Jonathan Speegle, Data lab manager -DJFMP, used informational brochures to engage in conversation with the public. - Photo Credit: USFWS

Greg Nelson, Biological Science Technician -DJFMP, was applying fun temporary tattoos on the children who attended. - Photo Credit: USFWS

Gonzalo Castillo, Fisheries Biologist with the Stockton FWO, lead visitors through the activity of building a fresh water habitat. - Photo Credit: USFWS

By Greg Nelson

The annual Green Foot Print Festival took place on June 12 at Small World Park in Pittsburg, California. Hosted by Laura Wright and the City of Pittsburg, the event was geared towards young children, preschool age through the 6th grade. There were 20 exhibitor booths from various organizations ranging from private environmental groups to city, county, and regional parks and recreation groups and municipalities. The Stockton Fish and Wildlife Office was the only federal entity.

Every booth had interaction and activities for both parents and kids. Each booth was provided an ink pad and stamp, while the kids were given a “passport” for collecting stamps and a prize for filling their passport entirely. In order to do so, the kids and parents had to visit every booth and engage in an activity to receive their stamp. Louanne McMartin, from the Aquatic Invasive Species program, provided invasive species information and the stamp, while staff from the Delta Juvenile Fish Monitoring Program provided fisheries outreach materials and information, engaged the children in a “Building a Freshwater Habitat” activity and applied many temporary tattoos.

“It was great to see impressions and impacts not only with the kids but with the parents too. It was a good venue to share our messages with the community. The attendance was 430 children and their families who enjoyed this event and information. This was 100 more kids than last year!!” said Laura.

Greg Nelson is a biological science technician for the Delta Juvenile Fisheries Monitoring Project of the Stockton Fish and Wildlife Office in Lodi, California.