Pickering Creek has a great contest that is open through April 22nd! Participants can submit a 30-60 second video that is styled on a Public Service Announcement that speaks to why they love marshes and everything that lives in them. They want to hear about people’s stories about the marsh whether new or old.
Prizes include many wonderful gift certificates to LOCAL Dorchester County businesses like Portside, Hi Spot, Crabigras, Canvasback, Hot Spot, Cool Eats, Cambridge Diner and Blackwater Paddle and Peddle.
Over $600 in prizes are available!
We need your help getting the word out. We want to make sure everyone hears about the great salt marshes they have right in their community and gets a chance to tell their story. Check out www.pickeringcreek.org for details!
Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
MAEOE MD Green Schools are acknowledged for their great work by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the Green Schools National Conference
On February 28, 2012, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan gave the keynote speech for the Green Schools National Network Conference which took place in Denver, Colorado. In his keynote, Mr. Duncan noted that the Green Schools Conference “is a powerful testament to the fact that the green movement is no longer a sidelight in our nation's schools. For too long, greening our schools, developing environmental literacy, and nurturing stewardship and an ethic of sustainability in our students have been after-thoughts in education debates.” Mr. Duncan noted two takeaway messages in his speech Tuesday. First – That Green Schools and Environmental Literacy compliment the goals of providing a well-rounded education for the 21st century. Second – Not only do green schools compliment much of America’s core educational mission, they also nurture unique skills of special value in a knowledge-based economy. Mr. Duncan noted an interesting figure, that in 2001, less than 19,000 students nationwide took the AP Environmental Science Exam and in 2011, the number of students was nearly 100,000 – an increase nearly five-fold.
In addition, Mr. Duncan acknowledged “Green schools don't have to be brand new schools. They can be older schools taking simple steps to reduce their environmental impact or teach environmental literacy. Perhaps they start with packing lunches in reusable containers, providing healthy alternatives to birthday cupcake celebrations, and using private sector partnerships, as they have at Bond Mill Elementary in Laurel, Maryland. Not far from Bond, at Northwood High School, older students worked with community partners to restore a wooded area, install rain gardens, construct a trail, and improve habitat.” We are so excited that MAEOE MD Green Schools are receiving National Recognition for their amazing efforts and green works! The full article can be found at http://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/greening-our-schools
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Regional Environmental Literacy Workshops
The Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature and the Maryland State Department of Education will co-host a series of regional environmental literacy workshops to discuss the effective development and implementation of county environmental literacy plans (ELPs). Anyone involved in planning, delivering or supporting school environmental literacy programs is invited to attend (county school system representatives, administrators, educators, environmental education providers, etc.). Seven workshops are planned for February and March to help school systems prepare for the April 30th ELP submission deadline. These workshops are designed to:
· Review environmental literacy requirements, resources and process for county ELP development;
· Discuss elements of effective environmental literacy programs, methods & strategies to “fill in the gaps,” and share regional examples or plans;
· Provide an opportunity for schools and EE providers to meet and discuss partnership opportunities ( for example, helping to meet the “every student outdoors every year” goal);
· Provide break-out time for participants within each county to discuss ELP development and potential opportunities for further communication
Dates, times and locations for all meetings are noted below. Please click on this link to register for the meetings: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PB3DF82 . It is best to attend the workshop(s) that correspond to the county or counties in which you work. If you are unable to attend a meeting but would like information about your program to be shared at the meeting, please complete the registration and check the appropriate box on the form. Please register as soon as possible to assist us in planning appropriately. Thank you so much for your continued interest and efforts.
| Date | Region | Location | Time |
| 2/16/2012 | Northeast (Harford, Cecil, Balt.Co) | Baltimore County MD Agricultural Center, Cockeysville, MD | 10:00a -2:00p |
| 2/24/2012 | Upper E. Shore (Talbot, Kent, QA, Caroline) | Chesapeake College Wye Mills, MD | 9:30a – 12:30p |
| 3/07/2012 | West Central (Howard, Mont, Fred, Carroll) | Robinson Nature Center Columbia, MD | 1:00p-4:00p |
| 3/13/2012 | Lower E. Shore (Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, Dorchester) | Salisbury University Salisbury, MD | 1:00p – 4:00p |
| 3/15/2012 | Central MD (AA, Balt. City, PG) | Patuxent National Wildlife Refuge Laurel, MD | 10:00a-2:00p |
| 3/20/2012 | Southern MD (Calvert, Charles, St. Marys) | Calvert Marine Museum Solomons, MD | 1:00p – 4:00p |
| 3/23/2012 | Western (Garrett, Allegany, Washington) | Frostburg Univ. Compton Science Ctr Frostburg, MD | 10:00a – 2:00p |
Maryland Green Centers Show their Impact with National Geographic's FieldScope
MAEOE is collaborating with University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and National Geographic to develop a new digital tool for Maryland Green Schools and Centers. It will allow teachers, administrators, students, parents, policy makers and others to clearly see the extent of Maryland Green Schools and Centers and their tremendous impact on the environmental health of our region. It uses National Geographic’s user-friendly online mapping program called FieldScope. Maryland Green School and Center leaders and others involved in sustainability efforts will be able to input their data for their site, compare these data to other maps, and examine spatial trends. This effort is part of the Chesapeake-FieldScope User Group Project and is funded by the NOAA B-WET program.
Check out the preliminary Maryland Green Schools FieldScope Map at http://www.fieldscope.org/map/19
If you have any questions send them to Cassie Doty at cdoty@umces.edu.
1. We have thought up a few questions to explore with this new map, such as where are all the Maryland Green Schools with rain gardens, are there more Maryland Green Schools in wealthier counties, where is the closest Maryland Green Center? What questions would you be interested in exploring with the Maryland Green Schools FieldScope Map?
2. What would you need to explore these questions? This might include data, functions (e.g., graphing or measuring), or resources on green roofs or other sustainable practices, or something else. Be as specific as you can.
3. 3. Do you have any other suggestions or comments on this preliminary Maryland Green Schools FieldScope Map?
The 27th Annual MAEOE Conference - Provoked yet?
It's an exciting time for environmental education in Maryland. Environmental literacy plans are under development across the state. Regional Environmental Literacy Workshops are beginning this week to discuss effective development and implementation. At this year’s MAEOE Conference, Dan Blumstein and Charlie Saylan challenged attendees to tweak their approaches to achieve environmental education's potential. The Hot Topics of Fracking, Wind Energy, and the Dangers of Chemical Exposures were examined by Dan Soeder, Mike Tidwell, and McKay Jenkins. Over 600 educators of all types learned, networked, and had some fun. On to the planning for next year!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Getting Ready for the 2012 MAEOE Conference
This week more than 500 educators will convene in Ocean City for the largest state environmental education conference in the nation. They will stay in local hotels, eat and drink at local establishments, enjoy local nature and discuss the challenges, complexities and successes of environmental education.
"Fulfilling Environmental Education's Promise: Authentic Learning and Real World Impact," is the 27th annual conference of the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education.
It is an exciting time for environmental education. During the last session, Maryland lawmakers passed legislation citing environmental literacy as a requirement for high school graduation, the first requirement of its kind in the nation. Now, school districts across Maryland are working to implement Environmental Literacy Plans.
For example, in Worcester County, Board of Education officials have enlisted local nonprofit organizations, museums and parks to assist with identifying and delivering age-appropriate, curriculum-based outdoor learning experiences for every child, every year.
The MAEOE conference will provide a variety of opportunities for both school-based, or formal educators and non-formal educators to increase knowledge, gain new skills, access newly developed resources and network with other education professionals.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Environmental Concern has so much to offer!
Let Environmental Concern be your one stop shop for all your wetland educational needs. From in-class wetland adventures, in the muck wetland field trips to wetland presentations and educational resources, we have what it takes to bring wetland education to the next level no matter where you are located!
EC’s Wetland on Wheels has transformed into the Wetland on Wheels: Classroom Edition!
Let Environmental Concern compliment your existing science and watershed curriculum with Watershed Adventures at your School.
An EC Wetland Educator will travel to your site to teach interactive wetland and watershed focused lessons. Students will experience the exciting world of wetland habitats without having to leave your building. Select from our K-5th grade curriculum correlated to the MD, VA, and DE state curriculum standards.
Wetland Charm: Kindergarten
Students will learn about wetlands and their importance through a craft.
Plants Make a Wetland: Grade 1
Students will study wetland plants and their parts through stories and hands-on activities.
Wetlands and Birds: Grade 2
Students will focus on wetland birds and their adaptations through hands-on activities.
What’s the Matter?: Grade 3
Students will trace energy as it changes forms, and moves up and down the Wetland food chain.
Diversity of Life: Grade 4
Students will explore the adaptations that plants and animals have developed that allow them to survive in wetlands.
Cause and Effect: Grade 5
Students will investigate how wetlands affect water quality by testing and comparing water quality results.
Available from September-April at schools in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and Delaware. Call now to reserve your adventures today!
Duration: Half and full day options, from 3 to 8 classes per day.
EC provides:
· K-5 curriculum correlated to the MD, VA, and DE state curriculum standards.
· Fun, interactive wetland lessons and activities led by a skilled Wetland Educator.
· Pre and post student assessments.
· Curriculum materials for your use before and after the visit.
The school provides:
· A standard sized (or larger) classroom space (some programs will require tables).
· Schedule of classes (including, times, participant #s and grades) at least 2 business days prior to programs.
· Teacher or chaperone must stay with each class.
Cost: Less than $2 per student, plus mileage depending on location and selections.
Close enough to enjoy a St. Michael’s field trip? Environmental Concern offers many field-based action lessons.
Wetland Adventure: Introduces students to wetlands while focusing on the concept of watersheds, human and wildlife connections, and wetland adaptations. Program compares several wetlands with fun interactive activities. The adventure doesn’t stop once it gets cold. Contact us about winter programs.
Age: Grades 3 - 5
Duration: 3 - 4 hrs
Cost: $10/participant
Aquatic Adventure: Introduces students to wetland ecology focusing on the concepts of biodiversity and interrelatedness using a comparative study of chemical, physical, and biological water quality indicators collected from salt and fresh marsh systems.
Age: Grades 6 - 10
Duration: 5 - 6 hrs
Cost: $12/participant
Wetland Survivor: This program puts physical, mental, and strategic limits to the test. Participants must rely on their wetland knowledge as they compete in field-day style challenges which introduce them to the functions and values of wetlands. This is a perfect match for a summer camp, field day at schools or Scout and Youth groups!
Age: Grades 4 - 8
Duration: 1/2 day (3hrs) or 1 day (6 hrs)
Cost: $12/participant-3hr $15/participant-6hr
Find Your Muse in the Marsh: Learn about marshes and leave with masterpieces. Students study the Chesapeake Bay through the creation of fun wetland art.
Age: Grades 6 –12
Duration: 3hr
Cost: $10/participant
Scout Programs - Interest Projects, Try-Its and Badges: Our programs engage scouts in wetland activities which help them develop environmental awareness skills that will allow them to complete Interest Project Awards. EC patches available.
Age: Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors
Duration: 3 - 6 hrs
Cost: $10 - $12/participant
Educational Resources: Look no further… need materials for your wetland unit, program or just something to get your students excited about learning?
Wetland 101 Travelling Trunk: Our lending resource is the perfect supplement for your water related curriculum. The trunk offers skulls, tracks, videos, books, Wetlands 101 PowerPoint, wetland information and more. Also included is the WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands Curriculum Guide for you to keep. For rent to schools and organizations.
Ages: Grades K-6
Duration of rental: Two weeks
Cost: $75 plus shipping and handling
WOW! Activity Trunk: This lending resource is designed for educators interested in borrowing WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands Activity materials for a wetland unit or for WOW! Facilitators leading a workshop. Trunk includes material sets of ready-to-use WOW! activities to lead over 17 of our most popular activities including Wetland in a Pan, Do You Dig Wetland Soil?, Wetland Habitats and more. For rent to WOW! Facilitators, schools or organizations.
Ages: Kindergarten-Adults
Duration of rental: One week
Cost: $50 plus shipping and handling
WOW! Facilitator Kits: Wish you had WOW! activity materials, but don’t have the time to make them? Let EC make your favorite WOW! Activity Kits for you. 12 different kits are available. Each includes all the necessary materials for up to 30 participants. Kits can be used again and again. Kit descriptions can be found at www.wetland.org
Age: Student-Adults
Cost: $15-$45 (varies per kit) plus shipping and handling
Wetland Charm Kits: This wetland activity for elementary students uses charm ingredients to represent the key components and functions of a wetland. Charms are made with special glitter confetti and discussed by students, challenging them to make connections to wetlands. Charm kits come with instructions, talking points and materials to create a wetland necklace for 30 participants.
Age: Elementary level
Cost: $10.00 ea. plus shipping and handling
For more information on COW programs, field trips, trunk rentals, kits, educational wetland cds, charm orders or to receive a brochure with a complete list of programs available please contact Environmental Concern at 410-745-9620 or visit us online at www.wetland.org
Katelin Mielke Frase
Wetland Educator
Environmental Concern
P.O Box P., 201 Boundary Lane
St. Michaels, MD 21663
410-745-9620 – phone
410-745-3517 – fax
Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook!
EC’s Wetland on Wheels has transformed into the Wetland on Wheels: Classroom Edition!
Let Environmental Concern compliment your existing science and watershed curriculum with Watershed Adventures at your School.
An EC Wetland Educator will travel to your site to teach interactive wetland and watershed focused lessons. Students will experience the exciting world of wetland habitats without having to leave your building. Select from our K-5th grade curriculum correlated to the MD, VA, and DE state curriculum standards.
Wetland Charm: Kindergarten
Students will learn about wetlands and their importance through a craft.
Plants Make a Wetland: Grade 1
Students will study wetland plants and their parts through stories and hands-on activities.
Wetlands and Birds: Grade 2
Students will focus on wetland birds and their adaptations through hands-on activities.
What’s the Matter?: Grade 3
Students will trace energy as it changes forms, and moves up and down the Wetland food chain.
Diversity of Life: Grade 4
Students will explore the adaptations that plants and animals have developed that allow them to survive in wetlands.
Cause and Effect: Grade 5
Students will investigate how wetlands affect water quality by testing and comparing water quality results.
Available from September-April at schools in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and Delaware. Call now to reserve your adventures today!
Duration: Half and full day options, from 3 to 8 classes per day.
EC provides:
· K-5 curriculum correlated to the MD, VA, and DE state curriculum standards.
· Fun, interactive wetland lessons and activities led by a skilled Wetland Educator.
· Pre and post student assessments.
· Curriculum materials for your use before and after the visit.
The school provides:
· A standard sized (or larger) classroom space (some programs will require tables).
· Schedule of classes (including, times, participant #s and grades) at least 2 business days prior to programs.
· Teacher or chaperone must stay with each class.
Cost: Less than $2 per student, plus mileage depending on location and selections.
Close enough to enjoy a St. Michael’s field trip? Environmental Concern offers many field-based action lessons.
Wetland Adventure: Introduces students to wetlands while focusing on the concept of watersheds, human and wildlife connections, and wetland adaptations. Program compares several wetlands with fun interactive activities. The adventure doesn’t stop once it gets cold. Contact us about winter programs.
Age: Grades 3 - 5
Duration: 3 - 4 hrs
Cost: $10/participant
Aquatic Adventure: Introduces students to wetland ecology focusing on the concepts of biodiversity and interrelatedness using a comparative study of chemical, physical, and biological water quality indicators collected from salt and fresh marsh systems.
Age: Grades 6 - 10
Duration: 5 - 6 hrs
Cost: $12/participant
Wetland Survivor: This program puts physical, mental, and strategic limits to the test. Participants must rely on their wetland knowledge as they compete in field-day style challenges which introduce them to the functions and values of wetlands. This is a perfect match for a summer camp, field day at schools or Scout and Youth groups!
Age: Grades 4 - 8
Duration: 1/2 day (3hrs) or 1 day (6 hrs)
Cost: $12/participant-3hr $15/participant-6hr
Find Your Muse in the Marsh: Learn about marshes and leave with masterpieces. Students study the Chesapeake Bay through the creation of fun wetland art.
Age: Grades 6 –12
Duration: 3hr
Cost: $10/participant
Scout Programs - Interest Projects, Try-Its and Badges: Our programs engage scouts in wetland activities which help them develop environmental awareness skills that will allow them to complete Interest Project Awards. EC patches available.
Age: Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors
Duration: 3 - 6 hrs
Cost: $10 - $12/participant
Educational Resources: Look no further… need materials for your wetland unit, program or just something to get your students excited about learning?
Wetland 101 Travelling Trunk: Our lending resource is the perfect supplement for your water related curriculum. The trunk offers skulls, tracks, videos, books, Wetlands 101 PowerPoint, wetland information and more. Also included is the WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands Curriculum Guide for you to keep. For rent to schools and organizations.
Ages: Grades K-6
Duration of rental: Two weeks
Cost: $75 plus shipping and handling
WOW! Activity Trunk: This lending resource is designed for educators interested in borrowing WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands Activity materials for a wetland unit or for WOW! Facilitators leading a workshop. Trunk includes material sets of ready-to-use WOW! activities to lead over 17 of our most popular activities including Wetland in a Pan, Do You Dig Wetland Soil?, Wetland Habitats and more. For rent to WOW! Facilitators, schools or organizations.
Ages: Kindergarten-Adults
Duration of rental: One week
Cost: $50 plus shipping and handling
WOW! Facilitator Kits: Wish you had WOW! activity materials, but don’t have the time to make them? Let EC make your favorite WOW! Activity Kits for you. 12 different kits are available. Each includes all the necessary materials for up to 30 participants. Kits can be used again and again. Kit descriptions can be found at www.wetland.org
Age: Student-Adults
Cost: $15-$45 (varies per kit) plus shipping and handling
Wetland Charm Kits: This wetland activity for elementary students uses charm ingredients to represent the key components and functions of a wetland. Charms are made with special glitter confetti and discussed by students, challenging them to make connections to wetlands. Charm kits come with instructions, talking points and materials to create a wetland necklace for 30 participants.
Age: Elementary level
Cost: $10.00 ea. plus shipping and handling
For more information on COW programs, field trips, trunk rentals, kits, educational wetland cds, charm orders or to receive a brochure with a complete list of programs available please contact Environmental Concern at 410-745-9620 or visit us online at www.wetland.org
Katelin Mielke Frase
Wetland Educator
Environmental Concern
P.O Box P., 201 Boundary Lane
St. Michaels, MD 21663
410-745-9620 – phone
410-745-3517 – fax
Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook!
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