Welcome to the Utah Society for Environmental Education (USEE) E-Newsletter! This publication exists to connect educators and our community with valuable news, information, and opportunities!
Whether you are an educator, business owner, agency personnel, or a concerned citizen…we hope that you will find something useful and interesting in each month’s publication!
In This Issue:
USEE News
Community Corner
Environmental Education News
Educator’s Corner
EE Jobs, Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
USEE News
Upcoming Events
USEE “Green Bag” Lunch Series – Time for a Change-Behavior Change through Social Marketing
August 21, 2007 ~ USEE Offices (466 E. 500 S., Ste. 100; SLC, UT) 12:00-1:30pm
Registration REQUIRED-RSVP by August 17, 2007
Clear your lunchtime schedule and join Jack Wilbur, Utah NPS Information and Education Coordinator with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Foods, for an informative presentation titled Time for a Change - Behavior Change Outreach through the Social Marketing Process. This workshop will be especially helpful for those who are enrolled or are planning to enroll in the Utah EE Certification Program. Cost: $5.00/USEE Members & $10.00/Nonmembers (Lunch Provided). To RSVP, or for questions, contact Andree’ Walker at andree@usee.org or call (801) 328-1549.
Project Learning Tree (PLT) Educator Workshop - University Faculty & Staff Workshop
September 7, 2007 ~ Westminster College, SLC, UT (8:30-3:00pm)
RSVP by Friday, August 31, 2007
The focus of the workshop will be on integrating EE into pre-service teacher training through the use of PLT curricula centered on comprehensive EE for pre K-12 students; it is not simply focused on trees, but covers the total environment: land, air, and water. It is local, national, and global in scope. The activities are correlated to the national standards of learning, applicable in a variety of educational settings, interdisciplinary, activity-based, and fun for students and instructors alike. This workshop will be very beneficial as professional development, but to entice you further, we are offering a $100 stipend just for attending as well as a $100 credit for PLT books and supplies! To register, contact Andree' Walker at andree@usee.org or (801) 328-1549.
Celebrate USEE’s 11th Annual Benefit Bash
September 30, 2007 ~ Squatter’s Pub Brewery, Salt Lake City, UT
Join us in celebration and support of USEE’s 26 years of providing leadership to the environmental education community in Utah. The night will feature a reception, delectable hors d'ouvres, a silent auction, and delightful musical entertainment. To register online, click on the following link: https://payments.auctionpay.com/ver3/?id=w024422. Please stay tuned for further details at http://www.usee.org/about/bash.html.
Call for Auction Items!
Is there something that you could offer to help make this USEE’s Benefit Bash a one-of-a-kind event? If so, please contact USEE at (801) 328-1549 or email Andree’ Walker at andree@usee.org. Donations are tax deductible, and your generosity supports USEE’s programs to promote environmental education throughout Utah.
USEE’s Annual Conference – Online Registration Now Open
October 26-27, 2007 ~ Moab, UT
Be a part of our 18th Annual Utah Environmental Education Conference, “Building Connections: People, Place, & Culture” at the Moab Arts & Recreation Center in Moab, Utah on October 26-27! The conference will feature an excellent selection of professional development and enrichment opportunities, a great opportunity to network with others in the field, entertaining field trips, food, music, and fun! Online registration will be available soon through our webpage. The Early Bird Registration rate closes October 12th for both exhibitors and attendees. Please stay tuned for more conference details at http://www.usee.org/services/conference.html. For questions, call (801) 328-1549.
Mark Your Calendars!
Keep an eye out and clear your schedule for the following upcoming USEE events:
USEE “Green Bag” Lunch Series ~ Learning Theories, Presentation by Karen Paisley
September 12, 2007 (12:00-1:30pm) ~ Red Butte Garden; Salt Lake City, UT
Project Learning Tree (PLT) Workshop
October 13, 2007 (Time TBA) ~ Utah House; Kaysville, UT
News
USEE Welcomes New Staff!
USEE is excited to welcome our new Executive Director Jason Taylor, as well as our new Associate Director Andree’ Walker!
A Message from Jason Taylor:
It is with great enthusiasm that I join the Utah Society for Environmental Education (USEE) as Executive Director. My path to USEE includes an early career as a naturalist, a Masters degree in Environmental Studies, the creation of an Environmental Education Consulting company in Canada and active participation in the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). Most recently I served as the Education Director at the Ecological Society of America (ESA) in Washington DC. While at ESA I initiated the creation of its Education Office and was responsible for the Society's education activities. Those activities included managing staff, volunteers and projects; developing education materials; networking with science and environmental education professionals; organizing activates at ESA's Annual Meeting; and cultivating financial support.
USEE has a reputation as one of the most effective and well run organizations in the NAAEE and I look forward to contributing to this locally, regionally, and nationally recognized Society. It is an exciting time for the field of Environmental Education and USEE is uniquely positioned to move forward with the recent release of its 2007-2010 strategic plan. This document, created by and for Utah environmental educators, provides the framework and vision to ensure that the Utah community continues to lead the nation in innovative, high-quality and effective environmental education.
It is my firm belief that by working cooperatively with a variety of stakeholders and across disciplines, as well as working with a large-scale vision, that we will be able to effect change in public perception towards the environment. I have a passion for making environmental education the most effective possible tool and look forward to working with the USEE community in the months and years ahead.
A Message from Andree’ Walker
I am very excited to be formally working at USEE! I have attended conferences and partnered on various projects for years, and have always been impressed at the high quality materials and resources USEE produces as well as the wonderful staff.
My experience with EE started in 1997 as I began an Undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Education from Utah State University. In 2000, while completing my Undergraduate work, I began working for USU Water Quality Extension where I worked up from part time staff to Education Coordinator, and then as Program Coordinator. During those years, I also earned my Masters degree in Watershed Science with an emphasis in Outreach Education and Assessment.
I have been fortunate to work with many outstanding Environmental Educators throughout Utah in the past 7 years, and look forward to working with existing friends and peers as well as new contacts in my new capacity as the Associate Director.
USEE’s New Address
USEE has moved to a new building! The beginning of August 2007 marked the transition of USEE’s offices to a new and nearby location. Our new address is as follows (please update your contact information for USEE accordingly):
Utah Society for Environmental Education
466 East 500 South, Suite 100
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Special Thanks
USEE extends a special thanks to all the wonderful folks who helped us move! We would not have been able to do it without all of your efforts. Thank you!
Community Corner
Upcoming Events
Ogden Nature Center (ONC) ~ Photography Exhibit
August 10-Septmber 7, 2007 ~ Ogden, UT
Come check out an eye-catching photography exhibit by Debra Muller, featuring nature-centered images, at the Ogden Nature Center. Regular admission for nonmembers is $3/adults & $1.25/children. For more information, please call (801) 621-7595.
Eating Local Challenge!
Kick-off Party: August 18th (Please RSVP!)
Challenge yourself this summer to eat locally by only consuming food produced no more than 250 miles from your home! Not only does sustainable eating support your local economy, but it also reduces your carbon footprint. The challenge begins August 19th, but is preceded by a kick-off party the day before. Visit your local Farmer’s Market, sign up for a CSA, plant a garden, and enjoy the challenge! For more information on how to get involved, please email heidina@comcast.net.
Bug ID & Pest Management
August 21, 2007 ~ SLC, UT (Grateful Tomato Garden)
Good Bug? Bad Bug? Find answers to these questions and more at this interactive workshop. Learn effective organic methods to rid your garden of bad bugs without harming the good bugs.
For details, visit www.wasatchgardens.org.
Sea Jellies Exhibit
Ongoing ~ The Living Planet Aquarium; Sandy, UT
Lots of slippery characters have moved into The Living Planet Aquarium! Visit the aquarium at their Sandy location and check out some “upside-down” sea jellies; the beautiful sea nettles Chrysaora; and admire specially designed living quarters for one of the aquarium’s most popular animals, the moon jellies! For details, visit http://thelivingplanet.com.
Totally Frogs! ~ Utah Museum of Natural History
Through September 3, 2007 ~ Salt Lake City, UT
Things are hopping at UMNH as they welcome over 30 species of live frogs from around the world! From tiny Poison Dart Frogs to Giant Monkey Frogs, it's easy to be green...or orange or blue this summer! Visit http://www.centralpt.com/pageview.aspx?menu=4487&id=16326 for details!
Fill your weekend with Farmers’ Markets
Don’t forget about our Salt Lake’s local Farmer’s Markets! The Downtown Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday at Pioneer Park (8:00-1:00pm) now through October 20th. The People’s Market is held every Sunday at Jordan Park's International Peace Gardens (10:00-3:00pm) now through October 21, 2007. For details, visit www.downtownslc.org/newsletter.htm or www.slcpeoplesmarket.org.
Community News
Utah Celebrates 50 Years of State Parks
This year marked the 50th celebration of Utah’s State Parks! The first parks emerged in 1957 and were as few as three. Today, Utah hosts 42 different parks throughout the state as well as one recreational area. Most of the parks offer various nature opportunities and lend themselves to numerous outdoor activities from wildlife tracking and start gazing to hiking, biking, sailing, and cross-country skiing. For additional information on Utah State Parks and Recreation, visit www.stateparks.utah.gov.
(Source: Salt Lake City Tribune)
Did You Know..?
-100 million trees are cut down each year to create ~ 4.5 million tons of junk mail in the US
-28 billion gallons of water go into the production of American junk mail annually
-Your name is typically worth 3- 20 cents each time it is sold for a direct mailing
Stop Junk Mail with GreenDimes!
GreenDimes stops your paper junk mail, helps protect your identity, and plants a tree for you every month for a fraction of the cost of doing it on your own. To learn more about GreenDimes or to read up on some handy ‘Do-It-Yourself’ Tips, visit http://www.greendimes.com/index.html.
Environmental Education News & Events
Local
Bioneers Conference
October 19-21, 2007 ~ Logan and Salt Lake City (Westminster College), UT
Join Bioneers for their 18th Annual Conference to connect ideas, issues, people, and networks in a “globalocal” movement. For more information, visit www.bioneers.org. Each city hosting the conference has a different focus, as well as various local sessions. Also, Bioneers has a new community space for educators to provide inspirational and practical materials and events. Check out articles and interviews, share curriculum and teaching ideas, and propose and conduct interviews with Bioneers speakers at http://www.bioneers.org/education. For details on the Bioneers conferences in Utah, visit www.westminstercollege.edu/bioneers and http://extension.usu.edu/bioneers/.
Regional
NSTA 2007 Western Area Conference in Denver
November 8-10, 2007 ~ Denver, CO
Make Denver your destination for “Peak Experiences in Science.” All science educators are invited to attend this great professional development opportunity filled with workshops, day-long professional development institutes, research dissemination conferences, knowledgeable and inspirational speakers, field trips, and more. For further conference details, visit http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2007den/.
NATIONAL
US Conference of Mayors Supports EE in NCLB
Recently, the 75th Annual meeting of the US Conference for Mayors adopted a resolution introduced by Mayor Raul G. Salinas from Laredo, Texas, supporting "full and dedicated funding sources" for EE. For the full text (page 159), please visit http://usmayors.org/75thAnnualMeeting/resolutions_full.pdf.
(Source: North American Association for Environmental Education – EE online newsletter)
2007 NAAEE Annual Conference and Research Symposium
November 14-17, 2007 ~ Virginia Beach, VA
The North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE) will be holding its annual conference “Explore New Horizons for Environmental Education,” November 14-17, 2007 in Virginia Beach, VA. For further conference details, visit www.naaee.org.
Educator’s Corner
Professional Development/ Training Opportunities
Trail Maintenance Workshop
September 8, 2007 ~ Mill D North Trailhead in BCC (8am-12:00pm)
The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation (CCF), in partnership with the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, is offering a series of workshops designed to train the public in trail maintenance skills. These workshops are being held in the hopes of increasing volunteer skills in maintaining and sustaining some of the best trails in the nation! For questions, or to RSVP, contact CCF at (801) 733-2337 or volunteer@cottonwoodcanyons.org.
Leadership Development in Natural Resources: Strategic Planning & Implementation
September 17-November 16, 2007~ Online Course through UW - SP
The University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point is offering its newest online course designed to assist environmental educators and natural resource professionals in learning and applying key elements of successful strategic planning. The course is also offered as a non-credit workshop. To learn more, visit www.eetap.org. To register, contact Angela Lemar at (715) 346-3854 or Angela.Lemar@uwsp.edu.
Permaculture Design Certification
September 22-October 5, 2007
This two-week intensive course provides practical skills in designing and creating sustainable systems that benefit the earth and care for people. Learn from Darren J. Doherty, one of the most experienced and engaged professionals in Permaculture Design and education. To register, call Jacob at (801) 703-4252 or email jacobhansen@yahoo.com. For details, visit www.permaculture.biz.
Teacher Resources
Environmental Literacy & Environmental Education Defined
If you’ve ever had trouble defining Environmental Literacy and Environmental Education, or are just curios to learn more about these terms, the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) has just developed understandable and explainable descriptions! Included with the descriptions are examples of what environmental literacy looks like, how EE and educational achievement are linked, EE "done right," and links to additional resources. Visit http://eetap.org/html/environmental_literacy.php.
Soil-Net.com
Soil-Net.com is a free and compelling environmental Internet resource providing teachers and students extensive curriculum-based information about soil. Soil-Net.com will help you discover what soil is, the teeming life in soil, and about the many environmental threats facing soils. Extensive information, advice and activities are provided for students, teachers, parents and caretakers to assist in soil-based education. .
GLOBIO – Mapping Human Impacts on the Biosphere
This program was initiated to provide an inexpensive, simple, scientifically based communication tool for mapping the likelihood of human impacts on the biosphere resulting from increasing growth in resource utilization. GLOBIO uses models and analysis to assess human impact on the biosphere. The Web site, http://www.globio.info/, features maps, videos, and documents, as well as a description of the model and scenarios.
Grants & Awards
PLT GreenWorks! Grants
Deadline: October 31, 2007
Have an idea for an exciting service-learning or community action project for your students but don't have the funding? Why not apply for one of PLT's GreenWorks! grants? GreenWorks! is the service-learning, community action program of PLT that partners PLT educators, students, and communities in environmental neighborhood improvement projects. To learn more, visit www.plt.org.
Young Explorers Grants
Deadline: Open
Young Explorers Grants provide the opportunity for many recipients to pursue their first experiences in the field. The goal is to enhance National Geographic’s efforts to foster the next generation of researchers, explorers, and conservationists, National Geographic now provides seed grants to individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 in the fields they have a rich history of supporting. Visit
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/yeg/ for details
FACES Magazine - April 2008 Issue: Clean Earth
Deadline: October 31, 2007
FACES is looking for kids ages 9-16 who would like to send a photo of themselves and tell what they are doing to protect the Earth and its resources. In 1-2 sentences, they want to hear about what do at home and at school to care for the Earth. To learn more, visit www.cobblestonepub.com. All contributors who are published will receive a complimentary copy of this issue.
Apply Today for a Toyota Tapestry Grant
Deadline: January 28, 2008
The program is open to middle and high school science teachers who teach at least two science classes a day and to elementary classroom teachers who teach at least some science in the classroom. Toyota is offering $550,000 in grants to 70 to 82 teams of teachers nationwide. Proposals must be submitted online. Visit http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry/ for details.
EE Jobs, Internships, & Volunteer Opportunities
Office Assistant - Utah Rivers Council
The Utah Rivers Council seeks a detail-oriented and dedicated individual to keep their office and membership program running smoothly. PT-20hrs/wk. For details, visit www.utahrivers.org.
Volunteer at Jordanelle State Park
Need something to do? Jordanelle State Park is looking for friendly people to volunteer to help around the park this summer. If you have maintenance skills or just like to be around people give them a call at (801) 649-9540 or (435) 782-3030. Jordanelle is located on Hwy 40 between Park City and Heber City.
For a list of additional environmental education job/internship opportunities visit USEE’s EE Jobs page: http://usee.org/eeinfo/jobs.html.