Delaware Association for Environmental Education

Photos from our Third Annual Conference in Lewes, Del.

daeeonline — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:07:01 +0000

Upcoming Environmental Education & Job Opportunities – Winter 2012

daeeonline — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:50:45 +0000

Seeking Board Member Nominations

Interested in serving on the DAEE board? We’d love to have you join us!

For more information, please download this form. If interested, fill it out and email it to Barbara Woodford at Barbara.Woodford@state.de.us.

Deadline is Feb. 10!

Project WET

Exciting news: the new version of the Project WET guide and online portal were released this fall, and refresher and educator trainings will be held this spring!

Join us at a training – for more information:
www.projectwet.org
(302) 739-3436
Jennifer.Holmes@state.de.us

6-Hour Workshop (for new Project WET Educators)

April 13, 2012, 9 am – 3 pm at St. Jones Reserve, Dover, DE

Refresher 2.5 hour Training Dates

March 21, 2012 9–11:30 am (11:45) or 1–3:30 pm (3:45) at St. Jones Reserve, Dover, DE
April 24, 2012 9:00–11:30 am (11:45) or 1:00 –3:30 pm (3:45) at Blackbird Creek Reserve, Townsend, DE

At Brandywine Creek State Park

For more information: http://www.destateparks.com/park/brandywine-creek or Claire.mickletz@state.de.us

Winter Birds & Breakfast

Saturday, Feb. 11, 9 am

Start your day with a hot “cup of joe,” a light breakfast, and a look at some of Brandywine Creek’s beautiful birds. Binoculars provided, or you may bring your own. $4 per person, registration required.

Bluebird Box Building

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 pm

Come learn about Brandywine Creek’s bluebird monitoring program. Learn how you can attract and help bluebirds in your area while building a bluebird box for your own backyard or for donation. Fee is $15 per box.

Stargazing

Saturday, Feb.25, 6 pm

Learn about winter constellations and basic stargazing. We will start inside with an introduction and then head out to see the stars. Equipment is available or you may bring your own. $3 per person.

Delaware State Parks Internship Program

Summer Camp Counselor, Park Management, Environmental Stewardship, Facility Management, and 14 others.

Job Type – Internship, paid.

Link for more information: www.destateparks.com/internship

Contact Person: Glen Stubbolo, 302-739-9181

Volunteer Fishing Instructor with Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

With the Aquatic Resource Education Center and Delaware Divison of Fish and Wildlife: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Education/Pages/EducationPrograms.aspx

Contact Person: Tess Belcher, Theresa.Belcher@state.de.us, (302) 735-8656

Register for our 2012 Conference – “Turning the Tide Toward Environmental Education”

daeeonline — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:24:51 +0000

Conference registration is now open!

Theme: “Turning the Tide Toward Environmental Education”

Please join us for our third annual conference, which will be held Feb. 25 at the Officer’s Club in Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Del.

We are extremely excited that acclaimed environmental author Tom Horton has agreed to be our keynote speaker. The conference will feature several strands of educational sessions, exhibits, and opportunities for networking and professional development.

We will also have space available for environmental education vendors and exhibitors. If you are interested in being an exhibitor, please contact Marianne Walch for more information (marianne.walch@state.de.us, 302-760-2195).

For additional information, or to volunteer to help, contact Dawn Webb (dawn.webb@state.de.us, 302-422-1329).

Visit our online registration page

Download our 2012 DAEE Conference Flyer

2012 Conference – “Turning the Tide Toward Environmental Education”

daeeonline — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:36:23 +0000

Save the date for our next annual conference: February 25, 2012

Theme: “Turning the Tide Toward Environmental Education”

Our third annual conference will be held Feb. 25 at the Officer’s Club in Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Del. We are extremely excited that acclaimed environmental author Tom Horton has agreed to be our keynote speaker.

Planning is in full force for the conference, which will feature several strands of educational sessions, exhibits, and opportunities for networking and professional development.

More information will be shared soon, including a draft agenda. Online registration will open in late January and a link will be posted here as soon as it’s open.

For additional information, or to volunteer to help, contact Dawn Webb (dawn.webb@state.de.us, 302-422-1329).

Download our 2012 DAEE Conference Flyer

Join MAMEA to “Explore America’s Aquatic Treasures” – Feb. 4, 2012

daeeonline — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:08:06 +0000

Sant Ocean Hall

Join MAMEA to “Explore America’s Aquatic Treasures” on Saturday, Feb. 4. Registration is only $20 and includes transportation to and from DC, all events, and the food and beverage reception at the Aquarium. Delaware participants (and those further north who wish to join us!) will meet at the Park-n-Ride lot on the corner of Routes 896 and 4 in Newark, Del. at 8 a.m that morning . Transportation may also be provided from southern Delaware if there is enough interest. We will meet up with a group of other educators at 11a.m. at the Constitution Avenue entrance to the Museum of Natural History for a visit to the Sant Ocean Hall.

After touring Ocean Hall and getting a light lunch (on your own), we will move down the street to the nation’s oldest public aquarium – the National Aquarium. A 2 p.m. shark talk and feeding will be followed by a food and beverage reception, a lecture on sea turtle conservation and legislation, and discussion of lesson plans on sea turtles before concluding at 5 p.m.

For more information see http://www.mamea.org/dcmini.html or contact Tami Lunsford at tami.lunsford@gmail.com or 302-668-4183, or Bill Simpkins at bsimpkins@aqua.org or 202-482-0852.

Download the trip flyer and registration form here >

Registration closing soon for Wetland Educator Workshops in St. Michaels, Md.

daeeonline — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:47:49 +0000

WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands

Join Environmental Concern at our Wetland Learning Center for this day-long workshop overlooking the beautiful San Domingo Creek. Come experience the Wonders of Wetlands while learning about basic wetland ecology, including soil, water & plants, as well as wetland functions & values through fun and interactive activities in lesson plan format. Suitable for K-12 formal and non-formal educators.

When: Thursday, December 15, 2011 9am-4pm

Where: Wetland Learning Center, Environmental Concern, 201 Boundary Lane, St. Michaels, MD

Cost: $30 per person, including the WOW curriculum guide

To register: Call 410-745-9620 or visit www.wetland.org/education_schedule.htm

Space is limited. Registration closes soon. For more information contact: Susan Sanger at 410-745-9620 wow@wetland.org

POW! The Planning of Wetlands

Learn the step by step process for creating or enhancing a wetland on school grounds or within the community. POW!

guides you through wetland design and construction with activities that allow students to participate in designing,

preparing, and monitoring a schoolyard wetland, and utilizing the habitat as an outdoor extension to the classroom.

Suitable for K-12 formal and non-formal educators.

When: Friday, December 16, 2011 9am-4pm

Where: Wetland Learning Center, Environmental Concern, 201 Boundary Lane, St. Michaels, MD

Cost: $45 per person, including the POW curriculum guide

To register: Call 410-745-9620 or visit www.wetland.org/education_schedule.htm

Space is limited. Registration closes soon. For more information contact: Susan Sanger at 410-745-9620 wow@wetland.org

Don’t forget: These wetland education workshops can be used as credit for Green School Certification!

Save the Date! 2012 Conference to be held in Lewes on February 25

daeeonline — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:37:23 +0000

DAEE’s Annual Conference – February 25th, 2012

“Turning the Tide on Environmental Education”

Planning is in full force for DAEE’s third annual conference, full of speakers, exhibits, and opportunities for networking and professional development. The conference will be held on Saturday, February 25th, at the Officer’s Club in Cape Henlopen Park. We are extremely excited that acclaimed environmental author Tom Horton has agreed to be our keynote speaker.

We will be sending out more information soon, including our agenda, and registration information. Mark your calendars now! For additional information, or to volunteer to help, contact Dawn Webb (dawn.webb@state.de.us, 302-422-1329).

Call for Presenters and Exhibitors at the Annual Conference

We still have a few presenter slots to fill in the Annual Conference program. If you would like to submit a presentation or short workshop idea, please contact Dawn Webb as soon as possible (dawn.webb@state.de.us, 302-422-1329).

Upcoming Environmental Education Opportunities – Winter 2012

daeeonline — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:36:17 +0000

Get involved – 2012 Delaware Envirothon

The Delaware Envirothon is a hands-on, team-based environmental learning experience for high school students. It has been correlated to state educational standards and the materials can be adapted to the classroom or used as an after-school program for team members.

The 2012 Delaware Envirothon will be held on April 26, 2012. The organizers are looking for additional adults and students interested in environmental education and stewardship and becoming involved with the Delaware Envirothon. For more information view our blog post, or visit http://www.delawareenvirothon.org.

Attend the Maryland Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education Conference in Ocean City, MD, February 9-12, 2012

“Fulfilling Environmental Education’s Promise: Authentic Learning & Real World Impact” is this year’s theme for Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education’s annual conference. The purpose of the conference is to provide high-quality education and networking opportunities for environmental education professionals.

The multiple day, multiple track format offers a self-directed, facilitated learning environment with education sessions, workshops, and extensive exhibition. Education sessions, designed to meet the needs of all environmental education categories, focus on current and emerging issues, best practices, and challenges facing practitioners. Visit: http://www.maeoe.org for more information.

Certified Interpretive Guide Training Workshop Offered by Delaware State Parks

Delaware State Parks, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation, is offering a 32-hour professional certification course for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or having public contact at interpretive sites.

February 23 and March 15: Killen’s Pond Nature Center, Felton
March 1 and 8: Grassdale Training Center, Delaware City

For more information about the course, please contact Barbara Woodford at Barbara.woodford@state.de.us or call (302) 577-7020. Registration deadline is February 1, 2012.

Summer Fun and Education Fair at the Blue Ball Barn on Saturday, February 18 from 10 am to 2 pm

Shake off cabin fever at this fun family fair. Make “goo,” fly a kite, enjoy a live animal presentation and investigate the many ways you can make summer fun, right near home. There will be activities, prizes and demonstrations throughout the event. Discover the adventures summer can hold! FREE.

Application for vendors accepted through February 1st – present your summer programs to local families! This reasonably priced opportunity provides you with the option to present a recreational and/or educational demonstration during the day. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information contact Barbara.Woodford@state.de.us.

Workshop: Why We Matter: Working with Community Perceptions to Achieve Your Goal at Blue Ball Barn in Wilmington on February 24

A one-day professional development workshop where participants will learn tools for assessing institutional performance and marketing and development strategies based on research into the perception of zoos and aquariums by visitors, funders, and strategically placed public-opinion leaders.

A valuable workshop for any professional discipline (superintendents, administrators, marketers, education, visitor services, etc.), participants will learn first-hand how to create positive change for their own facility! $15 per person (includes continental breakfast, lunch, and all program materials). Registration deadline: February 3, 2012. For registration information, contact Breanne Preisen at Breanne.preisen@state.de.us.

October Events

daeeonline — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:04:36 +0000

Going on Now!

October 9-15

Earth Science Week – Celebrate the theme “Our Ever-Changing Earth”

Since October 1998, the American Geological Institute has organized this national and international event to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth Sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. This year’s Earth Science Week will be held from October 9-15 and will celebrate the theme “Our Ever-Changing Earth.”

Visit: http://www.earthsciweek.org

Coming Up Soon!

October 21 & 22 – Sessions at 5:30 & 6:30 each night

The Real World of Harry Potter – Claude E. Phillips Herbarium at Delaware State University, Dover, Del.

The Claude E. Phillips Herbarium at DSU will host ‘The Real World of Harry Potter’ for children ages 6 to 13. Children will be able to visit Ollivander’s Wand Shop, where they can see more than seventy different wands, and learn about the trees they were made from. They will also visit a Herbology class and play with a mandrake if they dare! They will also get a chance to discover the herbs that were used in Harry Potter’s potions and spells.

The workshop will include crafts where children will be able to choose a power source for their very own wand, planting a Goth or fairy garden, making their own scary plant and creating an anti-moth packet for their closet, among others.

Children must be accompanied by one parent and pre-registered for one of the four sessions. The event will be held at the Claude E. Phillips Herbarium at Delaware State University. The suggested donation is $2.00 per child. Space is limited, so register early. For more information, call Sandy at 302-857-6415.

October 22 – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Blackbird Creek Fall Festival – Blackbird Creek Reserve, Townsend, Del.

Join us for a fun-filled day for the entire family! Bring some chairs or a blanket and stay the day. Enjoy the sounds of live music; explore the Reserve by foot, by canoe, or by hayride; visit the numerous vendors and exhibitors; and take part in fun demonstrations. There will also be crafts and games for the kids! Admission is free! Rain or shine.

The Festival will be held at the Blackbird Creek Reserve at 801 Blackbird Landing Road in Townsend, DE. Arrive early and join the Run for Our Rivers 5K at 9 am. Visit the website for program information here: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/coastal/DNERR/Pages/DNERRBlackbirdCreekFallFestival.aspx

October 22

Focus on Diversity: Changing the Face of American Birding Conference – John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Philadelphia, Pa.

This fall, birders of all stripes will assemble in the City of Brotherly Love to take a significant step toward a broader, and stronger, birding community for everyone. Why is this important? Getting new audiences interested in birding will benefit those new birders, the birding community itself, the environment in general, and, of course, the birds themselves!

The objective of this event is to promote effective outreach to more diverse audiences with outdoor recreation, birding opportunities, and conservation messages. By sharing the great outdoors together, we will enhance our lives AND promote a strong societal conservation ethic.

Who should come? Anyone that cares about birds and the birding community.The conference will be ideal for nature centers’ staff, park departments, educators, birding club members, and anyone else from the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states that is interested in making a difference for bird conservation and their fellow citizens.

We’ve assembled a stellar cast of panelists and presenters for the conference. We welcome you to get involved and shape the future of birding! For more information, visit: http://www.fledgingbirders.org/CFABregister.html

World Water Monitoring Day at Brandywine Park

daeeonline — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:28:55 +0000

On a beautiful fall day, 22 third graders from Warner Elementary School joined Wilmington State Parks naturalists for some hands-on citizen science related to World Water Monitoring Day. This event is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies.

The third grade students began their water experiments at Brandywine River in Brandywine Park, part of Wilmington State Parks. This historic park is within walking distance from Warner Elementary School, an urban Title I school. During this STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) based program the students measured the temperature, turbidity, pH and % dissolved oxygen of the Brandywine River.

Every student was actively involved, taking measurements, using scientific equipment and recording the data. After the data was recorded the groups had energetic discussions, each group then reported their results to the class. As a wrap up, the class reviewed the activities leading the students to make connections between the health of the Brandywine and the health of their environment.

Afterwards, I entered the data collected at the World Water Monitoring Day website and shared the link with the teacher. She is able to bring up the data and data map showing other sites on the smart board in their classroom. This helps students see the real world impact of their science lesson. To find our data go to http://wwmd.wsol.net/outpost/map.aspx and type in Brandywine Park in the search box and then click on the marker.

Liz Androskaut, Lead Naturalist

Alapocas Run and Wilmington State Parks