EE Center Tool Box
2010 NCAEEC Meeting Registration
NCAEEC Meeting Information and Agenda
NCAEEC, formed in 1996, is an all volunteer group that works to foster cooperation among North Carolina's Environmental Education Centers. Four specific objectives guide the activities of the NCAEEC:
(1) Establish regular and multiple lines of communication among Environmental Education Centers;
(2) Create and maintain a central clearinghouse of information about Environmental Education Centers;
(3) Build public awareness and support for Environmental Education Centers;
(4) Develop and promote standards of excellence for Environmental Education Centers.
The North Carolina Office of Environmental Education works closely with NCAEEC and provides a liaison to the Executive Committee. This unique partnership builds capacity for both the Office and member EE Centers.
Member Centers Directory All EE Centers listed on the Office of Environmental Education Web site are considered members of NCAEEC.
Membership Region Map North Carolina is divided into four NCAEEC membership regions. Each region has a representative that serves on the NCAEEC Executive Committee. Members are encouraged to contact their regional representative for assistance.
Current NCAEEC Executive Committee with Contact Information
Services
The NCAEEC Liaison, Executive Committee and member EE Center staff can provide consultation and feedback for proposed environmental education centers or for facility-based environmental education programs. Contact Marty Wiggins, NC Office of Environmental Education NCAEEC Liaison
919-733-0711 or any Executive Committee member.
Member EE Centers are kept up-to-date on grants, resources and other opportunities by the NCAEEC Liaison. Need advice or have a question for the membership? The Liasion can relay the message or gather an ad hoc advisory group of members for you.
EE Center Tool Box
Nonformal Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence
(Highly Recommended!)
This publication from the North American Association for Environmental Education "comprises a set of recommendations for developing and administering high quality nonformal environmental education programs. These recommendations provide a tool that can be used to ensure a firm foundation for new programs or to trigger improvements in existing ones." It can be ordered from NAAEC and is also available online in chapters, and as a .pdf. This is a concise, well-written publication that provides solid, easy-to-follow recommendations.
Improving Education at US Nature & Environmental Centers (2006) explores the status and trends in environmental education programming and identifies the future needs of nature and environmental centers across the country. The National Association for Interpretation initiated the project and partnered with the National Park Service and Colorado State University. The project was funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. Sara Melena, the study's principal author, presented these findings at the 2007 NCAEEC Meeting of the Membership.
Exhibits and Passive Environmental Education
Click to see Pat Momich's Powerpoint presentation and resources from her excellent presentation at the 2005 NCAEEC Annual Meeting "Connecting People and Place: Outdoor Interpretive Signs."
Environmental Education Grants Page
EE Calendar and EE Resource Database
Research and Resources on EE, Learning, Health and Behavior
This page is maintained by the Office of Environmental Education, and has links to peer-reviewed research that supports environmental education and outdoor activity. Very useful when writing grants or program justifications.
ANCA (Association of Nature Center Administrators) The NCAEEC Board encourages members with management responsibility to consider ANCA membership.
Director's Guide to Best Practices This book, published by ANCA, is also highly recommended. As noted by ANCA, the Guide "includes chapters on five essential areas: leadership, strategic planning, boards, staff, and fund raising. ANCA developed this book for busy directors and staff people with many roles and responsibilities." ANCA also produces other books that are helpful to new or existing EE Centers, covering such topics as searching for Center directors, exhibit and building design, program planning and citizen science.
Pet Waste Pick Up Cards These are part of the Office of EE's Informed Consumer section. A friendly and educational reminder for pet owners that visit your facility.
Trail Design, Construction and Management Resources From the NC State University Recreation Resources Service, it has excellent resources and links. Includes an Outdoor Ethics section.
NCDENR Library
NC Green Building Database and NC Solar Center
If your EE Center already has green design elements, please consider adding yourself to the NC Green Database. It can be just one feature, such as pervious pavement. These are also good resources when considering sustainable design features for current or planned facilities.
The Habitable Planet: A Systems Approach to Environmental Science
This site from Anneburg Media is a great resource on a multitude of programming or research topics. It is also useful for high schoolers, college students and adult learners.
North Carolina Birding Trail
Includes promotional resources and training opportunities.
Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Forests A must for every EE Center, it's both educational and practical, including management recommendations, ecology and history of the plant. Free from the USDA Forest Service, and the entire book is available online as well.
Invasive Exotic Plants of North Carolina N.C. Department of Transportation has also created a fantastic comprehensive guide on N.C. Invasives. Includes botanical information as well as practical prevention and management practices.
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