Papio NRD brings snakes, water models and free classroom programs to teach kids local stewardship

Austin Hill, an education-outreach staff member at the Papio Missouri River Natural Resource District, described hands-on programs that the NRD brings to schools to foster local environmental awareness. "We bring out reptiles...we show these kids the snakes, the benefit of snakes and why they're important," Hill said, explaining that such encounters can soften fear and build long-term interest in natural resources.

Hill said Papio NRD provides grade-appropriate demonstrations—water models, water-quality discussions and habitat lessons—that are paired with teachers’ curricula and available free of charge. He told listeners that teachers can request a presentation via the NRD’s education page on its website.

The outreach content aims to translate broader environmental knowledge into local action: Hill emphasized simple best management practices families and children can do now, such as conserving water, picking up pet waste, avoiding dumping chemicals down storm drains and picking up litter. "A lot of people don't know this, but our storm drains...that just goes to your local creek," Hill said, urging local stewardship rather than assuming waste goes to a treatment plant.

Hill framed small, regular actions as a way to turn concern about global environmental trends into meaningful local steps. He said that children today often bring substantial knowledge about environmental topics and that the NRD’s role is to channel that curiosity into protecting local natural resources.

For teachers and families interested in programs, Hill said to visit the Papio NRD website education tab to request presentations and learn about events. Funding sources for the outreach programs were not detailed during the episode.