PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS

SUSTAINING YOUR SCHOOL HABITAT: KEYS TO SUCCESS
By Sue Powers
4-H Wildlife Steward
William Walker Elementary School

The keys to success as a 4-H Wildlife Steward will depend on seven key issues:

Planning
Teamwork
Resources
Networking
Maintenance
Education and Publicity
Long-term Use

It is important to think of these key issues as you work on your project with the students and teachers at your school. Here are a few helpful reminders for each of these issues:

PLANNING

• Plan with teaching staff, principal and others interested in the project.
• Don't forget maintenance staff (ask about their needs and earn their respect)
• Start with a small area and a set goal or focus; for example, start with a grade level team of teachers
• It's good to have a broad, long-term vision, but it's best to start small and build on the project each year; add new staff and teachers as the program grows. Ultimately you will have included as much of the school population as possible.

TEAMWORK

• Don't go it alone; try to involve as many people as possible and delegate tasks
• Don't just think of the school population (involve your local 4-H clubs, after school groups, garden clubs, neighborhood associations, OSU Master Gardeners, businesses, neighbors)

BECOME INFORMED AND USE AVAILABLE RESOURCES

• Use the internet - there are lots of good web sites
• Take a naturescaping class
• Take the OSU Master Gardener class
• Visit native plant nurseries

NETWORK

• Visit other school habitats
• Talk with 4-H Wildlife Stewards at other schools
• Visit the 4-H Wildlife Stewards website "forum"

MAINTENANCE

• Plan work days, nature nights and other special events
• Include "fun" functions for students and families
• Plan for summer care and watering

EDUCATE AND PUBLICIZE

• Publicize your project through school newsletters, bulletin boards and park signage.
• Also use every opportunity you can to educate others about your project. School site base meetings, PTA meetings or newspapers are good ways to educate others

LONG TERM USE

• Your habitat is planted and certified - now what?
• Tie in activities to school benchmarks
• Check out curriculum kits from OSU Extension 4-H
• Attend additional trainings and workshops to further develop your own skills and knowledge.