The "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project

10 Year Old Jett Neely Brings the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project to Pinellas County!

2012-01-17T18:15:00.000-08:00

As part of his school community service work, 10 year old Jett Neely helped bring the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project to anglers and boaters in Pinellas County by assembling and distributing 50 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins during the months of November and December. After working with his family to collect empty tennis containers from local tennis clubs, Jett assembled the recycling bins and worked to distribute them at six local fishing piers/tackle shops, the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, and to individual anglers and boaters. He reported that the bins were well received by those who he passed them out to. A special thanks to Jett and his mother Jen for their work on this project!

2011 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit Empowers Young Conservationists!

2012-01-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

Over 100 youth participants took part in our first Youth Ocean Conservation Summit hosted at Mote Marine Laboratory on November 12th 2011. Through the workshops and presentations at this event, youth participants were able to learn about current threats facing marine ecosystems, and gain the skills needed to launch their own ocean conservation projects. They were also
able to connect with other youth and adults who are passionate about ocean conservation.

After inspirational words by keynote speaker, SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Ambassador, Julie Scardina, participants worked with mentors from local environmental organizations to identify ocean conservation issues they wished to work on and developed action plans to help tackle these problems.

Representatives from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, One More Generation, the Florida Aquarium, Brevard Zoo, Florida 4-H, Mote Marine Laboratory’s SeaTrek Program and Mote’s Marine Policy Institute, as well mentors from Mote’s Research and Education departments, worked together with local teachers and volunteers, to teach participants the steps needed to start, fund, publicize, and
communicate the message of their respective projects.

Projects which emerged from the work of the summit include planting projects to restore estuary areas in Sarasota Bay, school projects aimed at educating peers about important environmental issues, recycling projects, media presentations to raise awareness about ocean conservation
issues, as well as work to expand the efforts of the Stow It – Don’t Throw It project.

Work at the summit ended with a call to action video message featuring Dr. Eugenie Clark, Founder and Director Emeritus of Mote Marine Laboratory, Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, Mote’s
President and CEO, Dr. David Vaughan, Director of Mote’s Center for Coral Reef Research, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Ocean Futures Society President, Wyland, Artist of the Sea, Steve Culbertson, President and CEO of Youth Service America, Philippe Cousteau, CEO of EarthEcho International and Jordan Howard, youth environmental activist.

A special thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, presenters, and all of those who attended for helping make this event a success!

Check back soon for updates on the ocean conservation work of the students who attended this event!

Check out the following articles on this event:

Bradenton Herald - Mote Marine Hosts 100 Students at Youth Ocean Conservation Summit

Natural Awakenings - Students Tackle Threats to Marine Ecosystems

Youth Service America - Youth Summit Empowers Young Ocean Conservationists

Maddux News Wire Report - FL Youth Attend Ocean Conservation Summit

See the photos of the event below or visit the following link to see more pictures from the summit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/70005667@N02/

Summer Camp Participants assist with the “Stow it-Don’t Throw It” Project!

2012-01-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

This past summer, more than 200 youth participating in summer camp programs at the Brevard Zoo, Lion Country Safari, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Cedar Point Environmental
Center assembled over 400 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins as a conservation project during their time at camp. Through their camping programs, these youth had the opportunity to learn about marine wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting marine wildlife from improperly disposed of monofilament fishing line. Participants were then able to keep a personal-sized fishing line recycling bin for their own use and/or distribute one to a friend or family
member and teach them the importance of fishing line recycling.

Summer camp staff reported that their campers increased their awareness of the importance of marine debris prevention after their involvement in this project, and also said that these campers were excited about the opportunity to take action to protect marine wildlife from fishing line entanglement through their participation in this project! A special thanks to the Brevard Zoo, Lion Country Safari, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Cedar Point Environmental Center for their support of this project!

Cedar Point Environmental Center summer campers with their completed personal-sized fishing line recycling bins.

Lion Country Safari summer campers assembling personal-sized fishing line recycling bins.

Lion Country Safari summer campers show off their completed personal-sized fishing line recycling bins.

Announcing the 2011 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit!

2011-08-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

Around the world, our planet’s oceans and their inhabitants face many challenges. As human impacts continuously threaten the health of our marine ecosystems, both locally and globally, it is imperative that we involve youth in a campaign to solve these problems.

The “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project invites you to join us for our first Youth Ocean Conservation Summit on November 12th, 2011 at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL. This event, for middle and high school age youth, is designed to allow participants to learn from marine scientists and conservationists about the current threats facing marine ecosystems, both locally and globally. Participants will learn what other youth are already doing to help tackle some of these issues, and they will be given a chance to work with their peers to develop action plans for their own ocean conservation projects. Finally, after developing their action plans, participants will take part in workshops focused on topics which include working with the media, forming a non-profit organization, fundraising, using technology to further a cause, and ways to recruit project supporters. These workshops will be developed to give them the knowledge they need to successfully implement their newly planned projects. Many of these workshops will be taught by other student conservation leaders who will share their personal experiences and advice with the youth participants.

Registration forms for the event are due October 31st, 2011 and a $10 registration fee includes lunch and all program materials for participants!

For more details, registration forms, and sponsorship information visit: http://www.stowitdontthrowitproject.org/!

Pennsylvania Youth Work to Protect Marine Wildlife

2011-07-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

On July 12th, 90 youth participating in the Waverly Community House for “Wild Seas and Skies" Summer Camp in Waverly, Pennsylvania, were led by 11 year old conservationist, Willy Jones, in the assembly of personal-sized fishing line recycling bins to support our work to expand the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project, and the use of personal-sized fishing line recycling bins, to anglers and boaters across the country! Camp participants learned about whales, ocean conservation, and the importance of preventing marine debris. They were then able to join in our work to protect marine mammals from fishing line entanglement, by assembling personal-sized fishing line recycling bins. These bins will ultimately be distributed to Anglers and Boaters along the New Hampshire coast by the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. A special thanks to the Blue Ocean Society, Willy and Pam Jones, the Waverly Community House, and Mote Marine Laboratory for their support of the expansion of the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project! Below is a picture of the recycling bins assembled by the camp participants, as well as an article about their work! Check back soon for more updates on these students, as well as other young people who are becoming involved in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project across the nation!

Check out this great article, "Sharing A DREAM" published in The Abington Journal about the work of the Pennsylvania youth involved in this effort!

A message from Charles Wohlforth

2011-07-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

As we continue our work to empower young people to join us in our efforts to protect wildlife from improperly disposed of fishing line and other forms of marine debirs, we're excited to share this new video message from Charles Wohlforth, author of "The Fate of Nature." Check it out, and please share it with your friends! You can also view the video on Facebook by liking our page at: www.facebook.com/stowitdontthrowit.

Summer Campers at Cedar Point Environmental Center learn about the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project

2011-06-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

On June 10th, summer camp participants at Cedar Point Environmental Center on Lemon Bay in Charlotte County Florida learned about the problems associated with marine debris and improperly disposed of fishing line from, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" project director, Sean Russell. Youth participants learned about various types of marine debris and plastic pollution, and then designed their own posters to help inform the public about the problems marine debris poses to marine ecosystems worldwide. As a camp craft, participants learned about the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" project and made their own personal-sized fishing line recycling bins to help protect marine wildlife from fishing line entanglement. Through the program students and their parents also learned about the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program and the impacts humans are having on their local community of bottlenose dolphins. A special thanks to the students and parents who participated in this program, and the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Program staff and volunteers for supporting our work! Below are a few pictures from the event - check back soon to see the marine debris prevention posters designed by the students involved!

Destin Middle School Students take part in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project

2011-06-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Education, students at Destin Middle School took part in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project by making and distributing 200 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins. These students are part of the DOEP's Learning in Florida's Environment (LIFE) program. LIFE is an initiative to establish a series of field-based, environmental-science, education programs around the state. It partners the Department of Environmental Protection's education office, with local school districts, and provides hands on opportunities to increase student achievement and teacher development in science related fields.

From April 20-22, over 100 middle school students, teachers, parents, Americorp Volunteers, and DOEP staff assembled the 200 recycling bins while learning about the importance of preventing marine debris and teaching others to recycle their used fishing line. These recycling bins were then distributed on April 30th at the annual Choctawhatchee Estuary Festival, which was held at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park in Niceville, FL. Those involved reported that everyone who received the bins were enthusiastic about using them to help store their used fishing line and protect marine wildlife.

A special thanks to all of the youth and adults involved in this program who took part in The "Stow It-Don't Throw It Project. We would also like to thank the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for funding this initiative, and the staff at Destin Middle School for supporting our work! Click the link for more information about the Okaloosa County LIFE Program

Below are a few pictures of the youth and adults who participated in this effort:

Happy World Ocean Day!

2011-06-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Happy World Ocean Day! This year’s World Ocean Day theme: “Youth - Waves of Change” emphasizes the importance of empowering a new generation of ocean conservationists to help solve the threats currently facing marine ecosystems world wide.

In honor of this international day of ocean celebration and conservation I’m excited to announce the launch of a new web PSA campaign for The “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project! This campaign is designed to feature ocean conservationists and scientists in video messages to raise awareness about the importance of preventing marine debris, and encouraging viewers to participate in or support The “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project. The video we’re launching today features ocean artist and conservationist, Wyland! Check it out and share it with your friends!

You can also view the video on our Facebook page at: facebook.com/stowitdontthrowit.

In order to help spread our message of the importance of preventing marine debris, and empowering youth to take action to protect marine ecosystems, please take a minute to share this video, and a link to our website or Facebook page, with your family, friends, and co-workers. Thank you in advance for your help spreading this important message.

Please don’t forget that while today is set aside to celebrate our planet’s oceans, the work to protect marine ecosystems and inspire others to do the same happens 365 days a year. Today, I challenge you to renew your dedication to ocean conservation and continue your work to inspire youth to continue making “Waves of Change” for our planet’s oceans!

Sean Russell
Stow It-Don’t Throw It Project Coordinator
srussell92@comcast.net

The “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project is a youth-driven fishing line recycling and marine debris prevention project. The goal of this program is to empower you to protect marine wildlife from fishing line entanglement by making and distributing personal-sized fishing line recycling bins while educating the public on the importance of preventing marine debris. We also work to support young people who wish to start their own ocean conservation projects. For more information on this program, the groups involved, and the work we carry out, visit our website at: http://www.stowitdontthrowitproject.org/ or check us out on Facebook!

Mote Marine Lab High School Interns learn about The "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project!

2011-05-23T13:39:00.001-07:00

On May 11th, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project coordinator, Sean Russell, spoke to participants in the high school intern program at Mote Marine Laboratory about the project and the importance of preventing wildlife entanglement by properly disposing of monofilament fishing line. Participants in the program also discussed the problems associated with marine debris, as well as the importance of engaging youth in ocean conservation projects. These participants also assembled more than 40 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins which will be sent to groups considering participation in the project. A special thanks to Mote Marine Laboratory and their staff for their constant support of the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project and its work to mobilize youth to prevent marine debris and marine wildlife entanglement!

Osceola County 4-H Members Assemble personal-sized fishing line recycling bins!

2011-05-23T13:09:00.001-07:00

Between the months of March, April, and May, 22 4-H members and volunteers in Osceola County's Plan and Do 4-H Club assembled and distributed approximately 400 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins in an effort to prevent marine wildlife entanglement. The materials for these recycling bins were funded by the Florida 4-H Community Pride Program with support from the Osceola County UF/IFAS Extension program. The completed recycling bins were distributed at the St. Cloud Spring Fling on April 2nd and at Education in the Park on May 7th. Participants involved in the project reported that the anglers and boaters who received the recycling bins told the 4-H members involved how they would put them to good use and would also ultimately use the larger recycling bins from the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program to properly dispose of their used fishing line. A special thanks to all of the 4-H members and volunteers who worked on this effort! Below are a few pictures of the youth involved:

Polk County 4-H Members Assemble Recycling Bins!

2011-04-17T14:27:00.001-07:00

Last month, members of the Polk County Sea Stars 4-H Club assembled 100 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins which they will distribute locally to anglers and boaters. During their involvement in this project over the past three years, the Sea Stars club has collectively assembled and distributed 500 fishing line recycling bins. A special thanks to the club and its members for their commitment to this project. Also, thanks to the Ridge Audubon Society who has provided financial and logistical support to the 4-H club members.

Donate $1 to Protect Marine Wildlife

2011-03-27T18:45:00.001-07:00

This week, we are excited to launch our first online fundraising campaign! Through this effort you can help support youth as they work to protect marine wildlife and promote sustainable fishing practices through the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” monofilament fishing line recycling program. Please consider making a $1 to the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project by visiting: http://www.stowitdontthrowitproject.org/pb/wp_3ac9900c/wp_3ac9900c.html and clicking the "Donate" button!

By donating $1 this week, you will help provide youth involved in the, “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project the resources they need to combat the problems of improperly disposed of fishing line or gear! The “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project is designed to empower youth to work in partnership with environmental organizations in an effort to combat the dangers of improperly disposed of monofilament fishing line by making and distributing personal-sized fishing line recycling bins to anglers and boaters across Florida, as well as by educating the public on sustainable fishing practices.

Your $1 donation will:
- Provide materials to assemble one personal-sized fishing line recycling bin.
- Fund youth-driven educational outreach campaigns promoting responsible fishing practices, explaining the problems of over fishing, and teaching community members how to make ocean friendly consumer choices.
- Help provide educational training sessions to teach young people how to launch their own service projects to help protect marine and aquatic environments.

Remember the words of Dr. Seuss – “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing’s going to get better. It’s not.”

Thank you in advance for your support and please help spread the word! For more information on the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project, and to view project updates, visit our website at www.stowitdontthrowitproject.org or "like" our Facebook page! If you have any questions feel free to contact project coordinator Sean Russell at srussell92@comcast.net.

The "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project partners with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

2011-03-08T10:14:00.001-08:00

We're excited to announce that students at Destin Middle School involved in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's LIFE (Learning In Florida's Environment) Program will be taking part in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" project by assembling and distributing 200 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins. The LIFE program "is an initiative to establish a series of field-based, environmental-science, education programs around the state. Each program represents a partnership between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and a local school district. The goal of each LIFE Program site is increased student achievement and teacher professional development in science." A special thanks to the FL-DOEP's Education Office for providing the funding and support for this effort. You can view a report from the Destin Middle School LIFE site, which mentions the students preparation work for the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project by visiting the following link: http://gulfalliancediversity.org/files/GOMA_Okaloosa_semiannual_report_Mar_Sept_10.pdf

Check back soon for more updates on the work being carried out by these students!

Stow It-Don't Throw It - November 2010 Project Updates

2010-11-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

Hey “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project participants!

I hope everything’s going well with all of you! This post is an update on some of the work that has been carried out for the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” project over the past few months, as well as some of our current efforts.

To begin with, many 4-H and youth groups, as well as our partnering organizations worked to expand the efforts of the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” project throughout the summer. From July 7-11, over 80 Sarasota County 4-H Members attending 4-H Camp Cloverleaf assembled approximately 200 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins while learning about the importance of fishing line recycling, and how they can educate others to protect marine wildlife. These 4-H members also brainstormed ideas for youth led service projects that could help combat other environmental problems affecting our state. A special thanks to the Sarasota County 4-H Foundation for providing funding for summer camp supplies and for their continued support of this project. A special thanks also goes to the Sarasota County 4-H Staff and the Florida 4-H Camping Program for incorporating the project into their summer camp activities!

Around 100 of the recycling bins assembled by these Sarasota County 4-H Members, were distributed on June 11th, to anglers and event participants attending the captain’s meeting for Tampa Bay Watch’s annual Ed Alber Tarpon Rodeo tournament. We greatly appreciate the support of Tampa Bay Watch and their efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices as well as protect the marine environment in the Tampa Bay Area.

Thanks to support from Karen Blyler and the Florida 4-H Marine Education Program, the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project was also shared with participants in other 4-H educational programs this summer, including the Florida 4-H Marine Ecology Summer Camp.

We’re excited to continue to involve groups, like Volusia County 4-H, who assembled their first fishing line recycling bins as part of the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project earlier this year, and look forward to the opportunity to involve youth and environmental organizations in new counties across Florida in our work.

Currently, we are excited to be working with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, to involve students at Destin Middle School in the assembly and distribution of personal-sized fishing line recycling bins. Youth and adults involved in this program are working to spread the word about the project, collect tennis ball containers, and develop outreach materials to further their efforts. We are also in the process of working with the Manatee County Natural Resources Department to bring personal-sized fishing line recycling bins to the Manatee County area.

We’re also continuing to work with Green My Parents, a youth movement to empower youth to teach their families and friends how to protect the planet, while saving money, that I introduced to you in my last e-mail update. Green My Parents is working to inspire 1 million youth across the country to collectively save 1 million dollars, while helping out the environment and giving back to their communities. You can learn more about how to get involved in this program by visiting www.greenmyparents.com or “liking” “Green My Parents” on Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/greenmyparents. From these sites, you can also find more information about the Green My Parents book, which features an article about the work we’re doing with the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project across the state of Florida!

As part of our outreach efforts, I had the opportunity to share the work being carried out by “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project participants, as well as the Green My Parents program to students participating in the University of Florida’s Young Entrepreneurs for Sustainability and Leadership Program. I was joined by Green My Parents team member Josh Stempel, via a video conference from California. It was exciting to discuss the “Green My Parents” program with the youth participating and share with them ways they could implement these ideas to bring about positive change in their communities.

As we continue to spread the word to the public about the importance of recycling used fishing line and protecting aquatic environments, the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project and its efforts were helped by being featured on Sarasota Access 19’s Inside County 4-H TV show which is run by Sarasota County 4-H member, Jared Padgett. This show provided another great opportunity to promote sustainable fishing techniques to the public!

Please continue to check out updates to the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” website – www.stowitdontthrowitproject.org, including general page updates, blog posts with photos and information regarding the work being carried out across the state, and other important details! Also, check out our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Florida/The-Stow-It-Dont-Throw-It-Project/84899224721 and share it with your friends!

If you are reading this and you or your organization would like to become involved in our work, please get in touch with me. I would be happy to work with you to develop an action plan for your group to help with the assembly and distribution of the personal-sized fishing line recycling bins and/or our environmental outreach efforts. It is also good to see many groups who participated in this project in the past, continue to stay active. If you have already been involved in the program, and would like to continue to help, please let me know!

As always, thank you for all of your dedication and support of the “Stow It-Don’t Throw It” Project. It is exciting to see how successful you have made this program over the past two years! I’m looking forward to working with all of you in the upcoming year to continue our work to protect Florida’s marine wildlife.

-
Sean Russell
Stow It-Don’t Throw It Project Chair
srussell92@comcast.net
stowitdontthrowitproject.org

"Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project at the 2010 Tampa Bay Watch Tarpon Rodeo

2010-08-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Tampa Bay Watch hosted its annual Ed Alber Tarpon Rodeo All-Release Tournament June 10-11th this year. At this event, we were able to distribute some of the personal-sized fishing line recycling bins that were assembled by Sarasota County 4-H Members attending 4-H Summer Camp. These recycling bins were passed out to many of the anglers and event sponsors at the captains meeting on Friday night. A special thanks to Tampa Bay Watch for their support of the "Stow It-Dont' Throw It" Project and for allowing us to be a part of their tournament!

World Ocean Day 2010

2010-08-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

On June 6th, Sean Russell, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Coordinator teamed up with staff at Mote Marine Laboratory to run a booth on sustainable fishing practices at Mote's World Ocean Day Celebration. World Ocean Day is an event designed to raise awareness of our planet's oceans and encourage people to work together to protect these important ecosystems. Through this educational display, children of all ages had the chance to decorate the aquarium with their own posters on protecting marine wildlife. Families attending also were able to learn about the negative impact fishing line can have on wildlife, and about the importance of recycling used fishing line. Check out the pictures from the event below! For more information on World Ocean Day visit: http://www.theoceanproject.org/wod/.

Sarasota County 4-H Camp Participants Assemble Fishing Line Recycling Bins

2010-08-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

On June 7-11, over 80 4-H members from Sarasota County spent a week at Cloverleaf 4-H Center in Lake Placid, FL for 4-H Summer Camp. During the week these participants took part in a variety of classes and activities ranging from archery and canoeing to crafts and fishing. As part of their nature classes for the week, youth learned about the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" project and the importance of recycling used fishing line. They then worked throughout the day to assemble approximately 200 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins to be distributed to anglers at a varitey of different events and locations. A special thanks to the Sarasota County 4-H members, Summer Camp Staff, and Sarasota County 4-H Staff for their help with this project!

Operation: Military Kids Program Assembles Recycling Bins

2010-03-09T08:34:00.000-08:00

In Orlando, at an Army Reserves Yellow Ribbon Program, 25 kids between the ages of 7 - 16 participated in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project. Yellow Ribbon programs are events where military soldiers, that are about to be sent to Iraq or Afganistan, get together to gather information related to them, and their children get information and are able to take part in a variety of programs designed for them. Through the 4-H Operation: Military Kids Program, I was able to use this event as an opportunity to these youth involved in a service project. OMK has a Mobile Tech Lab with 10 laptops and a wireless card. I pulled up the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" video on YouTube showing the how fishing line hurts marine wildlife. The kids all watched the video and afterwards we talked about how they felt after seeing all those animals harmed and what we could do to change that. Some brainstormed educating fisherman and some said passing out bags that they can put their fishing line in. I then introduced the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" bin assembly guide video on YouTube, right after we briefed. As they watched the video I asked them if this was something they wanted to do and made a prediction on how many bins we could construct. We ended up putting together 112 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins! The kids also asked if they could take some bins home for their dads and neighbors because they fish. The rest of the completed recycling bins were given to the Clay County Marine Life Club, who go boating throughout Clay and Duval Counties. Club members plan to distribute them as they go out and educate boaters and anglers about the importance of recycling used fishing line!

Submitted by:
December James
4-H Operation: Military Kids
Youth Program Specialist
operationmilitarykids.org

A special thanks to those involved in the OMK program for supporting the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project and our work to protect marine life! Check out the photos below from this event:

Sarasota County 4-H Members Assemble Fishing Line Recycling Bins

2010-03-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

4-H members representign a variety of clubs throughout Sarasota County came together recently to assemble personal-sized fishing line recycling bins as part of the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project. The work of the members involved was filmed for the "Inside County 4-H" TV show which will air on Access Sarasota. The completed bins will be passed out to anglers and given to our partner organizations as we work to involve additional groups and partners in this program. Thanks to everyone who helped with this effort!

Leon County 4-H Members Distribute Fishing Line Recycling Bins

2010-03-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

The Leon County Arrowheads 4-H Club distributed some of the 100 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins they assembled as part of the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project at two educational outreach programs they initiated at Lake Ella in Tallahassee, FL and at a meeting of the Florida State University Fishing Club. Check out the pictures of this group at work as they spread the word about the importance of recycling fishing line and empower anglers with the tools they need to properly dispose of their used fishing line! A special thanks to the Leon County 4-H members who are helping make this project a success!

FSU Fishing Club Meeting

Recycling Bin Distribution and Outreach at Lake Ella

The "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Gears Up for 2010!

2010-01-11T12:15:00.001-08:00

As we enter the New Year, I am excited to announce that over the past 14 months, participants in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project exceeded our initial goal of creating 1,000 fishing line recycling bins, by assembling approximately 1,600 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins, and distributing them to anglers and boaters across Florida!

For 2010, we are looking forward to working with all of you, as well as teaming up with new partners and project participants as we work to accomplish a new goal of assembling and distributing 2,000 personal-sized fishing line reycling bins in the next 12 months!

We need your help to make this happen! If you aren't already involved in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project, we would love to have your support! For more information, send me an e-mail at srussell92@comcast.net.

Sean Russell
Stow It-Don't Throw It Project Chair

"Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Feautred on Nickelodeon!

2010-01-11T12:11:00.001-08:00

This past summer, Sean Russell, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project chair, worked with Nicklodeon's Big Green Help Program to spread the word about the importance of fishing line recycling. Sean, and the work of the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project are featured in in a TV Shout Out that runs on Nickelodeon, as well as on their website! For more information about the program, or to view the video, visit: nick.com/biggreenhelp!

Regional Ocean Conference for Students

2010-01-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

The "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project was highlighted once again at the Florida Aquarium's Regional Ocean Conference for Students on December 4th, 2009. This conference challenges students in the Tampa Bay area to cosider the environmental issues facing the Tampa Bay ecosystem, and then create a plan to help combat those problems. It allows these youth to hear first hand from experts who are knowledgeable in a variety of environmental fields, and empowers them to work together and use the knowledge they gain to make an impact on their communities. During the conference, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project chair, Sean Russell, spoke to the participants about the steps to creating a community action project, and about the work being done by participants involved in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project.

A special thanks once again to the Florida Aquarium for their continued support of the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project and our work! Please see below for pictures from the event.

St. Augustine Swordfish Marine Ecology 4-H Club Take Part in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project!

2009-11-19T16:30:00.000-08:00

The St. Augustine Swordfish Marine Ecology Team met over the summer to participate in the Stow It - Don't Throw It Project. The club's ten members assembled 100 containers during their meeting, and then distributed them at the National Marina Day the following weekend. The National Marina Day was a perfect venue for giving these containers to interested parties. Even the local pirates stopped by! See below for pictures of the club members assembling and distributing the personal-sized fishing line reyclcing bins!

- Submitted by Maggie Leach
Jr. Leader St. Augustine Swordfish
Marine Ecology Team

A great article about these 4-H members and their participation in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project was published in the St. Augustine Record. Check it out at: http://staugustine.com/stories/083009/community_083009_006.shtml

Florida Aquarium Distributes Recycling Bins to Fishing Tournament and Summer Camp Participants!

2009-11-19T16:28:00.001-08:00

Every year the Florida Aquarium hosts a catch and release fishing tournament. A new addition to the 2009 fishing tournament was to place a monofilament container, designed by Sean Russell and Mote Marine Laboratory, on each participating boat. The containers were assembled by staff members and handed out the morning of the tournament with directions on how to use the container. About 30 containers were distributed to local anglers who participated in the fishing tournament. Although it was a slow day on the water each boat took home a monofilament container!

During the summer of 2009 it was decided that “Fish Camp” campers should build a monofilament container to keep with them throughout the week. The supplies and directions for making the containers were purchased from Sean Russell before the start of summer camp. Throughout the week campers learned fresh and salt water angling, crabbing, seafood guidelines and also safe fishing practices. To enhance the safe fishing practices about 30 campers was given the supplies (tennis can, Velcro, zip tie, stickers) and made a monofilament container. An Aquarium staff member took the time to drill holes in the tennis ball cans and the lids. The overall goal was for each camper to carry their monofilament container and properly dispose of their excess fishing line. Each camper was allowed to keep their container at the end of the week. The campers seemed to enjoy making the containers and also understood the importance of proper monofilament disposal.

- Submitted by Tristin Ware, Florida Aquarium Education Camp Coordinator

Check us out on Facebook!

2009-09-27T14:10:00.001-07:00

Become a fan of the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project on Facebook! Connect with other project participants, get updates on the project, share your group's involvement and more!

"Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Recognized by the Florida 4-H Community Pride Program

2009-09-20T15:42:00.001-07:00

On July 29th, at Florida 4-H Congress, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project participants were recognized as the project was named one of the top five Florida 4-H Community Pride Projects in the state! "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Chair Sean Russell, spoke about the accomplishments of the project, and showed a slideshow highlighting the work of those involved at the Community Pride Luncheon. The Florida 4-H Community Pride Program provided the original funding for the project in November of last year through their grant program. Because of their generous support, and all of the hard work of our project participants and partners, the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project has become a huge success. A special thanks to the Florida 4-H Community Pride Program for their support and congratulations to all of the participants!

Mote Marine Summer Camp participants in the, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project

2009-09-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Participants in Mote Marine Laboratory's all new, Sea Sleuths summer camp, had the opportunity to help protect the marine life they learned about throughout the summer by assembling their own personal-sized fishing line recycling bin as part of the, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project. Each week approximately 20-25 campers took part in this activity, and also learned about the importance of recycling monofilament fishing line. Approximately 200 recycling containers were made through the efforts of these summer campers. A special thanks to the Mote Marine Summer Camp Staff for their support of this project!

Mote Marine Laboratory's Kids Fishing Clinic

2009-06-08T11:21:00.001-07:00

On May 27th, Mote Marine Laboratory hosted a Kids Fishing Tournament at their Aquaculture Park for 5th grade students from Brentwood Elementary School. Participants took part in activities led by fishing experts, educators, and conservationists which taught them about fish biology, responsible fishing practices, fishing techniques and a variety of other topics. They were also given a chance to go fishing at one of the ponds on-site at Mote's Aquaculture Park. Lastly, they learned about Mote research and fisheries enhancement by going on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Aquaculture Park.

"Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Chair, Sean Russell, was able to speak to the participants about the importance of properly recycling their used monofilament fishing line. Each of the participants received a personal-sized fishing line recycling bin. These bins were assembled by Sarasota County 4-H members. A special thanks to Mote Marine Laboratory for their continued support of the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project!

Florida 4-H Camp Staff Get Involved in the Project

2009-06-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

On May 25th, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Chair, Sean Russell, attended a portion of the Florida 4-H State Camp Staff Training to teach the 2009 Florida 4-H Camp Staff about the importance of properly recycing monofilament fishing line and how to assemble personal-sized monofilament recycling bins. Youth participating in select Florida 4-H Camping Programs this summer will have the opportunity to get involved in the, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project by assembling the personal-sized fishing line recycling bins as a camp craft and/or as a community service project. A special thanks to the Florida 4-H Camping Program for their support!

Sarasota County 4-H Members Meet to Assemble Recycling Bins

2009-06-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

4-H Members from clubs throughout Sarasota County met on May 7th to assemble nearly 100 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins as part of the, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project. These bins were made to distribute to youth participating in an upcoming Kids Fishing Clinic put on by Mote Marine Laboratory.

Bradford County 4-H Clover Blossoms Club Assembles 100 Recycling Bins

2009-06-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Members of the Clover Blossoms 4-H Club in Bradford County are protecting wildlife through the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project by assembling 100 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins. Paynes Prarie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, FL was one of the places these completed bins were distributed.

Personal-sized Fishing Line Recycling Bins Distributed at the Sertoma Suncoast Kingfish Tournament

2009-05-03T10:31:00.000-07:00

100 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins assembled by 4-H members in Sarasota County were distributed on April 3rd and 4th to each of the boats participating in the 2009 Sertoma Suncoast Kinfish Tournament which was held at Marina Jacks in Sarasota. These bins were funded by the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota. On April 4th, "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Chair Sean Russell spoke with the crowd at the fish weigh-in about the importance of recycling monofilament fishing line. This was an excellent opportunity to spread the word about the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project and give anglers the personal-sized monofilanent recycling bins. We would like to thank the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota for their support of the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project!

Sarasota County 4-Hers assemble bins for the "Stow It-Don't Throw It Project"

2009-05-03T10:19:00.001-07:00

On March 27th 4-H members from multiple clubs in Sarasota County met to assemble 100 personal-sized monofilament fishing line recycling bins. These bins were funded by the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota and were made so they could be distributed at the Sertoma Club's upcoming Kingfish Tournament.

Leon County 4-H Members Work on the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project

2009-05-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

4-H members in Leon County are committed to helping wildlife through the "Stow It - Don't Throw It" Project by assembling 200 personal-sized monofilament fishing line recycling bins at their 4-H meetings. Once completed these bins will be distributed to anglers and boaters in an effort to spread the word about the importance of recycling fishing line!

The "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Partners with TSA

2009-03-19T16:40:00.000-07:00

On March 17th, members of Polk County's Sleepy Hill Middle School Technology Student Association got involved in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project by learning about the importance of fishing line recycling and by assembling 50 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins. The group, who has assembled larger PVC pipe fishing line recycling bins in the past, plans to assemble more of the personal-sized fishing line recycling bins as part of their own community service efforts!

The "Stow It - Don't Throw It" Project comes to the Pier Aquarium!

2009-03-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

On March 14th, the "Stow It - Don't Throw It" Project ran a booth at the Pier Aquarium's Spa Beach Splash and Kite Festival. This event featured booths and activities from many local environmental organizations. Families that stopped by the "Stow It - Don't Throw It" Project booth were able to color pictures of their favorite marine animals and learn how to protect these animals by properly disposing of monofilament fishing line. This event was a great success and we are looking forward to working with the Pier Aquarium in the future on the "Stow It - Don't Throw It" Project!

Here are a few pictures from the event:

Sertoma Club gets involved in the "Stow It - Don't Throw It" Project

2009-03-19T16:27:00.001-07:00

On March 4th, "Stow It - Don't Throw It" Project Chair spoke to members of the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota about the project and the importance of recycling monofilament fishing line. Club members were very interested in the program. The Sertoma club will be hosting a Kingfish Tournament on April 3rd and 4th and 100 of the completed personal-sized fishing line recycling bins will be included in the Captain's packages which will go out on each of the boats in the tournament.

Polk County 4-H Sea Stars assemble fishing line recycling bins!

2009-03-19T16:18:00.001-07:00

In February, members of the Polk County 4-H Sea Stars Club worked to assemble approximately 200 personal-sized fishing line recycling bins. They are working with the Ridge Audubon Society to distribute the completed bins and spread the word about the importance of recycling fishing line!

Waste Management parters with the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project!

2009-03-09T18:33:00.000-07:00

In an effort to collect tennis ball containers to turn into personal-sized monofilament recycling bins, 4-H members across the state are encouraging tennis ball clubs to "Go Green" and arrange for their club members to recycle their used tennis ball cans for use in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project. Many of the tennis clubs have volunteered to set up nice-looking, permanent receptacles at their locations in order to collect the tennis ball cans. In order to get receptacles to set up at the tennis clubs, I contacted Waste Management in Sarasota County to see if they would be willing to donate recycling containers to set up at the tennis clubs.

I am excited to announce that Waste Management partnered with our efforts and provided us with 75 recycling receptacles for us to set up at tennis clubs across Sarasota County. These bins will provide information on the project and the importance of fishing line recycling. By working with Waste Management, we are helping to reduce waste that results from people throwing their tennis ball cans away. This will also allow us to increase the number of tennis ball cans that we can collect for our project, which in turn will help us in our efforts to protect Florida's marine wildlife.

Project supplies get ready for shipment

2009-03-09T18:31:00.001-07:00

On February 2nd, members of the Green Team 4-H club in Sarasota County sorted and packaged the materials for the first 700 personal-sized monofilament recycling bins. These materials have been sent to 4-H clubs across Florida who are in the process of assembling and distributing the recycling bins!

"Stow It - Don't Throw It" Project at the Florida State Fair

2009-03-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

In an effort to spread the word about the importance of monofilament fishing line recycling, and recruit more participants for the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project, a booth was set up on the project at the Florida State Fair's Florida 4-H Showcase. This booth allowed people to learn about the dangers of entanglement, the project itself, and color pictures related to marine life protection. They were also able to watch the project video and sign up to get involved. Hundreds of people visited the 4-H Showcase and many left with a greater understanding of the importance of recycling fishing line. Here are a few photos from that event:

Project chair Sean Russell explains the concept of the personal-sized monofilament recycling bins.

Polk County 4-H Members watch the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project videos.

A State Fair visitor depicts the dangers of entanglement.

"Stow It-Don't Throw It" Launches Project Website

2009-02-06T12:48:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce that we have officially launched the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project website. This site contains background information on the project, our project videos, information on our sponsors and how to get involved. Check it out at: www.stowitdontthrowitproject.org !

New Project video

2009-01-25T10:54:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce the release of a new video for the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project. This video not only contains the information on the assembly of the personal-sized monofilament recycling bins, but also contains background information on the project and information on how to get involved. Check it out!

Launch of the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project Blog

2009-01-25T10:50:00.000-08:00

The "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project is excited to launch our project blog. This blog was created due to the extremely high interest in the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project. It is designed to allow us to connect with our project participants and partners across Florida. Project news and updates, as well as resources will be posted on this blog frequently. Be sure to check this page often in order to stay up to date on the "Stow It-Don't Throw It" Project. As always, thanks for your interst and support in the project!

-Sean Russell