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 Annual Benefit Bash
September 30, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm ~ Squatters Pub Brewery, Salt Lake City
Come join us to celebrate and support over 25 years of USEE’s leadership to the environmental education community in Utah at our 11th Annual Benefit Bash! Enjoy an unforgettable night packed with fabulous music, delicious food, entertainment, and fun! We will start the evening off with savory hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction where you’ll have the opportunity to bid on items such as adventurous river trips and vacation packages, local entertainment tickets and passes, as well as assorted gift baskets and handmade goods. Afterward, we will announce this year’s 2007 Environmental Education Award recipients for the Vern A. Fridley Environmental Educator of the Year Award, Program of the Year Award, and Volunteer of the Year Award. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.usee.org/about/bash.html.
Project Learning Tree
October 20, 9 am – 3:30 pm ~ Utah House, Kaysville
Join us for an exciting Project Learning Tree workshop at the Utah House in Kaysville! There is a $15 registration fee; all attendees receive a copy of the guide and additional resources. For more information or to register, contact Andree’ Walker (801) 328-1549 or andree@usee.org. You can also visit http://www.usee.org/services/plt.html to learn about the PLT program in Utah. Space is limited, so register early!
USEE Annual Conference
October 26 – 27, all day ~ Moab
Join us at this year’s conference for an enlightening occasion filled with valuable professional development and networking opportunities, inspirational speakers, constructive workshops, and enjoyable entertainment among the towering castles, long mesas, and winding rivers of the Moab Desert! USEE invites formal educators (K-12), curriculum developers, conservation educators, non-formal educators, university students and faculty, and all other interested citizens to attend the conference. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.usee.org/services/conference.html.
Special Thanks
Adrienne Cachelin and Marie Kay
We would like to publicly recognize two outstanding individuals for their hard work and commitment to the Utah Society for Environmental Education. First, we owe a big thanks to Adrienne Cachelin who was USEE’s Interim Director over the past few summer months. Adrienne’s guidance and expertise allowed USEE to continue to grow and improve during a time of transition. Thanks Adrienne! Secondly, we would like to thank Marie Kay for her time at USEE. Marie has moved on to a job at the Alzheimer’s Center at the U of U. We will miss Marie’s amazing talents and wonderful work ethic as well as her bright personality. We wish you well!
Community Corner
Upcoming Events
The Wonderful World of Flowers
September 5 - October 7
Stroll through the Red Butte Garden Visitor Center for a glimpse into Whitney Robinson Stubbart's Optical Oasis. Whitney is a Wasatch Front native, an artist, and a photographer whose passion for artwork and photography began at a young age. Having worked with a number of artistic mediums, photography became her passion. The outcome of this passion is a collection of vibrant botanical photography which will be displayed at Red Butte Garden. All pieces are available for sale through the Garden Giftshop. For more information about the artist and her work, please visit WWW.LAMBIARTS.COM. Regular Garden Admission/Members Free. No registration required
Glaciers of the Cottonwood Canyons
September 18 @ 7 pm ~ REI, Salt Lake City
Join Forest Service hydrogeoloist Joe Gates for a slide show and talk on how the forces of glaciation have shaped the mountains and canyons of the Wasatch. This presentation will start with some basic glaciology and discussion of possible causes of major glacial periods, followed by a history of glacial activity in the Cottonwood Canyons during the last major glacial period (last 2.8 million years), with emphasis on the latest glacial period (30,000 to 7,000 years ago). Then participants will hear a description of the erosive and depositional glacial features of the canyons, in particular Little Cottonwood Canyon, as well as how glacial features relate to ski terrain. For more information call Eric Spreng at (801) 486-2100.
How to Start a School Garden with Wasatch Community Gardens
Saturday October 13, 12 pm to 2 pm ~ Salt Lake City
Students who participate in school gardens eat healthier, learn increased social skills and responsibility, care more for their environment, and perform better in all academic subjects. Does your school need a garden? Come learn from an experienced teacher about how to start and sustain a school garden and how to integrate gardens into the classroom. Please call to reserve your spot call 359-2658.
Wildlife Wednesdays at Ogden Nature Center
Every Wednesday at 3:30 pm
Slithering snakes, hooting owls, awesome eagles, desert tortoises, hawks, tarantulas and more. The Ogden Nature Center presents Wildlife Wednesdays every week at 3:30 pm. People of all ages are invited to learn about some of Utah’s native animal species up close and personal. Each week you’ll meet a different animal and learn about their behavior, habitat, diet, unique characteristics and more. These casual lessons are presented by an Ogden Nature Center staff member trained in conservation biology, ornithology, education or natural sciences. Regular admission rates apply. For more information please call (801) 621-7595 or visit www.ogdennaturecenter.org
Community News
Utah will go dark on September 19th
We want every Utah home and business to turn off all lights for one hour from 9:00 to 10:00 pm on Wednesday, September 19th," said Dan Furner, vice president of sales and marketing for eCube Energy, a Salt Lake City company that specializes in energy saving devices. The experiment called, "Lights Off Utah", is being organized by eCube Energy to demonstrate how much energy can be saved and how carbon emissions can be eliminated through the simple act of turning off all lights statewide for one hour.
Of course, essential services, such as hospitals and nursing homes will not be asked to participate, and street lighting will remain on during that period," said Furner. "We got the idea after the success of 'Lights Out London' that was conducted on Thursday night (6-21-07). It was estimated that if the city’s 9 million people cooperated, the amount of carbon emissions removed from the atmosphere would equal the removal of 750,000 vehicles from the roads for one day," said Paul Isom, eCube Energy vice president of business development. "Based on the London success, we fully expect Utah’s government and business leaders to support ‘Lights Off Utah," said Furner. The Royal family, Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Mayor of London, thousands of large and small businesses and the general public came together for the London experiment. To sign up as a participant or sponsor in the September 19th project, go to www.lightsoffamerica.com and go to the lightsoffutah link. "We are very excited to be able to show the nation that Utah is a true energy conservation state. Utahns truly care about the environment, and we are going to prove it," said Isom. For more information or if you want to help, contact Dan Furner at
801-231-1202.
Did You Know..?
Cottonwood Canyon has a new website
The Cottonwood Canyons Foundations has recently expanded their website. Take a look at www.cottonwoodcanyons.org. They would love to know how you like it as well as hear any comments or suggestions you may have.
Environmental Education News & Events
Local
LEED for Schools Technical Review Workshop
October 4, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm ~ South Jordan (Daybreak Elementary)
Many school districts are demanding green facilities that save money while protecting the environment, improving health and performance of students, and creating a better learning environment. Attend the LEED for Schools Technical Review presented by the U.S. Green Building Council and gain the knowledge needed to maximize green building practices for improving school design and performance. For more information, visit http://chapters.usgbc.org/utah/Docs/pdf/LeedforSchools.pdf.
Lecture - Akiko Busch
September 26, 2007 @ 7:00 pm ~ SLC Public Library
Environmental writer and amateur swimmer Akiko Busch, author of Nine Ways to Cross A River (Bloomsbury USA, July 2007), will deliver a public lecture about developing personal relationships with rivers and protecting local waterways for beneficial uses. The lecture will take place at 7:00 pm (seating by 6:50 pm) at The City Library, Main Branch, Nancy Tessman Auditorium, 210 E 400 S., SLC. Akiko Busch's lecture will also be broadcast live on KCPW Public Radio. On A Clear Day, a film about swimming across the English Channel will precede the lecture at 4:00pm. The lecture and film are free to the public. For information about events featuring Akiko Busch, contact Jeff Salt at (801) 485-2550, or by email at jeffsalt@greatsaltlakekeeper.org.
Regional
The Art of Interpretive Writing
October 15 - 16, 9 am to 4pm daily ~ Boise, Idaho
Alan Leftridge, author of Interpretive Writing, and the executive editor of The Interpreter magazine, will guide you through an engaging and informative workshop that will sharpen your skills for connecting with your audiences. This two-day workshop addresses strategies promoted by the National Association for Interpretation and the National Park Service. You will focus on developing tangibles, intangibles, universals, and interpretive themes in your writing, while avoiding trite expressions. These strategies and skills apply to your brochures, exhibits, public service announcements, magazine articles and other interpretive projects. You will leave the workshop with a workbook and a product applicable toyour professionalsituation. To register or for more information, contact Alan Leftridge at 406-754-2940 or www.leftridge.com.
National
Update on No Child Left Behind
On July 30, Representative George Miller (D-CA), Chair of the Education and Labor Committee, delivered a speech at the National Press Club on his committee’s plans to reauthorize (re-write) the No Child Left Behind Act. In terms of specifics, the Chairman stressed his desire to provide schools with more fairness and flexibility in measuring students’ growth and guard against a narrowing of the curriculum. He expressed his belief that, while schools need to remain accountable to all students, the new bill should allow for multiple assessment measures and include a growth model that builds upon the program currently being piloted by the U.S. Department of Education. For the complete article, please visit http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2007_08_13_legupdate.htm.
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
Zion Canyon Rendezvous & ACA/SUU Canyoneering Conference
October 4-7, 2007 ~ Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
The American Canyoneering Association is pleased to announce the annual Zion Canyon Rendezvous. This year's rendezvous will be held simultaneously with the third annual ACA/SUU Canyoneering Conference at the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort near Zion National Park, Utah. Anyone with an interest in canyoneering is encouraged to attend this year's rendezvous and conference – that includes ACA members, non- members and guests. Visit the rendezvous/conference page for more information, including itinerary, accommodations and registration form. http://www.canyoneering.net/zion.
Permaculture Design Certification
September 27 – October 9 ~ Salt Lake City
This two week intensive course provides participants with practical skills in designing and creating sustainable human systems based upon the resilience and diversity of natural ecosystems.
Permaculture is the conscious design of 'cultivated' ecosystems that have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is a harmonious integration of people into the landscape in such a way that the land grows in richness, productivity and aesthetic beauty. Permanent agriculture, permanent culture. The course will be presented by Darren Doherty of Australia, one of the world's foremost Permaculture Design professional and instructor. Learn more about him and permaculture at www.permaculture.biz. For more details and course registration contact Jacob Hansen at (801) 703-4252
or jacobhansen76@yahoo.com.
Teacher Resources
World Ecosystems Beyond Borders (WEBB)
Free Web-based curriculum to help teachers bring global environmental issues to science and social studies classrooms. The WEBB curriculum engages students in a dynamic study of local and global issues to prepare them for citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world. Sponsored by Global Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. For more information, visit http://global.wisc.edu/outreach/k-12/webb/
F.R.E.E. Network
The Forest Resource Environmental Education (F.R.E.E.) Network contains more than 100 interactive, scientifically sound resources and links for students and teachers at all grade levels to learn about forests and forest management. The network was started by the University of Minnesota and is now hosted by Dovetail Partners, a non-profit environmental organization based in Minneapolis. The network is frequently updated to offer the most current information possible. Visit the site today for information you can use in your classroom – and don’t forget to take the popular environmental quiz! http://www.freenetwork.org
Cottonwood Canyons Wildflower Guide – Second Edition
The first edition sold out, so they had to print more! This wildflower guide is specific to Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon. Easy to use, it has two photos of each flower taken in either Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon showing local variations! Proceeds of this guide support the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation. Available at the Alta Lodge, REI in Salt Lake City and the Silver Lake Nature Center. http://www.cottonwoodcanyons.org/education/activities/wildflowerguide.php
Grants & Awards
The President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA)
Deadline: October 31, 2007
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8 is inviting students in grades K-12 from Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming to participate in the PEYA program. Since 1971, the President of the United States has joined with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to recognize young Americans for protecting our nation’s air, water, land, and ecology. Individuals, school classes, summer camps, public interest groups, and youth organizations are encouraged to promote environmental awareness and positive community involvement. Details about the application form, selection process and past winner descriptions are available at http://www.epa.gov/region8/ee/peya.html.
PLT Greenworks! Service-Learning Program
Deadline for proposals: October 31, 2007
This year, PLT is making $100,000 available for "learning-by-doing" environmental projects that:
- Partner PLT educators and their students with local businesses or community organizations
- Combine academics with community service
- Engage elementary through college-age students in active learning about the environment
- Provide opportunities for student leadership
For additional information, visit http://plt.org/cms/pages/21_22_21.html.
EE Jobs, Internships, & Volunteer Opportunities
Crew Leaders
Earthcorps ~ Full Time
Earthcorps is looking to fill 3 positions for January 2008 – December 2008. The position will include crew leadership, project implementation, training and instruction of other staff, communications, and support of other programs. For more information or to apply, visit http://www.earthcorps.org/hiring.php?article_id=104.
Birthday Party Hosts and Education Instructors 
Utah Museum of Natural History ~ Fridays and Saturdays
The Utah Museum of Natural History is looking to fill the following positions – Birthday Party Hosts and Education Instructors. For more information, please contact Shelli at (801) 585-3948 or scampbell@umnh.utah.edu.
Education Staff Assistant
Utah Museum of Natural History ~ Part Time
Job duties: Responsible for assisting in the development and instruction of activities, meetings, training sessions, field trips and outreach teaching with middle and high school students. Interested applicants should contact Linda Gillis, Youth Teaching Youth Program Coordinator. Email resume to lgillis@umnh.utah.edu or call 581-6286.
For a list of additional environmental education job/internship opportunities visit USEE’s EE Jobs page: http://usee.org/eeinfo/jobs.html.