Youth Groups and Organizations
MOVCA now offers mini-grants for local youth groups and organizations, such as school clubs, 4-H camps, Scouts, church youth groups, and more. Taking applications now through September 15th, 2025. Apply below!
Existing Projects
Dont want to re-invent the wheel? Join a project already happening in the Mid-Ohio Valley!
1
Purple Air Monitoring
Recruit homes to install monitors, study air quality trends, inform the community, and more.
TO WORK WITH THIS EXISTING PROJECT CONTACT: ERIC ENGLE - 304-488-4384
2
Restoration Ecology
Restoring/healing native ecosystems, eradicating invasive species, addressing endangered species, sanctuaries. Work typically done at Broughton's Nature Park and Recreation Area, the Ohio River Islands and at Mountwood Park. TO WORK WITH THIS EXISTING PROJECT CONTACT: MARK - 224-545-1604
3
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
tree planting, forest restoration, mussel propagation, and more! TO WORK WITH THIS EXISTING PROJECT CONTACT: VIC ELAM - 620-203-8514
List of Project Ideas
COMMUNITY GARDENS
POLLINATOR/BUTTERFLY GARDENS
CREATE ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB
CREATE A CAMPUS NATURE TRAIL WITH NATIVE PLANTS
CREATE A CLIMATE COLUMN IN SCHOOL NEWSPAPER
CREATE AN AD FOR MORNING SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONSERVE WATER ON CAMPUS (RAIN WATER?)
ORGANIZE ENVIRONMENTAL DEBATES
ORGANIZE GUEST SPEAKERS TO PRESENT TO THE SCHOOL
GET THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB ADDED TO THE SCHOOLS WEBSITE
MAINTAIN ACTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS; RAISE AWARENESS AND SHARE EDUCATIONAL TIDBITS
HOLD "THEME DAYS" (ZERO-WASTE LUNCH DAYS, WALK TO SCHOOL DAY) LIST OF THEMES IN NEXT TAB
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN SCHOOL (LIGHTING, ROOM SENSORS)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SECTION IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY
COMPOSTING BINS TO BE DONATED TO LOCAL FARMERS
BEGIN OR ENHANCE SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RECYCLING PROGRAMS
COORDINATE ENVIRONMENTAL/CLIMATE-RELATED FIELD TRIPS
COLLABORATE WITH WV RIVERS, OR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS TO COLLECT DATA AND SURVEY RESULTS, WRITE LETTERS TO LEGISLATORS, AND PARTICIPATE IN ADVOCACY DAYS.
ESTABLISH GARDENS AND TREES ON SCHOOL CAMPUS
SUBMIT MONTHLY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER, OR CREATE A YOUTH CLIMATE AMBASSADOR CLIMATE CORNER COLUMN IN YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER
ATTEND LOCAL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS OR SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY.
ORGANIZE COMMUNITY CLEAN-UPS
PARTICIPATE IN ADOPT A SPECIES, ADOPT A HIGHWAY, OR ADOPT A TRAIL PROGRAMS.
COLLECT INDOOR PLANTS TO IMPROVE CLASSROOM AIR QUALITY
IMPLEMENT "NO IDLING" POLICY ON CAMPUS
HOST ENVIRONMENTAL/GREEN CAREER DAY
ORGANIZE RECYCLED ART EVENT - POSTERS AROUND SCHOOL (WORK WITH LOCAL ART CENTER )
PARTICIPATE WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS ON COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
CREATE SCHOOL-WIDE CONTESTS FOR RECYCLING CANS, OR UPCYCLE ART
ZERO-WASTE SPORTS EVENTS (SOWKR WITH BOOSTERS)
WORK WITH SCIENCE TEACHERS TO ARRANGE FOR EXTRA CREDIT/BONUS POINTS FOR MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS STUDENT OF THE MONTH/SEMESTER
ELIMINATE STYROFOAM AND/OR SINGLE USE PLASTIC IN CAFETERIA
CREATE "MARKET MONDAYS" WORKING WITH LOCAL FARMS TO BRING FRESH FRUIT/VEG TO THE SCHOOL ON MONDAYS
ADVOCATE FOR MEATLESS MONDAYS
ADVOCATE FOR ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUSSES
ORGANIZE COMMUNITY BLACKOUTS - ZERO DARK HOUR
MOCK CAMPAIGN FOR ENDING PLASTICS IN CAFETERIAS
FREE RECYCLING PROGRAMS FOR NUMEROUS ITEMS - ORGANIZE A COLLECTION EVENT
DISTRIBUTE AIR QUALITY MONITORS AND COLLECT DATA -
COLLECTION OF OLD CRAYONS - CRAYOLA PROGRAM
COLLECT BACKPACKS AND LEFTOVER SCHOOL SUPPLIES AT THE END OF THE YEAR FOR RE-USE
RECYCLING FUNDRAISER FOR YOUR SCHOOL
ADVOCATE FOR 4-DAY SCHOOL WEEKS TO CUT DOWN ON POLLUTION; ENCOURAGE ONLINE LEARNING DAYS
ADDING CLIMATE LITERACY TO CURRICULUM
CITY OF PARKERSBURG - TREE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON COUNTY - CREATING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES COALITION
US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE – GET INVOLVED WITH EDUCATIONAL AND VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Building & Craft Projects with Ohio Wildlife Center
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION – BROUGHTONS NATURE AND WILDLIFE EDUCATION AREA
E-DAY - WV CAPITOL MARCH 17TH 2025
AMERICA RECYCLES DAY - NOV 15TH
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)- LEARNING LAB
WV STATE COMMITTEES FOR POLICY ENGAGEMENT
RACHEL CARSON COUNCIL - COMMUNITY ACTION EVENT IDEAS
Get a Head Start on Your College Degree CCP MARIETTA COLLEGE