"Kids For Conservation" is an exciting new club for kids up to the age of sixteen who want to learn more about preserving, protecting and managing the natural resources of Illinois. But it's more than that . . . it's an educational opportunity for both children and adults. "Kids For Conservation" is currently designed to be a family-oriented club that will increase parent-child interaction and awareness of conservation issues.

The need for sound conservation practices is often overlooked in Illinois, in spite of a dramatic increase in recreational activities and demands on our resources. Wildlife, plants and habitats are matters of natural curiosity to children. The Department of Conservation has taken a leadership role in communicating with children about the importance of Illinois' natural resources.

The specific goal of Kids For Conservation is to raise the conservation awareness level of children and their parents about the State's natural resources, mankind's place in nature and the overall responsibility citizens must take in preserving, protecting and managing their natural resources.

The initial steps in this educational process occur when a youth enrolls in the Kids For Conservation Club. Signing into the club entitles them to a membership card and a quarterly magazine that is sent to each "Kids For Conservation" member, free of charge. Each issue is filled with stories about native Illinois wildlife and plants, games and puzzles, and illustrations of animals in their natural habitat. In addition to quarterly magazines, "Kids For Conservation" members are notified about special events that are held around the State, such as Illinois Free Fishing Days, State Arbor Day celebrations, State Fair activities, and more. The club itself is designed to reach children between the ages of three and fifteen. Program enrollment to date is over 59,000 children; the goal is to make the program available to 100,000 children in 1990.

Although "Kids For Conservation" is a relatively new program, it has unlimited potential. By blending private and public funds, communities and corporations can work in cooperation with the State Government to reach more children with a greater variety of information on the environment and our natural resources. This cooperation would greatly increase the educational resources available to Illinois school children.

Improved education for our children is one of the most important concerns facing society today. "Kids For Conservation" is part of the educational process which deals with conservation of our state's natural resources. The Department of Conservation's goal is to ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren through stronger conservation education programs today. However, without additional private funding, "Kids For Conservation" will be a limited program and will fail to reach into areas such as nature centers, park district programs and Illinois schools, where a true impact on conservation awareness can be achieved.

Dr. Jay D. Hair of the National Wildlife Foundation has stated, "In education, we need to start thinking about the '4-Rs' — Reading, 'Riting, 'Rithmetic and Resources — or the leaders of the 21st century, those children in the first grade today, are going to have problems so complicated by the year 2025, our current problems will pale in comparison. ... In 1990, on April 22, the 20th Anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated. This is a unique opportunity for all of us. We should really use this as a year-long celebration of the Earth to proclaim the 1990's as the 'Decade of the Environment'."

ICPR Foundation Enters Into Contract With IDOC

Illinois Conservation Park and Recreation Foundation (ICPRF) has entered into a contract with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to work cooperatively in implementing a fundraising program to offset costs for the program's development.

The ICPR Foundation will conduct fundraising efforts with the DOC through conservation education-oriented foundations and corporations, and by co-sponsoring spe-

cial events to increase the awareness level for conservation education of Illinois youth. The ICPR Foundation will form an extensive network with leisure service providers throughout Illinois and with individuals and community groups who care about providing programs for children.

The Environment and Economic Health

Illinois' future economic health is intertwined with recreation, tourism and the environment. It is therefore important, for economic viability, to create a conservation ethic that contributes to making intelligent decisions about our natural resources.

The future of our natural resources lies with our youth. We must make a strong effort to educate them about our environment and wise management of our natural resources. Creative new sources of funding must be sought in order to continue this vital conservation education program for our children. The future preservation of our natural resources depends upon the success of this effort.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Glenda H. Burke is the Program Administrator for the Illinois Department of Conservation's "Kids For Conservation". For additional information on the program, interested parties may call 217/524-4126.