Editor's Note: We hope this is the first in an ongoing series throughout the summer.

In an effort to keep our faithful readers off the Prozac, we're highlighting some uncharacteristic exciting actions federal agencies and offices are taking to enhance sustainability and improve the environment.

First up, we came across this story about a program that Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island is supporting to increase environmental awareness in kids and teens. The Open Space Stewardship Program is intended to give students an opportunity to study nature in...well nature, rather than from a textbook.

Schools are paired with local land stewards, such as from regional NGOs or local, state or federal offices, to help devise research projects that will be beneficial to the community, such as researching the effects of illegal ATV use on the environment. So far, efforts by students have lead to the preservation of a rare 100-year-old tree and the designation of some wetlands as nature preserves. It seems the most effective lobbyist is a 6-year-old speaking at a community board hearing.

Aside from the benefits that come with protecting open space -- especially on Long Island which is chock full of sprawling 'burbs and malls -- programs like this that get kids excited about the environment and emotionally invested in maintaining its integrity are important for churning out the next generation of treehuggers. In fact, one young participant proclaimed, "I long to be an environmentalist when I grow up." Seriously, we didn't make that up. So to the Energy Department (who funds BNL), we say kudos to funding the development of activists who one day will surely protest many of your future projects in the region.