OLD OCEAN, TEXAS ― June 1, 2007. The first-year pilot program of the Linville Environmental Education Program (LEEP) at the Little Linnville Wetland and Wildlife Habitat has been completed. The program was developed for Sweeny Intermediate School District by Texas Master Naturalists from Mid-Coast and Cradle of Texas Chapters in conjunction with ConocoPhillips. Students ranged in age from 3 (Pre-K) to 5th grade.
Pre-K through Fifth-grade programs were developed according to TEKS for each grade, and for each grade a completely different program was created. The focus was age-appropriate hands-on environmental education that reinforced classroom learning. Preliminary reports indicate the overall program was an outstanding success.
LEEP goals were reached with the help of Bryan Adams (USFWS Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex), Keith Ramos (Refuge Complex), Sharon Hanzik (Brazos Bend State Park}, Mark Hanson (Director of Brazoria County Park Department), Carol Jones (Gulf Coast Bird Observatory), Cherie Allen (Gulf Coast Wildlife Rescue), and Ray Olachia (Native American). Cradle of Texas members Ed Barrios, Marty Cornell, Al Brushwood, Bob Schwebel, Kirby Rapstein, Roy Morgan, Anna Hay, Rainbo Johnson, Mary Helen Israel, Jerry Krampota, Jerry Eppner, Gerald Forest, Ruby Lewis, Rich Tillman, Mickey Dufilho, Tom Morris, Georgia Monnerat, Carl Dodson, and Phil Huxford were essential to the success of the program. Mid-Coast Chapter Members Tracie Teague, Paul and Mary Meredith and John O'Connell were especially vital to the project. Special thanks to Maurice Monie for his invaluable help as well as Johnny, Wilkie, and James from ConocoPhillips.
