To foster an appreciation in local youth of the unique natural beauty of the Ithaca area and an interest in taking part in protecting it, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell Plantations, the Floating Classroom and local volunteers partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County to offer a new program this year called Environmental Exploration Days.

A dozen local youth, ages 12 to 14, took part in the five-day camp program Aug. 22-26, exploring the area's lakes, streams, gorges, waterfalls and various natural communities.

"Participants also learned much about how they can contribute to positive youth environmental action in their communities and ended the week developing their own action plans," said Megan Tifft, team coordinator for 4-H youth development at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County.

The participants' days were very full, she said, from boating on the Cayuga Lake Watershed's Floating Classroom for an eco-cruise, where they tested the health of Cayuga Lake, to visiting Cornell Plantations, two nearby start parks, the Ithaca Farmers Market, several beautification projects around Ithaca and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.