Mountain Mermaids, advancing science-based nature management through community-based ecological restoration
Where?
Payette Lake and the greater watershed currently face critical environmental issues, including increasing amounts of the invasive aquatic plant, Eurasian Watermilfoil, which can negatively impact water quality, biodiversity, and recreation.
Why?
We are addressing the needs of the community by empowering students to learn new skills, gain a deeper understanding of the scientific process through place-based learning, and to enact timely positive change as leaders in the community. Though this initiative is ecologically focused, youth will gain professional development and leadership skills that will position them to excel in any field they choose.
Who?
Youth Watershed Ambassadors
While opportunities for outdoor experience, environmental education, and stewardship exist in Valley County, this will be the first project to pioneer youth restoration leadership.
This means youth-led projects, supported and guided by adult professionals, will allow hands-on, real-world skills in field science, research, teamwork, volunteer management, project management, and public communication.
YWA will advance their career opportunities in science and natural resource management, and build transferable professional skills to better prepare for future academic endeavors and careers in any field.
How?
During the pilot project high school students (grades 9-12) primarily from Valley County, including McCall-Donnelly School District and will be able to:
Contribute to baseline biodiversity surveys in Payette Lake, including macroinvertebrate surveys (in coordination with Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality), aquatic plant surveys, and invasive species identification (in collaboration with Valley County Weeds Department and Idaho State Department of Agriculture)
Create visual and performance art to spread awareness (e.g., writing songs that introduce ecological issues and performing them in a public venue)
Formulate and distribute a social science surveys to both educate the public and gather scientific data on public perceptions and habits related to EWM (with feedback and guidance from a PhD in Conservation Social Science)
Lead peers through the establishment of an eco-club (TREE, Teens Restoring Earth’s Environment) at McCall-Donnelly High School (MDHS) and other regional high schools, taking on leadership roles within the club while supervised by a teacher
Engage younger students (elementary and middle) through buddy-reading story times using books related to ecology/environment and co-creating (with support from Conservation Connection Foundation and Valley Soil and Water District) and delivering lessons/activities for peers and younger students about biodiversity, watersheds, and invasive species prevention
Implement field-based scientific experiments (with guidance from a professional Restoration Ecologist) to determine the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of different mechanical treatment methods for EWM