the school. Well, in light of the water crisis affecting the southwest and Southern California, some Inland Empire schools are selling drought-tolerant mini-gardens that also attract butterflies and songbirds. The program is a pilot project of Cal State San Bernardino's Water Resources Institute, according to the article in Press-Enterprise's Inland News section.

The article notes that parents often learn about conservation efforts and issues, such as recycling, through their children. This is just one more way children can help educate those around them of how to help not only the environment, but also how to save money and protect our dwindling resources. Perhaps some San Diego schools could implement this fundraising program.

The Gardener's Supply Co. lists some of its readers' favorite drought-tolerant plants on its Web site.

One problem with the plants, though, that PE's article says needs to be addressed with buyers, is that the plants need a lot of water and should be planted before the dry heat waves come in around May.


Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Photo from www.gardeners.com

Lessons from the zoo

The Education Department's mission is to increase the knowledge and appreciation of animals and plants in people of all ages through a wide variety of educational programs and services.—www.sandiegozoo.org


On the San Diego Zoo's Web site, there is a link to an "Education" section. This part of the site is a helpful resource to teachers and parents alike, or even kids who want to get involved in learning about and helping wildlife. When I was in elementary school, I was part of the Sydney's Koala Club (or the kids' version of the Zoological Society of San Diego membership), and was quite active in saving the rainforests through letters I mailed out to who knows where.

The point of all this is, activism or simply a project here and there can be very valuable to children in a number of ways. First of all, they're learning more than Hannah Montana's latest song lyrics or which video game has the most violence. Second, in this age of "going green," it's important for youth to have an appreciation of the species we are trying to protect — from plants and animals, to recycling our cans, bottles and papers. Finally, being involved in a project, such as those offered through the San Diego Zoo, can help children make friends and feel a part of a community, helping to build self-esteem and an identity.

For more information on the types of information and programs offered through the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, visit the Education section of the zoo's Web site, or call (619) 557-3962.

Visit the Zoo Blogs or check out the Photo Journal to see what it's like to be involved with the zoo.

Photo credits:
1) Koala (sandiegozoo.org)
2) Recycling symbol (vims.edu)
3) Child in garden (prairienursery.com)