BLM California News.bytes 
News.bytes Extra, issue 530

El Centro Joins National Take it Outside! Team 

Joya Szalwinski, Interpretive Park Ranger for the El Centro Field Office, joined the BLM's National Take it Outside! Team. The team, comprised of 14 BLM staffers from across the nation, is led by Patti Klein, National Stewardship & Take It Outside! Program Manager.

The team has the responsibility of providing vision for the national program -- the agency's official program to get young people outside and recreating on public lands. Established in 2007, the "Take It Outside" (TIO!) program promotes and supports outdoor activities and experiences of children on public lands. The program strives to improve the health of our nation's children, families, and communities, while at the same time developing the next generation of public land stewards. Objectives achieved through the Take it Outside! program support America’s Great Outdoors (AGO) youth initiatives. El Centro has been actively engaged in Take it Outside! since its inception, fulfilling AGO objectives through recreation and stewardship based activities. Setting the example are the TIO! Family Activity Cards and the Dune Guard program, both successful programs launched at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.

The team met for the first time in Kremmling, Colorado, and hammered out details for a vision statement, goals and objectives. This work should increase program awareness within the agency, and provide guidance to employees on how to receive funding.

Visit these web pages for more information on the Take it Outside! Program in the Imperial Sand Dunes and Take it Outside! with the BLM nationally -- or contact your local BLM office.

An image of a dog wearing goggles. The text around him reads: designed for families on-the-go! Take it outside! Connect with your public lands. Family Activity Cards
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area's Take it Outside! Family Activity Cards. El Centro has supported the program since 2007.  Design: BLM

Several people sit around a table, studying the documents in front of them
Team members met at the BLM's Kremmling, Colorado Bunkhouse. The team is comprised of 14 staffers from across the country.  Photo: BLM/J. Szalwinski

- Joya Szalwinski, interpretive park ranger, Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area/BLM El Centro Field Office (May 8, 2012)

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