Kids In the Wild: Engaging K-12 Students in Environmental Educational Experiences

The Potomac Watershed Partnership 2012 Winter Information Exchange

WVU Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, 2500 Foundation Way

Martinsburg, West Virginia, December 11, 2012  (9:00-3:00)

Is your group effectively reaching the next generation of environmental leaders? 

Most watershed groups and conservation agencies have “educate the public” in their mission.  It is time to take that mission off the shelf and reach out to the largest education audience, K-12 schools.  Get the tools you need to get a foot in the door at your local school.

Join us!  Learn what is happening across the Potomac Basin and beyond.  The Potomac Watershed Partnership (PWP) is a collaborative effort among federal, state, and local partners to restore the health of the land and waters of the Potomac River Basin, thereby enhancing quality of life and overall the health of the Chesapeake Bay. 

9:00     Doors open & registration.  Light refreshments served.

9:45     Housekeeping & introductions

10:00   The New Mid-Atlantic Environmental Literacy Strategy - Shannon Sprague, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office

10:40   Environmental Literacy from a National Perspective - Laura Johnson Collard, Executive Director, Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education

11:20   Break

11:30   Organizational Announcements – A chance for watershed associations, schools, parks and other groups to briefly update the audience on education projects they are working on. Please sign up your group to speak during registration.

12:00   Lunch- Brown Bag or $8.50 for Daily Grind “box lunch” (due at AM registration)

1:00     Engaging Students With Local and National Parks – Andy Jackson, Coordinator of Science Instruction at Harrisonburg City Schools (Virginia)

1:30     Leaf Pack Network, Teachers and Students Investigating Stream Ecosystems - Christina Medved, M.A., Stroud Water Research Center

2:00     Extended Classroom Programs Leading To Outdoor Experiences - Ellen Murphy, Youth Education Director for Potomac Valley Audubon Society

2:30     Mapping Our Streams, National Geographic Chesapeake Bay FieldScope - Cassie Doty, University of Maryland Center for Educational Studies

3:00     Conclusion

Please RSVP online, by email to pwp@cacaponinstitute.org, or by phone 304-856-1385.

On behalf of the Potomac Watershed Partnership,

Frank Rodgers, Executive Director

Cacapon Institute / P.O. Box 68, High View, WV  26808
304-856-1385 / www.potomacpartnership.org

ISA Certified Arborist MA-4468A

New opportunity for Artists, Authors & Crafters at the MAEOE conference

Enviro-Artists and Authors Walk

Calling all artists and authors! We all know that the MAEOE membership is extremely talented. This year we are offering the opportunity for you to display and sell your work.

How it works: the pool side patio rooms in the Atrium at the Princess Royale will be reserved for this purpose. You will be able to display and sell your items in your room and/or on the patio. There will 2 prime opportunities for you during the lunches on Friday and Saturday. You will be able to have your room, sell your work, and then just lock up and attend the conference. Regular room rate applies, all we ask is a $65 contribution and a donation for the silent auction. For further information, please contact Melanie Parker, MDParker@AACPS.org

Two Month Coastal Education and Leadership Internship Program for Rising High School Seniors

SEA S.T.A.R.PROGRAM (STUDENTS TEACHING AND RESEARCHING)

Sunday June 16, 2013 – Friday August 16, 2013

Do you love the ocean and the outdoors? Do you have an interest in studying wild and diverse ecosystems? Do you dream of one day working as a Marine Biologist? Get ready for the summer adventure of a lifetime! The Marine Science Consortium is excited to offer a Coastal Education and Leadership Program for rising High School Seniors. This internship allows students to gain experience in an Environmental Education program while researching a Marine Science Project that interests them.

We are looking for eight rising high school seniors (currently juniors age 16 and older) with an interest in education, biology or science. Students must have a strong academic profile and be interested in an opportunity to work in an outdoor environmental education setting. Interns will spend a lot of time outdoors in marine environments. Students who are enthusiastic and outgoing, can work easily with others and are organized, with good attention to detail will be the best fit for this internship.

For 2 months students will live, work and play on the Marine Science Consortium’s main campus, in Wallops Island, VA. This internship includes three components: programs, research and enrichment. Students will work alongside program staff to provide environmental education programs and summer camp activities; periodically attend college level courses; develop their own research project or legacy project; and explore the exciting marine habitats of the Eastern Shore of VA. This eight week program is a wonderful opportunity to enhance and develop self-confidence, self-awareness, communication skills, and personal leadership style. The internship is a unique opportunity for students to gain job experience, to learn about the exciting field of Marine Science and to make new friends. Students will gain work and research experience that they may then apply in their senior year in high school and beyond.

Since 1965 The Marine Science Consortium has educated and inspired thousands of children, youth, and adults about the marine and coastal ecosystems along the Mid-Atlantic Region through place-based, hands-on experiences. MSC is ideally located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, between the powerful Atlantic Ocean and ecologically important Chesapeake Bay. The barrier islands of the Eastern Shore create a series of habitats that are biologically diverse and geologically dynamic. These natural classrooms introduce students to a variety of concepts in the biological, chemical, and physical sciences.

For more information : http://msconsortium.org/#/highschoolstudentinternship/4546405256

APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work on a team, energetic and open to learning
• Strong interest in Science, Education, Marine Biology or Ecology
• Experience working with kids is a plus but not necessary
• This position requires applicants to be able to lift 45 lbs and walk distances of 1 mile at time

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Cover Letter
• Intern Application
• School Transcript
• Two Signature-Sealed Letters of Recommendation (one from a teacher)
• Phone Interview

• Interns must be at least 16 years old by the first day of the internship and must have completed their junior year of high school

IMPORTANT DATES

• Nov 26, 2012 – Begin accepting applications
• Feb 1, 2013 – All Application materials due
• Feb 4, 2013 – Phone Interviews begin
• Mar 1, 2013– Notice of first acceptances

EMAIL OR MAIL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS TO:

C. Parker Mcmullen-Bushman

Special Programs Coordinator

The Marine Science Consortium

34001 Mill Dam Road

Wallops Island VA 23337

specialprog@msconsortium.org

757-824-5636

www.msconsortium.org

For more information : http://msconsortium.org/#/highschoolstudentinternship/4546405256

14th Annual Takoma Park Alternative Gift Fair

Give gifts that touch people's hearts, honor them and make a real difference to those in need.

Saturday, December 1, 2012   12 noon - 4 pm
Takoma Park Presbyterian Church Community Hall310 Tulip Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912
(corner of Tulip & Maple), three blocks from the Takoma Metro Station

Gifts you can buy for friends and family this year include: a refurbished bike for a rural health worker in Africa; a micro loan for a start-up DC entrepreneur, a month's organic vegetables for a low income family in Takoma Park and many more. All gifts are tax-deductible and include a certificate to drop into a holiday card. Shopping done!

Bring the whole family and start the holiday season with a lift and a renewed sense of what holiday giving is all about. At this year's fair:

Supervised Children's Corner with a visit from Santa, cookie decorating, tasty bake sale with Best Dessert Contest         raffle, great prizes from local businesses, music all afternoon, and a Serenity Corner with free seated shoulder/back massage & Reiki!

Payment is by cash, check or credit cards accepted  100% of each gift goes to the organization.
For more information visit: http://www.aggw.org

To sign up for a reminder or to volunteer, go to https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGliQnJkbHRQODhiMHJXSHF4bHdVX0E6MQ

Or contact Mimi Ikle-Khalsa, Fair Director, at  aggw_inc@yahoo.com

Sponsored by the non-profit Alternative Gifts of Greater Washington,  and the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church.

‘Tis the season to be learning!

Join Environmental Concern December 12-14 for our holiday professional development opportunities. Additionally take the extra work out of 2013 by purchasing pre-made WOW! Activity Kits or renting one of our Wetland Travelling Trunks for your next wetland unit.

POW! The Planning of Wetlands- December 12, 10am-4pm

Participants will learn the step-by-step process for creating or enhancing wetlands on school grounds or within the community. POW! guides participants through wetland design and construction with the goal of utilizing the habitat as an outdoor classroom.  Leave with cross curricular activities that allow students to participate in the design, installation and monitoring of a schoolyard wetland habitat. Cost: $40 includes POW!curriculum

Rain Gardens as Outdoor Classrooms- December 13, 10am-4pm

This one-day course introduces educators to the concept of rain gardens and their value as schoolyard habitats. Participants will understand how rain gardens benefit the environment by improving the watershed and how they can be used as an extension of the classroom. Participants will leave with the basic knowledge of how to plan, design and implement a rain garden from start to finish. Cost: $35 includesRain Garden curriculum

WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands- December 14, 10am-4pm

WOW! introduces participants to wetland ecology through a study of the three parameters of wetlands: vegetation, soils and hydrology. Participants will also learn about wetland functions and values by utilizing K-12 cross curricular, inquiry based activities.  Leave with a wetland resource guide with over 50 hands-on, multidisciplinary activities in lesson plan format, and ideas for student action projects. Cost: $35 includes WOW! curriculum

Workshops are held at Environmental Concern’s Wetland Learning Center, 201 Boundary Ln, St. Michaels, MD

Space is limited. Please register by November 30, 2012. To register please call Environmental Concern at 410-745-9620 or visit www.wetland.org.

2013 MAEOE Conference Registration is OPEN!!!!

Registration is now OPEN for the

2013 MAEOE Environmental Education Conference 

Educate - Engage - Energize

Understanding the Natural World

February 7 - 10, 2013Princess Royale
Ocean City, Maryland

Click HERE for details  

Conference Questions?
Email: conference@maeoe.org
or Call the 2012 Conference Hotline at 
(443) 824-1953
Hotline Hours: 
Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays 10:00am – 2:00pm. 

You may leave messages at any time & we will return your call.

Join Environmental Concern December 12-14 for our holiday professional development opportunities.

POW! The Planning of Wetlands- December 12, 10am-4pm

Participants will learn the step-by-step process for creating or enhancing wetlands on school grounds or within the community. POW!guides participants through wetland design and construction with the goal of utilizing the habitat as an outdoor classroom.  Leave with cross curricular activities that allow students to participate in the design, installation and monitoring of a schoolyard wetland habitat. Cost: $40 includes POW! curriculum

Rain Gardens as Outdoor Classrooms- December 13, 10am-4pm

This one-day course introduces educators to the concept of rain gardens and their value as schoolyard habitats. Participants will understand how rain gardens benefit the environment by improving the watershed and how they can be used as an extension of the classroom. Participants will leave with the basic knowledge of how to plan, design and implement a rain garden from start to finish. Cost: $35 includes Rain Garden curriculum

WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands- December 14, 10am-4pm

WOW! introduces participants to wetland ecology through a study of the three parameters of wetlands: vegetation, soils and hydrology. Participants will also learn about wetland functions and values by utilizing K-12 cross curricular, inquiry based activities.  Leave with a wetland resource guide with over 50 hands-on, multidisciplinary activities in lesson plan format, and ideas for student action projects. Cost: $35 includes WOW! curriculum

Workshops are held at Environmental Concern’s Wetland Learning Center, 201 Boundary Ln, St. Michaels, MD

Space is limited. Please register by November 28, 2012. To register please call Environmental Concern at 410-745-9620 or visit www.wetland.org.

Register by phone before Nov. 9^th to receive a $5 discount.

COMING SOON! Keep an eye on Environmental Concern’s Facebook page to vote for this year’sSchoolyard Habitat Photo contest winners!

Skills, Scale, Sustainability: In agriculture, business, and in life

A holistic approach for assessing and matching skills to appropriate levels of scale for

sustainability - in agriculture, business, and in life.

Join Shane J. LaBrake for a 3-day intensive workshop that blends philosophy and pragmatic advice with hands-on training and real-life problem solving as you develop your small-scale agricultural endeavors.  Based on lessons learned from a lifetime of work and travel in food and farming, Shane provides unique insights from his practical experience of reconciling idealism with the nitty-gritty, day-to-day reality of maintaining a viable and sustainable enterprise.  As we consider small farm design, we will address real life skills and knowledge that aspiring farmers need to know. On-site and hands-on demonstrations with scale-appropriate tools, equipment, and gear will allow workshop attendees to make better decisions for their own operations. Classroom lectures and discussions will explore the rhythm and evolution of a season, and offer tips and ideas for better management of time and resources.  Shane's unique approach will leave you informed and empowered.  He encourages holistic thinking and rational problem solving as opposed to hasty decisions based on emotion and circumstance.

"Design is the first signal of human intention." -  William McDonough

This class encourages thinking to clarify intention, and challenges the participants to create designs that will work for them.

Please dress for the weather and be prepared to be challenged and engaged.

A binder of readings and other resource materials will be provided to each participant.

For more information: http://accokeekfoundation.org/skills-scale-and-sustainability/

TEACHER SUMMER WORKSHOPS IN ECOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY

Many of Maryland’s finest teachers have expanded their ecology and birding knowledge! Join teachers from around the country for a hands-on wildlife or ornithology workshop.

ECOLOGY AND ORNITHOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS
The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) is accepting applications from Maryland teachers, youth leaders, park rangers, and nature center staff for scholarships to attend weeklong summer ecology and ornithology workshops on Audubon’s beautiful Hog Island in Maine or Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Each award covers the cost of tuition, room, and board for an intensive weeklong course of field study and instruction covering ornithology, ecology, conservation, and natural history.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
MOS will award multiple scholarships each summer. Travel expenses are the responsibility of the recipient. For additional information and updates, check the MOS website links (below) or contact the Scholarship Chairpersons.
Six Maine and one Maryland workshops are being offered for 2013: May 31 – June 5 & Sept 8 – 13 – Maine Seabird Biology & Conservation June9–14 &June23–28–JoyofBirding
June 16 – 21 – Field Ornithology
July 18 – 23 – Sharing Nature: An Educator's Week
June 23 – 28 – Maryland Birds & Habitats – Washington College

APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS
Maine applicants need not be members of MOS but must be endorsed by a member or chapter. For Maine workshops, applications, via electronic mail, must be submitted by 30 November 2012. Recipients will be notified in January. Please refer to the MOS website for the complete application process. Applicants for the Maryland workshop should go to the YMOS website listed below for the application instructions. Maryland program scholarship deadline is 1 March 2013.

For more information and application process, please refer to:
http://www.mdbirds.org/education/scholarships/scholarships.html

For more information about the Audubon workshops, please refer to:
http://projectpuffin.org/OrnithCamps.html

For information about the Maryland residential workshops, please refer to:
http://www.ymos.org/educator-resources/

Maine Scholarships:
scholarships@mdbirds.org

Maryland Scholarships:
radclifg@gmail.com

Classrooms in the Wild

SOC’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking is excited to offer students a one-week alternative spring break program on the Chesapeake Bay to introduce them to the challenges and fun of environmental filmmaking. The program will take place March 9-16,
2013. This course will be limited to 12 students (10 minimum).

This week-long, non-credit class is for both first-time and experienced filmmakers and photographers who have an interest in the environment, natural history and the outdoors. Led by award-winning filmmaker and AU MFA alum Danny Ledonne, students will learn how to prepare for and organize a shoot, how to shoot the footage necessary to tell a compelling story, and how to edit a polished project with an strong environmental theme, and how to use tapeless HD cameras and supporting sound gear.

http://www.american.edu/soc/cef/classroom-in-the-wild.cfm

Environmental Concern presents a great course at two different locations!

Rain Gardens as Outdoor Classrooms

This one-day course introduces educators to the concept of rain gardens and their value as schoolyard habitats. Participants will understand how rain gardens benefit the environment by improving the watershed and how they can be used as an extension of the classroom. Participants will leave with the basic knowledge of how to plan, design and implement a rain garden from start to finish.

When: November 3, 2012, 10 am -  4pm

Where: Adkins Arboretum, 12610 Eveland Rd, Ridgely, MD

Partner: Adkins Arboretum

Cost: $40 includes Rain Garden curriculum

When: November 10, 2012  9am -  4pm  

Where: The Aquatic Resources Education Center, 1900 Anacostia Drive SE, Washington, DC 20020

Partner: The District Department of the Environment

Cost: $35 includes curriculum

Space is limited. Please register at least two weeks before each course.

For more information or to register please call Environmental Concern at

410-745-9620 or visit http://www.wetland.org/education_schedule.htm

The Chesapeake Bay Trust Awards Program is now OPEN

The Chesapeake Bay Trust is now accepting applications for our 2013 Awards Program. These awards honor students, teachers, individuals, communities and organizations for their work to promote education, improve local communities and help restore the Chesapeake Bay. All nominations and applications are due December 20, 2012 at 5:00 pm.

2013 Teacher of the Year Award: This award is given to a Maryland educator who has shown outstanding commitment to environmental education. Applicants for this award can be self-nominated or nominated by anyone except family members. The winner will receive a $2,500 mini grant for environmental education and restoration from the Chesapeake Bay Trust. To nominate a teacher in Maryland for this award, click here.

2013 Student of the Year Scholarship: The Student of the Year award is given to a Maryland high school or college student who has shown an outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, Chesapeake Bay restoration and community involvement. Applicants for this award can be self-nominated or nominated by anyone except family members and the winner will receive a $5,000 college scholarship. To nominate a student in Maryland for this award, click here.

2013 Honorable Arthur Dorman Scholarship: This award recognizes a Maryland high school or college student who demonstrates a commitment to improving the health of the environment and the Chesapeake Bay and who, as a student of color, exhibits exemplary leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in his/her school and broader community. Applicants for this award can be self-nominated or nominated by anyone except family members and the winner will receive a $5,000 college scholarship. To nominate a student in Maryland for this award, click here.

2013 Ellen Fraites Wagner Award: The Ellen Fraites Wagner award is given to an individual who has shown exceptional commitment to the Chesapeake Bay and exhibits leadership in the Bay community. Applicants for this award can be self-nominated or nominated by anyone except family members. To nominate an individual for this award, click here.

2013 Melanie Teems Award: This award recognizes an exemplary project funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust that engages Maryland students or citizens in Bay education or restoration work. Applicants for this award can be self-nominated or nominated by anyone except family members. To nominate a project for this award, click here.

For questions about the awards program, please contact Molly Alton Mullins at mmullins@cbtrust.org or at 410-974-2941, ext. 107.

From the Bay for the Bay

A Celebration of Maryland Seafood
October 6-13, 2012For a week in October, participating restaurants from Philadelphia to Northern Virginia will be featuring fresh, locally caught Maryland Seafood for their guests. This will be an excellent way to support our local watermen, while enjoying the best seafood the region has to offer.

October is an outstanding month for seafood with many species available including striped bass, crabmeat, oysters, flounder, dogfish, bluefish, lobster, and scallops being in season and on menus throughout the region.

Each of the participating restaurants is donating $1.00 for every Maryland seafood dinner that is sold during this week to the Oyster Recovery Partnership in Annapolis, MD (http://oysterrecoverypartnership.squarespace.com/), a non-profit organization that works to replenish the population of our native and treasured Chesapeake Bay oyster.

Over the last decade, the Oyster Recovery Partnership has replanted hundreds of millions of oysters in the bay. Oysters are a critical species to the Bay's long term recovery -- a healthy oyster reef not only filters the Bay's waters, but also provides a firm, elevated bed that supports a community and habitat for other marine wildlife, like blue crabs and striped bass. So while you are enjoying a great meal you will be supporting watermen and helping to restore this iconic Chesapeake species.

For a list of participating restaurants, please visit: http://www.marylandseafood.org/fromthebay.html

Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve Fall 2012 Programs

 Registration is required for all programs unless noted; 

to register call 302-739-3436.

5^th Annual Blackbird Creek Fall Festival (no registration required)

Saturday, October 20, 2012   10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Join us for Free Family Fun!  Enjoy the sounds of live music; explore the Reserve by foot or by hayride; visit the numerous vendors and exhibitors; and take part in fun demonstrations, hay rides, kid’s crafts, and free face painting. Admission is free!  Rain or shine.  The Festival will be held at the Blackbird Creek Reserve at 801 Blackbird Landing Road in Townsend, DE.  Arrive early and join the Run for Our Rivers 5K and Fun Walk at 9 am.

Coastal Heritage Driving Tour

Monday, October 29, 2012     9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Join us as we discover the natural and historic resources of the Delaware Bay Communities.  Leave the driving to us as you board our touring van.  We will make a stop for lunch along the way. The tour will meet at the St. Jones Reserve at 818 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, Delaware. This program is designed for participants 16 years of age or older.   Space is limited.

St. Jones Reserve Open House and DNPS Native Plant Sale (no registration required)

Saturday, November 3, 2012     10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Discover the St. Jones Reserve and support the Delaware Native Plant Society through their Delaware Native Plant Sale.  Explore the reserve and enjoy a day full of activities including research and laboratory explorations and the premier of the NEW ST. Jones River video entitled The Price of Progress…The Promise of Protection. Refreshments will also be provided.

Fall Tree Hike at the Blackbird

Monday, November 5, 2012   9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join a naturalist as we hike along the creek and journey through wooded areas, meadow habitats, and shrub areas.  Be ready to use your keen detective skills to identify the trees that live in the Reserve.  Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.  We will meet at the Blackbird Creek Reserve, 801 Blackbird Landing Road in Townsend, DE.

Bayberry Candle Making

Saturday, November 17, 2012   10:00 am – 12:00 pm 

Discover the amazing uses of the bayberry shrub!  A Reserve naturalist will discuss the ecology of the bayberry while the Plantation staff and volunteers will give insight to the historical use of the plant as we enjoy the art of candle making. What a wonderful way to start off the holidays.  This program meets at the John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE. Space is limited.

Who Drank My Water

Thursday, December 6, 2012        2:30 – 4:00 pm

Have you been sharing your drinking water with someone, or something, before you? Join us to see how your drinking water has been cycled and recycled through the ages. Our program on drinking water will include an assortment of topics such as comets, dinosaurs, wetlands and the International Space Station!

For additional information and to register for programs please contact Jennifer Holmes at (302) 739-3436.