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 eachmonth’s publication!
In This Issue:
USEE News
Community Corner
Environmental Education News
Educator’s Corner
USEE News
Upcoming Events
REGISTER NOW for USEE’s 17th Annual Utah Environmental Education Conference!
Earlybird Deadline October 19, 2006
Visit our website for conference registration and information at http://www.usee.org/services/conference.html. The conference will feature various keynote speakers, an excellent selection of EE-related sessions, a great opportunity to network with others in the field throughout the conference as well as at the Share Fair exhibition, entertaining field trips, food, and fun! Exhibitor registration information is also available at this time. The earlybird deadline for exhibitors, for the discounted fee, is October 19th, with a final deadline of November 3rd. Please contact Marie with any questions (801.328.1549 or marie@usee.org).
Great Basin Earth Institute (GBEI) Introductory Session
September 28, 2006 ~ Salt Lake City Main Library @ 7:00pm
GBEI, a program of USEE, is hosting introductions to discussion courses that explore ideas for creating a healthy lifestyle and community. The introductory meeting will be held on Thursday, September 28th at the Salt Lake City Main Library in Conference Room C. We will address all of the courses offered by the Great Basin Earth Institute including: Choices for Sustainable Living, Deep Ecology, Globalization and its Critics, Healthy Children/Healthy Planet, Discovering a Sense of Place, and Voluntary Simplicity. The Great Basin Earth Institute discussion courses are designed to motivate individuals to examine and transform personal values and habits, to accept responsibility for the earth, and to act on that commitment. Please contact Marie with any questions (801.328.1549 or marie@usee.org).
Wasatch Front Watershed Education Workshop
September 29, 2006 ~ SLC, UT (Tracy Aviary)
Salt Lake City Public Utilities, in cooperation with USEE, invites all 4th grade educators to participate in a FREE workshop at the Tracy Aviary from 9am-4pm to learn about the local watershed, obtain education materials and earn re-licensure points. For more information or to register, contact Staci Strenkert at 801.328.1549 or staci@usee.org.
USEE Professional Development Series
UT Environmental Education Certification- Brown Bag Lunch Discussion
September 20th ~ 12:00-1:30pm (USEE Teacher Resource Center)
Bring your lunch and join USEE staff and local educators for a round-table discussion on the components of the UT Environmental Education Certification Program. For more information or to RSVP, contact Jennifer Visitacion at 801-328-1549 or jenv@usee.org.
Project Learning Tree/ Fire Education Workshops
September 21st and 26th ~ 4-6pm (USEE Teacher Resource Center)
Teachers and non-formal educators are invited and encouraged to attend one of these two-hour workshops to learn about fire education activities and to obtain FREE fire education materials! For more information, please contact Staci Strenkert at 801-328-1549 or staci@usee.org.
News
USEE Welcomes a new Program Director!
We are proud to welcome Staci Strenkert who is joining our team as USEE’s new Director of Programs & Professional Services! Staci has a BS in Environmental Studies and is currently completing her Utah EE Certification. She hopes to promote awareness and dedication to conservation through the variety of EE programs USEE offers while instilling in others that one person can make a difference.
FREE Posters at USEE’s Teacher Resource Center (TRC)!
The new school year has begun! How does your classroom look? If you need some new posters to spruce up your classroom walls and entice your student’s minds, USEE has hundreds to give away for FREE! Come visit our (TRC) at our office, and pick up you very own set of free posters ranging in topic from fire education and biodiversity to wildlife and landscape! To have posters sent in the mail (must pay S&H), contact Marie Kay at marie@usee.org or 801.328.1549.
Community Corner
Upcoming Events
Lakeside Learning Fieldtrips ~ Friends of Great Salt Lake
September 15-October 15, 2006
Anyone, from educators & parents to youth & community groups, interested in enjoying an educational, half- or full-day professionally guided field trip at Antelope Island is encouraged to sign-up! The Friends of Great Salt Lake (FOGSL) is hosting activity-based investigations of geology, geography, water chemistry, and plant & animal life at various locations on Antelope Island. For more information, contact Katie Pearce, kdpea@comcast.net, or visit http://www.fogsl.org.
Ogden Nature Center ~ Various Events
September & November
A variety of classes and events are taking place at the Ogden Nature Center including a Beginning Nordic Walking Class, Make and Take Rainsticks, The Wolves of Yellowstone slideshow, Sheet Composting, and Leaf Rubbing! For more information, please visit http://www.ogdennaturecenter.org/programs/index.shtml.
Red Butte Garden ~ Dinosaur Exhibit
May-October 2006, Red Butte Garden
Visit Red Butte Garden to travel back to prehistoric times with the help of a few ancient visitors. Life-size dinosaurs, creations of artist Guy Darrough, are roaming the Garden! Stand beneath a 33-foot Daspletosaur - a cousin to T-Rex -, try your hand at paleontology in a dinosaur dig site, or explore a collection of fossil plants. There will be lots to do and discover during Jurassic Garden that you won't want to miss! Visit http://www.redbuttegarden.org/dinos/?c=Featured_Exhibit.inc for details.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo ~ Various Events
Ongoing Event Schedule
Throughout the year, the Hogle Zoo hosts various exciting and informative classes, exhibits, educational programs, and special events. For more detailed information on upcoming “must-see” experiences at the Hogle Zoo, visit http://www.hoglezoo.org.
Community News
Celebrate National Public Lands Day
September 30, 2006
Help build upon the lasting legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps by participating in National Public Lands Day. National Public Lands Day (NPLD) provides an opportunity for volunteers across the nation to work together in improving our public lands. For more information, visit http://www.publiclandsday.org/. Looking for a local opportunity to help out? Then Lend a Hand - Care for the Land! and volunteer your time to accomplish several projects in northern part of the Wasatch Cache National Forest. Contact Lisa Perez at 435. 755.3622 or lperez@fs.fed.us for details.
Children’s Health Month 2006: Promoting Healthy School Environments
October is Children’s Health Month and EPA is promoting Healthy School Environments! Take the opportunity to see how you can create a healthier school environment. For more information, visit http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/chm.htm.
Did You Know..?
Have You Ever Experienced “Lake Stink,” and Wondered What Exactly Causes It?
According to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Great Salt Lake undergoes 2-3 of these notorious episodes per year, but for only a few hours a day-although it is noticed more frequently for those that live closer to the lake.
So What Causes “Lake Stink”?
The saltiest of the Great Salt Lake’s water sits on the bottom of the lake. The heavy brine traps organic material (i.e., algae and plant and animal remains) and gases at the bottom of the lake. When the bottom of the lake gets stirred up, lots of bubbles rise to the surface...[which] release the gas that forms from the decaying organic matter... It smells somewhat like rotten eggs, not unlike the sulfur hot springs that are also common in the intermountain west. (Source: DEQ http://www.deq.utah.gov/references/FactSheets/Lake_Stink.htm)
For more information about the Department of Environmental Quality, visit http://www.deq.utah.gov/. To learn more about Great Salt Lake, visit the following websites:
- Antelope Island State Park: http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/park_pages/scenicparkpage.php?id=aisp
- Friends of Great Salt Lake: http://www.xmission.com/~fogsl/
- USGS: http://ut.water.usgs.gov/greatsaltlake/
Environmental Education News & Events
Local
2006 Utah Bioneers Conference
October 20-22~Eccles Conference Center, Utah State University, Logan, Utah and USU Regional Campuses at Vernal/Roosevelt and Brigham City
Attend the third annual Utah Bioneers Conference to hear keynote speakers Mayor Rocky Anderson and Daniel Kemmis, partake in a variety of local workshops, and be inspired! Take advantage of this fertile network, rich with inspiring ideas, models, tools, resources, and powerful connections. Visit http://extension.usu.edu/bioneers for more information.
New Diversity Content Now Available on NAAEE Website
EETAP, Intercambios, and NAAEE have teamed up to provide environmental educators with information and resources on EE and diversity. This is part of a long-term effort to integrate those working in the EE field with culturally diverse audiences. Visit www.naaee.org/programs-and-initiatives/diversity/cultural-diversity-eetap/.
REGIONAL
Guidelines for Excellence in EE Workshop
September 21, ~ Nampa, Idaho
Learn how to use the national Guidelines for Excellence in EE! See how they'll be applied to the review process, analyze and self-review one of your own programs and/or materials in a collaborative setting, and submit your own EE program/materials to the EE Resource Review process. For details or to register, contact IdEEA at 208-232-5674.
2006 Regional Children's Environmental Health Summit
September 19-21st, Vail Cascade Resort and Spa, Vail, CO
The 4th Annual Regional Children's Environmental Health Summit’s theme this year is "Children's Health and Their Environments: Making the Connection". Goals of the conference include providing further education to health, environment, and education professionals; encouraging the spread of information on children’s environmental health issues; and identifying actions and strategies aimed to protect children from environmental health threats. To register, visit http://epa.gov/region8/humanhealth/children/.
NATIONAL
NAAEE 35th Annual Conference
October 10-14 ~ St Paul, Minnesota
Join NAAEE for their annual conference, "Gathering at the Headwaters: Building EE in Society," this October to examine how the role of EE can be integrated into facing challenges found in our education systems and natural resource conservation. Sessions abound for EE providers from all arenas: non-formal settings, universities, K-12 classrooms, business, and government. With over 350 speakers in 5 strands and valuable networking opportunities, invest your professional development dollars wisely with NAAEE in Minnesota!
To register, visit www.naaee.org.
International Working Forum
October 16-19, 2006 ~ Nebraska City, Nebraska
"Connecting the World's Children with Nature" World Forum Foundation international conference will feature a team of educators, environmentalists, and designers from 25 nations who will guide participants through learning from innovative nature education models and exploring collaborations across professions. Visit http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wf2006_nature/.
Educator’s Corner
Professional Development/ Training Opportunities
Online Wilderness Management Planning Course
October 1, 2006 - January 19, 2007
Register by September 22, for this online course offered by the University of Montana. You will learn about and discuss differences in planning among the four wilderness-managing agencies while also exploring basic planning concepts and a format for writing and implementing a good plan. For more information, visit http://wmdep.wilderness.net/474.htm.
Project WILD Educator Training
October 6-7, 2006 ~ Salt Lake City, UT (Department of Natural Resources)
Project WILD is a Pre-K through 12th grade conservation education program designed to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills related to wildlife, people, and the environment. Activities fulfill many of the Utah State Core Curriculum Standards and Objectives. USU credit is also available for this workshop; pre-registration required. Contact Diana Vos (801) 538-4719 ordianavos@utah.gov for details.
EE & Diversity Professional Development Workshops
These workshops, offered by EETAP and Intercambios, provide groups or organizations the opportunity to explore multicultural issues as they occur in the field of environmental education by examining cultural-based dilemmas, discussing case studies, and investigating how to make the necessary changes to effectively work with diverse audiences. Contact Lisa LaRocque (intercambios@zianet.com) or 505-522-7511) for details.
Leave No Trace Master Educator Courses
September-November ~ Nationwide
There are still a few remaining Master Educator courses available throughout September and November nationwide. Scholarships are also available to those who are interested. Please visit http://lnt.org/training/mastercourses/index.html#tuition for more information.
What’s Fair Got to Do with It: Diversity Cases from Environmental Educators
Looking for a powerful yet enjoyable professional development resource? If so, check out this casebook which addresses the challenges of fairness, expectations, respect, and communication that arise when people who share goals but not cultures interact. To order, visit NAAEE http://naaee.org/publications/index.php or WestEd www.wested.org/products.
Teacher Resources
PLT’s Exploring Environmental Issues: Places We Liv
Places We Live is an interdisciplinary, supplemental curriculum designed for formal and non-formal educators working with students in grades 9-12, but can be easily adapted for adult or middle school audiences. The activities connect students to the places they live so they will care about and influence the decisions being made about those places. For more information about this module, visit http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/21_21_15.html.
Wildflower Guide to Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons
The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, with the help of a team of volunteers, botanists, and staff has created an excellent, easy-to-use wildflower guide to Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. The guide is $15 and all proceeds go towards the Foundation's education and stewardship programs. Visit the Silver Lake Nature Center or the SLC REI store to get your own copy today!
Environmental Education Station Website
Check out this newly updated, visually stimulating website, http://www.ees.cc, that provides a multitude of resources on “Teaching Materials” and the latest “Hot Topics,” as well as a great “Photo Library” all geared toward environmental and resource economics.
Advancing Education through Environmental Literacy ~ Free CD
Free copies of Advancing Education Through Environmental Literacy are available through EETAP. EETAP and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) collaborated to produce the popular booklet and CD. Visit http://www.eetap.org/html/free_booklet_cd.php for details.
Free Posters from Tufts University
Free posters are available from Tufts University. For more information on how to request materials, visit http://www.tufts.edu/as/wright_center/svl/posters/posts.html.
Free for All from NSTA's Science Class
If you haven’t seen NSTA's Science Class e-newsletter providing more than 60 free online opportunities available by grade level, ranging from online publications and activities to catalogs of books, as well as science competitions and professional development workshops, check it out now!
- Elementary Edition: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2006-06/member_elementary.htm
- Middle Level Edition: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2006-06/member_middle.htm
- High School Edition: http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2006-06/member_high.htm
Grants & Awards
PLT GreenWorks! Grants
Deadline: September 29, 2006
All pre-school to high school formal and non-formal educators trained to use Project Learning Tree in the classroom are invited to apply for the GreenWorks! grant. If you have an innovative idea for a hands-on community action or service-learning project for your students, but are unable to fund it, then apply now! For more information, visit http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/21_22_21.html.
K-12 Environmental Excellence Awards
Deadline: November 30, 2006
SeaWorld/ Busch Gardens/ Fuji Film Environmental Excellence Awards program rewards K-12 students & community groups working at the grassroots level to protect and preserve their local environment. For more information, visit http://www.seaworld.org/conservation-matters/eea/about.htm.
Student Achievement Grants ~ National Education Association Foundation (NEA)
Deadline: October 15, 2006
The NEA is offering Innovation and Learning & Leadership grants to public school teachers, educational support professionals, faculty and staff. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded for proposals to improve student learning in America's public schools, colleges, and universities. Visit http://www.nea.org/grants/nfie0605.html to apply!
2006 Healthy Sprouts Award
Deadline: October 15th
In order to promote “health-focused youth gardens,” the National Gardening Association invites applicants to apply for the School Gardens Program’s 2006 Healthy Sprouts Award, sponsored by Gardener’s Supply. Twenty-five schools or organization will be awarded with a $200 gift certificate to support school garden programs demonstrating the relationship between nutrition and hunger in the U.S. For further details, visit http://www.kidsgardening.com/healthysprouts1.asp
Presidential Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA)
Deadline: October 31, 2006
The U.S. EPA invites youth to participate in the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) program. This program recognizes young Americans for protecting the nation’s air, water, land, and ecology while promoting EE awareness and positive community involvement. Individuals, school classes, summer camps, public interest groups, and youth organizations are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/awards.html.
Organic School Garden Awards
Deadline: October 31, 2006
This annual contest, sponsored by the Rodale Institute, is for schools (K-12) that use their organic gardens as a learning tool. The top three schools that submit the best essay and poster expressing how they use their school garden will receive cash prizes of $250, $500, and $1000. For details, visit http://www.kidsregen.org/gardens/index.shtml
100% for Kids Foundation
Ongoing deadline: Mini-grants, end of each month; larger grants, end of each quarter
All Utah State public school K-12 teachers are eligible to apply for funding. The foundation gives funding directly to the teachers and the needs of their classroom from paper supplies to more involved projects. To learn more about this terrific opportunity, visit http://www.ulcu.com/ucuef/main.asp!
EE Jobs
AmeriCorps*VISTA Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator ~ Wasatch Community Gardens
Make a difference in the community with Wasatch Community Gardens! They are seeking a person who is passionate about community development and organic gardening. The coordinator will do outreach as well as lead volunteers in the gardens. For more information, and job description, visit http://www.wasatchgardens.org/jobs.html.
Healthy Waters Institute ~ Director
Oregon Trout, a non-profit education and conservation organization, seeks a leader to continue expansion of its very ambitious watershed education program. Healthy Waters Institute seeks to teach every K-12 student in Oregon about the health and value of their local waters. The successful candidate will be an energetic, skilled and experienced manager ready to unite and motivate a diverse mix of educational and community partners to sustain and improve a rapidly growing educational effort, while demonstrating a willingness to do whatever is necessary to get the job done. Visit http://www.ortrout.org/2about/jobs.html for details.
University of Utah Work Study and AmeriCorps Positions ~ Bend-in-the-River
Work as a volunteer leader, an educator, a grounds worker, or any combination of the above at the Bend-in-the-River, a two-acre natural site on the Jordan River. Bend-in-the-River is currently looking to fill AmeriCorps and Work Study positions. These positions offer experience with area nonprofits and environmental organizations. For more information, visit www.bend-in-the-river.org or contact Tara Poelzing at 801-587-9027 or tpoelzing@sa.utah.edu.
For more environmental education job opportunities visit USEE’s EE Jobs page: http://usee.org/eeinfo/jobs.html