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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Patti Warner of Corvallis has been awarded the 2006 National 4-H Wildlife and Fisheries Adult Volunteer Leader Award for outstanding service to the Oregon State University Extension Service 4-H Wildlife Stewards Program in Benton County.

The award, given annually for exceptional achievement as a 4-H wildlife or fisheries leader, is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National 4-H Headquarters, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Warner received recognition for her work as coordinator of the Jefferson Elementary School 4-H Wildlife Stewards Program, "Keepers of the Creek," a hands-on wildlife habitat education site and urban stream restoration project for grades K-5. She is one of six 4-H fisheries and wildlife volunteer leaders from throughout the U.S. to receive the national award this year.

"We're thrilled to have Patti Warner represent our program as a national award winner," said Maggie Livesay, 4-H youth development program field faculty in the Benton County office of the OSU Extension Service.

Warner will attend the 71st North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference on March 22-26 in Columbus, Ohio, where all the award recipients will be recognized, Livesay added.

The 4-H Wildlife Stewards program trains volunteers who partner with K-12 school educators to create wildlife education sites on school grounds that give students the opportunity for hands-on science experiences outside their classroom door.

Volunteer 4-H Wildlife Stewards use the sites as outdoor laboratories to help students gain a better understanding and appreciation of science, wildlife and natural resources topics. In return for 25-30 hours of training, 4-H Wildlife Stewards volunteer a minimum of 50 hours service.

Trained 4-H Wildlife Stewards volunteer in 45 schools in 16 Oregon counties, according to Maureen Hosty, 4-H Wildlife Stewards Program leader.

For more information about the 4-H Wildlife Stewards Program contact Maggie Livesay at 541-766-6750, or visit the website at http://wildlifestewards.4h.oregonstate.edu