EEdNews
Friday, September 12, 2003
Contents:
Teacher Workshops - Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Assoc.
Creative Connections Project
Grants
Participatory Programs
ANJEE Conference
Monmouth County EE Training
Biodiversity Project
TOUR SECRET BUTTERFLY GARDENS
September Events at Pequest
HEALTHY SCHOOLS, HEALTHY KIDS
Schoolyard Habitats Website
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Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2003 9am - 2pm
WONDERS OF WETLANDS
Free workshop. Includes the Wonders of Wetlands, an educator's guide.
The Wonders of Wetlands is an acclaimed, comprehensive interdisciplinary
workshop that focuses on wetlands. Providing extensive background
information on wetlands, Wonders of Wetlands includes over 50 fun and
effective learning activities for both indoor and outdoor use!
Activities will focus on three wetland parameters - water, soil, and
plants. Additional information is provided on wetland restoration. To
register, please call Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association at
609-737-7592.
Friday, January 23, 2004 9:30am - 3:30pm
DISCOVERING WINTER
A workshop for Nature Centers and all educators
Fee: $30 per person
Along with the cold weather, winter brings a host of fascinating
changes. Winter birds forage in bushes and shrubs or hunt in fields.
Trees normally identifiable by their leaves now stand bare and
mysterious, revealing their intricate architecture. This educational
workshop utilizes the outdoor activities to study the ecology of winter.
It is ideal for Nature Center staff, Scout Leaders or any educator that
teaches about nature's cycles. The workshop includes background
information and a variety of hands-on activities and investigations that
explore the wonders of this remarkable season. To register, please call
Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association at 609-737-7592.
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Creative Connections Project
The Creative Connections Project links US/world K-12 classrooms with
partner classes from the Amazon Rain Forest, Africa, the Galapagos
Islands, the Arctic and China through E-mail, the Internet, art
exchanges, music exchanges and Study Partnerships. Detailed information
and a registration form are available online at
http://www.ccproject.org. Registration is now open to all US and world
K-12 schools.
The Creative Connections Project is a sponsored project of The New York
Foundation for the Arts, a non-profit organization funded by
registration fees and a small grant from The Avery Arts Foundation and
supported by WorldTeach, Inc. of the Harvard Institute for International
Development. Over 740 classes have participated since 1999.
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1. YOUTH IN ACTION
The Strategic Initiatives Team of National 4-H Council offers grants
for youth in local communities, in counties, and on the state level.
Community service project grants of $500 - $1,500 are awarded to youth
who take leadership roles and work with adult 4-H volunteer leaders
and/or county Extension agents. Grants require youth teams to identify
critical issues in their communities, develop activities to address
these issues, and educate other young people and children on ways to
model community service. Youth must be actively involved in writing the
proposal and in program implementation. Collaborative efforts reflecting
the diversity of the community are encouraged.
Application Deadline: October 1st.
http://www.n4h.org/programs/category.asp?scatid=10&catid=1&subid=6
2. YOUTH LEADERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM
The Starbucks Foundation funds local programs that serve low-income,
at- risk youth (ages 6-18) through its Youth Leadership Grant Program.
Grants range from $5,000-$20,000 and are given in two areas: Power of
Literacy - programs that stimulate personal development and a commitment
to social equity, justice, and environmental awareness through writing,
literacy and expression in public forums; and, Leaders in Diversity -
programs that teach the value of societal diversity and develop youth
leadership skills to foster understanding between individuals, groups
and communities.
Application Deadline: October 1st.
http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/grantinfo.asp
3. Support for children, education, and environment
FUNDER: Wal-mart
SUMMARY: Our grass roots style of giving enables local associates to
identify and support organizations that are improving the quality of
life in their local area. All of our funding initiatives are directed by
Wal-Mart Store, SAMÆS CLUB and Distribution Center associates in their
own communities. Wal-MartÆs community involvement approach is a unique
one. Associates combine volunteer support with Wal-Mart donations to
assist organizations in making a positive difference. Children are the
heart, soul and future of any community, so weÆre proud to be involved
at the local level in programs that benefit children. It is our fondest
wish that each and every child has the opportunity to lead a healthy,
happy and fulfi lling childhood. The education of our youth today has a
profound impact on our community tomorrow. It is with this in mind that
we invest locally in our future through a variety of educational
opportunities for students, teachers and the community.
The environment and the preservation of our natural resources are also
important to us. That's why we, as associates, pursue environmentally
sound business practices, and we're proud to get involved in local
recycling projects and other environmental efforts.
What Is Eligible? 501(c)3 organizations - The agency must be in good
standing with the IRS and will be verified electronically through the
IRS website. Schools - Public, parochial and private. (501(c)3 guideline
restrictions may apply.) Religious Organizations - Our funding is
directed to projects whose activities impact the general community, not
a single group. Government Agencies - A funding confirmation letter from
government body may be requested. Civic and Veterans Groups -
Organizations must have a valid 501(c)4 or 501(c)19 tax id number. Funds
must be used for a project benefitting the community.
DEADLINE: Open
CONTACT:
URL:
http://www.walmartfoundation.org/wmstore/goodworks/scripts/index.jsp
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TEACHING POPULATION
Teaching Population: Hands-on Activities is an extensive K-12 teaching
kit on CD-ROM. It includes over 50 activities from Population
Connection's seven teaching kits. Educators can search by grade level,
subject area and topic to find the best activities for their lessons.
Each activity links to recommended articles, transparencies, printable
props, and content standards, all just a click away. Online ordering
available.
http://
http://www.populationconnection.org/education/catalog/items/item60.htm
WILD THINGS: HABITAT IS.HOME SWEET HOME
October 2nd - 1:00-2:30pm ET, Live Satellite Broadcast
Wild Things is a live and interactive distance learning adventure that
helps students and teachers explore and learn about National Wildlife
Refuges and the fascinating critters that inhabit them. The Wild Things
series feature satellite broadcasts and web-based content that connect
students with conservation professionals in National Wildlife Refuges.
The next broadcast, Habitat is.Home Sweet Home, will explore what "home"
means to animals and how humans impact their homes.
http://www.wildthingsfws.org/
GREEN SCHOOL PROGRAM
As part of their educational outreach programs, the Alliance to Save
Energy sponsors the Green Schools Program that helps schools use energy
efficiently through changes in the behavior of building users and
changes in operational and maintenance routines. In addition Green
Schools encourages schools to get retrofits, install renewable
technology, and bring the energy efficiency message home and into the
community. The Green Schools Program combines conservation and education
in a way that strengthens schools, involves students in making a real
difference, encourages teamwork, and fosters community involvement.
http://www.ase.org/greenschools/
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Building The Future: One Green Brick At A Time
19th Annual Environmental Education Conference
January 8-10, 2004
www.anjee.net
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MONMOUTH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION TRAINING
Howell - To prepare teachers and educators for fall classes, the
Monmouth County Park System will be providing a series of environmental
teacher training workshops. Receive CEU credit and learn about the
coastal environment in central New Jersey.
Below is information on specific workshops. To register, call (732)
842-4000, Ext. 1. Please have the program number ready.
ESTUARY EXPLORERS FOR EDUCATORS
Teacher grades 3-12
Thursday, October 9th
What is an estuary? Why are they important? These are just a few of
the important questions answered during this workshop. A number of
interactive events include seining, animal and plant identification,
marine debris survey, and water quality testing. The workshop is geared
towards increasing your understanding of local water environments,
biodiversity, and how humans have changed the Jersey Shore. Bayshore
Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth, NJ Price: $20/person, Program #
I0234A
FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY & ECOLOGY
Teacher grades 3-12
Thursday, October 30th
In this workshop, you will explore the beautiful natural resources of
the Manasquan Reservoir. You will explore the differences between a
lake, pond, river, and wetland, and learn what organisms live in each
ecosystem. We will take an eco-cruise around the reservoir to view
wildlife and discuss the physical and biological factors that have
shaped the landscape. Manasquan Reservoir Env. Ctr. In Howell, NJ
Price$20/person, Program # I0334A.
PROJECT WET WORKSHOP
Teacher grades K-6
Thursday, November 6th
The Project WET Curriculum and Activity guide contains over 90
innovative, interdisciplinary activities that can be incorporated into a
variety of formats for large or small classes. Through hands-on
activities, learn about water quality, surface water, and stewardship of
local water resources. Activities compliment math, science, and history.
All participants receive a curriculum guide with background information
and lesson plans. Manasquan Reservoir Env. Ctr in Howell, NJ Price:
$23/person, Program # I0134A
The times for each workshop will be 9am to 3pm. Please dress for the
weather, wear old clothes and sneakers, insect repellent and sunscreen.
Please register early. For more information about a specific workshop,
call (732) 751-9453
Monmouth County Park System is a Professional Provider with the New
Jersey Department of Education, #4642
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Joseph Reynolds
Naturalist, Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center
Monmouth County Park System
805 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738-1695
732-751-9453 Fax 732-751-0235ast,
http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com
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Biodiversityconnections Special Announcement
Live in a Great Community for
People and Nature?
Well, tell us about it!
Dear Colleagues:
Did you know that Zionsville, IN managed to save 200 acres of
habitat thanks to the inspiration of one woman? Or that a strikingly
diverse coalition of community groups, agencies and businesses has
partially restored the eight-mile long Bronx River after decades of
neglect? How about Chicago Mayor Daley's ambitious plan to not only
protect but enhance that city's natural areas?
The Biodiversity Project is embarking on a research and public
outreach campaign to uncover more of these innovative community based
solutions to the biodiversity crisis in the U.S. And we want those who
either know of or live in such a community to tell us what the community
is doing to protect biodiversity, how they are doing it and how others
can do the same. To nominate a community, please log on to:
www.biodiversityproject.org/greatcommunitynominationform.htm
We are seeking examples of communities that have adopted unique
and effective activities that result in positive outcomes for
biodiversity. "Activity" is a broad term that can include projects,
programs, events, local policy initiatives and so on. Each community
will be chosen based on activities that demonstrate an outstanding
effort to protect biodiversity within the community.
Communities can be of varying sizes throughout the United States,
and we are especially interested in those places that do not yet have a
reputation for sustainability but are making important strides in their
efforts to protect local biodiversity.
Selected nominations will be featured in a report to be released
by the Biodiversity Project and will be used to generate local and
national media coverage on Great Communities for People and Nature. We
will also feature the communities on the Biodiversity Project Web site.
Three of the responses received by October 15, 2003 will be
selected at random to receive a donation of $100.00 to the conservation
organization of the nominator's choice. In order to be eligible, the
nomination must be completed in full and must represent a valid
biodiversity conservation activity.
The Biodiversity Project reaches out to Americans in ways that
help them understand the connections between nature and their daily
lives. Our mission is to advocate for biodiversity by designing and
implementing innovative communication strategies that build and motivate
a broad constituency to protect biodiversity.
www.biodiversityproject.org/greatcommunitynominationform.htm
For more information, contact:
Erin Oliver
Associate Director of Communications Programs
Biodiversity Project
eoliver@biodiverse.org
Biodiversity Project
214 N. Henry St.
Suite 201
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 250-9876(608) 257 -3513 fax
project@biodiverse.org
Life. Nature. You. Make the connection.
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TOUR SECRET BUTTERFLY GARDENS
Cape May County - More butterfly and hummingbird gardens are tucked
into Cape May County than are found in most regions. Pat Sutton, Cape
May Bird Observatory Program Director and coauthor (with her husband,
Clay) of How to Spot Butterflies, has secured special permission to
visit over a dozen wildlife-friendly, butterfly-filled gardens from Cape
May Point north to Woodbine.
Pat Sutton will lead two different tours to visit all these wonderful
gardens. Friday's garden tour, September 12, will visit "Private
Butterfly Gardens Between Villas/Rio Grande and Woodbine" and a garden
tour on Saturday, September 13, will visit "Private Butterfly Gardens in
and near Cape May and Cape May Point." Each tour begins at 10 a.m. and
runs until 3 p.m. Friday's tour is limited to 30 participants,
Saturday's to 20 participants. The cost for each tour is $30 ($20 for
members of Cape May Bird Observatory or New Jersey Audubon Society).
Both tours still have spaces available, but call CMBO (609-861-0700,
x-11) today to preregister and hold your place or for more information
about these tours or other CMBO programs, or stop by either of CMBO's
two centers.
The Cape May Bird Observatory's gardens in Goshen (600 Route 47 North)
will be featured on Friday, September 12. These gardens have been filled
with a blizzard of butterflies, hoards of hovering hummingbirds, and
dazzling dragonflies darting about since early July! The Ruby-throated
Hummingbirds depart in early September, but the butterflies will still
be dazzling. Thirty different species of butterflies have been regularly
seen in CMBO's gardens since late July, including numbers of Black,
Tiger, and Spicebush Swallowtails (and their caterpillars), bright
yellow sulphurs, tiny Pearl Crescents, Question Marks with their angled
wings and "?" pattern on the underwing, dozens of American Ladies,
Common Buckeyes, and MONARCHS of course. The first wave of migrant
Monarchs filtered into gardens throughout Cape May County on August 14.
Since then ten or more can easily be seen in CMBO's garden and crossing
roads as they migrate south. Friday's tour will also include Dale
Watson's beautiful gardens, recently featured in The Herald, and the
gardens of Karen Williams, owner of Flora For Fauna Nursery and gardener
of the beautiful gardens at CMBO's center in Goshen.
During CMBO's two "Tours of Private Butterfly Gardens" many of the
garden owners will be on hand and each garden will feature a different
theme or topic. Tour participants will learn of new plants, savor great
garden designs, and meet kindred spirits who are generously welcoming us
into their private gardens.
Part of the New Jersey Audubon Society, the Cape May Bird Observatory
has two centers in Cape May County open to the public daily (9 AM to
4:30 PM): the Northwood Center at 701 E. Lake Drive on Lily Lake in Cape
May Point (telephone: 609-884-2736), and the Center for Research and
Education at 600 Route 47 North in Goshen (609-861-0700).
Patricia Sutton
Program Director
New Jersey Audubon Society's
Cape May Bird Observatory
Center for Research & Education
600 Route 47 North
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
609-861-0700, x-16 (phone) / 609-861-1651 (fax)
pat_sutton@njaudubon.org
http://www.njaudubon.org
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Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center
Here's what's happening at the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural
Resource Education Center in the month of September. All programs are
free, but require registration. Call 908-637-4125 any day between 10
a.m. and 4 p.m.
*FLY FISHING with WET FLIES - Saturday, September 14 at 10 a.m. -
Wildlife Conservation Corps members Jim Flatley and Pierre Benoist
wil conduct a seminar for fly fishers with some experience. Topics
include reading a trout stream, how to fish wet flies and a review of
wet fly patterns.
*RICHARD WILSON'S LIVE BIRD PROGRAM - Saturday, September 20 at 11:00
a.m. - Educator and photographer Richard Wilson will conduct a
program featuring Kiki, the Great Horned Owl and Maxwell, the American
Crow. Richard's live bird show will intrigue you with the life stories
of the birds, as well as their natural beauty and sometimes comic
behavior.
*SPIN CASTING for BEGINNERS - Sunday, September 21 at 1:00 p.m. - Get
into fishing by learning the basics of spin casting. Safety, ethics,
management, equipment and techniques will be discussed followed by an
actual fishing experience. Suitable for ages 8 and up.
UPPER DELAWARE WILDLIFE HERITAGE FESTIVAL - Sunday, September 28 from
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Come celebrate National Hunting and Fishing
Day at Pequest. Plenty of activities for the entire family.
Environmental exhibits, historical reenactors, kids activities, wildlife
artists, live music and much more. No registration required for the
festival.
The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center is
located on Rt. 46 nine miles west of Hackettstown in scenic Warren
County. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; admission is free.
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HEALTHY SCHOOLS, HEALTHY KIDS
With all the recent talk about school safety, one of the greatest
dangers has often been overlooked: the physical environment. According
to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), half of our nation's
schools have poor indoor air quality, which can cause or aggravate
health problems and impair children's ability to learn.
There are various sources of toxins in and around schools, including
pesticides, cleaning products, chronic leaks, chipped paint, and idling
school buses. What's worse, a tightly sealed building may interfere with
much-needed ventilation. The result is a buildup of pollutants-radon,
arsenic, mold, carbon monoxide, asbestos, lead, volatile organic
compounds, and more-that may be harmful when inhaled, ingested, or
absorbed through the skin.
Six hours of exposure a day, 180 days a year, represents a potentially
grave risk for children, who cannot metabolize toxins as effectively as
adults. Children are also more likely to sit or play on the floor, touch
walls, and put objects (including their hands) in their mouths, putting
them at even greater risk of ingesting harmful substances.
If you're worried about conditions at your child's school, bring your
concerns to the administration, as well as local PTA and school board
meetings. You might also consider running for a position on the school
board in order to work on these issues directly.
Encourage the school to provide a clean, safe learning environment by:
Seeking natural alternatives to cleaning products that contain toxic
chemicals, or using products labeled "biodegradable" or "non-toxic."
Using integrated pest management instead of chemical pesticides. If
pesticides must be used, use the minimum amount needed.
Fixing leaks to avoid mold growth.
Inspecting for lead, asbestos, and radon. Schools built before 1978
should be tested for lead if there is evidence of chipped paint.
Changing air filters in the ventilation system to regularly ensure
fresh air circulation.
Requesting the EPA's free "Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools" kit
(see the link below).
Lastly, ask the school to prepare for a possible industrial accident,
natural disaster, or other catastrophe by developing, posting, and then
practicing an evacuation plan.
For related information, see these pages:
PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM PESTICIDE EXPOSURE IN SCHOOLS
http://www.childenvironment.org/factsheets/pesticides.htm/
HEALTHY SCHOOLS NETWORK
http://www.healthyschools.org/index.html/
IAQ BASICS FOR SCHOOLS FROM THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION
http://www.lungusa.org/air/air00_iaqbasics.html/
CLEANER SCHOOL BUSES-WHAT YOU CAN DO
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/trucks_and_buses/page.cfm?pageID=815/
LEAD PAINT IN SCHOOLS
http://www.nrdc.org/health/kids/qleadsch.asp/
CHILD PROOFING OUR COMMUNITIES
http://www.childproofing.org/i
EPA HEALTHY SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS
http://cfpub.epa.gov/schools/index.cfm/
EPA INDOOR AIR QUALITY TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/
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(c) Union of Concerned Scientists
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NJ Coalition for Schoolyard Habitats - A GROWING Website!
www.nj.gov/dep/seeds/schhabs.htm
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For more New Jersey environmental education information go to the State
EE Directory: www.nj.gov/dep/seeds, or the Alliance for New Jersey
Environmental Education website www.anjee.net .
Marc Rogoff
Environmental Education Specialist
NJDEP Office of Communications
PO Box 402 Trenton NJ 08625
609-292-1474 (ph)
609-292-3198 (fax)