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May 21, 2025 - Cultivating Sustainable Minds

Introducing the upcoming generations to sustainable habits early.

With spring breathing new life into the world, many have eagerly began preparing their crops and gardens, turning over the soil and planting seeds in anticipation of a fruitful harvest. The warmer weather and longer days signal the start of a season of growth and also welcome the return of outdoor activities in the west country.

It is this time of year that emphasizes the importance of nurturing sustainable habits in the newest generation of gardeners, farmers and campers. This emphasis challenges us to equip these young minds with the knowledge and tools they need at an early age so that environmental stewardship becomes a habit rather than a conscious effort.

Unlearning old habits or adopting new practices can seem like too much of a hassle to those who have been operating for years. Many think that if they have not encountered any repercussions or have always been successful in the past, then it is not necessary to make environmentally sustainable changes.

It is only when we run into years of drought or flooding, experience a poor yield, or have an unfriendly interaction with wildlife that we realize it may be time to learn and adapt with the new information or tools that become available to us. This is why it is important to introduce children to sustainable practices at a young age, so they can learn and grow with new ideas as they emerge.

Kids tend to learn habits more easily when they’re young. The common phrase “children are like sponges” emphasizes the remarkable ability of children to absorb information much more rapidly than we can in our adult years. While concepts like rotational grazing, riparian fencing, or maintaining biodiversity when spending time outdoors may not feel like common practice to many of us, it has the potential to become second nature to our children.  

Teaching children about sustainable habits does not only help the upcoming generation, it also benefits your operations and actions today! By introducing our children to new ideas, skills and perspectives, they can gradually transform our operations by marrying the best of old and new practices.

Children are the key to the long-term sustainability of our farms, ranches and natural areas. By exposing them to environmental stewardship programs, activities and schooling early on in their education, we can provide them with the opportunity to smoothly blend new concepts with the knowledge that they have gained from the example that you have already set for them. We can instill in them fundamental principles, while also beginning the discussion on how to be environmentally conscious residents.

The responsibility to promote environmental sustainability must be shared between all of us. The role cannot solely rely on our educators. Children will first and foremost follow by example. If you are unopen to learning or changing your current practices, that mindset can be carried over to your children and grandchildren. However, if you demonstrate that you are open to learning, it provides children with that extra nudge to grow with the new information around them.

It is important to get involved with these ideas yourself as children will learn by seeing the example that you set. If they see you attending workshops, doing research, or adopting a new practice, they will recognize that staying up to date on new and emerging ideas is what will ensure long-term success. Learning how to be sustainable is all part of being a responsible producer, camper, or landowner.

Teaching kids early about eco-conscious practices on our farms and in the west country will promote a cycle of encouraging sustainability. As children grow, they’ll continue to make sustainable choices that promote concepts like biodiversity, soil health and water health. They will then pass on the values and habits they’ve learned to future generations, continuing the cycle of sustainability. 

Clearwater County Agriculture and Community Services recognizes the importance of helping promote environmental sustainability in our future generations. By creating or collaborating on school-aged events such as the Educational Agricultural Tour (E.A.T), the Sundre Watershed Expo, or the Aspen Ranch Camp, we can help encourage a sustainable future for all.