What is it?

Conservation education is promoting and expanding the knowledge base for any stakeholder about conservation and natural resource issues. Education is a fundamental and crucial component in developing awareness and participation in watershed conservation issues. Developing a stewardship mindset in stakeholders through education promotes life-long commitments to resource protection and is crucial for long-term preservation of watershed resources and health.

Conservation Benefits

• Ecological awareness and knowledge of conservation issues in the watershed
• Knowledge and skills can be used to address conservation issues
• Increased participation in watershed conservation will help to protect watershed health

Who is involved?

All stakeholders within a watershed should be involved in conservation education.  Participation can include learning about issues in the watershed for the first time, finding volunteer opportunities to assist in watershed restoration, and encouraging others to become aware of watershed conservation issues.  Conservational educational efforts can be initiated by any stakeholder including community members, businesses, non-governmental organizations, as well as state/federal agencies.

What does it include?

Conservation education can be classified into three different stages (developed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies).  Each level considers an individual or group’s background knowledge and exposure to conservation issues then recommends appropriate best management practices (BMPs) for exposure, education, and participation.

1. The first stage (entry level) focuses on awareness and appreciation of watersheds and natural resources.  This stage is extremely beneficial for stakeholders with limited background knowledge about conservation issues.  Educational opportunities should focus on providing an introduction to watershed concepts and components, conservation issues in the watershed, and introduction of knowledge and skills that can be developed to address those issues.

First Stage Educational Opportunities:

• Life’s Better Outside
• Life’s Better Outside Experience
• Texas Outdoor Family

2. The second stage (ownership level) focuses on the development of knowledge and skills relating to the watershed.  At this stage, stakeholders have progressed from awareness and introductory knowledge to developing a more in-depth understanding of watershed conservation issues.  Stakeholders are encouraged to continue expanding their understanding of watershed issues in order to determine which issues and the level of participation they would like to become involved.  Once a watershed conservation issue(s) is identified, skills can be developed to equip stakeholders for active participation.

Second Stage Educational Opportunities:

• Project WILD
• Master Naturalist Program
• Hunter Education
• Angler Education

3. The third stage (empowerment level) encourages stakeholders to utilize their knowledge and skills to engage in watershed stewardship.  Stewardship involves active involvement and continued participation in watershed conservation issues/projects.  Support is needed for stakeholders at this stage in order to keep them engaged long-term and promote life-long conservation ethics.

Third Stage Educational Opportunities:

• Master Naturalist Program
• Volunteer opportunities