Enviro Ed Exchange ListServe

A National First: Maryland Students Must Be ‘Green’ to Graduate

2011-08-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

EdWeek – June 21, 2011 By Catherine GewertzMaryland has become the first state in the country to require students to be "environmentally literate" in order to graduate from high school. Today's vote by the Maryland board of education requires that students get a "comprehensive, multi-disciplinary environmental education" before receiving a diploma. Districts will have to develop plans for coursework that meets state standards in environmental literacy and have their plans approved by the state superintendent of schools. They will also have to develop ways to assess students' mastery of the material in order to determine if they are eligible for graduation.

Read more: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2011/06/maryland.html

2011-08-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

Education and the Environment Initiative Home Page

Program News...
Ed Begley Jr. speaks on EEIWindows Media, 500 Kbps. 0:52 Minutes) Final EEI Curriculum Units Online Join our Listserv

Program News...

Ed Begley Jr. speaks on EEIWindows Media, 500 Kbps. 0:52 Minutes)

Final EEI Curriculum Units Online

Join our Listserv

California is currently poised to lead the nation in environmental literacy with the Education and Environment Initiative (EEI). More can and should be done to understand our relationship with the environment, and we believe the best place to begin is in California’s classrooms. With education and a thriving economy at the forefront of the state’s priorities, California’s landmark EEI Curriculum is a national model designed to help prepare today’s students to become future scientists, economists, and green technology leaders.

The K-12th grade curriculum is comprised of 85 units teaching select Science and History-Social Science academic standards. Each EEI Curriculum unit teaches these standards to mastery using a unique set of California Environmental Principles and Concepts.

http://www.calepa.ca.gov/education/eei/

Bi-Partisan No Child Left Inside Act Introduced

2011-07-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

07.14.11 - Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) introduced the bi-partisan No Child Left Inside Act of 2011 into the 112th Congress. As in the past, many of their Congressional colleagues joined them in co-sponsoring this historic legislation. We are grateful to them for their vision and leadership in working to make environmental education an integral part of every American child’s education.

Local park ranger published in national journal!

2011-05-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

National Park Service Educational Specialist Stephanie Kyriazis (Death Valley National Park) has an article published in the March/April edition of the Legacy, the magazine of the National Association for Interpretation.

"I Feel the Earth Move Under My Feet: making rocks emotionally relevant" can be accessed at http://www.thefreelibrary.com/I+feel+the+earth+move+under+my+feet:+making+rocks+emotionally...-a0249138726

the Parks Climate Challenge

2011-04-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

The North Cascades Institute hosts the "Parks Climate Challenge," which provides diverse urban youth a chance to connect with National Parks while learning about climate change. The inaugural group of 19 high school students were provided with an audio recorder and two cameras to document their experience and tell a powerful story: http://www.ncascades.org/multimedia/pcc/index.html.

Scholarship to connect kids with nature during a summer camp experience!

2011-03-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

Please feel free to share this information about a wonderful scholarship for children who may not have had a chance to have a summer camp away experience in nature. National Wildlife Federation, Family Summits Inc, and Craig Tufts Family announce the 2nd Annual Craig Tufts Education Scholarship.

Craig Tufts was the Chief Naturalist for NWF for over 20 years. His devotion to getting children outside – learning from nature and having fun were fundamental for him. In his memory this essay contest was established to provide an opportunity for a child between the ages of 8-18 to have a chance to spend a week experience nature and having adventures – canoeing, mountain biking, etc.

Applications are due by March 31, 2011. Download application materials here.

"The Greening of Environmental Ed"

2011-02-09T15:00:00.001-08:00

"The Greening of Environmental Ed: Teachers focus on complexity, evidence, and letting students draw their own conclusions"

The Harvard Education Letter published this article about the greening of environmental education for classroom teachers in their January/February 2011 issue. The fascinating article discusses myths about environmental education, the main goals and tenets of environmental education, and how teachers are successfully using environmental education techniques to build understanding about complex concepts, teach critical thinking skills, and promote academic subjects and environmental literacy together. Check out it; it's definitely worth the read!

Las Vegas Science Festival

2011-02-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

The Las Vegas Science Festival is quickly approaching! The dates are May 1-7, 2011. Be the first to get news, updates, and learn cool science info at the festival website or follow on the official festival Facebook page.

Intern and Live Near Beautiful Lake Tahoe

2011-02-02T14:10:00.000-08:00

The Tahoe Conservancy and Great Basin Institute are seeking 2 AmeriCorps interns to assist the Conservancy’s Natural Resources and Recreation programs. The position will be based out of the California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) office in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Field work will be throughout the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Interested applicants should contact Bridget Walden at bwalden@thegreatbasininstitute.org for more information or to forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references.

Why Are Birds and Other Animals Dying?

2011-01-31T14:05:00.000-08:00

"Mass animal deaths have been in the news the past week or two and the specific cause of many remains a mystery.

But most naturalists are not ready to press the panic button. It’s an unfortunate fact that mass animal deaths often occur in nature, particularly during stressful periods such as cold snaps or natural disasters..."

Read more on the eNature website.

Spend next summer at Great Basin National Park!

2010-12-10T11:06:00.000-08:00

Great Basin National Park is seeking seasonal Interpretation specialists for Summer 2011! Applications are being accepted from December 8 - 17, 2010. Click on these two links to check out the position descriptions and learn how to apply.

In addition to these two positions, the Interpretation staff are also recruiting for Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) for Park Guide GS-0090-04 ($13.41 per hour) and GS-0090-03 ($11.95 per hour). Interested applicants should contact Betsy Duncan-Clark (Betsy_Duncan-Clark@nps.gov or 775.234.7331 extension 215), Chief of Interpretation at Great Basin National Park, for more information.

Presentation on Climate Change Instruction

2010-11-24T14:21:00.000-08:00

Dr. Gale Sinatra and Doug Lombardi, UNLV Doctoral Candidate, will be presenting a session on research that effects teaching and learning about climate change instruction entitled, "It Wasn't Any Colder When I Was a Kid: Heating Up Instruction on Climate Change."

Presentation description: "Teaching and learning about human-induced climate change presents unique challenges. In addition to misunderstanding the fundamental scientific principles underlying climate change, individuals may be committed to their own views based on attitudes, emotions, and plausibility perceptions that inhibit deep understanding. This presentation will feature recent research into these learning barriers and discuss potential implications for instruction and further research."

December 1, 2010, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

UNLV Campus, Greenspun Auditorium 1107

More information: Michele Casella, michele_casella@nshe.nevada.edu, 702.522.7076

Win a Smart Car for an "Act of Green"

2010-11-22T14:51:00.000-08:00

Earth Day Network is offering the chance to win one of two Smart Cars through their 'Our Billion Acts of Green Campaign' which is all about "acting individually, thinking globally and collectively making a difference." To enter to win, all you have to do is pledge to do an "Act of Green" and then follow through with your pledge. From small to big, Earth Day Network is encouraging everyone to do at least one thing to make a difference.

Leave No Trace

2010-11-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is hosting a Leave No Trace Master Educator course (canoe based) from April 1-5, 2011 within the Black Canyon section of the Colorado River.

"The Master Educator course is an extensive course designed to train educators and others ways to practice and teach Leave No Trace skills and ethics. The Master Educator course provides participants with a comprehensive overview of Leave No Trace techniques through practical application in a field setting."

For more information about the Leave No Trace Master Educator course, click here.

Combine Your Passion for Teaching and the Outdoors with a Part Time Position

2010-09-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Passionate about teaching and interested in enriching lives with a connection to the outdoors? We have a job for you! The UNLV Public Lands Institute seeks part-time Instructor/Facilitators for our educational programs. We are looking for fun, flexible, and professional people to join our team. You will teach and facilitate exciting outdoor and science education programs for children ages 8 to 18. Programs take place in the great outdoors of Southern Nevada.

Qualifications: Hard working and motivated. Ability to work well with others and without direct supervision. Personal transportation. Experience teaching youth and knowledge of environmental education programs preferred. Undergraduate or graduate degree in a related field a plus.

The following benefits apply: $14.00/hr minimum, mileage reimbursement, valuable training and experience, and part-time availability around your schedule!

Submit your Resume and Cover Letter to Allyson Butler at allyson.butler@unlv.edu.

Fall events

2010-09-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

Here are a few notable events coming up to write into your calendar:

National Public Lands Day - September 25th - go to this website to find a public lands site near you that is hosting a NPLD stewardship event.

National Trails Day activities at the Henderson Pavilion, including the Southern Nevada Children's Bill of Rights activities - October 9th

Fee Free Weekends at National Parks - Weekend of September 25, 2010 and Weekend of November 11, 2010 - go to this website to find a list of participating National Parks.

North American Association of Environmental Education annual conference in Buffalo, NY - September 29 - Oct 2, 2010

National Association of Interpretation National Workshop in Las Vegas, NV - November 16-20, 2010

Southern Nevada Wild

2010-09-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Fall 2010 Issue of the Southern Nevada Wild newsletter for students and teachers is available here. The current issue, published by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, highlights articles on interactions between people and wildlife.

Community Built on Principles of Health and Sustainability

2010-08-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

Check out this CNN video that spotlights a community outside of Montgomery, Alabama, which has been named the "fattest city" in the US. The community of Hamstead was created and built with health, environmental sustainability, and community-building in mind. The community has sustainably built homes, schools, businesses, and community service (like the YMCA and the library) buildings and was designed to ensure that residents could easily walk to these areas. Windpower pumps the community's water and cooking oil is reused for fuel. There is even a community farm that serves the community members and nearby restaurants!

Community grants from Bank of the West

2010-05-31T13:26:00.000-07:00

"Bank of the West provided more than two thousand grants to community organizations in 2009. The bank's Charitable Investments Program provides grants to locol nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving quality of life, particiularly for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. Grants are made in the categories of Community and Economic Development, Education and Job Training, Health and Human Care, and Civic and Cultural."

Go to this website to learn more about how to apply.

NAAEE-Pierce Foundation Photo Contest

2010-05-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

"The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and the Pierce Foundation seek photos that will inspire people to achieve environmental excellence. Entries should reflect the theme 'Paint Me a Picture.' The photography contest is one element of a larger effort by NAAEE to re-invigorate the use of the arts in the EE field, and is sponsored by the Albert I. Pierce Foundation for the fourth year in a row. Entry forms and rules can be found at the bottom of the page on the NAAEE web site at naaee.org/conference. Enter by June 10, 2010."

2007 winning photograph:

National Get Outdoors Day and Free Fishing Day

2010-05-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

June 12, 2010 is National Get Outdoors Day in the US and Free Fishing Day in Nevada. On Free Fishing Day, Nevadans may fish without a lisence in any Nevada fishing area. A "Free Fishing Day" event will be held at the Boulder City Pond inside Veterans Memorial Park located at 1650 Buchanan, Boulder City, NV. Registration for the event begins at 7:30am and the event will continue until 11am. Loaner fishing equipment, prizes, fishing instructions, casting lessons, a fish art booth, a water safety booth and more will be available to the public. The first 300 youth will receive a free tackle box!

Wildlife Education Newsletter - Summer Issue

2010-05-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

The Summer Issue of Southern Nevada WILD, a newsletter for educators and students that ispublished by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, is available online. In this issue, you will read about the climate of the Mojave Desert, Environmental Literacy, School Yard Habitats, along with getting introduced to the American badger, wolverine, and chuckwalla.

Gadget Tracks Gulf Coast Wildlife Sightings

2010-05-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

A Google gadget was created by eBird that allows bird watchers to help track 10 "vulnerable" species of wildlife along the Gulf Coast areas being affected by the BP oil spill. The bird watchers can use the gadget on personal blogs, websites, and Google homepages and check out what others have posted on the gadget.

"By visiting Gulf Coast beaches now and entering what they see into eBird, bird watchers can help scienctists guage the oil spill's effects as they develop."

The easy-to-use gadget allows anyone to list a sighting and see results that others report. The gadget links to an interactive map, where individual areas can be visualized.

Go to the Cornell Lab of Orinthology's blog to learn more.

Get Books for Free!

2010-05-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for an excuse to clear out some of the books cluttering your shelves and also receive books you've been meaning to read for ages - here is a great website for you. If you enter in various search terms like "environment," "science," "nature," "children," "learning," "nonformal education," "outdoor education," and many others you come up with - you will find many, many fabulous resources for teachers and non-formal educators. Fiction, non-fiction, textbooks, audio books, and children's books are all available.

Here's the way PaperBack Swap works:
- Register for the site and list books you'd like swap with other club members;
- When a book is requested, mail it to the club member;
- In return, you may request any of the available books (and there are PLENTY to choose from);
- Books you request are mailed to you for free.

Two Opportunities for Continuing Your Education in Northern Nevada

2010-05-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a non-formal educator or a classroom teacher, check out these awesome opportunities for continuing your education in beautiful areas of Northern Nevada.

LIFE (Lamoille Institute for Educators) Conference 2010
"The focus [of this conference] will be on finding direction for integrating science and nature in the classroom, and utilizing everyday things an educators already possesses to provide new avenues of learning. Lessons are already in the works for orienteering, astronomy, bottle biology, and mapping with math! LIFE will take place...in the picturesque Ruby Mountains, and is an educational event for all ages, as educators are invited to bring their families along for the week!"

The Details
Date: August 2 - 6, 2010
Location: Ruby Mountains
Cost: $179.00 (covers 5 days/4 nights and most meals and cost can be lowered by registering in pairs or teams)
Theme: Where Do We Go From Here? New Pathways to Learning!
Teachers and non-formal educators can receive graduate credit from Utah State and professional development credit from the Nevada Department of Education.
To learn more and register for this conference, click here.

Northern Nevada Earth Science Workshop
"The Nevada Mining Association and the Nevada Division of Minerals hold two earth science workshops a year, one in southern Nevada and one in northern Nevada. The goal of these workshops is to educate active K-12 Nevada teachers about the earth sciences, the importance of mined materials, and the role that mining plays in our lives. Through the classroom materials and lessons provided in the workshop, teachers will have the tools to provide accurate, standards-based science education to their students."

The Details
Date: July 20 - July 22, 2010
Location: Bishop Manogue Catholic High School, 110 Bishop Manogue Dr. Reno, Nevada
Registration date: July 20, 2010
Cost: $39.00
Teachers can earn University and professional development credit for attending.
To register, click here. For more information, click here.

CCSD schools move to 9-month schedule

2010-04-28T18:45:00.001-07:00

Many Clark County, Nevada schools have been on a 12-month schedule for years, but the School Board announced today that they would be transitioning these 12-month schools to 9-month school schedules.

"Learning In the Wild"

2010-04-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

The international weekly journal of science, Nature, explores the topic of how people learn science and determines that most of what people learn about science is learned informally. The article pertains to non-formal educators especially, due to the implications for how and where people learn science. The article indicates that the "evidence strongly suggests that most of what the general public knows about science is picked up outside school, through things such as television programmes, websites, magazine articles, visits to zoos and museums - and even through hobbies such as gardening and birdwatching."

Here is one excerpt from the article:

"Despite the obvious pitfalls of self-guided learning - starting with the huge amount of superficially plausible misinformation and pseudoscience available through sources such as the Internet and creationist museums - researchers have found that people are generally adept at picking up and applying information on subjects that matter to them. Someone with gallstones, for example, may well be able to discourse at length about the gall bladder; many small-town residents have no trouble figuring out why local fishing improved after a paper-mill closed; and a ten-year-old who gets a pet snake is likely to end up knowing more than most about herpetology."

The rest of the article is fascinating and is a must-read for those who work as non-formal educators.

EPA Accepting Applications to Operate 5-year Environmental Education Training Program

2010-04-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

The US Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications fo rthe National Environmental Education Training Program. EPA will award one cooperative agreement for approximately $2 million per year for this five year natioanl program which is expected to operate from October 1, 2010 until September 30, 2015. Applications will be accepted until July 26, 2010.

For more information, go to the EPA website here.

Pay It Forward

2010-04-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, April 29, 2010, is international Pay It Forward Day! The Governor of Nevada, along with the mayors of Henderson and Las Vegas, have proclaimed this Thursday Pay It Forward Day. 21 countries are currently participating in the international day that encourages each person to "Pay It Forward" with some act of kindness. The altruistic concept has historical roots with Benjamin Franklin, but was popularized by a book and movie (that was filmed in Las Vegas!) of the name "Pay It Forward." The movement encourages acts of kindness towards other people and the environment.

Eco-minded Architect Turns Tiny Hong Kong Apartment into Mansion!

2010-04-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

Check out this video on architect Gary Chang's ingenious idea to turn his tiny 344 square foot apartment in the middle of Hong Kong into a 24 room mansion! His functional, eco-friendly design and construction make his home in the one of the most densely populated places in the world seem private, relaxing, and spacious.

You can check out the short, fascinating video here.

Last Week to See "Art of Nature" at UNLV Barrick Museum

2010-04-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is the last week to see artist, photographer, and naturalist Sharon K. Schafer's "Art of Nature: Images of the Wildlands of Southern Nevada" exhibit at the Barrick Museum. The Barrick Museum is located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas at 4505 Maryland Parkway. The museum is open weekdays from 8am until 4.45pm and Saturdays from 10am until 2pm. Don't miss this beautiful exhibit!

Facebook, continued

2010-04-21T14:19:00.001-07:00

There are so many wonderful organizations on Facebook, we needed another post to list more!

Check these out:

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Conservation District of Southern Nevada
The Conservation District promotes "conservation, preservation, and sustainability" in a variety of innovative ways for the benefit of residents of Southern Nevada.

Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Information on transit and transportation planning for the Las Vegas area

Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada

Cactus and Succulent Society of Southern Nevada
Group of those individuals who appreciate cacti and succulents and promote saving water by planting native and desert-friendly species.

Sierra Club of Southern Nevada
Local branch of the national conservation organization.

Southern Nevada Health District
Promoting the health of citizens of the Las Vegas area and the environment.

Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada

Lake Mead National Recreation Area - National Park Service
Frequently updated by Lake Mead staff and visitors to the park.

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Learn more about this beautiful wildlife refuge, including up-to-date information on events, hikes, and educational and volunteer opportunities.

Clark County School District

Sierra Nevada Journeys
Experiential education organization based in Reno, Nevada; also provides support and education for classroom teachers and nonformal educators.

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

National Association for Interpretation

Mojave Desert
A Facebook page for residents and visitors of the Mojave Desert - share photos, stories, links, and tips.

Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs

Children & Nature Network
Created by author Richard Louv to get kids reacquainted and reconnected with nature.

No Child Left Inside
Supporters of the NCLI initiative and legislation

Environmental Literacy Council

National Wildlife Federation

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

REI
The Facebook home of this organization that educates and outfits for outdoor adventure and stewardship.

Joshua Tree National Park

Nevada Museum of Art

Springs Preserve
This Facebook page highlights the "180-acre cultural and historical attraction" that provides a vision for a sustainable future for this area.

Nevada Conservation Corps
A federally funded AmeriCorps program, through the Great Basin Institute, that advances volunteerism in the environment.

Facebook

2010-04-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

Many people these days are connecting with friends, family, and old college roommates on the social networking site, Facebook. But, did you know, that many of your favorite "Education About the Environment" organizations have Facebook pages? The Facebook fan pages allow people with likeminded interests to participate in discussions and share new information, articles, videos and websites.

Here are a few Facebook pages you may want to check out!

Certified Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife enthsuiasts creating havens for wildlife in their own neighborhoods

Nevada Museums Association
Association of museums, museum supporters, and community organizations for the Nevada Museums Association

Project WILD
Project WILD is an educational support resource for education about the environment for those working with students from kindergarten through high school.

Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association
This page features news, hike information, and beautiful outdoor photos of Southern Nevada

Wildflower: An Anthology of Women Artists and Writers in Nevada
A yearly anthology of women artists and writers with ties to Nevada

Nevada Magazine
Nevada Magazine highlights the state's environmental, cultural, social, and tourism attributes.

Nevada Birding
For those interested in connecting over Nevada's rich birding experiences

South Mountain Community College Storytelling Institute
Learn tips and tricks for telling Nevada's stories

DesertUSA
Check out articles, links, news, and photos of the American Southwestern deserts

Flying Wild
Check out this educational support curriculum to get urban kids involved in Education About the Environment with birds

Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
The Facebook home to those who appreciate all this beautiful Nevada State Park has to offer

National Environmental Education Week
Connects educators with environmental education resources

National Hunting and Fishing Day
Highlights and information regarding this yearly event that brings attention to hunting and fishing

National Park Week - Free Park Admission!

2010-04-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

April 17-25, 2010 is National Park Week in the US and the National Park Service wants you to get out and explore your national parks. For this week only, the entrance fees for all 392 national parks will be waived, to encourage individuals and families to get outside and explore. Earth Day (April 22nd) and National Junior Ranger Day (April 24th) take place during the National Park Week, so there will be events and activities associated with these days at many of the parks.

Several National Parks are fairly close to the downtown Las Vegas area:

Lake Mead National Recreation Area - 21 miles/ 30 minutes
Grand Canyon National Park - 276 miles/ 5 hours
Death Valley National Park - 145 miles/ 3 hours
Zion National Park - 166 miles/ 3 hours 20 minutes
Mojave National Preserve - 101 miles/ 2 hours
Joshua Tree National Park - 216 miles/ 5 hours

National Parks Highlighted in Children's Book list

2009-09-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Reading Rockets has developed a list of engaging books with the 'theme' of National Parks that can be used to help support struggling new readers. Click the link below to check out 8 fascinating books with a wide range of National Parks highlighted.

http://www.readingrockets.org/articles/books/c817

Reading Rockets is a non-profit organization organized through WETA, a community-based public broadcasting station supported by listeners and viewers. WETA is a major producing station for PBS.

Target Field Trip Grants Support Out-of-Classroom Learning

2009-09-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

Field Trip Grants Support Out-of-Classroom Learning

Apply Now for 2009-2010 Field Trip Grants through Target

Ready to get inspired? Target will award 5,000 grants of up to $800 each for the upcoming school year. So put on your thinking caps and complete an application online anytime between now and Nov. 3, 2009.

http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-031880&ref=tgt_adv_XCLX3676&afid=d_teachervision&cpng=fieldtripgrants09&PlaceID=39665329&CreateID=31327056

Free Henderson Trail Discovery Bus Tours

2009-08-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

Henderson Trail Discovery Bus Tours at National Trails Day Celebration 2009

Back for a second year at the National Trails Day Celebration will be the Henderson Trail Discovery Bus Tours. On October 3rd, take a 90 minute tour designed to showcase and educate you about existing trails and trailheads. Also to be presented will be trails planned for in the near future. Take one or both tours in an air-conditioned 28 passenger bus with guide.

The West Henderson Trails Discovery Tour will cover: Amargosa Trail, Anthem East Trail, Cactus Wren Trail, Pittman Wash Trail, and the St Rose Parkway Trail.
9:30-11:00 A.M. Bus loads at 9:15 A.M.
11:30-1:00 P.M. Bus loads at 11:15 A.M.

The East Henderson Trails Discovery Tour will cover: Boulder Highway Trail, Equestrian Trail, Lake Mead Parkway Trail, River Mountains Loop Trail, Union Pacific Railroad Trail, and the Wetlands Connector Trail
9:15-10:45 A.M. Bus Loads 9:00 A.M.
11:15-12:45 P.M. Bus loads at 10:45 A.M.

To sign up, attend the Henderson National Trails Day on October 3rd at the Henderson Multigenerational Center (250 S. Green Valley Pkwy.(at Paseo Verde Parkway)Henderson, NV 89012). Go to the City of Henderson “Trail Booth” to reserve your space on the bus. All participants must be ages 5 & up.

For more information, contact:
Jennifer Magby
Outdoor Recreation Coordinator
City of Henderson
Parks and Recreation Department
P.O. Box 95050
Henderson NV 89009-5050
(702) 267-4050
fax (702) 267-4051
Jennifer.magby@cityofhenderson.com

HUGE Las Vegas Wash Clean-Up Event!

2009-08-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

The Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee (LVWCC) is gearing up for its 15th Wash Green-Up! The LVWCC is hosting the Spring Green-Up on Saturday, October 17. This is your chance to participate as a volunteer or a site supervisor!

We are hoping to attract 2000 volunteers to plant 7800 trees and shrubs on 28 acres. In case of weather a back up date will be Saturday, October 24. This will be the largest event we have ever done and we need your help and would like to have you participate as a site supervisor, overseeing the volunteers to ensure they are planting properly. For site supervisors, the event lasts from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and there will be a free barbecue lunch for all participants.

A site supervisor orientation lunch will be held on Wednesday, October 7 at 12:00 p.m. in the Grand Canyon Rooms at the Molasky building floor 7, located at 100 City Parkway. Please register by Monday, September 30. We hope to see you at the Green-Up!

For more information, contact: Nicholas Rice, Environmental Biologist, Southern Nevada Water Authority, 100 City Parkway, Suite 700 Las Vegas, NV 89106 (702) 822-3316 or Nick.Rice@snwa.com

Online Resource for Fostering Sustainable Behavior

2009-08-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

Fostering Sustainable Behavior: Community-Based Social Marketing

"This site consists of five resources for those working to foster sustainable behaviors, such as those involved in conservation, energy efficiency, transportation, waste reduction, and water efficiency. The site includes the complete contents of the book, Fostering Sustainable Behavior, as well as searchable databases of articles, case studies, and turnkey strategies. Further, it includes, discussion forums for sharing information and asking questions of others. If you take a moment to complete the free registration for this site resources added since your last visit, will be highlighted, in the table below and you will be able to post to the discussion forums and receive the daily discussion forum digest by email."

Check it out: http://www.cbsm.com/public/world.lasso

Sportsmen’s Groups Help Bring Back Wildlife Coloring Book

2009-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Color Nevada Wild, a popular A-Z coloring book about wildlife published by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and out of circulation since the mid 1990s, is back in the hands of Nevada’s children after several of the state’s sportsmen’s groups stepped up to fund a reprint.

The project to update and reprint the coloring book was made possible through donations from Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn, Mule Deer Foundation, Nevada Wildlife Federation, Wildlife and Habitat Improvement of Nevada and the Nevada Wildlife Record Book.

[You can also go to http://www.ndow.org/about/pubs/ed/CNW_Web.pdf to download the coloring book.]

“We really appreciate the support of the sportsmen’s community in funding a reprint of the coloring book,” said Kelly Clark, Conservation Education Chief for NDOW. “Now more children in Nevada will have the chance to learn about their state’s wildlife and have fun coloring at the same time.”

Clark credits Jim Nelson, of Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, and Bill Vasconi, former president for the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn, as the sportsmen who spearheaded the drive to bring the popular coloring book back. Vasconi passed away in February 2008.

“Bill was a wonderful advocate for wildlife in the state. He cared passionately about wildlife and he wanted to share that with Nevada school children,” Clark said. “Sadly, he passed away before we were able to get it completed, but Jelindo Tiberti took the torch and continued to support the effort for the Fraternity there in Las Vegas.”

The alphabet style coloring book is meant to help teach elementary school students about the wildlife living in the Silver State. The publication is aimed at children from kindergarten to third grade. Master copies, which can be used for duplication, will be sent to elementary schools around the state and will also be available at all NDOW offices. Any elementary teacher interested in using the coloring book may request one copy from the NDOW headquarters by calling (775) 688-1915.

For more information, visit http://www.ndow.org/.

Gathering of Storytellers

2009-07-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Attention All Potential Storytellers!

Nevada’s youth are waiting for us to give them the gift of stories! If you had the opportunity to be involved in Harriet Cole’s Storytelling workshop this spring at Lake Mead let’s keep this ball rolling with the exchange of ideas and of course stories! If you didn’t get a chance to come to the workshop, please join us so we can share some of the things we learned.

Couple of great points – first, children were given information in the form of a story and in the traditional lecture form. A month later the children given the lecture form couldn’t remember the information, a YEAR later the children that were told the story could still remember it. Imagine what we could do with our programs with the power of story!!

Let’s Meet!!
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009, 3pm
Borders @ Town Square Las Vegas (http://www.townsquarelasvegas.com/go/gmap.cfm , http://www.townsquarelasvegas.com/info/mallmap_LG.cfm )

Things to Discuss:
• Books (I have a bunch for you to look through and perhaps borrow)
• Websites (what are some good ones with stories)
• Mesa Storytelling Festival (there is a group of us going)
• How can we get more storytelling workshops here? Workshops for kids?
• How can we develop and share ideas and stories?

For more information:
Paula Garrett
jacobyg@unlv.nevada.edu
321-4575

Activism Opportunity in Southern Nevada

2009-03-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join the efforts of the Desert Wetlands Conservancy to advocate for the health of the Las Vegas Valley Watershed! This group (formerly known as the Friends of Desert Wetlands Park) has made a difference in the past when it focused on the Desert Wetlands Park and they are now broadening their horizons and their attention to include the rest of the Las Vegas Wash and other tributaries.

For an information packet and to inquire about how to join, contact Peter Zavattaro at zavattaro@earthlink.net.

Nature Deficit Disorder Affects Dictionaries

2009-03-25T20:20:00.002-07:00

Nature Words Removed From Children's Dictionary
In order to make room for modern words like MP3 player, chatroom, and database, the latest edition of the Oxford Junior Dictionary removed many nature-related words as a result of the changing landscape. So BlackBerry takes the place of blackberry, and so on. Read more in this Next Nature article Children's dictionary dumps 'nature' words:
http://www.nextnature.net/?p=3110

Free Lancers Wanted To Write Popular EE Articles

2009-03-25T20:20:00.001-07:00

The Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) is seeking free lance writers with environmental education experience to write magazine style articles for publication on its web site. Each article will highlight an important area of EETAP’s work and extend the storyline to similar efforts by other programs. The intent of the articles is to inform about trends in environmental education and their significance for the field and its practitioners. The audiences for the articles are formal and non-formal educators who are working to improve learning and increase the environmental literacy of their students and program participants. EETAP will accept proposals for writing one or more articles through April 24, 2009. It’s anticipated that contracts will be signed in May 2009 with work to be completed within three-months of the signing date. For additional information please request a complete description from Sharon Courtney (Sharon.Courtney@uwsp.edu).

New NAAEE Award for Environmental Justice

2009-03-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

New North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Award Will Recognize Activism in Environmental Justice

The new NAAEE award will annually recognize an individual for his/her leadership to educate about and promote action that addresses environmental justice concerns at the local, regional, or global levels. This award is an excellent opportunity to promote an essential field of work that needs to be celebrated by the environmental education community. In addition to helping promote the award, please review the criteria and nominate an individual that you feel is deserving of recognition for the work they are doing to educate about environmental justice issues. Nominations are due by April 22, 2009. Go to NAAEE.org for more information.

Turn Off Your Lights, Tune Into Earth Hour

2009-03-25T20:11:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 28, UNLV will participate in the international Earth Hour event. People around the world will turn off their lights for one hour from 8:30-9:30 p.m.
Already 700 cities in 78 countries have committed to participate, and Las Vegas is a flagship city for the 2009 event. Click here to take the Earth Hour pledge.
All pledge takers will be entered in a competition to win small prizes. See a list of UNLV's Earth Hour activities.

New Video Highlights Often Unheard Perspectives

2009-03-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

"Visit With Respect"
Filmed at Canyon of the Ancients National Monument and the Pueblo of Acoma, this video explains how Pueblo people feel about visiting archaeological sites. The intergenerational cast from the Hopi Tribe and the pueblos of Santa Clara and Acoma emphasize the living connections between ancestral villages and the modern-day descendants of their builders. For this video, the Colorado Historical Society gave the Caroline Bancroft History Award to the Anasazi Heritage Center, which worked with the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in its production.

Watch: http://www.archaeologychannel.org/index.asp

Nevada Makes List of Filthiest States

2009-03-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

More than a dozen states, including Nevada, have been identified as "filthy," according to the Natural Resources Definition Council. The NRDC has announced the "filthy 15 states" across the country based on toxic coal-ash waste produced by dirty coal-fired power plants. There are more than 100 plants across the United States. In alphabetical order, the states with the most coal-ash production include Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. For more information visit nrdc.org,

Project Learning Tree Educator Workshop

2009-03-25T20:02:00.001-07:00

"Use the forest and the environment as a window to learning!"

April 24th and April 25th, 2009
Las Vegas and Mt. Charleston

Project Learning Tree:
• easy to use, highly motivational lessons that can be used in the classroom, on the schoolyard, and on field trips
• connections to children’s literature
• plants, animals & ecosystems of the Spring Mountains
• the role of fire in forests and human affairs
• tools and techniques used by foresters and ecologists
• GreenWorks and service-learning opportunity

Project Learning Tree is an award winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. PLT is correlated with Nevada Academic Content Standards. Each participant will receive PLT PreK–8 Environmental Education Activity Guide and other teaching materials. Though designed for K–8 teachers in Clark County School District, the workshop is open to all educators. A workshop designed for secondary educators may be offered later this year.

Schedule:
Friday afternoon 4:00 to 6:00PM, we will meet at Nevada Division of Forestry offices, 4747
Vegas Dr, Las Vegas; you will have one hour of “homework”

Saturday 8:00AM to 4:30PM, in Kyle Canyon at the Mt. Charleston Library and in the
field; we depart from NDF at 8:00AM and use the drive up for learning; the workshop
will end at about 3:30PM and you may return to NDF or stay on the mountain; NDF transportation may be available.

Registration and information:
Pre-registration is required. CCSD teachers
register online through Pathlore; other educators call Matt Koepnick at 702-486-
5123. A $10 PDE or registration fee will be charged. Nevada Division of Forestry
funding covers the remainder of the workshop costs. CCSD teachers receive 0.5
unit of Professional Development Education (PDE) credit.

How can we protect our environment if we do not feel we belong?

2009-03-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

"Where would Americans most like to live -- and how do they feel about the place they currently call home?A new national survey by the Pew Research Center's Social & Demographic Trends project finds that nearly half (46%) of the public would rather live in a different type of community from the one they're living in now -- a sentiment that is most prevalent among city dwellers."

Read more: http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1096/community-satisfaction-top-cities

A New Spin on Earth Day

2009-03-25T19:40:00.002-07:00

The Las Vegas Springs Preserve has developed it's own spin on Earth Day!

Read below to find out more!

"2009 Green Dreamers Art and Science Fair as part of the Earth Day celebration at the Springs Preserve on Saturday, April 25.

The Green Dreamers Art and Science Fair is an alternative to traditional events and an experiment to see what we can accomplish together for the future. So many community events consist of organizations standing behind a table and handing out paper and trinkets. When participants get home, those plastic bags full of paper and plastic are often thrown away. This year, we want you to be part of our green experiment! Show us what you have done recently, what you have in the works, or what your next big idea in sustainability is, and participate in our Green Dreamers Art and Science Fair.

Green Dreamers will be open to the public. Our goal is to have a child with a homemade solar oven next to a display of new developments in PV technology; a homeowner showing how their new trellis cut their energy bill next to a model of the future in sustainability communities.
Be part of the dialogue. Contribute to our sustainable future.

Space is very limited so please be sure and return your completed registration form (contact the Springs Preserve for more information) by April 3rd.

Party for the Planet at the Shark Reef/Mandalay Bay

2009-03-25T19:40:00.001-07:00

Saturday, April 18, 2009
10 am to 4 pm

Host a booth at the Earth Day festival located at the entrance of the
Shark Reef Aquarium and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center,
leaders in their commitment to the environment.

Interact with guests, locals and visitors, on environmental topics and
what your organization is doing to help our planet. Participants may
provide information, activities or presentations on the environment or
their company practices as it relates to the environment.

*Please be environmentally responsible in your distribution of
materials, giveaways or booth materials.*
Booth space is still available but limited. Call or email for more
information or to reserve your space.

Contacts:
Adrienne Rowland
702.632.4565
arowland@mandalaybay.com

Jack Jewell
702.632.4560
jjewell@mandalaybay.com

Grant Opportunities to Support No Child Left Inside

2009-03-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

The Obama Administration’s new stimulus package contains more than $100 billion for education. While much of this money will be used to help states avoid teacher lay-offs and fund No Child Left Behind, there are funds that may be available for the development and implementation of environmental literacy plans and for model environmental education programs.

The Department of Education has issued a press release that details the following provisions:

- $5 billion in incentive grants to be distributed on a competitive basis to states that most aggressively pursue higher standards, quality assessments, robust data systems and teacher quality initiatives. This includes $650 million to fund school systems and non-profits with strong track records of improving student achievement.

- $5 billion for Early Childhood, including Head Start, early Head Start, childcare block grants, and programs for infants with disabilities. (Includes Department of Health and Human Services programs).

- $2 billion for other education investments, including pay for performance, data systems, teacher quality investments, technology grants, vocational rehab, work study, and Impact Aid.

While there is no guarantee that Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will consider environmental education programs or environmental literacy plans eligible for these funds, we urge members of the Coalition to monitor the Department of Education website, www.ed.gov, for information on grant eligibility and to apply for funding. The Department may provide guidance as early as this week. These grants may provide a much-needed opportunity for school systems to partner with area service providers and other state agencies and receive federal dollars for high quality environmental education and teacher professional development.

Exciting and Educational Rafting Trip through Grand Canyon

2009-03-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

UNLV Public Lands Institute Executive Director Peg Rees is joining with the UNLV Divison of Educational Outreach to offer a unique adventure through the Grand Canyon. Rees, who is also a geoscience professor at UNLV, and Artist/Naturalist Sharon Schafer of Skydance Studio will lead an eight-day raft trip through Marble Canyon and Grand Canyon. The trip will feature pre-trip talks of the geology and natural history of the area as you explore 220-river miles of beautiful byways. The trip begins May 29 and ends June 5, 2009 at a cost of $2,760, which includes instruction, raft trip, all transportation roundtrip from Las Vegas, waterproof bags for gear, sleep kit, and all meals. Register online at http://edoutreach.unlv.edu/index.html or call (702) 895-3394. For more information, e-mail michelle.baker@unlv.edu or call (702) 895-3254.

Nevada Project Wild Gains National Recognition

2009-03-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.ndow.org/about/news/pr/march_09/030209_project_wild.shtm

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) Project Wild program has gained kudos from the national Project Wild office. This widely-used education program is based on a curriculum developed by conservation educators and wildlife managers nationwide, and is supported by each state’s fish and wildlife agency.

With help from the Clark County School District partnership office, NDOW correlated the activities contained in the Project Wild curriculum to the Nevada state education standards. The state Department of Education developed these standards to guide teachers in planning their lessons. With the recent emphasis for classroom teachers to "teach to the standards," these correlations become invaluable for validating the effectiveness of the Project Wild program.

"The correlations will make both the Project Wild program and NDOW’s overall wildlife education program more accessible to educators," said Margie Klein, Conservation Educator for NDOW.

Currently, the correlations are to the life science standards, as this is where most of the activities match up. The standards for grades 3-5 are addressed, as that is the target audience for NDOW’s wildlife education program. Correlations were done for both the Project Wild basic curriculum and the Project Wild Aquatic curriculum.

Project Wild can be used in an extra-curricular fashion or as a supplement to standard school-based curriculum. Any number of the Project Wild activities can be used to enhance and illustrate concepts in all school subjects – science, math, English, social studies, art, music, and even physical education – through scenarios using wildlife. The activities can also be used as stand-alone lessons to teach about wildlife and the environment.

Although NDOW has offered Project Wild teacher training for years, the curriculum was not previously correlated to state standards, though it had been correlated to national standards. Nevada now joins several other states whose Project Wild curricula are correlated to their own state standards. Josetta Hawthorne, executive director of the Council for Environmental Education, which administers the Project Wild curriculum, said that the news of the correlations being done "was a delight to see." She added that the national office will add Nevada to the list of states that have updated WILD correlations.

Clark County School District teachers can find the correlations on the school district’s website, under Beyond the Classroom, on the Nevada Department of Wildlife page. Other educators can find them on the NDOW website, at www.ndow.org. NDOW conducts Project Wild classes each spring and fall. Registration for classroom teachers is through the Clark County School District’s Pathlore system on the internet. Educators who are not part of the school district should call Margie Klein at (702) 486-5127x 3502 or via email at mbklein@ndow.org.

Students Found to Pick Up Science Outside School

2009-03-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

"Students Found to Pick Up Science Outside School" article from Education Week

Informal science activities, such as trips to museums and zoos, viewing of television shows, and even discussions between parents and children, have the power to improve students’ learning in that subject and their appreciation for it, a national study released today concludes.
Out-of-school science programs have become increasingly popular in recent years, as public officials and private organizations have sought to build academic skills during nonschool hours, the authors say.

Evaluating informal science programs is difficult, partly because the exact knowledge that students pick up from museum visits and other activities—such as making sense of the natural world—is not readily tested. Assessing students’ skills in informal environments can also run counter to the purpose of those activities, which is to present science in a fun and relatively unstructured way, the study says.

Even so, the authors found enough evidence from various studies and evaluations of out-of-school science programs to conclude there is a clear record that they support student learning.
“Contrary to the pervasive idea that schools are responsible for addressing the scientific knowledge needs of society, the reality is that schools cannot act alone,” the reports says. “Society must better understand and draw on the full range of science learning experiences to improve science education.”

The 339-page study, “Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits,” which published Jan. 14, was completed by an expert committee of the National Research Council, which is based in Washington. The council, a part of the congressionally chartered National Academies, is an independent entity that seeks to inform policymakers and the public on science-related topics.

Philip Bell, who co-chaired the committee that wrote the study, said he hopes it will increase the understanding that cultivating scientific knowledge occurs “across the breadth of a person’s life.”
“We often equate science learning to moments of a student’s school instruction,” Mr. Bell said, but “it’s a broader picture than just schooling.”

Tailored Science
The study identifies six “strands,” or goals for student learning that can be supported through informal science education. They include building motivation to learn about the natural world; understanding scientific arguments, concepts, models, and facts; manipulating, testing, exploring, and questioning; understanding the nature of scientific knowledge, institutions, and processes; using scientific language and tools and working with one another; and thinking of themselves as science learners who can contribute to the field.

One finding of the study is that informal science activities can be tailored to meet the interests of students from very different backgrounds, said Mr. Bell, an associate professor of learning sciences at the University of Washington, in Seattle.

There is “mounting evidence,” the study says, that nonschool science programs can nurture students’ and adults’ interest in pursuing scientific careers. That finding could be valuable to policymakers, who worry that too few students, particularly girls and members of underrepresented minorities, are being encouraged to consider careers in math- and science-related fields.

Another conclusion is that strong evidence exists that educational TV has an effect on students’ science learning, but that the record is “substantially less” for other media, such as digital devices, games, and radio.

That finding did not surprise Francis Q. Eberle, the executive director of the 58,000-member National Science Teachers Association. Much of the research on games and other activities is relatively new, he said.

Overall, the study confirms his view that students pick up science skills in many settings. Mr. Eberle also agreed with the report’s conclusion that judging informal science activities is difficult, since the goal of many of them is to generate a “spark” or a “new realization” of what science is.
“How do you measure that spark?” Mr. Eberle said. “I don’t think we understand that well enough. ... The trail can be difficult to follow.”

Many Plans to Curtail Use of Plastic Bags, but Not Much Action

2009-03-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

"Many Plans to Curtail Use of Plastic Bags, but Not Much Action" article from the New York Times.

Last summer, city officials here became the first in the nation to approve a fee on paper and plastic shopping bags in many retail stores. The 20-cent charge was intended to reduce pollution by encouraging reusable bags.

But a petition drive financed by the plastic-bag industry delayed the plan. Now a far broader segment of Seattle’s bag carriers — its voters — will decide the matter in an election in August.
Even in a city that likes to be environmentally conscious, the outcome is uncertain.

“You have to be really tone-deaf to what’s going on to think that the economic climate is not going to affect people,” said Rob Gala, a legislative aide to the city councilman who first sponsored the bill for the 20-cent fee.

Regarded by some as a symbol of consumer culture wastefulness, plastic bags have been blamed for street litter, ocean pollution and carbon emissions produced by manufacturing and shipping them.

Momentum for imposing fees or bans has expanded from a few, often affluent, liberal cities on the West Coast — San Francisco was the first big city to ban plastic bags, in 2007 — to dozens of legislative proposals in states like Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Texas and Virginia.
Yet as support increased in places, the national economy began to decline. No state has imposed a fee or a ban.

Some officials say they fear a public backlash if they were to raise fees in an economic downturn; others say governments need the revenue now more than ever. Still others say a cleaner environment, not revenue, is their only goal.

In New York City, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is proposing a 5-cent fee on plastic bags. The measure would require approval by the State Legislature.

In Connecticut, a bill that would put a 5-cent fee on most paper and plastic bags is being promoted as potentially raising as much as $10 million a year for the depleted budget of the Environmental Protection Department.

“We’re not just exploring how can we get more money out of this,” said State Representative Kim Fawcett, a Fairfield Democrat who is sponsoring the bill. “We’re asking, ‘How can we help people change their behavior?’ ”

In Maryland, Delegate Alfred C. Carr Jr., a Montgomery County Democrat, said the 5-cent fee he was pushing for plastic and paper bags would pay to help clean up Chesapeake Bay. A parallel proposal in the Washington City Council would finance cleanup efforts on the Anacostia River.
Mr. Carr said he had not heard residents complain about the proposed cost.

But in Portland, Ore., Mayor Sam Adams said this month that he would not pursue a fee, ranging from 5 cents to 20 cents, that he had proposed last fall. Mr. Adams cited the economic strain being faced by people.

“Now is not the time,” the mayor said.

In Virginia, several bag bills have stalled amid resistance from retail groups and bag makers that say bans and fees will increase costs and hurt businesses.

“Legislators are sensitive to that,” said Nathan Lott, the executive director of the Virginia Conservation Network. “They’re not demanding a lot of evidence to prove it.”

As the issue grew across the country and overseas, it became layered with debates on topics like the environmental benefits of bans and fees and to how to win support from retailers for them.

Over the last year, bag makers have increased their marketing efforts, saying that their product has been unfairly maligned and that they will do more to reduce waste through recycling.

Stephen L. Joseph, a lawyer in the San Francisco Bay Area, is working with several plastic-bag makers and runs the Web site savetheplasticbag.com. Mr. Joseph has filed lawsuits in an effort to stop bans and fees proposed in California by Manhattan Beach and Los Angeles County.

In the Manhattan Beach case, a Superior Court judge ruled on Friday in favor of bag makers, saying the city should have determined whether a ban on plastic bags would have caused environmental damage by increasing the use of paper bags.

Plastic-bag makers say they have improved recycling rates through education programs and increased access to receptacles at retail stores; they say those are the kinds of efforts that governments should encourage.

“The important thing to understand from the perspective of this industry is that there’s not a single manufactured product on earth that has no environmental profile,” Mr. Joseph said.
“For some reason,” he continued, “the great microscope of the environmental community has decided on the plastic-bag issue and decided, O.K., it’s going to be our symbol.”

Despite its popular appeal, the issue has not been a priority for national environmental groups. They are more likely to focus on broad federal issues like carbon emissions, renewable energy and use of public lands.

“This thing,” Jerry Powell, the editor of the trade magazine Resource Recycling, said of the bag debate, “is all helter-skelter.”

Australia Fires Spark Calls For Climate Action

2009-03-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

"Australia Fires Spark Calls for Climate Action" article

Firefighters called on the Australian government on Thursday to take a tougher stance against climate change in an effort to avoid more deadly bushfires like those that killed 181 people this week.

"Without a massive turnaround in policies, aside from the tragic loss of life and property, we will be asking firefighters to put themselves at an unacceptable risk," United Firefighters Union of Australia said in an open letter. "We understand that our job is dangerous by its very nature. However, we are gravely concerned that current ... policies seem destined to ensure a repeat of the recent tragic events," said the union in an open letter to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

The call came as police detained two people on Thursday suspected of deliberately lighting one of the bushfires that savagely swept through southeast Australia on Saturday. Authorities say the toll is expected to rise beyond 200 as more bodies are discovered in the charred remains of houses in the southern state of Victoria.

One razed town, Marysville, sealed off to the public due to the horrific scenes there, may contain 50 to 100 more dead, authorities say. That would bring the toll to around 300. Prime minister Rudd has described the bushfires as "mass murder." In Victoria, arson carries a jail term of two to 15 years, and 25 years if there's loss of life.

The fires are the worst natural disaster in Australia in 110 years. The previous worst fires killed 75 people in 1983.

WAKE-UP CALL
The firefighters union has now joined Green politicians and environmental activists in arguing that the deadly infernos are a climate change wake-up call to Australia. Australia is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change because of its hot, dry environment, but with its dependence on coal-fired power, Rudd has set a target to cut overall greenhouse gas emissions by only 5 percent by 2020. In their letter to Rudd, the firefighters cited Australian scientists forecasting a "low global warming scenario" would see catastrophic fire events in Victoria every five to seven years by 2020, and by 2050, a doubling of extreme danger fire days.

"Given the federal government's dismal greenhouse gas emissions cut of 5 percent, the science suggests we are well on the way to guaranteeing that somewhere in the country there will be an almost annual repeat of the recent disaster," they said. Australia has launched its biggest arson investigation, "Operation Phoenix," into the nation's deadliest wildfires, believing at least one or more may have been deliberately lit.

Fanned by strong winds and heatwave temperatures, several bushfires tore through rural towns north of Melbourne on Saturday night. Melbourne's temperature on Saturday hit 46.4 degrees Celsius (115.5 degrees Fahrenheit), a record for the city. The disaster area, more than twice the size of London and encompassing more than 20 towns, has been declared a crime zone. The fires have burned 1,033 homes and left 5,000 homeless. Standard & Poors says the damage could exceed $2 billion.

More than 4,000 firefighters are still battling some 21 fires in Victoria state, with several out of control. On Thursday, survivors returned to burned-out towns and hamlets to rebuild their lives. Those with houses still standing offered shelter and support for those who lost their homes. But many were left to live in tents and caravans, having escaped the infernos with just the clothes on their backs. "We have our health and we don't have to bury anyone, that's the main thing," said Chris King as she surveyed the rubble and twisted metal that once was her home.

(Editing by Bill Tarrant)
Article copyright Reuters.

Leave No Trace Training Opportunity

2009-02-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

The Nevada State Parks system is offering an exciting Leave No Trace training opportunity set against the dramatic, beautiful Valley of Fire landscape on February 21st and 22nd. After completing the course, you will be certified as a Leave No Trace trainer! To register (the cost is only $6!), access the following link: http://www.parks.nv.gov/Temp/LNT%20trainer.pdf.

Think Before You Eat

2009-02-11T15:45:00.000-08:00

Next time you're choosing a restaurant, look for the Thimmakka Seal being posted proudly. What is the Thimmakka Seal? Restaurants that have earned this seal have "been certified as green businesses through their efforts to produce less air pollution, reduce the costs of health care and landfill fees, consume and create less waste, and avoid the use of toxic chemicals." http://www.thimmakka.org/

Survey for Moapa Valley Trail Use

2009-02-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

A short survey is being offered to collect information about the use of Moapa Valley Trails. To take the survey, and check out photos from the lush desert oasis, go to: http://www.moapavalleytrailstudy.org/index.html

Love Celebration - for the pups in your life!

2009-02-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

Valley of Fire State Park is hosting a Valentine's Day hiking event for you and your pups.

"Show your dog some love and take him/her on a leisurely hike along this 2-3 mile loop trail. It’s an easy-moderate hike that is great for Humans and K-9s to get a nice walking workout. All dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6ft and all pet owners are required to pick up any "mess" your pet leaves behind! There is a limited amount of space. Call (702) 397-2088 to reserve your spot today."

For more information, and to check out other cool events going on at the State Parks in Nevada, go to the events page: http://parks.nv.gov/events1.htm

Author gives verbal kick towards recycling

2009-02-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

Ellen Ross, Las Vegas local, business owner, and outdoors enthusiast, has written an article for Living Las Vegas on recycling in Southern Nevada. The article is geared to motivate residents of the area to care about this beautiful desert we call home.

"Las Vegas, Recycling Is the Change"
http://living-las-vegas.com/2009/02/recycle-las-vegas/

Fun facts about recycling!

2009-02-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

Earth911.com is your resource for redusing, reusing, and recycling! With up-to-date information and an easy to use website, you can find all sorts of cool stuff on their website. Check out the following link for Fun Facts about recycling - like this one:

Did you know..... Incinerating 10,000 tons of waste creates one job; landfilling 10,000 tons of waste creates six jobs; recycling 10,000 tons of waste creates 36 jobs.

For more fun facts, go to:
http://www.earth911.org/master.asp?s=lib&a=Curbside/funfacts.asp

Urban Sustainability Conference

2009-02-09T15:37:00.000-08:00

Education for a Global Future: 21st Century Challenges in Sustainability & Climate Change Education

Friday, March 6, 2009
Student Union
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Free – but preregistration required (http://urban21.unlv.edu/conferences/2009/index.html)

The 2nd UNLV Urban Sustainability Initiative Conference will focus on effective strategies for incorporating sustainability and climate change topics into undergraduate, graduate, and K-12 education. Faculty, students, staff, administrators, all NSHE institutions, and K-12 teachers/administrators are encouraged to attend this free conference.

Topics will include:
Current initiatives in K-12 and higher education
Best practices for formal and informal education
Role of sustainability and climate change in General Education
Development of sustainability curricula in specific disciplines or fields of study
Trans-disciplinary approaches to sustainability education
Informal, extracurricular, and service-learning sustainability initiatives
Sustainability curricula in K-12
Articulation in sustainability education within NSHE and with CCSD
Facilitating attitudinal and behavioral change in students

Informal Science Educators Broaden Their Horizons

2009-02-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

Expanding Informal Science Education for Latinos Conference

WHO: Members of informal science institutions, science research organizations, Hispanic- serving non-profit organizations, educators, and media professionals.

WHAT: Share best practices in designing culturally effective programs and resources.
Review current ISE resources.
Identify needs and gaps.
Develop new strategies and resources to enrich the informal science learning environment for Hispanics.
Design initiatives relevant to organization’s interests and needs related to ISE.

WHEN: Evening reception March 26th, Workshops and trainings March 29th

WHERE: Albuquerque Hotel, Old Town, NM

COST: $345 (Includes registration and most meals. A limited number of scholarships are available; for more details, please inquire below.)

For more information, contact: Malu Jimenez (202) 558-0006 malu.jimenez@srfdc.org

The New Face(s) of Environmentalism

2009-02-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

With an interesting approach to raising awareness about conservation, WildAid is a non-profit organization on a mission to "end the illegal wildlife trade within our lifetime."

Many celebrities - including Harrison Ford, Carmelo Anthony, Ang Lee, Jackie Chan, Minnie Driver, among others - have donated their time to star in public service announcements (PSAs), which seek to bring positive attention to WildAid's mission and values. Every week, 1 billion people all over the world watch the PSA videos.

Check out more of the moving videos at WildAid's website: http://www.wildaid.org/index.asp?CID=7&PID=507

Southern Nevada WILD

2009-02-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of Southern Nevada WILD, created by the Nevada Department of Wildlife, can be found at: http://www.ndow.org/learn/programs/region/south/SoNVWild_v3_n1.pdf.

This issue features the Nevada State Certification in Environmental Education and Interpretation program, Birding and Wildlife Watching Partnership information, and an update on NDOW's efforts to match Project Wild to state K-12 curriculum standards.

Science and the environment at the Clark County Fair and Rodeo?

2009-02-09T14:16:00.000-08:00

You read correctly! The Clark County Fair and Rodeo organizers are accepting entry nominations for exhibits for booth presentations at the Fair in April 2009. Exhibits can fit into a variety of different Science categories including Biology, Geology, Ecology, Anthropology, and many other category options. The Fair could provide a great public outreach opportunity for individuals, organizations, or agencies!

For more information or to nominate an exhibit for presentation, go to http://www.ccfair.com/index_html?page=science_lots.

Seasonal Work Opportunity in Paradise!

2009-01-21T12:22:00.002-08:00

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is looking for a seasonal Interpretive Park Ranger, to be stationed on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.

If you'd like to go to work here everyday...

...then go to
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=78455217&AVSDM=2009%2D01%2D20+00%3A03%3A00&Logo=0&q=r1-09-231817-kl&FedEmp=N&sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&FedPub=Y&SUBMIT1 for more information on how to apply. But hurry, applications are due Monday, January 26, 2009!

Call for Sustainability Conference Abstracts

2009-01-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

"Integrating Sustainability & Climate Change Into the Curriculum"
Call for Conference Abstracts

The 2nd UNLV Urban Sustainability Initiative Conference will focus on effective strategies for incorporating sustainability and climate change topics into undergraduate, graduate, and K-12 education. Faculty, students, staff, administrators, all NSHE institutions, and K-12 teachers/administrators are encouraged to participate by submitting an abstract related to the topics below.

Presentation Format and Potential Topics:
60-minute, concurrent breakout sessions during the morning
• Role of sustainability and climate change in General Education
• Development of sustainability curricula in specific disciplines or fields of study
• Trans-disciplinary approaches to sustainability education
• Informal, extracurricular, and service-learning sustainability initiatives
• Sustainability curricula in K-12
• Articulation in sustainability education within NSHE and with CCSD
• Facilitating attitudinal and behavioral change

Abstract Submission:
• Due Monday, January 26, 2009
• Format:

o Title of Presentation
o Names of Presenters
o Institutional
Affiliations
o Brief description of proposed session, including content and
methodology (300 words)
o Brief (two-page) vitae or biographical summary for
each presenter

• Please submit as a PDF file to Nancy Flagg (nancy.flagg@unlv.edu)

Confirmed Keynote Speakers: Kevin Coyle, Vice President for Education and Training at the National Wildlife Federation, which this fall issued a national report card on sustainability in higher education; and Dr. Geoffrey Chase, Dean of Undergraduate Studies at San Diego State University and founder of the Ponderosa Project at Northern Arizona University.

Location / Date: Friday, March 6, 2009 (8:30AM-4:30PM) at the UNLV Student Union

Poster Contest Sheds Light on Stormwater Pollution

2009-01-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

The Conservation District of Southern Nevada along with the Stormwater Quality Management Committee, and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection are conducting a Stormwater Pollution Poster Contest for a second year. Poster submissions should support the message "How you can prevent stormwater pollution." An educational workbook "Down the Drain, Stormwater and You" is available for information and games on stormwater quality. Entries must be submitted by March 6, 2009. For more information please visit www.cdsn.org or contact:

Jennifer Szwejbka
Jennifer.Szwejbka@nv.nacdnet.net
702.262.9047 ext. 109

Monarch Butterfly Documentary to Air on NOVA in January 2009

2009-01-14T16:07:00.000-08:00

The long awaited showing of "The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies" will be aired on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 8 pm on PBS. More information can be found at the NOVA website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/butterflies/. By accessing this website, you will find an online segment featuring noted researchers Dr's Chip Taylor, Lincoln Brower, and Bill Calvert. Also included on the website are other resources, such as an interview with the
film maker, Nick de Pencier; a listing of monarch links and books; and even a service to get an email reminder of its airing date.

This program will air in the Las Vegas area on Channel 10 on the following dates:

Tuesday, January 27 at 8:00pm
Wednesday, January 28 at 2:00am

Graduate Research Fellowship Opportunity Announced

2009-01-14T16:02:00.001-08:00

The Boyd Evison Graduate Research Fellowship

The Evison Fellowship program was launched to encourage scientific and conservation-related research in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, providing up to $10,000 in support for a graduate study leading to completion of a master’s or Ph.D. degree in the biosciences, geosciences, or social sciences.

In keeping with Mr. Evison’s wishes, the Grand Teton Association particularly encourages research to document the almost intangible and disappearing aspects of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway, and surrounding public or private GYE lands, including less well-known or charismatic ecosystem elements as natural soundscapes; air; water; plants; fish; insects; amphibians; fungi; snails; bacteria; geologic or other processes; and social science related to public understanding of natural resources and their use or management.

The association invites invited interested candidates to submit proposals, which are evaluated by a technical panel of three Ph.D. scientists outside Grand Teton National Park who submit a short list of finalists; the final decision on the grant is made by a committee of NHA representatives and the park’s chief of science and resource management.
The deadline to apply is February 13, 2009!

For more information, or to apply, contact:

Jan Lynch
Grand Teton Association - Executive Director
307-739-3406
Jan_Lynch@partner.nps.gov

or

Sue Consolo-Murphy
Grand Teton National Park Chief of Science& Resource Management
307-739-3481

Evaluation Workshop Highlights Baby Steps for Big Results!

2009-01-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

A two-day workshop, featuring Program Evaluation expert Chris Parsons, will highlight many affordable, easy ways to conduct evaluation for professionals in informal education. The workshop will provide hands-on opportunities to apply new knowledge and skills in an open, relaxed environment.

February 26 - 27, 2009
8.30am - 4pm
Water Safety Center, Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Cost: $35 (includes workshop, supplies, lunches, beverages, park entrance fees, and snacks)
Deadline to Register: February 16, 2009

For more detailed information, workshop flyer, and registration form, contact:
Allyson Butler
allyson.butler@unlv.edu
702.895.5734

Nature Action Collaborative for Children

2009-01-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

"Children in today's world are being adversely affected by their diminishing connection with the natural world. To address this concern, the World Forum Foundation supported the development of the Nature Action Collaborative for Children (NACC) and organized the 2006 Working Forum and the 2008 Working Forum on Nature Education for Young Children at the Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska."

To learn more about the Nature Action Collaborative for Children, go to: http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/nacc/index.php.

World Water Day

2009-01-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

World Water Day is observed internationally on March 22nd.

About World Water Day:
World Water Day is observed internationally on March 22. World Water Day was observed first in 1993, a direct result of a resolution declared during the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. Each year, a selected theme is declared for World Water Day; the 2009 theme is transboundary waters. www.worldwaterday.org

How You Can Help:
Join Project WET’s KIDs Water Challenge and make a difference by collectively sponsoring 1,000 fourth-grade classrooms on World Water Day (March 22, 2009), reaching more than 30,000 students with water education!

The week prior to World Water Day, sponsored classrooms will receive a Classroom Water and Sustainability Kit from Project WET, including: a letter from sponsoring company or individual, Educator’s Project WET Activity Sampler, Water Cycle Poster, a copy for every child of KIDs activity booklets (The Water Story; Conserve Water; Watershed Protection; Healthy Water, Healthy People; Discover Wetlands), and contact information for the state Project WET coordinator.

Companies, plants, departments, markets or individuals (i.e., parents, grandparents) may sponsor classrooms in their communities. The cost to sponsor a classroom is only $200, and donations are tax-deductible. The deadline for making your pledge is December 15, 2008. If you are interested in sponsoring a classroom, please contact Stephanie Kaleva, Director of Corporate Business Development, at 406-585-4115 or stephanie.kaleva@projectwet.org

Petition for promoting outdoor time for everyone

2009-01-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

Sign the Petition asking the Surgeon General to promote outdoor time for everyone!
https://online.nwf.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=605

"Americans are spending less time outside than ever before, and it's contributing to a decreased understanding of and appreciation for the natural world. Studies show that when children have time for unstructured play and interaction with nature, they benefit immensely. It helps increase understanding of their connection to nature, in addition to improved physical, mental and emotional health.Please fill out the form below to sign the petition to Acting U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Steven Galson, urging him to promote the benefits of daily outdoor play in nature for all children and families."

Archive of Natural Sounds in the West

2009-01-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

Recordings Aim to Capture Calls of the Wild West:

Rattlesnakes aren't to be trifled with, but if you're trying to collect the sound of every creature in the West that slithers, hops, flies or flops, distance isn't a luxury you can afford. "You get yourself in some strange situations," said Jeff Rice, a soft-spoken University of Utah research librarian who's trying to create the first comprehensive - and free to the public - archive of natural sounds in the West.

To read the rest of the article, click: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27038635/. Then, check out the Western Soundscape Archive: http://www.westernsoundscape.org/.

Video - reconnecting children with nature

2009-01-05T14:35:00.000-08:00

A new video from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) titled "Wetlands and Wonders: Reconnecting Children with Nearby Nature" is available for viewing at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/education/wetlandsvideo/. The video features many excellent speakers including Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in the Woods."

Slow Food

2009-01-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

Slow Food International is a non-profit organization which was founded by Carlo Petrini in response to the 1986 opening of a McDonalds in Rome's Piazza Spagna. The mission of Slow Food is to counteract fast food and fast life, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world. Today, there are 80,000 members world-wide.

Slow Food is dedicated to bio-diversity (preservation of food variety) and sustainability (meeting present needs without compromising those of future generations). Slow Food works to support the small farmer, local artisans and preserves cultural food traditions.

"Las Vegas is a bountiful, richly diverse locale for a Slow Food convivium. Our members share a passion for food. Our periodic events reflect our work to support local producers, restaurants and suppliers. We are dedicated to ecologically sound food production. We are committed to awakening our children to the enjoyment and health benefits of quality foods. Finally, we celebrate the return of the table as a center of pleasure and the idea of living a slower, more harmonious life. "

To find local "Slow Food" events, find out about how Slow Food Las Vegas got started, and who we are, go to www.slowfoodlasvegas.org.

Inquiry and Assessment Workshops

2009-01-05T14:21:00.001-08:00

Fundamentals of Inquiry and Assessing for Learning Workshops are being scheduled and presented by the Exploratorium's Institute for Inquiry in San Francisco, CA.

Fundamentals of Inquiry: March 3-7, 2009
Assessing for Learning: April 30-May 2, 2009

Go to http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=249306149&u=2648296 to see a more detailed workshop brochure. Questions? Call 415.561.0397.

Parks and recreation grants

2009-01-05T14:18:00.001-08:00

National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) invites public park and recreation agencies to submit applications to become an ACHIEVE Healthy Communities demonstration site. NRPA, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), plans to award $30,000 each to 10 public park and recreation agencies to:
1. Build or strengthen a local coalition of community stakeholders/partners
2. Develop a community action plan to address chronic disease risk factors including physical inactivity.

Applicants will be asked to submit an application, a proposal addressing the criteria for selection, and three letters of support from community partners. Applications are due Friday January 9, 2009. For information visit www.nrpa.org/achieve.

Healthy Kids Initiative Grant Program

2009-01-05T14:01:00.000-08:00

The General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids initiative is a partnership of
the General Mills Foundation, the American Dietetic Association Foundation,
and the President's Council on Physical Fitness. The goal of the initiative
is to encourage U.S. communities to improve the eating and physical
activity patterns of young people, ages 2-18. In 2009, the initiative will
award 50 grants of $10,000 each to nonprofit organizations, schools, and
government agencies throughout the country that offer innovative programs
to help youth develop both good nutrition and fitness habits. Applications are due by January 15, 2009. Check out http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/commitment/champions.aspx for more information!

Grant for Tourism Related Non-profits

2009-01-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

Tourism Cares is a nonprofit organization, funded primarily by the tourism industry that is dedicated to preserving the travel experience for future generations. The Tourism Cares Worldwide Grant Program provides grants to tourism-related nonprofit organizations throughout the world. Primary consideration is given to projects that focus on capital improvements that conserve, preserve, or restore sites of exceptional cultural, historic, or
natural significance. An additional focus area is the education of local host communities and the traveling public about the preservation of exceptional sites. The program strives for a balanced distribution of grants to U.S. and non-U.S. organizations. The first of three letters of inquiry deadlines for 2009 is January 30. Visit their website at www.tourismcares.org/RelId/606053/ISvars/default/Worldwide_Grant_Program.htm
for detailed instructions for submitting a letter of inquiry packet.

No Child Left Inside, legislative update

2009-01-05T13:54:00.001-08:00

Individuals and organizations are invited to express their support of environmental
education through the No Child Left Inside (NLCI) Act. The Act would provide needed new funding to help states provide teacher training and expand high-quality environmental education programs. To sign onto the NLCI petition, or to learn more about the Act, visit
www.cbf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=act_sub_actioncenter_federal_NCLB.

Conference - Association for Partners of Public Lands

2009-01-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

2009 Association for Partners of Public Lands Convention & Trade Show
March 1-5, 2009
Baltimore, MD
"Navigating the Future"

Visit www.appl.org for the latest details.

Christmas Tree Recycling in Southern Nevada

2009-01-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Each year in Southern Nevada, 250,000 Christmas trees are sold to area families and organization. When the holiday season closes, don't let your tree end up in landfills - instead recycle your Christmas tree by dropping it off at one of 20 convenient drop sites located throughout the county. Go to www.springspreserve.org or call (702) 822-7700 to find drop site locations.

Grants Encourage Wilderness Area Protection

2009-01-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

National Forest Foundation: Wilderness Stewardship Challenge

The National Forest Foundation was established by Congress in 1990 to support the USDA Forest Service in its management of the nation's forests and grasslands. The Foundation's Wilderness Stewardship Challenge provides matching grants of up to $50,000 to nonprofit partners to implement on-the-ground conservation projects that directly benefit Wilderness Areas within the National Forest System. Funded projects should include a high level of community involvement or participation, and support for the project. Priority is given to projects that best advance Forest Service Wilderness stewardship goals and are applicable to other Wilderness Areas through the sharing of lessons learned. The application deadline is February 3, 2009. Visit the National Forest Foundation website for program details and application information: http://www.natlforests.org/wilderness_stewardship_process.html.

Wings and Wildlife Festival of Southern Nevada

2009-01-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

The Southern Nevada Birding and Wildlife Trails Partnership would like
to invite you to attend and/or participate in the Wings and Wildlife
Festival of Southern Nevada on March 12-15, 2009 in Laughlin, Nevada.
The purpose of the event is to promote southern Nevada’s unique wildlife
and bird populations, and their exceptional viewing opportunities along
the Colorado River.

The festival will include:

Indoor displays emphasizing nature or environmental and
conservation-oriented messages
Educational workshops and demonstrations including falconry,
taxidermy, and live animals
An "Art of Nature" show with featured speaker and Boulder City artist,
Sharon Schafer
Keynote speaker, John Acorn, "The Nature Nut", scientist, author, and
broadcaster
Guided hiking and kayak tours for both beginning and advanced nature
watchers
Friday night "Wine & Art" event and a Saturday evening banquet

If your organization would like to put up an exhibit area during the festival, contact Maureen Kammerer by email (festival@snbwtp.org ) or phone (702-630-5299) by January 30, 2009.

Check out the website for more information: www.SNBWTP.org!

Sustainable Sushi

2009-01-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

As more and more Americans develop a lasting love of sushi - many are concerned about the effects of fish consumption on the oceans. Check out this website, developed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, for information on the most sustainable choices you can make at your local sushi joint.

http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_sushi.aspx

Grants for Teachers

2009-01-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

Toyota Tapestry Grants program is offering $550,000 in grants for K-12 Science teachers who wish to develop community-based science programs. Teachers can apply for grants ranging up to $10,000 for their proposed projects. The categories are Environmental Science Education, Physical Science Applications, and Literacy and Science Education. For more information, visit http://www.nsta.org/pd/tapestry/ - but hurry, the deadline is January 21, 2009!

September 16, 2008

2008-09-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the September 16, 2008 posting to the Education about the Environment Interchange listserv! Any questions, issues, suggestions, or postings should be directed to Allison Brody at: allison.brody@unlv.edu

NEWS

Desert National Wildlife Refuge – Corn Creek has reopened after the summer season. The visitor center hours are: Friday 10am-2pm, Saturday 8am-2pm, & Sunday 8am-2pm.

Death Valley National Park is seeking applicants for both a Park Ranger - Education Specialist position (GS-11) and a Park Guide (GS-5). For more information or to apply, contact Terry Baldino, Chief of Interpretation & Education at 760-786-3279.
Don’t need a new phone book every six months? ‘Sign-up and opt out’

Artist and naturalist, Sharon K. Schafer, has developed a website dedicated to her fine art and photography.

Two National Park Service Interpretation/Park Ranger positions are open at the Santa Monica Mountains. For more information go to http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ or contact Felicia R. Nickelberry by phone (805.370.2320) or Felicia_nickelberry@nps.gov.

The first annual Blue Grass Roots Round Up, which will highlight Outdoor Education in Nevada, will be held October 10th from 5-9pm at the Governor's Mansion in Carson City. The event will feature many well-known speakers, including First Lady Dawn Gibbons, raffles, silent auctions, music, and delicious food. For more information, go to nevadaoutdoorschool.org.

Nevada Outdoor School is seeking an AmeriCorps*VISTA member to serve as a VISTA Leader. For more information contact Elen Kunz, 775-623-5656 or AmeriCorps@NevadaOutdoorSchool.org

CALENDAR

Date	Organization	Event
September 18	Water Street Gallery	Opening of “Bottomlands: Artists in the Las Vegas Wash” 5-9pm. 155 South Water Street, Henderson, NV
September 20-24		Take a Child Outside Week
October 7 – November 9	Nevada State Certification in Environmental Education & Interpretation	Tuesday and Thursday evenings http://www.enviroedexchange.org/certification/index.htm
October 10	Sierra Nevada Journeys/Nevada Outdoor School	Blue Grass Roots Round Up, 5-9pm, Governor’s Mansion, Carson City
Oct. 15-18	EE on the Prairie 2008 North American Association for Envirnmental Education	Conference in Wichita, Kansas
October 19-22	EarthScope – NSF funded project	Reno, NV - Basin/Range Workshop for interpretive professionals. Check out this website for more information and registration materials: http://www.earthscope.org/workshops/basin_range
Oct. 30-Nov. 1	The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE)	"A Climate for Change" Conference in San Diego
November 1 & 2	Clark County Parks and Recreation – Winchester Cultural Center	8th annual Day of the Dead Festival “Life in Death.” For more information, call Irma at 455.7029
November 6-9	Association for Experiential Education 36th Annual International Conference	Vancouver, Washington
November 11-15	National Association for Interpretation	National Workshop, Portland, OR

RESOURCES

Slideshow with photos and descriptions of environmental and economic impacts of using plastic bags

The California Academy of Sciences will open its doors on September 27, 2008. The organization is a museum, planetarium, research facility, aquarium, and a model of sustainability located in San Francisco, California. For more information, go to calacademy.org.

ARTICLES

Global Warming’s ecosystem double whammy :DRI study shows one abnormally warm year suppresses carbon dioxide uptake for two years

August 26, 2008

2008-08-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the August 26, 2008 posting to the Education about the Environment Interchange listserv! Any questions, issues, suggestions, or postings should be directed to Allison Brody at: allison.brody@unlv.edu

NEWS
Nevada Department of Wildlife is a partner in the Southern Nevada Birding and Wildlife Trails Partnership, which just launched a new website. Read the Fall 2008 NDOW newsletter.

The “Unnatural Causes” campaign is a newly created program in Las Vegas, NV, which seeks to address health inequities. Involved campaign members have framed much of the program around environmental and social justice.

Job Opportunity: Interpretive Program Coordinator position at the Spring Mountains NRA is open. For more information, please access the file below or contact Barbara Patton at 303-236-6250.
CALENDAR

Date	Organization	Event
September 9	CHOLLA meeting	Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
October 4	Nevada Department of Wildlife	Women in the Outdoors event. For more information and to register for the event, click here:
October 7 – November 9	Nevada State Certification in Environmental Education & Interpretation	Tuesday and Thursday evenings http://www.enviroedexchange.org/certification/index.htm
October 19-22	EarthScope – NSF funded project	Reno, NV - Basin/Range Workshop for interpretive professionals. Check out this website for more information and registration materials: http://www.earthscope.org/workshops/basin_range
November 1-2	Clark County Parks and Recreation	8th annual Day of the Dead Festival “Life in Death.” Winchester Cultural Center. For more information, call Irma Wynants at 455.7029

RESOURCES

Opportunities for professional development can be found online through EE&I courses offered through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The Environmental Education and Training Partnership and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offer four online courses for environmental education students and professionals (Contact Ali Cordie 715-346-4748). These courses include Fundamentals of EE, Applied EE Program Evaluation, Strategic Planning and Implementation, and a new course Making EE Relevant for Culturally Diverse Audiences. The courses can be taken for 1 to 3 college credits or as a non-credit/workshop option.

The Nevada Online Encyclopedia has land, cultural, and natural information specific to the Silver State. Check it out!

The Encyclopedia of Earth has launched the “Climate Change Collection.” The Collection is anchored by an electronic version of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Nobel Prize-winning reports. It also includes articles by climate experts, biographies of individuals who have made important contributions to climate science and policy, a timeline of key events in the history of climate science and policy, a climate glossary, and much more. Scientists, educators, environmental professionals and concerned citizens should find the Collection to be an invaluable resource.

ARTICLES

“Longitudinal Monitoring of Recreation Fee Program” - This paper highlights findings that describe public perceptions about the fee program over a six-year period. Surveys of residents in Washington and Oregon were conducted in 1999, 2001, and 2003. The key issues are: shifts in public attitudes about fees, perceptions about the balance between taxes and fees, equity and implementation concerns, and revenue uses. For more information about this study contact Jim Absher at 951-680-1559 or jabsher@fs.fed.us.

Check out the newest Research Update from the USDA Forest Service on wild-land recreations and urban cultures.

April 30, 2008

2008-04-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the April 30, 2008 posting to the Education about the Environment Interchange listserv! Any questions, issues, suggestions, or postings should be directed to Allison Brody at: allison.brody@unlv.edu

NEWS

Current statistics for the http://www.enviroedexchange.org/ website:

*Date*	*No. Server Requests*	*No. Page Requests*
2/15-3/15	13,165	2,262
3/15-4/15	12,829	2,331

If you would like field trip information for your site or your organization information posted on the site, please send information to: Allison Brody or fax to (702) 895-5166, Attn: Allison Brody.

Three 40-foot buses have been wrapped with images exclusively provided by photographer Nicholas A. Price as part of a three-month campaign to encourage Southern Nevadans to Get Outdoors and help fill the need for event and operational volunteers at the four federal land management agencies. The campaign is a partnership with Nicholas Price, the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership, and the UNLV Public Lands Institute.

Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat will be participating in World Ocean Day June 7th and 8th, 2008. This international celebration presents an opportunity for individuals to learn more about our ocean and to help make a difference. The Mirage Education staff is seeking a variety of community partners to share educational information about their role in helping to protect our environment. If your organization is interested in participating, please fill out the “World Ocean Day Form” and return it to mailto:mgiannantonio@mirage.com or fax it to (702) 862-1896. Questions should be directed to Missy Giannantonio at (702) 791-7588.

The Spring CHOLLA Spine is published and ready for distribution.

April 19 – 27, 2008 is National Wildlife Week. To celebrate, NDOW is pleased to present the Spring Issue of Southern Nevada Wild and will be hosting a wildlife viewing event on May 3, 2008. The “Wildlife Watch” will take place at the Overton Wildlife Management Area, located at Moapa Valley Blvd and Waterfowl Rd, from 10:00 a.m. – noon.

PLT is offering a special three-day conference exploring the integration of Environmental Education into Teacher Education. The conference will take place May 28-30, 2008 at the Stanford Alpine Chalet and UC-Davis Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences near Lake Tahoe. All expenses for lodging, food, and conference material will be provided by a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Education & Training Partnership program. For more information, see the flier or contact Kay Antunez, Project Learning Tree Coordinator, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Kay.Antunez@fire.ca.gov or (916) 653-7958.

BLM will be hosting another electronic fieldtrip, "Keeping Habitats Healthy: We All Can Help" (http://www.efieldtrips.org/) April 29 - May 1.

The Spring Mountain Ranch State Park spring/summer program schedule is now available.

Job Opportunities

Know someone interested in spending a summer at Lake Tahoe? AmeriCorps positions are available through the Great Basin Institute.

Here’s a great opportunity to be part of Nevada Outdoor School! Join the AmeriCorps VISTA program for the summer of 2008 (EduD@nevadaoutdoorschool.org or call (775) 623-5656).

CALENDAR

May 13	CHOLLA	Tuesday, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m., Nedra Joyce Building. InterAct training.
May 15	Partners for Environmental Cultural Connectedness meeting	Thursday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Location TBD.
May 28	Partners for Education about the Environment meeting	Wednesday 9 --11:30 a.m. (note change in day and date) at the Desert Research Institute. Summary of Environmental Literacy Summit, special presentation, and more.
June 17 – August 7	Nevada State Certification in Environmental Education & Interpretation	Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. http://www.enviroedexchange.org/certification/index.htm

RESOURCES

Orion Grassroots Network (Orion Grassroots Network - the ecology of change), in partnership with GrantStation.com, will host the GrantStation Insider each week, providing the latest information on new funding programs, upcoming grant deadlines, conferences, trainings, and relevant information for grantseekers.

High school youth are invited to enjoy a week of fun, camping, and learning about rangelands and natural resource management. The camp headquarters is located at the U.S. Forest Service Big Creek Campground. Big Creek winds its way through the Toiyabe Mountain Range of Central Nevada, providing a splendid setting for learning and recreation.

ARTICLES

TWO NEW WEB-BASED ENCYCLOPEDIA COME TO LIFE

Inspired by the vision of renowned biologist E.O. Wilson, the Encyclopedia of Life project aims to develop a scholarly and comprehensive website which documents the 1.8 million species of known flora and fauna on our planet and classify the millions of new species yet to be named (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NwfGA4cxJQ). In association with the EOL team and its collaborators — Harvard University, Smithsonian Institution, Field Museum, Marine Biological Laboratory (Woods Hole), Biodiversity Heritage Library consortium, Missouri Botanical Garden, and the MacArthur and Sloan Foundations — ILI will be conducting a variety of audience studies and supporting the development of the site through front end and formative evaluations.

The Encyclopedia of Earth strives to “promote and enhance ecology education for students of all ages and for the general public.” With over 10,000 page views per day, the Encyclopedia of Earth has established itself as the premier authoritative source of online information on the environment.

“The New Environmentalists: How to Make the Green Movement Less White,” by Van Jones makes a strong case for why persons of color need to be concerned and involved with environmental issues. At the same time it examines the forces that have created what until recently has been primarily an upper middle class white movement. Van Jones declares that Black is the New Green.

February 6, 2008

2008-02-06T15:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the February 6, 2008 posting to the Education about the Environment Interchange listserv! Any questions, issues, suggestions, or postings should be directed to Allison Brody at: allison.brody@unlv.edu

NEWS

Current statistics for the http://www.enviroedexchange.org/ website:

*Date*	*No. Server Requests*	*No. Page Requests*
10/15-11/15	4,714	1,081
11/15-12/15	5,566	949
12/15-1/15	5,832	1,098

If you would like field trip information for your site or your organization information posted on the site, please send information to: allison.brody@unlv.edu or fax to (702) 895-5166, Attn: Allison Brody.

The Our Places Tell Stories 2008 Conference (http://www.enviroedexchange.org/) will be held at the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas March 4-6. The conference will feature keynote speaker David Sobel, renowned exhibit evaluator Beverly Serrell, 12 action studios, nine panel discussions, nine presented papers, and much more.

The Cholla Spine January 08 Volume 1 Issue 2. Connecting Educators to the Natural and Heritage-Rich Resources of Southern Nevada

The Art of Nature: Images from the Wildlands of Southern Nevada, on display through June 1 at the Nevada State Museum, includes sketches, paintings, and photographs of the region’s inspiring wildlands by acclaimed artist Sharon Schafer.

An exhibit by internationally acclaimed photographer Nicholas A. Price is now on display at the Springs Preserve OriŸGen Experience, including over 30 hand printed photographs with scenes portrayed in the rocks, clay and mountainsides of the Valley of Fire.

Nevada Outdoor School is looking for an After-School Program Coordinator to run the Outdoor Club at Winnemucca Junior High in Nevada. This AmeriCorps position is a 40/hr a week position that will last 6 months. Benefits include a living stipend of about $800/mo and a $2,360 education award (ellen.kunz@gmail.com).

The RPDP Elementary Science Department is offering several classes to teachers that will include information sessions about Science in the Community. CHOLLA organizations have presented in the past to great effect. Teachers of grades 3-5 will attend a session scheduled for February 11 from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (contact Anna Maria Behuniak, Regional Trainer, Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program, (702) 799-3835 x248) and K-2 teachers will attend on Monday, April 14 between 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (contact Lois Bloom, RPDP Elementary Science Trainer, 799-3835 x246).

Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat is proud to participate in World Ocean Day June 7 and 8, 2008, an international celebration for individuals to learn more about our ocean and to help make a difference. Community partners are invited to join Mirage staff for this two-day celebration to share educational information about your organization’s role in helping to protect our environment. For information, contact Missy Giannantonio at (702) 791-7588.

The BLM Las Vegas Field Office and the Friends of Gold Butte are seeking to create a stakeholder mailing list for notification of activities in the Gold Butte area. If you are interested in being included, respond to Gayle Marrs-Smith or Nancy Hall. For those of you unfamiliar with Gold Butte, it's located in the northeast portion of Clark County - south of the City of Mesquite and bounded on east by Arizona and on the south by the Colorado River and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It is one of the most wildlife-rich regions of Southern Nevada, possesses incredible otherworldly geologic features and landscapes, is rich in important Native American cultural sites, and has a colorful Nevada mining history.

CALENDAR

Feb. 8-9	T3 Regional Conference	Southern Nevada Mathematics Council and the Nevada State Science Teacher’s Association statewide conference at Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas
Feb. 20-21	Great Basin, Great Expectations: NGO Workshop 2008	This workshop for Non-Governmental Organizations on the natural resources and environment in the Great Basin will be held in Reno at John Ascuaga’s Nugget . Attendees will help to identify issues that ultimately will lead to preserving and sustaining this natural ecosystem — making it perform better for its native population and visitors.
Feb. 28-March 2	NAI Region 8 Interpreters Workshop	Desert Outdoor Center at the Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Phoenix, Arizona
Feb. 29-March 2	Western Regional Association for Experiential Education conference	Sustainability in Experiential Education, Sly Park Environmental Education and Conference Center, near Sacramento, California.
March 4-6	Our Places Tell Stories Conference	Springs Preserve, Las Vegas.
March 11	CHOLLA meeting	1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Mirage, Las Vegas
March 26	Partners for Education about the Environment meeting	9:00 a.m.--11:30 a.m. (note change in day and date) at the Desert Research Institute
April 9-11	The Climate and Deserts Workshop: Adaptive Management of Desert Ecosystems in a Changing Climate	Co-hosted by the California Desert Managers Group and the University of Arizona Extension, the Symposium will be held at the Aquarius Hotel and Casino in Laughlin.
April 13-19	National Environmental Education Week	http://www.eeweek.org/
April 25-27	2008 Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education Spring Conference: “Unless”	Camp Hess Kramer in Malibu, California
May 28	Partners for Education about the Environment meeting	9:00 a.m. --11:30 am (note change in day and date)

RESOURCES

ARKive is an extensive library of films and photographs of the world's endangered habitats and species – freely accessible to all online for private research and internal educational purposes. Hailed as the digital Noah’s Ark, it has won numerous education and communication awards since its launch by Sir David Attenborough in 2003.

The Pacific Southwest Research Station has posted its Recreation Research Update for October 2007. Updates include sustainable operations and information about homeowners living in wildland-urban interface areas.

All member organizations of the Orion Grassroots Network will be given free access for the next year to GrantStation’s Find-a-Funder database, along with the whole suite of fundraising resources available there, a $599 value.

National Wetlands Awards Nomination. Individuals will be recognized for their contributions to wetlands protection, restoration, and outreach, including scientific research, landowner stewardship, community leadership, and program development at the state, tribal, and local levels. Deadline: January 15, 2008.

A Teacher’s Guide to Energy on Public Lands is now available to assist educators in teaching standards-based lessons and conducting classroom activities about the diverse energy resources on America’s public lands. The guide was produced in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Program.

The Proficiency Illusion from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute by John Cronin; Deborah Adkins; Michael Dahlin; G. Kingsbury (October 2007). Examines the tests states use to measure academic progress under the No Child Left Behind Act. Explores whether expectations for proficiency in reading and mathematics are consistent between states.

From NSTA Reports, January 2008, Vol. 19 No. 5

U.S. students continue to lag behind their peers in science, according to the Programme for International Student Assessment. Nearly a quarter of 15-year-old US students did not demonstrate competencies at the baseline level. NSTA Executive Director Gerry Wheeler points out that the results are not surprising, given that “science is not being strongly emphasized in U.S. classrooms, and science educators need more resources to deliver sound lessons to students.” In fact, U.S. scores have been dropping steadily for years, from 14th worldwide in 2000 to 19th in 2003, 21st in 2006, and 22nd this year.

The Cost of Bottled Water (from http://money.howstuffworks.com/bling-water.htm)

Bottled water has become so popular that 41 billion gallons are consumed every year around the world. Many people consider it safe and convenient. Over the past few years, however, many bottled water companies labeling their product as "purified" or "natural spring water" have confessed to filling their products with simple tap water. In July 2007, for instance, Pepsi admitted to filling bottles of Aquafina with public water, even though the packaging suggests the water comes from natural springs [source: Environmental Working Group]. Recent studies have concluded that bottled water is no safer than tap water, and the costs of producing the drink and its effect on the environment have caused some alarm [source: National Geographic News].

To understand how expensive regular bottled water is, let's compare it with gasoline. With the price of oil rising, we typically think of gasoline as very expensive. On the other hand, some of us will barely blink an eye at picking up a few bottles of water from the same gas station. Here are the numbers:

A gallon of gas costs around $3. If we assume a one-liter bottle of water from the store costs about $2.50, a gallon of the same bottled water should cost about $10. Water, life's most necessary substance, costs about three times more than gasoline when it comes in a plastic bottle. If you wanted to fill up a car's 15-gallon tank with gasoline, it would cost you about $45. If you wanted to fill up that same 15-gallon tank with bottled water, it would cost you $150 [source: National Geographic News].

Tap water, on the other hand, costs a fraction of the price of bottled water. The same $2 you spend on a liter of bottled water will get you about 1,000 gallons of tap water [source: EPA].

November 7, 2007

2007-11-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the November 7, 2007 posting to the Education about the Environment Interchange listserv! Any questions, issues, suggestions, or postings should be directed to Allison Brody at: allison.brody@unlv.edu

NEWS

Current statistics for the http://www.enviroedexchange.org/ website:

*Date*	*No. Server Requests*	*No. Page Requests*
9/15-10/15	11,107	1,244

If you would like field trip information for your site or your organization information posted on the site, please send information to: allison.brody@unlv.edu or fax to (702) 895-5166, Attn: Allison Brody.

The 2008 NAI Region 8 Interpreters Workshop, "Spicing Up Interpretation in the Southwest" has extended its Call for Presenters through November 16, 2007. They are looking for program sessions with a strong emphasis on front-line interpretive skills. The conference will be held at the Desert Outdoor Center at the Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Phoenix, Arizona from February 28 to March 2, 2008.

The Southern Nevada Mathematics Council and the Nevada State Science Teacher’s Association will host the 2008 T3 Regional Conference (PDF) Feb. 8–9 at Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas.

Travel 9,000 miles and follow the Antarctic adventures of Sharon Schaefer through daily postings, photographs, and more to highlight the natural and cultural history.

Planning is currently underway for the Our Places Tell Stories 2008 Conference! The conference will be held at the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas March 4-6 and will feature the theme: Education about the Environment – Designing With Our Communities. Our keynote speaker this year is David Sobel, the guru of placed-based education, who is director of teacher-certification programs at Antioch University New England, in Keene, New Hampshire.

CALENDAR

November 6-10	National Association for Interpretation National Workshop	Wichita, Kansas (registration packet).
November 13-17	NAAEE Annual Conference & Research Symposium	Virginia Beach, Virginia
November 24	Buy Nothing Day	STOP SHOPPING TO GO GREEN: 65 countries will hit the streets for a 24-hour consumer fast in celebration of the 15th annual Buy Nothing Day
November 26-28	Post Tbilisi +30 Conference	Ahmedabad, India. A unique opportunity to join with colleagues in exploring award-winning EE for Sustainability programs.
December 1 and 8	Aquatic Project Wild Workshop	NDOW is hosting this workshop
January 8	CHOLLA meeting	Forever Earth, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
January 30	Partners for Education about the Environment meeting	Wednesday 9-11:30 am (note change in day and date)
March 4-6, 2008	Our Places Tell Stories Conference	Las Vegas, Nevada.
March 26	Partners for Education about the Environment meeting	Wednesday 9-11:30 am (note change in day and date)
April 13-19	National Environmental Education Week	http://www.eeweek.org/
May 28	Partners for Education about the Environment meeting	Wednesday 9-11:30 am (note change in day and date)

RESOURCES

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Center for Invasive Plant Management announce a new e-learning website aimed at engaging volunteers and the public in invasive plant issues and management. Includes science-based, introductory information that is suitable for anyone interested in learning about invasive plants.

The Proficiency Illusion from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute by John Cronin; Deborah Adkins; Michael Dahlin; G. Kingsbury (October 2007). Examines the tests states use to measure academic progress under the No Child Left Behind Act. Explores whether expectations for proficiency in reading and mathematics are consistent between states.

ARTICLES

Our latest in the Best Practices Series is on program evaluation (PDF).

According to a study published in July by Japanese scientists, a kilogram of beef generates the equivalent of 36.4 kilograms of carbon dioxide, more than the equivalent of driving for three hours while leaving all the lights on back home.

September 25, 2007

2007-09-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the September 25, 2007 posting to the Education about the Environment Interchange listserv! Any questions, issues, suggestions, or postings should be directed to Allison Brody at: allison.brody@unlv.edu

NEWS

Current statistics for the http://www.enviroedexchange.org/ website:

*Date*	*No. Server Requests*	*No. Page Requests*
*6/15-7/15*	3,886	1,206
*7/15-8/15*	5,622	1,056
*8/15-9/15*	4,946	1,239

If you would like field trip information for your site or your organization information posted on the site, please send information to: allison.brody@unlv.edu or fax to (702) 895-5166, Attn: Allison Brody.

Death Valley National Park and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is extending an invitation to education partners and special friends to join in activities for the Fall 2007 Devils Hole Pupfish Count at the Refuge and Devils Hole on September 29th.

Death Valley National Park is seeking seasonal employees who are of "lesser represented groups" for the 2007/2008 winter (3 months) season. Please contact Terry Baldino (760/786-3279) or Nancy Hadlock (760/786-3226).

Nevada Cancer Institute is available to give presentations regarding Sun Safety, Wellness and Nutrition, and other cancer prevention and screening information to your companies/organizations. Contact Jenny Quade, Partnership Coordinator, (702) 822-5299.

Planning is currently underway for the Our Places Tell Stories 2008 Conference! The conference will be held at the Springs Preserve March 4-6 and will feature the theme: Education about the Environment – Designing With Our Communities. We will be expanding possibilities through techniques and methods for designing experiences with our communities. Stay tuned for more information!
CALENDAR

September 24-30	Take a Child Outside Week	Take A Child Outside Week is an international program designed to help break down obstacles that keep children from discovering the natural world.
September 29	National Public Lands Day	Events will take place at Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area.
September 29 - 30	Conference: Kaleidoscope of Early Culture in Las Vegas	Explore the history of the Las Vegas Valley from early American cultures to Anglo-European settlers. Sponsored by the Nevada Council for History Education (see attached flyer). For more information, contact Linda Miller at (702) 492-7742.
October 13	National Wildlife Refuge Week	National Wildlife Refuge (Decatur, approximately 5 miles north of 215).
October 14-20	Earth Science Week	American Geological Institute organizes 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. (Earth Science Week)
October 27	Make A Difference Day	Red Rock Canyon NCA – graffiti removal and trail maintenance.
November 6-10	National Association for Interpretation National Workshop	Wichita, Kansas (registration packet).
November 9	Partners for Education about the Environment	Bi-monthly meeting, 9-11:30 a.m., location TBD.
November 13-17	NAAEE Annual Conference & Research Symposium	Virginia Beach, Virginia
November 26-28	Post Tbilisi +30 Conference	Ahmedabad, India. A unique opportunity to join with colleagues in exploring award-winning EE for Sustainability programs .
March 4-6, 2008	Our Places Tell Stories Conference	Springs Preserve. Information and registration to follow soon!

RESOURCES
What Makes a Difference in the Education of Latino U.S. Students: Learning from the Experience of 13 ENLACE Partnerships (W. K. Kellogg Foundation) summarizes lessons learned from the ENLACE initiative, which the Kellogg Foundation established in 1997 to boost academic achievement, college admissions, and graduation rates among the nation's fast-growing Latino population.

The Earthday Network (http://www.earthday.net/) has redesigned its Educators' Network pages. They’ve created discussion boards to facilitate communication and collaboration between environmental educators and restructured the organization of curricula and activities that are both theme and discipline-specific.

Partners for Education about the Environment are working on a new goal to provide techniques for creating and effectively using outdoor classrooms. Here are a few resources to get us started

Karyn L. Johnson, Community Based Instructor at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, is working on initiatives to incorporate school gardens as a way to increase student interest in science and math, while providing some alternatives to the abstract sort of learning environment that students who live in apartments are getting these days. She can come into the school and share topics on everything from insects to earthworms, soil and plants (both native and edible). Food for Thoughts Flyer (PDF) --- Food for Thoughts Brochure (PDF)

The California School Garden network (http://www.csgn.org/) has created a fairly comprehensive web-based set of resources, including publications, curricula, and a network of community partners

ARTICLES

Our latest in the Best Practices Series is on creating more inclusive programs – Designing Inclusive Experiences (PDF)

Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced legislation that strengthens and expands environmental education in America's classrooms and reconnects children with nature. These bills, each titled the No Child Left Inside Act of 2007, were introduced in the House (H.R.3036) and the Senate (S.1981).

The No Child Left Inside Act of 2007 amends the NCLB law in the following ways:

Provides federal funding to states to train teachers in environmental education and to operate model environmental education programs, which include outdoor learning.

Provides funding to states that create environmental literacy plans to ensure that high school graduates are environmentally literate.

Provides funding through an environmental education grant program to build state and national capacity.

Re-establishes the Office of Environmental Education within the U.S. Department of Education.

You can make a difference by writing a letter to your Congressperson, print it and fax it to their Washington, DC office. This method of communication apparently has an exponentially higher impact compared to sending emails.

Monkeys seem to learn the same way humans do, a new research study indicates.

"Like humans, monkeys benefit enormously from being actively involved in learning instead of having information presented to them passively," said Nate Kornell, a UCLA postdoctoral scholar in psychology and lead author of the study, which appears in the August issue of the journal Psychological Science. "The advantage of active learning appears to be a fundamental property of memory in humans and nonhumans alike.”

July 9, 2007

2007-07-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the July 9, 2007 posting to the Education about the Environment Interchange listserv! Any questions, issues, suggestions, or postings should be directed to Allison Brody at: allison.brody@unlv.edu

NEWS

Current statistics for the http://www.enviroedexchange.org/ website: from May 15 through June 15, there were 3,783 successful server requests and 1,000 successful requests for pages. If you would like field trip information for your site or your organization information posted on the site, please send information to: allison.brody@unlv.edu or fax to (702) 895-5166, Attn: Allison Brody.

The Public Lands Institute is hiring an Americorps/Vista Volunteer position to help coordinate and plan several projects, including the Nevada Certificate Program for Environmental Education and Interpretation, and the Our Places Tell Stories conference.

Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat will be hosting the second annual Educator Appreciation Day on August 15, 2007. Approximately 600 teachers are expected to attend. If you are interested in hosting a table at the event, provide information, and/or donate a prize for the raffle, please contact Missy or Amy at 702.792.7980.

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat announces the birth of a healthy 25-pound baby boy dolphin named Sgt. Pepper, born on June 8, 2007.

Nevada Cancer Institute is available to give presentations regarding Sun Safety, Wellness and Nutrition, and other Cancer prevention and screening information to your companies/organizations. Contact Jenny Quade, Partnership Coordinator, (702) 822-5299.

CALENDAR

July 13	Partners for Education about the Environment	Bimonthly meeting, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Springs Preserve, tour and presentation. allison.brody@unlv.edu for more information.
July 19	Partners for Environmental Cultural Connectedness	Monthly meeting, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. SNWA (Charleston and Valley View, room tba), allison.brody@unlv.edu for more information.
July 22-26	Project Archaeology Workshop	Five-day workshop at Camp Success near Ely, NV. Participants will be certified in Project Archaeology and receive student and teacher curriculum materials. Contact Martha Braddock, 775-289-1802.
July 30-August 3	Lamoille Institute for Educators	Professional development experience for teachers and other educators. This year’s theme is water and wetlands.
September 11	CHOLLA	Bimonthly meeting, 1:00 – 3:30, Las Vegas Natural History Museum. Presentation on Nevada Certificate Program for Environmental Education and Interpretation.
September 10 – Nov. 23	Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation and Fundamentals of Environmental Education	On-line courses designed for environmental educators, natural resource professionals, and those interested in education about the environment.
September 12 - October 10	Astronomy from the Ground Up	National Science Foundation-sponsored online astronomy workshop for nature center and other informal educators. Applications are being accepted for this FREE online workshop at http://astrosociety.org/afgu/distance.html, 415-337-1100 x102
September 24-27	North American Weed Management Association’s 2007 Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada	This year’s focus is The Influence of Urban/Wildland Interface on Expanding Invasive Plant Communities. Information and registration at NAWMA’s website.
September 29 - 30	Conference: Kaleidoscope of Early Culture in Las Vegas	Explore the history of the Las Vegas Valley from early American cultures to Anglo-European settlers. Sponsored by the Nevada Council for History Education (see attached flyer). For more information, contact Linda Miller at 492-7742.

RESOURCES

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station, Wildland Recreation and Urban Cultures division has released the July 2007 Recreation Research Update (No. 61).

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation study, children 8 to 18 spend 6.5 hours a day watching television or engaged with some form of electronic media. The National Wildlife Federation is actively encouraging parents and their kids to take a “Green Hour” each day for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world.

Greenhelpline.com has been designed to help British consumers reduce their carbon footprint. The website designers plan on influencing half a million homes to switch to green energy and other sustainable practices.

Flourescent light bulbs are energy efficient, but do contain mercury. The Association of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers has lots of information on safe removal and recycling bulbs.

ARTICLES

Partners for Education about the Environment has long recognized the issue of a lack of a common language. We’ve even struggled to find universal definitions for such widespread terms as “environmental education.” The National Association for Interpretation, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Institute of Learning Innnovations, and the EPA has tackled this issue and has revealed the newly launched Definitions Project website. The Definitions Project hopes to bring “together federal agencies, professional organizations, and other NGOs in a collaborative discussion that will lead to the development of common vocabulary and establish the basis for future collaborative works.”

June 10, 2007

2007-06-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the June 10, 2007 posting to the Education about the Environment Interchange listserv! Any questions, issues, suggestions, or postings should be directed to Allison Brody at: allison.brody@unlv.edu

NEWS

Partners for Environmental Cultural Connectedness (PECC) is a group derived from Partners for Education about the Environment. PECC’s mission is: To foster a cross-cultural connection between the Southern Nevada community and their environment through education and outreach.

Goals:

1. To promote respectful inclusion of Hispanic people in the nearby environment
2. Create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere
3. To increase effectiveness of education and outreach for Hispanic audiences

All are welcome to join our monthly planning meetings (see Calendar or call Allison for additional information). PECC’s first action item is to develop and implement a questionnaire to:

identify who is using or is interested in using public lands, museums, and natural places (and barriers to use);

identify how to train staff on creating the welcoming atmosphere;

identify what kinds of events and/or programs that we can use to get messages out;

identify our messages.

Nevada Humanities is hiring a Program Manager for Outreach and Development. This position will be responsible for carrying out the programs and policies of Nevada Humanities in southern Nevada. See attached job description.

Nevada Department of Wildlife has Conservation Educator position openings. Contact Kristina Ross, Dept of Wildlife Human Resources, 775-688-1522.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (BLM Nevada, Las Vegas Field Office) has two Park Ranger position openings through the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) hiring process. The student internships are for college-level students only. Announcement Number: BLM-NV-07-STEP-006; Occupational Series/Grade: GS-0025-05; Hourly Rate: $13.83 hourly. Closing Date: June 11, 2007.

Nevada Outdoor School has several Vista position openings to fill, including Tribal Liaison,Curriculum Developer, and Special Events Coordinator.

CALENDAR

June 8, 9, and 10	World Ocean Day at Shark Reef (Mandalay Bay)	Free Behind-the-Scenes tours for locals. Contact 632.4555 or see attached flyer.
June 12-16 (3rd-4th grade) and June 26-30 (5th-8th grade).	Nevada Outdoor School Summer Adventure Camp	An indoor and outdoor science camp that explores ecological concepts and offers activities such as orienteering, wilderness survival skills, backpacking, and falconry.
June 29-30	Southern Nevada Homeschool Convention	5825 Eldora Ave., Las Vegas NV 8914.
July 22-26	Project Archaeology Workshop	Five-day workshop at Camp Success near Ely, NV. Participants will be certified in Project Archaeology and receive student and teacher curriculum materials. Contact Martha Braddock, 775-289-1802.
July 30-August 3	Lamoille Institute for Educators	Professional development experience for teachers and other educators. This year’s theme is water and wetlands.
September 29 - 30	Conference: Kaleidoscope of Early Culture in Las Vegas	Explore the history of the Las Vegas Valley from early American cultures to Anglo-European settlers. Sponsored by the Nevada Council for History Education (see attached flyer). For more information, contact Linda Miller at 492-7742.

RESOURCES

Where children live significantly affect their chances for success in life, according to the analysis by the Editorial Projects in Education (EPE) Research Center, which based its analysis on its new “Chance-for-Success Index.” The index tracks state efforts to connect education from preschool through postsecondary education and training and the results are available in Quality Counts 2007: From Cradle to Career, Connecting American Education From Birth to Adulthood, produced by Education Week with support from the Pew Center on the States. The report is available online at http://www.edweek.org/go/qc07_.

National Gardening Association Invites Entries for the Youth Garden Grants Program. U.S. schools and community organizations with new or established outdoor garden programs for youth between the ages of 3 and 18 will be awarded gift cards valued at up to $500 for the purchase of gardening materials and supplies. Deadline: November 1, 2007.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is soliciting applications for the Nature of Learning Grant Program. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for collaborations, standards-based programs, stewardship projects, and community-based projects.

Death Valley National Park and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge have created a curriculum-based program for Nevada’s 3rd and 4th grade teachers: “The World of the Small – Pupfish”. Contact Christina Nalen, Education Specialist, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (775/372-5435) or Nancy Hadlock, Education, Specialist, Death Valley National Park (760/786-3226).

ARTICLES

New Field Guide for Educators: No Student Left Indoors is a new book by Jane Kirkland, author and publisher of the Take A Walk® series of nature adventure books. This is a guide for K-8 grade teachers to create an interdisciplinary nature-study in any schoolyard. Stillwater Publishing, June 2007.