Human dimensions of crayfish conservation in Appalachian coalfields

Cambarus veteranus and Cambarus callainus are two closely related crayfish federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. While government protection provides vital funding for research and management initiatives, it is rare for the average citizen to be involved or impacted by this process. Less popular animal groups, such as invertebrates, lack public conservation support contributed by apathetic perceptions. The objective of this project is to foster appreciation for C. veteranus and C. callainus through public engagement. The Project Crawdadpilot is an education module designed for 3rd grade students. Five lesson plans, aligned with state standards, will allow students to explore local aquatic ecosystems, interact with native species, and develop experiments of their own design. Pre and post tests accompanied with each lesson will be facilitated to gauge student development. As community understanding and familiarity increases, potential pre-existing negative associations are likely to be supplanted by appreciation and sense of personal responsibility. This environmental education study aims to increase conservation literacy and stewardship of C. veteranus and C. callainus and the ecosystems they depend on.