Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystems

What is the GLADE Project?

The GLADE project, made possible by a grant from TogetherGreen,  a National Audubon Society project funded by Toyota, brings together green partners to create a new ecology-related, residential camp for high school students that 1) live in the Ozarks region of Missouri, 2) are enrolled in grades 10 and 11 and 3) have a sincere desire to improve the natural world around them by taking a leadership role in environmental education and habitat restoration.

What are the goals of GLADE?

The GLADE program, an innovative leadership academy, is dedicated to educating young people in avian ecology and creating a network of support to high school students interested in the environmental sciences.  Its goals are to identify young environmental leaders, to develop their leadership skills and to involve students in a mission to  restore two critical Missouri habitats, the White River Glades and the Giant Cane riparian zones along the White River.  This restoration effort will strive to ensure the sustainability of the glade and riparian habitats so that they will continue to support diverse populations of plants and animals. 

Long term goals include developing and supporting environmental leaders for the future and collaborating with the National Audubon Society I.B.A. (Important Bird Area) plan to improve habitat, and thus increase the likelihood that former residents of Bull Shoals Field Station return to nest.  These targeted bird species include Swainson's Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Bachman's Sparrow and others.

Who are the "Green Partners" of GLADE?

The regional collaborators of the GLADE project are the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society and Missouri State University.   Experts from the Missouri Department of Conservation will join proven, experienced environmental educators to bring the very best in experiential, hands on, outdoor education to its participants.

When and Where?

The GLADE residential camp will run from Sunday, June 20 until Saturday, June 26, 2010 at the Missouri State University Bull Shoals Field Station southeast of Branson, Missouri. Located in the beautiful White River watershed on Bull Shoals Reservoir, the White River Glades and Woodlands Area, part of the field station, was recently identifed by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area in North America.

What is the cost for GLADE?

The residential program is free to selected participants.  Selected participants also receive, free of charge, field guides binoculars, books, a backpack, an academy T-shirt, and more.

How will GLADE help me?

The GLADE project will further develop:

1.  The skills necessary to become a respected environmental leader.
2.  An awareness of your connectedness with others and the natural world around you.
3.  An understanding of advanced ecological concepts and their application in modern conservation practices.
4.  A knowledge of potential "green" career choices and environmental issues challenging future "green" leaders.
5.  A sense of empowerment as you engage in a project that will increase biodiversity and restore habitat for endangered species.

Contacts

E-mail Greg Swick at grswick at gmail DOT com or Lisa Berger at goshawk at att DOT net for additional information.