Invitation for Student Projects in the Markham Ravine for the 2005-2006 School Year

The Markham Ravine Neighborhood Committee (MRNC) is seeking students to develop Markham Ravine related research and activity projects during the upcoming 2005-2006 school year. We invite students to volunteer their time, ideas and skills to our non-profit organization. Student projects can earn academic credits, and they will help enhance the Markham Ravine wetlands riparian habitat.

The MRNC and City of Lincoln have been working together very successfully during the past two years to envision, plan, and lobby for the creation of a fully developed wetlands and riparian habitat within our own backyard in Placer County. The committee members welcome the contributions of each individual no matter how small or large. Each contribution is very important and can make a significant difference towards our continued accomplishments. Students are a welcome addition to our Committee membership. 

If you are a student, interested in developing a personal project with a focus on the "environment" and "community," with abundant opportunities to integrate innovative approaches to learning, the Markham Ravine Neighborhood Committee welcomes your involvement in addressing some of our goals during this next year.  As an added bonus to working with volunteers on the Committee, students will have the opportunity to meet and interact with environmental professionals, local government officials and other community leaders, as our exciting project is being implemented. 

The possibilities are endless. Create your own project or develop a project from the following list of ideas:

• Adopt a small section of the Markham Ravine and perform on-going management and maintenance activities.

• Intern with Foothill Associates or Restoration Resources as they develop and implement the Markham Ravine Corridor Enhancement Project.

• Create a miniature wetlands riparian habitat ecosystem to teach others about the delicate balance between nature and humans.

• Develop a water quality monitoring program within the Markham Ravine.

• Create a Markham Ravine museum within the classroom.

• Develop a beaver control and oak tree protection program.

• Build bird nesting boxes and wood duck nesting boxes to attract species into the Markham Ravine and Auburn Ravine.

• Continue the research and documentation initiated this past year related to cultural history of the Markham Ravine and Lincoln area.

• Assist in the maintenance and expansion of the MRNC website, including content, page layout and presentation.

If you are interested in creating a student project and have a project idea please contact us at our MRNC web address, webmaster@markhamravine.org. We will assist you in tweaking your ideas so that you can then present your project proposal to one of your teachers when you return to school in the Fall of 2005. Lincoln High students can also contact Mark Fowler on campus. He will be coordinating our student recruitment efforts at the high school.

We hope you have a great summer! See you in September.