Abstract
The purpose of this project was to design, pilot, and evaluate a place-based nature journaling unit for high school students utilizing the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA). The objectives were to increase understanding of and appreciation for a local environment and issues relating to it, to promote environmental stewardship, and to improve safety awareness. These objectives were undertaken to reconnect youth with the natural world and foster a love and respect that would encourage stewardship behaviors and reduce river-related injuries. The unit consists of five site-specific lessons aligned with state and national science standards. It was piloted in the spring of 2010 and recommendations for subsequent use include increased instructional support for field guide use and reflective writing, guidelines for sketching activities, modeling of environmental stewardship behaviors, and optimal use dates.