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, Workshops & Events
Educator’s Corner
USEE News
Upcoming Events
USEE Professional Development Lunch Series: Inquiry-Based Learning
October 18, 2006 (12:00-1:30pm) ~ The Chase Mill at Tracy Aviary, SLC, UT
What is science? We teach it, we use everyday, but can you define what it is and how it works? Join USEE and Salt Lake City School District's Larry Madden and Ken O'Brien for a lunch-time discussion to delve into these questions. Please RSVP by Monday, October 16th to Jen Visitacion at (801) 328-1549 or jenv@usee.org. Cost (lunch included): USEE Members: Free/ Non-Members $10.
REGISTER NOW for USEE’s 17th Annual Utah Environmental Education Conference!
Earlybird Deadline: October 19, 2006
Join us for this exciting opportunity to explore new ideas for educating people about their environment! The conference will feature various keynote speakers, an excellent selection of professional development and enrichment opportunities, a great opportunity to network with others in the field throughout the conference, entertaining field trips, food, music, and fun! For the discounted registration price, the early bird deadline is October 19th! Please visit USEE's website for conference registration and further details at http://www.usee.org/services/conference.html. Online registration is also available at https://payments.auctionpay.com/ver3/?id=w024424!
Official Conference lodging is available at a discounted rate ($55-$59) at the following location:
Best Western High Country Inn
1355 West 12th Street
Ogden, Utah 84404
Phone: 801.394.9474 Fax: 801.392.6589
Please call the hotel directly to make your reservations. Don’t forget to mention that you will be attending the USEE conference to receive a discounted rate. Contact Marie Kay at (801) 328-1549 or marie@usee.org with questions.
Celebrate USEE’s 25th Anniversary at the 10th Annual Benefit Bash
November 11, 2006 ~ Orbit Café, Salt Lake City, UT
Join us in celebration and support of 25 years of providing leadership to the environmental education community in Utah. The night will begin at 6:30pm with a reception, followed by dinner, the 2006 Environmental Education Awards Ceremony, a live auction, and Argentine Tango lessons & dancing with Wasatch Tango! Online registration will be available soon at http://www.usee.org/about/bash.html. Conference attendees receive a discount on Benefit Bash tickets.
Call for Auction Items!
USEE’s Benefit Bash will feature an exciting live auction this year! Is there something that you could offer to help make this a one-of-a-kind event? If so, please contact Marie at (801) 328-1549 or marie@usee.org. Donations are tax deductible, and your generosity supports USEE’s programs to promote environmental education throughout Utah.
News
Nominations for 2006 Utah Environmental Education Awards
Deadline: October 27, 2006
It is time once again to think about those who have made significant contributions to Utah’s environmental education (EE) community. Nominations for Environmental Educator, Environmental Education Program of the Year, and Environmental Education Volunteer of the Year Awards are now being accepted. Recipients will be recognized at USEE’s annual Benefit Bash and Awards Banquet on November 11, 2006. For more information on how to nominate your favorite educator, volunteer, or program, please contact Jen at jenv@usee.org or visit http://www.usee.org/services/awards.html (available soon) to download the Nomination Form.
Community Corner
Upcoming Events
David Korten ~ Upcoming Speaking Engagements ~ The Great Turning
October 22-23, Various venues throughout SLC, UT
David Korten, internationally known author of such books as When Corporations Rule the World and The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community will be speaking in Salt Lake City at the following venues:
When: Sunday, October 22: 1-3:00pm
Where: Earth Community Dialogue, First Unitarian Church (569 S 1300 East )
Free and Open to the Public
Contact: Michael Mielke at 359-3731 or mm2222ut@aol.com
When: Sunday, October 22: 6-8:00pm,
Where: Earth Community Dialogue, Salt Lake City Public Library, Auditorium (210 E. 400 S.)
Free and Open to the Public
Contact: Chip Ward at cward@slcpl.org or 524-8200
When: October 23: 7:00pm, Presentation
Where: Westminster College, Jewett Center for the Performing Arts Auditorium (1840 S. 1300 E.)
Free and Open to the Public
Events sponsored by Sustainability Salon www.slcuu.org, Westminster College Environmental Center www.westminstercollege.edu, & Salt Lake City Public Library www.slcpl.lib.ut.us.
For more information, visit http://www.davidkorten.org/Calendar_State.htm.
Ogden Nature Center ~ Various Events & Classes
October – November, 2006, Ogden Nature Center
The Ogden Nature Center is hosting a variety of engaging events and community classes such as Mouse in a Nutshell Children’s Craft Workshop, Creatures of the Night Halloween Event, an exhibit debut on Alien Invaders: Weeds in the Great Basin, Wildlife Wednesdays, and various preschool programs. For details, visit www.ogdennaturecenter.org or call (801) 621-7595.
Red Butte Garden ~ Various Events & Classes
October – November 2006, Red Butte Garden
Red Butte Garden has some exciting opportunities taking place in their garden! Check out the following:
- Jurassic Garden After Dark ~ October 19-30, 2006 (M, R, F, Sat. ~ 6:00-9:00pm)
- Orchid Show ~ November 11-12, 2006 (10:00am-5:00pm)
- Art Glass in the Garden ~ November 15-29 (Daily ~ 10:00am-5:00pm)
Visit http://www.redbuttegarden.org/ for more information.
Salt Lake County Project—Jordan River Restoration
October 27, 2006 (10:00am-1:00pm)
TreeUtah will be helping Salt Lake County plant around 15,000 wetland plants on a restoration project out in South Jordan City. If you’re interested in volunteering your time for a good cause, visit http://www.treeutah.org/calendar.htm or call (801) 364-2122 for details.
Did You Know..?
“Sunlight could potentially supply 5,000 times as much energy as the world currently consumes.” Because the demand for energy continues to rise as our population grows, increases in energy efficiency alone will not be enough to successfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Development in renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power, and biofuels will become increasingly important (Source: Scientific American: “The Rise of Renewable Energy” p.85-86).
For additional information on Renewable Energy, please visit:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory ~ http://www.nrel.gov/
Renewable Energy ~ http://www.renewableenergy.com/
U.S. Department of Energy ~ http://www.eere.energy.gov/
Environmental Education News, Workshops & Events
Local
Utah Envirothon ~ Get Your Teams Ready Now!!
May 11-12, 2007 ~ Salt Lake Valley Landfill, UT
The Envirothon is a natural resource competition for high school students, with a theme of “Renewable Energy” this year. As a team, the students are tested on their knowledge of the state’s natural resources – soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife and a current environmental issue.
The winning team receives an all-expense paid trip to compete at the 2007 Canon Envirothon held July 29-Aug. 4 in Geneva, NY. For details, visit www.utahenvirothon.org.
NATIONAL
USEE Extends their Deepest Sympathies to World Wildlife Fund
USEE expresses their deepest sympathies for WWF’s recent loss in Nepal. Seven WWF staff members from its offices in Nepal, the UK, and the US were lost in a helicopter accident, as well as high-ranking government officials, representatives of other agencies, journalists and Russian crew members. We hope that their legacy continues on in the efforts of all those collaborating to conserve the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area, known for its rich biodiversity, spectacular scenery and vibrant cultural heritage.
Children’s Health Month 2006: Promoting Healthy School Environments
The Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education has just posted new web pages for Children's Health Month 2006, which include a series of webcasts on healthy school environment issues. Visit http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/chm.htm, or contact Carolyn Hubbard, (202) 564-2189 for more information.
Educator’s Corner
Professional Development/ Training Opportunities
Project Learning Tree (PLT) Educator Workshop
October 25, 2006 (9:00am-4:00pm), SLC, UT
This one-day workshop is geared toward training educators to use PLT materials in their classrooms! All attendees will receive a PLT activity guide and a wealth of supplemental resources (cost $15). Certificate for re-licensure points is also available. If you are interested in learning more and attending these workshops, please contact Staci Strenkert at staci@usee.org or call (801) 328-1549 for more information.
Stream Side Science Workshop
November 3, 2006 (9:00am-4:00pm) ~ Tracy Aviary. SLC, UT (RSVP by October 27)
This workshop for 9th grade educators will use simple water monitoring techniques to teach science, geography, and math concepts. Participants receive lesson plans correlated to the Utah State 9th grade Earth Systems Science core curriculum standards and ILO’s, an easy-to-follow monitoring manual including UT specific background information & resources, hands-on training, assistance with field activities and equipment, and the Jordan River Watershed Wasatch Supplement which includes information on sampling sites, watershed & water quality issues, and maps. Substitute reimbursement is available. For more information or to RSVP, contact Staci Strenkert at staci@usee.org or (801) 328-1549.
NSTA Web Seminars
NSTA Web Seminars are 90-minute, live professional development experiences that use online learning technologies to allow participants to interact with nationally acclaimed experts, NSTA Press authors, and scientists, engineers, and education specialists from NSTA government partners such as NASA, NOAA, FDA, and the NSDL. For more details, visit http://institute.nsta.org/web_seminars.asp.
NSTA Area Conference
December 7-9, 2006 Salt Lake City, UT
Looking for an in-depth conference session for improving your content knowledge or pedagogical understanding? NSTA has just the sessions you’re looking for at their Fall Conference! Come for in-depth learning experiences on timely and engaging topics in advancing science learning in Salt Lake City. These engaging half- and full-day experiences are sure to offer many applications for the classroom. For more information, visit http://science.nsta.org/nstaexpress/nstaexpress_2006_09_25_conferences.htm.
Teacher Resources
Children and Nature Network (C&NN) Website
C&NN was created to encourage and support the people and organizations working to reconnect children with nature. 
To check out the variety of informative resources C&NN has to offer, visit http://www.cnaturenet.org/children_nature_network.html.
A Reason for the Season
This is a great resource to be used with PLT’s “Bursting Buds” and “Signs of Fall” PreK-8 activities. A variety of information and links about the earth and its changing seasons is available at www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/07/season.html
Grants & Awards
Do Something BRICK Awards
Deadline: October 25, 2006
The Do Something BRICK Awards honors 6 outstanding leaders age 18 and under and 3 outstanding leaders age 19-25 who develop projects to improve their community. Winners in "18 yrs. & under" category receive a $5,000 scholarship and a $5,000 grant; winners in the "19-25" category each receive a $10,000 grant. Visit http://www.dosomething.org/awards/brick/apply/ .
2006/2007 Urban and Community Forestry Grants
Deadline: October 27, 2006
This is a cost-share grant program facilitated by the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, with assistance from the Utah Community Forestry Council, to promote forestry management and tree planting within Utah communities. Grant amounts are between $500 and $3,000 per project. Eligible applicants include: Utah state, county and local governmental units; non-profit 501(c) (3) groups; educational institutions; and tribal governments. Visit http://www.ffsl.utah.gov/grants.php for details.
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.
National Wildlife Refuge Preserve America Grant Program
Deadline: November 1, 2006
This grant program provides competitive grants of $10,000 to $15,000 each to help fund national wildlife refuge interpretive and education projects focusing on history and historic sites and how they contribute to the conservation and understanding of natural resources. Visit http://www.nfwf.org/programs/nwrgp_pa.cfm for more information.
EE Jobs
Teacher/ Lead Naturalist ~ Stokes Nature Center (SNC)
Deadline: Open until filled
The SNC is looking for a Teacher/ Lead Naturalist to assist in teaching and program preparation for youth and adults, as well as other miscellaneous duties. This is a 1700 hour position during the 2007 calendar year (January – December), administered through Utah Conservation Corps (UCC), an AmeriCorps program. The position begins January 5th or earlier if filled. For a complete job description, qualifications, requirements, and compensation, please visit http://www.usee.org/eeinfo/jobs.html. To apply, download an application at www.logannature.org, or call (435) 755-3239 or e-mail jgallagher@logannature.org to request an application by mail.
For more environmental education job opportunities visit USEE’s EE Jobs page: http://usee.org/eeinfo/jobs.html.