2011 Youth Summit - Congratulations to Caring for Our Watersheds winner H-B Woodlawn!

H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program students and teacher Kathy Molina are congratulated by Congressman Jim Moran and Lindsey Metheral from sponsor Agrium Inc.

On a bright spring day at Marymount University, the 2011 Earth Force Youth Summit showcased the inspiring ideas of middle school students from Arlington and Alexandria in addressing community environmental problems through civic action. Approximately 350 students, teachers, and partners participated in the event. Ten finalists in the Caring for Our Watersheds contest, sponsored by Agrium, presented their project proposals on what they could do to improve their watersheds, and partner organizations led engaging activities fostering environmental awareness, critical thinking, and civic skills.

Students test pH with Alexandria Sanitation Authority's Lisa Racey

Prior to announcing the contest winner, Congressman Moran addressed the students and spoke of the environmental challenges they face in working to ensure healthy streams, estuaries, and oceans, and in particular the Chesapeake Bay. Moran stated that in investigating water quality, students gain not only an understanding of what’s in the water, but also the first-hand experience and knowledge to allow them to be leaders in the future. “We’ve got to hear from you,” he said, emphasizing the importance of youth voice and environmental stewardship in overcoming apathy and indifference to environmental problems.

Susan Tanigawa of Kenmore Middle School received the Staples Earth Force Teacher of the Year award	Students learn about oysters with Dr. Dann Sklarew of Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center
Agrium's Lindsey Metheral (left) with contest judges Dr. Eileen O'Neill from Water Environment Federation, Vince Meldrum from Earth Force, Jessica Culverhouse from National Environmental Education Foundation, Nancy Vincek from Crop Production Services, Kirsten Buhls from Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Bill Angstadt from the Delaware Maryland Agribusiness Association

Caring for Our Watersheds - Final Standings

Caring for Our Watersheds is sponsored by Agrium, which awarded nearly $5000 in prizes to schools and students, and is also providing $10,000 to help implement the students’ ideas.

Many thanks to our Youth Summit Sponsors!

And thank you to our many community partners that helped make the Youth Summit such a wonderful event!

Alexandria Office of Environmental Quality · Alexandria Sanitation Authority

Arlington County Department of Environmental Services

Arlington Regional Master Naturalists

Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment · Long Branch Nature Center

Marymount University Chemistry Department · National Park Service

Northern Virginia Conservation Trust

Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center

Potomac Overlook Regional Park · US Geological Survey

Water Environment Federation · Youth Venture

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