Q&A
Dave Swartz is sponsor of Rocky Mountain High School’s Environmental Club, which in December was given an Environmental Stewardship Award from Larimer County commissioners. The award honors the environmental efforts of Larimer County residents, businesses, organizations and agencies.
The club was recognized for coordinating the Fort Collins school’s recycling program and for buying a block of wind power from the city of Fort Collins with $1,000 from an energy rebate. The purchase of wind power helped the high school reach its goal of reducing energy use by 8 percent in April.
Q: Why has environmental work become so important at Rocky Mountain High?
A: As soon as kids come through the door of the school they see environmental work as being part of the school’s culture. It’s part of the Lobo (school mascot) way. Our society has become such a throwaway culture and nobody builds anything to last. We try and teach that we can become a sustainable society. The three things we emphasize throughout the school year are reuse, reduce and recycle.
Q: What have students gained from this emphasis on the environment?
A: As soon as kids get into junior high they start to challenge the things adults tell them. But as long as the models are there for them, kids can learn to embrace environmental work through their high school years and beyond. We tend to think so poorly of high school students, but once they see the value of something they wrap their arms around it.
Q: Do you think students will carry the message of environmental stewardship throughout their lives?
A: We talk to kids after they have graduated and many say this remains very important to them. It does become part of their life ethic. Of course, there are kids who shun it and just throw trash in recycle bins. But you can’t let that get you down. But a majority of students take it very seriously. They look at life responsibly.
– Monte Whaley, Denver Post staff writer
REGIONAL NOTES
AURORA
Conservation Center offers classes
The Plains Conservation Center in eastern Aurora hosts events to get people to discover their local prairie. Here are some planned activities:
A course in nature journaling is set for 9-11 a.m. Jan. 14. Participants use sketching, writing and discovery to create lasting prairie impressions. An owl walk is scheduled for 9-11 a.m. March 11. The center is home to a diverse array of owls. RSVP by calling 303-693-3621.
HIGHLANDS RANCH
Free mulch for tender bulbs
Residents can protect their spring bulbs and perennials from freeze courtesy of free mulch, available while it lasts, from the Metro Districts of Highlands Ranch. Mulch for residential use is available at Redstone Park, Toepfer Park and Dad Clark Park. For more information, call 303-791-2710.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
Science Wizard visits libraries
Captain Vic the Science Wizard makes magic with frozen carbon dioxide in a science series for children 6 and under at Jefferson County libraries in January. Although the programs are free, tickets are needed and are available at each library beginning two weeks before the program.
The “Really Cool Science” program is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Golden Library, 1019 10th St.; 4 p.m. Jan. 12, Standley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling St.; 1 p.m. Jan. 14, Belmar Library, 555 S. Allison Parkway in Lakewood; 7 p.m. Jan. 17, Lakewood Library, 10200 W. 20th Ave.; 4 p.m. Jan. 18, Edgewater Library, 5843 W. 25th Ave.; 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18, Columbine Library, 7706 W. Bowles Ave.; 4 p.m. Jan. 19, Conifer Public Library in Conifer High School; 7 p.m. Jan. 19, Evergreen Library, 5000 Highway 73; 4 p.m. Jan. 23, Wheat Ridge Library, 5475 W. 32nd Ave.; and 7 p.m. Jan. 31, Arvada Library, 8555 W. 57th Ave.
DENVER POST STAFF REPORTS
