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Office of Environmental Education
All of North Carolina's EE Resources in One
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 Celebrate Earth Day for 30 days!
Celebrate EE Week for 4 weeks!
That's right, it's...
North Carolina Environmental Education Month!
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 Join the Office of Environmental Education, the rest of North Carolina's Department of Environment and Natural Resources divisions and Environmental Education Centers across the state in expanding the celebration of Earth Day  2007 (April 22) and National Environmental Education Week (April 15-22) by celebrating Environmental Education Month!
 Listed below are environmental education events in April, 2007 that will help you do just that. Be sure to let us know about any events you will be hosting in April!
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One North Carolina Naturally materials are available
to use at your EE Month workshop or event!
The One North Carolina Naturally initiative promotes and coordinates the long-term conservation of North Carolina’s threatened land and water resources. The North  Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (NC DENR) Office of Conservation & Community Affairs manages this program, and offers the following materials to use at your event, program or workshop:
A. Nature Dude bookmarks with message "How can one person make a  difference?"
B. "North Carolina's Natural Network: How Do We Keep It Together?" 12-page instructional supplement
NC’s natural and human-made systems are interconnected, providing clean air and water, fertile farmland and forests, and essential wildlife habitat. Learn how Nature’s services can keep us healthy. This booklet was created as a Newspapers in Education supplement for students in grades 4 - 8.
This colorful 12-page instructional supplement is available in 2 formats:
1. Download a printable version of NC's Natural Network in a pdf format at http://www.onencnaturally.org/pages/NaturalNetwork.html
2. Newsprint copies of NC's Natural Network are available free of charge, as long as supplies last.
To request single copies or class sets, email janine.nicholson "at" ncmail.net or phone 919-715-2700. |
 April 21 - 29
National Wildlife Week
Continue to care for the environment during National Wildlife Week™! From April 21-29, 2007, people of all ages will take action by looking for local wildlife and taking part in environmental community service projects. To learn more about the National Wildlife Federation’s Wildlife Watch program and to receive NWF’s Conservation Action Guide, a free 35-page guide offering dozens of ideas and action tips for service projects, visit the National Wildlife Week website for more information.
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April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Beginning Skywatching
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Chapel Hill
 This introductory six-session course is designed to jump-start your stargazing skills! Classes will focus on what can be seen with just the unaided eye and will include planetarium and classroom instruction, hands-on activities and a “planet walk.” Each participant receives a planisphere for home use, plus plenty of take-home instructional materials. A great class for anyone new to stargazing, and a good gift-giving opportunity.
Space is limited to 20 participants (ages 16 and older). Educators: NC EE Criteria III credit & CEU contact hour credit is available.
Admission: $90 for MPSC members and UNC students $110 for non-members
Parking fee: Free parking at Franklin St. meters.
Event Phone: 919-962-1236
Event Link: http://www.moreheadplanetarium.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page&filename=adult_classes.html
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April 25, 2007, 9:00 am until 4:00 pm
"Jomeokee Geology"
Pilot Mountain State Park
Having trouble explaining the formation of rocks to your students? What is the difference between chemical & mechanical weathering? Can you name rocks and minerals that are common to Pilot Mountain? Do you just want to have fun at Pilot Mountain SP and learn about geology?
Come join us for this 6 hour workshop about geology! This is a criteria I workshop for those seeking NC EE certification. With a homework assignment, teachers can earn a certificate of attendance to be submitted to DPI for 1.0 CEU credit!
For more information or to sign up for this workshop please contact Ranger Janet Pearson at 336-325-2355.
Make sure to bring lunch, your rain gear and hiking shoes!
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 April 26, 9am - 4pm
POW! The Planning of Wetlands
Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, Greensboro
Learn to create a wetland habitat at your site involving students every step of the way. Environmental Concern presents this one-day workshop for formal and non-formal educators. Create wildlife habitat and bring to life lessons in science, math, engineering, and social studies. Register online at www.wetlnad.org or by phone 410-745-9620. $50 includes curriculum guide.
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April 26, 9:00am - 5:00pm and April 27, 9:00am - 5:00pm
Thematic Program Development With Dr. Sam Ham
Reedy Creek Natura Center, Charlotte
Dr. Ham, author of "Environmental Interpretation: A PracticalGuide for People with Big Ideas and Small Budgets", is Director of the Center for International Training & Outreach and Professor of environmental communication and international conservation at the University of Idaho. He has authored more than 300 publications, presented over 100 papers, and has delivered 34 keynote addresses. National parks, historic sites, & private tourism businesses throughout the world have adopted his comprehensive interpretative planning process.
 This workshop will introduce you to the TORE model of interpretation. It begins with interpretation as a communication effort aimed at making a difference in how our audiences think, feel and possibly behave with respect to the things we interpret. We will take a hard, no-nonsense look at the outcomes we want from our interpretive programs, and we'll consider what is known (not assumed) about the pathways and mechanisms through which we can achieve these outcomes. From there we'll work on thematic thinking skills and how to conceive and express themes that are strongly relevant & thought-provoking to our audiences. This will include practical activities that require thematic thinking, writing & expression. We will analyze themes and be able to extract principles behind their strength or weakness. We will critically assess examples of thematic interpretation, write themes, and put thematic interpretation to practice in short group presentations. Following the workshop, participants will be able to:
...distinguish "interpretation" from other types of communication such as instruction and "infotainment."
...describe the desired outcomes of successful interpretation.
...think thematically.
...express and develop strong themes and use them in professional quality interpretation.
...draw on knowledge of applied communication psychology to develop & present face-to face & non-personal interpretation that influences how visitors think, feel and behave with respect to what is being interpreted.
...use sequential communication techniques to add interest and impact in their interpretive programs.
...explain in their own words what they learned in the workshop.
Space is very limited for Dr. Sam Ham's only appearance in the Carolinas. The training includes 2 days of facilitated trainings by Dr. Sam Ham, all materials/handouts, lunch each day, and drinks/snacks. CEU's pending.
Admission: Cost: $110.00
Event Phone: 704-598-8857
Event Link: www.parkandrec.com
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April 26, 1:30pm - 3pm
The Wonder of Whales
Discovery Place, Charlotte
The largest of them all is larger than the biggest dinosaur ever was. These magnificent mammals are certain to spark your little ones curiosity. Dive in! For ages 3-4.
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April 26, 10am - 11pm
Explore a Story Kids
Bass Lake Park and Retreat Center, Holly Springs
 3-5 year olds nature story and exploration group. 4th Thursday of each month during the traditional school year. Ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Enjoy storytime, nature explorations, and nature crafts. We'll go for short exploratory walks if weather permits. FREE! Pre-register online or at the park.
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Canoeing for Water Quality
April 27; 5:30 pm -7:00 pm
Lake Crabtree County Park - Morrisville
1400 Aviation Parkway, Get involved in your watershed! Join our water quality monitoring volunteers and learn how to test the water in Lake Crabtree. Canoeing experience required. We only have a set number of canoes, so register today! Ages 12+ (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Meet at Boat Rental Building. Pre-registration is required.
FREE. Parking Fee: N/A. 919-460-2723.
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 April 27, 8:00am - 1:00pm
Birds
Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro
Coastal North Carolina is a major breeding spot for neo-tropical migratory birds. We will offer a  classwhere we will identify these well-traveled birds near the park office as well as on Bear Island. This workshop will qualify for Component II of the NC OEE certification. Contact sarah.bouknight@ncmail.net for more infomation.
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April 28, 9am - 3pm
Blue Jay Point's Annual Songbird Celebration
Blue Jay Center for Wildlife Education, Raleigh
 Bring your family to a FREE, daylong Songbird Celebration at Blue Jay Point County Park in recognition of International Migratory Bird Day 2007. A great outing for scouts and other youth groups, celebrate the return of our migratory songbirds while you enjoy bird-related activities throughout the park. New classes and activities each year!
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 April 28, 9am - 4pm
Project Learning Tree
Morrow Mountain State Park, Albemarle
PLT is an interdisicplinary environmental education curriculum designed for educators of ANY background. PLT uses the forest as a window into natural and built environments and helps people gain awareness and knowledge about the world around them. Workshop and materials provided free of charge, but preregistration is required. To register, contact Brandy Belville, brandy.belville@ncmail.net, 704 982-4402.
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Spring Nature Hike
Saturday, April 28
New River State Park - Jefferson
Post Office Box 48, Meet a Park Ranger for a nature hike at the beautiful Alleghany Access. Please call the park office to sign up for this hike, and to obtain the time to meet. Office hours are Monday~~Friday 8:00am~~5:00pm Phone number is 336-982-2587. Meet at the Junction of Hwy 16 N and Hwy 58 for this 1 mile hike.
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April 28, 9:00am - 4:00pm
Nature Journaling With Consie Powell Educator Workshop
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh
 Join illustrator and writer Consie Powell to discover how nature journaling can help you and your students connect with the natural world. In the morning, cover basic techniques and practice in the Museum's exhibit galleries. In the afternoon, go to Prairie Ridge to learn about spring wildlife and to practice your visual note taking skills. For information or to register, contact Mike Dunn at 919.733.7450 ext. 620, mike.dunn@ncmail.net. Fee: $40. For educators only.
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Turkey Talk
April 28, 10:00 am
Lake James State Park - Nebo
Join a Ranger and learn about our Eastern Wild Turkey. What sounds do turkeys make? What do they eat. Where do they live. Talk about the grand comeback of the once elusive bird. Bring sturdy foot gear for a hike in search of turkeys. Meet at the park office at 10am. 828-652-5047.
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April 28, 10:30am - 3pm
Fly Fishing Skills - Casting For Beginners
Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, Pisgah Forest
This is the perfect introductory class for beginners in casting! Topics covered in this class include casting theory, mechanics, and practice techniques. Our knowledgeable and experienced instructors will allow you to learn at your own pace as they teach you the overhead cast, roll cast, and the art of false casting. Advanced instruction is available upon request. This class is held at Lake Imaging in Dupont State Forest. All equipment and materials are provided. Bring a lunch. Limited to 8 participants. A $20 registration fee is fully refundable upon class attendance. Ages 16 and up.
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Spring Wildflower Hike
April 28, 10:00 am -11:30 am
South Mountains State Park - Connelly Springs
 3001 South Mountain Park Avenue, Join a ranger for a wildflower walk along the Jacob Fork River. This moderate hike will begin at the Jacob Fork Parking Area and be about two miles long. The hike will start at 10:00 am and last approximately 1.5 hours. Current blooming wildflowers and other flora will be identified on this walk. You must preregister for this hike.
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Hike Into History
April 29, 2:00 pm
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area - Jefferson
Post Office Box 48, Hike Into History, Sunday, April 29th 2:00pm, Meet at Mount Jefferson Picnic Shelter Explore Mount Jefferson with a Ranger as participants take in the view, and learn about the storied past of the surrounding area. Participants will hike to Luther Rock as they learn about historic events and the natural world.
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April 29, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Tour of Piedmont Biofuels
Piedmont Biofuels, Moncure
Come take a tour of the Piedmont Biofuels Cooperative and research farm. Tour will be held rain or shine. No need to call ahead. Free and open to the public.
4783 Moncure-Pittsboro Rd. Moncure, NC
7 min from downtown Pittsboro
www.biofuels.coop for more info or call (919) 533-0172 for directions.
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April 29, 12pm - 4pm
Walk For Wildlife
Piedmont Wildlife Center and Lake Crabtree County Park, Morrisville
 The Walk for Wildlife is a fun way to join hundreds of people across North Carolina to make a difference for wildlife. Participants in the Walk raise funds through sponsorships or other activities and are eligible for prizes and other recognition. All participants who raise a minimum of $25 will also receive a colorful Walk for Wildlife T-shirt.
Wildlife and environmental experts throughout North Carolina will be giving demonstrations, exhibitng live animnals, offering hands-on activities and staffing booths along the trails to provide information about the strides being made for wildlife throughout our state. Experts include bird-watchers, botanists, wildlife rehabilitators, naturalists and environmental educators.
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Wildflower Hike
April 29; 2:00 pm -3:00 pm
New River State Park - Jefferson
Post Office Box 48, Join a Ranger on a 1 mile hike to identify the wildflowers of bloom. The program will last for about one hour. Meet at New River State Park's Wagoner Access at 2:00 p.m.
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 April 29, 2:00pm
Where Am I? How To Use a Map and Compass
South Mountains State Park, Connelly Springs
On Sunday, April 29, 2007, South Mountains State Park will be offering "Where am I? How to Use a Map and Compass". Join Ranger Tim Johnson to learn the fundamentals of map reading, identification of land features, and compass use. Bring a compass if you have it, and meet at the visitor's center at 2:00 pm. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited.
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