Educational Programs

The Keep Douglas Beautiful Committee has several educational programs designed to educate school-age children with hands-on activities and more interactive fun! 

Reading with Lily the Litter Officer

This youth education program focuses on Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st-2nd grade students, teaching them about responsible behaviorLibrary Visit 6-25-2024 (5) toward waste disposal. The curriculum addresses the importance of properly disposing of trash rather than littering. Students learn about the impact of litter on oceans and waterways, emphasizing their role as environmental stewards. They are educated on making informed choices such as using the three R’s: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse, to contribute positively to environmental conservation efforts.

Reading with Lily the Litter Officer is presented at no charge. A Keep Douglas Beautiful member will read a book, and Lily will visit with the children. Public/private school presentations can be scheduled during the school year.

This program urges students to:

  • Be Environmentally Conscious
  • Seek Different Disposal Options
  • Keep Our Community CLEAN & GREEN

Reading with Lily the Litter Officer Flyer (PDF)

Is Trash Really Trash - Elementary EducationIs Trash Really Trash?

A 3rd-4th grade education program that focuses on landfill waste reduction through the 3 Rs: recycling, reducing, and reusing. Students learn about the differences between dumps and landfills, product life spans, and environmental stewardship and are given tools to make smart consumer decisions before disposing of trash. The program includes a hands-on activity where students make a Water Bottle Outdoor Bird Feeder to encourage reusing items.

Is Trash Really Trash? is presented at no charge and lasts about 45 minutes. Public/private school presentations can be scheduled in January/February and September/October.

This program urges students to:

  • Be Environmentally Conscious
  • Seek Different Disposal Options
  • Participating classes receive activity books, pencils, and crayons.

Is Trash Really Trash Flyer (PDF)

S.T.E.A.M. Gardening

This youth education program centers on 5th-grade STEAM gardening, offering students a hands-on experience in various disciplines:

  • Delve into the science of germination by observing seeds sprouting.
  • Utilize technology with planters, watering cans, and digging tools.
  • Engage in engineering by designing trellises for tomatoes.
  • Incorporate creativity by cultivating a range of colorful vegetables.
  • Foster mathematical skills through activities like counting, matching, and sorting.

There is a limit of 2 per school. It is only available from September to Early October each year, so the vegetables are picked, and beds are cleared before school releases for the summer.

S.T.E.A.M. Gardening Flyer (PDF)

Community Gardens Project

Community gardens offer a remarkable opportunity for residents to take charge, by designing, building, and maintaining vibrant spaces where everyone plays a crucial role. Specifically tailored to fit into small areas, these gardens are an ideal solution for senior citizens, encouraging them to stay physically active and deeply engaged in community projects. Embrace the chance to cultivate not just plants, but also lasting bonds within your community through these dynamic gardens.

Community gardens play a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing negativKDB Planting Garden for Senior Center (24)e environmental impacts. By cutting food transportation costs and minimizing water runoff, these gardens benefit humans, plants, and animals, creating vital habitats and enhancing the local ecology.

Participants must:

  • Provide an area sufficient to plant at least 3 small gardens.
  • Cultivate the earth to make plant beds ready for planting.
  • Care for vegetables after planting by watering and picking the vegetables once ready.
  • Enjoy the benefits of the garden