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Environmental Programs

Water Conservation Project

LYC intern tests Coal CreekWater Conservation Project

Where does our water come from, and where does it go? What environmental factors affect our water quality? How are our water ecosystems connected?

The Water Conservation Project explores the basics of what every Coloradan should know about water in the Front Range. As our population grows and climate change continues to impact water quality and quantity, we encourage students to be active in understanding water issues affecting Colorado and how to make changes in their daily lives to preserve water in this arid environment. Site visits may include: Hiking along the High Line Canal, paddleboarding at Chatfield Reservoir, biking to Denver water sites, studying macroinvertebrates, and more.

Program Objectives

Through Environmental Education & Service Learning, the Water Conservation Project seeks to:

  • Understand the origins and use of water in Colorado
  • Test water quality and discuss urban water issues
  • Increase their environmental literacy through awareness of environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts
  • Gain a broader understanding of environmental issues pertinent to Colorado from a stakeholder perspective
  • Provide an opportunity to develop leadership and teamwork skills
  • Develop essential camping and wilderness skills
  • Develop 21st Century Skills such as: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Collaboration, Communication, and Leadership.

Program Activities May Include:

Camping Skills & Nature Awareness

  • Hiking
  • Wilderness Survival Skills
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Sensory Awareness Games
  • Sit Spots
  • Journaling
  • Water Ecology Lessons

Leadership & Team Building

  • Collaboration Skills
  • Group Decision-Making
  • Communication Styles
  • Character Strength Building
  • Leadership Opportunities
  • Team Building Games and Activities
  • Group Living

High-Impact Curriculum

Utilizes best practices in education, 21st Century Skills, Environmental Education, Service Learning, & Leadership Development.

The Water Conservation Project can be tailored to meet curriculum needs through use of a custom student journal and guide, including exercises for before, during, and after the program. Curriculum reinforces Colorado academic standards, such as:

  • SC10-GR.8-S.2-GLE.1: Human activities can deliberately or inadvertently alter ecosystems and their resiliency
  • RWC10-GR.12-S.1-GLE.2: Effective collaborative groups accomplish goals
  • PE09-GR.7-S.3-GLE.: Demonstrate inclusiveness in and out of classroom settings
  • PE09-GR.HS-S.1-GLE.3: Apply rules, principles, problem-solving skills, and concepts to traditional and nontraditional movement settings

For more information or to book a program, contact Teagan Papke, Program Director, at 303.447.1076 x701 or via Email.