The Elliott Wildlife Values Project

The Elliott Wildlife Values Project (EWVP) of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is funded by the Herford N. Elliott Trust Fund, launched in 1977.

• Learn the importance of wildlife, nature, and the environment.
• Have hands-on, field experiences.
• Practice science and stewardship skills.
• Investigate careers.
• Do community service through activities that benefit the environment and earth's resources.

These goals are achieved through publishing print, electronic, and audiovisual materials; sponsoring workshops; providing grants to councils; offering travel adventures; and collaborating with many organizations and agencies that encourage girls to develop a lifelong commitment to the conservation of wildlife.

Major Programs of the Elliott Wildlife Values Project

• From Sidewalks to Treetops/Del suelo al cielo—Closed-captioned video and guide set, in English and Spanish versions, helps leaders and teachers guide a group in exploring wildlife and plant life in any neighborhood—even if they live in a city and know nothing about nature! Del suelo al cielo grants, available in 2004, will give councils a tool for recruiting Latino adults as episodic or long-term volunteers and encourage Latinas to champion the conservation of wildlife in their own communities.
  
  
• Linking Girls to the Land—A partnership between Girl Scouts of the USA and federal natural resource agencies. The program offers funding, travel opportunities, and workshops, and supports projects for girls to become involved in conservation and natural resource issues on a national and local level through environmental education, volunteer service, outdoor skills development, and career exploration.
Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts 11-17 can earn the Get with the Land Patch. Learn more about Linking Girls to the Land.


• EarthPACT (Plant and Animal Conservation Team)—These grants support activities that benefit native wildlife and plants through partnerships between Girl Scout councils and nature-related organizations, educational institutions, businesses, or municipal government. Examples of projects: habitat restoration, container gardening with residents at a geriatric facility, and landscaping with drought-resistant plants. Career exploration or mentorship is included. Girls 5-17 who have participated in one of these grant-funded projects may earn an EarthPACT Patch.
  

Collaborations with Environmental Organizations

• Wyoming's Wildlife Wonders STUDIO 2BSM destination (Teton Science Schools)
  www.tetonscience.org
  
  
• Linking Girls to the Land partner agencies
  www.epa.gov/linkinggirls/contacts.html
  
  
• Girl Scout 95th Anniversary National Environmental Tree Planting Project (The Future of Life)
  www.futureoflife.org

STUDIO 2B Green Scene

A web page that highlights environmental articles on various topics of interest to teens. Monthly features also include surveys, environmental tips, photography, and guest columns written by readers.

Resources

The following resources may be purchased through your local Girl Scout council or by calling GSUSA Customer Service at (800) 221-6707. Some items are also available on the Girl Scout Shop.

For Girls

• Fun and Easy Activities—Nature & Science. Bilingual (English and Spanish) book for 6-11 year olds.
• STUDIO 2B Focus: Makin' Waves (due Fall 2004)
• STUDIO 2B Focus: Parks Matter (due Fall 2004)
• STUDIO 2B Collections 11-13: "A Case for the Environment," p. 76, and "Buffy the Pollution Slayer?" p. 78
• STUDIO 2B Collections 13-15: "Steppin' Out for Change," p. 88
• STUDIO 2B Collections 15-17: "Mending the Cracks with Gold," p. 68

For Adults

• From Sidewalks to Treetops—The Amateur's Guide to Exploring Nature in Your Neighborhood. Closed captioned, 15-minute video and 20-page booklet. English and Spanish versions.
• Fun and Easy Nature and Science Investigations. Activities for 6-17 year olds. English and Spanish versions)
• LEADER magazine, Summer 2003: "Aquarius Project," p. 8
• LEADER magazine, Fall 2003: "America's National Parks," p. 18 and "Stewards of the Earth," p. 24
• Linking Girls to the Land Resource Guide
• Linking Girls to the Land Video. Closed captioned, 11-minute tape and 90-second clip.

For More Information

For more information about the Elliott Wildlife Values Project call the Manager, Elliott Wildlife Values Project, at (212) 852-5727.