Calling All WILD Kids

DERBY — Young adults ages 12 to 15 who are interested in having fun, making new friends, learning about the environment, and volunteering on work projects that will help to improve the land and attract wildlife are invited to take part in Kellogg Environmental Center’s WILD Kids Program.

While helping with conservation projects, participants will learn first-hand about land stewardship. They will learn skills they can use the rest of their lives.

Working as a team, participants will build bridges, assist with trail construction, remove invasive species, and plant native trees and shrubs to attract wildlife.

WILD Kids will also help to plan a project and learn what it takes to bring it to completion. They will learn how to identify and inventory the plants and animals found in the area, and research the characteristics, requirements, and wildlife value of potential trees and shrubs, and then select plants for the site. Kids will learn how to use basic building tools and what “teamwork” really means.

The program is offered in two one-week sessions: July 23 through 27 and July 30 to August 3. Those interested can sign up for one or two weeks. Sessions meet Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 2 pm, and the cost is $25 per week.

The mission of the program is to help build the next generation of conservation leaders. Coordinators hope to inspire lifelong stewardship of the land and engage young people in hands-on community action.

The Kellogg Environmental Center, operated by Connecticut DEP’s Office of Communications and Education, is at 500 Hawthorne Avenue (Route 34), Derby.