September 19 Colburn Earth Science Museum, Asheville

EE Community Outreach meetings provide an open and informal opportunity to share information and ideas with the environmental education community. It is an excellent opportunity to network and learn about new programs, grants, and resources for environmental education. Participants also get a chance to explore the Environmental Education Centers across the state that host the meetings. For more information go to the EE Community Outreach page. To register, contact Sharon.Springs "at" ncmail.net or
919-733-0711.

EETAP "Fundamentals of Environmental Education" Online Course Offered through Montreat College and
Winston Salem State University!

"Fundamentals of Environmental Education" will be available to educators beginning Fall of 2006 The course will be offered via the Internet for 3 undergraduate or graduate level credits. It can also be audited by those that are not interested in obtaining credit. Enrollment begins April 3 and runs until the start of the semester August 23, 2006.

Dr. Dottie Shuman and Dr. Himanshu Gopalan were selected by the Environmental Education Training and Partnership at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point to receive the environmental education course for use at Montreat College and WSSU. The Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) is the national environmental education training program for the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information about the course or enrollment information at Montreat, contact Dr. Dottie Shuman, dshuman "at" montreat.edu or 828-669-8011 x3405.

For more information about the course at WSSU please contact:
Himanshu Gopalan, Re.D or 336-750-2592
Application Course # TRC 3347

The development of this course was funded by EETAP, the national training program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Environmental Education established through the National EE Act of 1990. The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point (UWSP) administers EETAP through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

This 11-week on-line course entitled "Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation," will be offered this fall (September 18 – December 1, 2006) through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The deadline to register for the fall is August 18, 2006.

The course is designed to assist environmental educators and natural resource professionals in evaluating their education programs. Participants have the opportunity to develop and apply skills in designing evaluation tools such as surveys, observation forms, and interview and focus group guides. This course was developed as a cooperative effort between the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) National Conservation Training Center. Participants may obtain three undergraduate or graduate credits from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. All participants, regardless of location, are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. The course is also offered as a non-credit workshop for those who are not seeking college credit.

“I loved the way the course content was laid out. The units and course content flowed together very well. The course also provided me with ways to test/assess our programs and show results, conclusions, and recommendations in a legitimate way.” – Fall 2004 AEEPE course participant

For more information, please visit www.eetap.org or contact Angela Arkin (Angela.Arkin "at" uwsp.edu) for a registration form.

Renew your Sense of Wonder with Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) at the Annual EENC Conference November 2-5, 2006 at Fort Bragg, NC. The 2006 Conference theme, “Renewing a Sense of Wonder” celebrates the centennial of Rachel Carson (born May 27, 1907), “the patron saint of the environmental movement." Broadway actress and television star, Kaiulani Lee, will inspire you with her captivating portrayal of Carson in her original play, "A Sense of Wonder."

Also confirmed on the program are two experts cited in Richard Louv’s popular book, Last Child in the Woods. Dr. Paul Dayton of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California in San Diego, CA and Robin Moore, Professor in the School of Design at North Carolina State University, will lead a dinner table conversation about children’s “nature-deficit disorder.”

Larry Earley, NC author of Looking for Longleaf, the Fall and Rise of an American Forest, will challenge attendees to make a commitment to the survival of native longleaf pine trees as they disperse into the woods on unique field trips.

This 16th annual Conference will be the first ever held in the Sandhills by EENC. Conference attendees will have a rare opportunity, not available to the general public, to visit the unique Longleaf Pine Forest ecosystem, including plant communities of Carolina Bays and Sandhills Seeps, plus the habitat of five endangered species and 30 species-of-concern, which are managed and protected at Fort Bragg.

Plan to attend the 2006 EENC Annual Conference for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in a unique habitat! This gathering promises to renew your sense of wonder with outstanding professional development, celebrating excellence in environmental education and the richness of biodiversity in the NC Sandhills.

Updated information on the EENC website: http://www.eenc.org/conference.html

Or email: conference "at" eenc.org

Nov. 2-5, 2006 at Fort Bragg in the Sandhills of NC

The Museum of Life and Science in conjunction with the Carolina Butterfly Society present the 2006 Carolina Butterfly Gardening Symposium Saturday, August 19 from 10:00-4:00pm at the Museum of Life and Science, Durham, North Carolina. This all-day event will include amateur and expert presentations, workshops and tours for gardening enthusiasts, amateur naturalists, photographers and educators with the Museum’s enchanting Magic Wings Tropical Butterfly Conservatory as the event’s backdrop.

An accompanying evening event, Black Light Insect Hunt, will take place on Museum grounds from 9-11pm and is free for all Symposium participants.
Symposium talks and workshops include the following presentations:

Keynote Address: The Monarch Larva Monitoring Project, Dr. Karen Oberhauser, University of Minnesota

Basics of Butterfly Observation Dennis Burnette
Butterfly Photography Workshop Jeff Pippen/Will Cook, Duke University
Butterfly Gardens for Big and Small Spaces Dr. John Dole, NCSU
Red-Bay Die Off -- A Host-Plant in Trouble Laurie Reid, SC Forestry Commission
Guided Butterfly Walk + Rain Garden Visit Richard Stickney, Museum Butterfly Curator
What’s Bugging You? Dr. John Meyer, NC State University
Black Light Insect Hunt (9-11pm) Leon Bradford, Museum Entomologist

Carolina Butterfly Gardening Symposium registration: $20 until August 18; $25 on-site registration day of event; additional $6.50 for catered lunch. ($7.50 per child age 12 and under; $14.00 with lunch.) Symposium fee includes all programs, lunch (if applicable) and admission to the Museum of Life and Science.

Carolina Butterfly Gardening Symposium registration forms are at www.ncmls.org or register by phone (919) 220-5429 x303.

To register for any of the following classes, call 336-373-3802
or email louis.spera "at" greensboro-nc.gov

Snakes Class, August 23, 2006, 6:00-7:30 p.m. $2.00 per person

Snakes are one of the most misunderstood, but fascinating groups of animals. Participants will learn about snake anatomy, behavior, food and habitats. In addition, they will learn to identify some of the forty snake species found in NC and be able to distinguish the venomous snakes from the non venomous snakes of the state. The staff will have live snakes available for viewing and handling is optional.

Project Learning Tree Workshops!

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an interdisciplinary 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. The PLT curriculum isn't just about science or trees though. Mathematics, language arts, social studies, and basic skill building all play roles in PLT Activities. Topics such as communication, economics, energy and fuels, geology, government, history, recycling, transportation, watersheds, and wildlife are also found in the guide! The 96 PreK-8 Activities are correlated to the NC Standard Course of Study in the areas of language arts, math, science, and social studies.

CEU renewal credits are available. PLT is a required component for the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification Program. PLT Activity Guides are provided free of charge through a partnership with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Services, the North Carolina Forestry Association, and the NC Division of Forest Resources. Please share this information with others you know that may be interested. More information regarding the NC PLT Program, including a full listing of PLT professional development workshops statewide, can be found online at www.ces.ncsu.edu/plt.

Renee L Strnad
NC State University - Extension Forestry
NC Certified Environmental Educator
NC Project Learning Tree Coordinator
renee_strnad "at" ncsu.edu
919-515-5518

Take a look at the NC PLT Workshop Calendar for other workshop on the horizon, including a PreK-8 Workshop in Greensboro in July!

PROJECT LEARNING TREE FOREST ECOLOGY WORKSHOP

WHEN: September 14-15, 2006

WHERE: Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest, Elizabethtown, NC (Bladen County) http://www.ncesf.org/TCESF/home.htm

PROJECT LEARNING TREE Project Learning Tree is an award winning supplemental environmental education program that helps teachers and youth leaders enhance students interest in the environment.

WHAT TO WEAR AND WHAT TO BRING Wear clothes suitable for the outdoors. Bring a bag lunch. Workshop hours will be 9am-3pm on the 14th and 9am-1:00pm on the 15th. CREDITS RECEIVED FROM THIS WORKSHOP This workshop may be used for one CEU with approval from the teacher’s Board of Education. This workshop will also count towards Component I of the N.C. Environmental Education Certification Program. HOW TO REGISTER Contact Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest at any of the following: Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest Phone: 910-588-4161 4803 Sweet Home Church Road Fax: 910-588-6021 Elizabethtown, North Carolina 28337 E-mail: tcesf "at" intrstar.net This workshop will be open to the first thirty registrants. There is no cost for this workshop.
Also upcoming...

September 8-9, 2006 - Agape Center for EE, Fuquay-Varina NC (10-Hour)
October 2, 2006 - Centennial Campus Center for Wildlife Education, Raleigh NC
October 30, 2006 - Jordan Lake Educational State Forest, Chapel Hill NC (High School 9-12 Workshop)

Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education

There is still a few spots available in these upcoming programs being held at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education during the months of September, October, and November, 2006. All programs are free but pre-registration is required by calling 828-877-4423. These programs will count towards credit for criteria I, II, or III of the NC Environmental Education Certification Program. The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is part of the Conservation Education Division of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and is located in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC.

September NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THE BEGINNER Sun., Sept. 24 * 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Are you often disappointed in the quality of your outdoor photographs? Do they not do justice to the first hand beauty you experienced while in the field? This program, designed for beginners, presents the basics in nature photography. Learn about general equipment, proper light usage, effective composition, and the various subject matter choices, from landscapes and wildlife to macro photography. Please bring your camera, digital or film, as this program will include time in the field experimenting with various techniques and subject matter. Limited to 12 participants. Ages 12 and up.

October TURTLE TALKS Sun., Oct. 1 * 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Charlie Green, a local amateur herpetologist, leads this entertaining and educational discussion of reptiles. Live turtles, snakes, and lizards are part of this program. Ages 7 and up.

MONARCH MAGIC

Sat., Oct. 7 ♦ 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bring the family out for an afternoon of fun and learning centered on the monarch butterfly. Learn about monarch habitat needs and host plant requirements while taking an in-depth look at the monarch life cycle and its yearly migration from North America to Central Mexico. Participants will work along side Pisgah Center staff in an effort to tag newly emerged monarchs and then release them to begin their incredible and mysterious migration journey. Limited to 30 participants. Ages 8 and up.

HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE

Tues., Wed., & Thurs., Oct. 10, 11, & 12 ♦ 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Hunter Education Course covers hunter responsibility, wildlife conservation and management, firearms, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, specialty hunting, and tree stand safety. The course is accepted in every state and province in North America. All unlicensed sportsmen and women must successfully complete a hunter education course before they can hunt in North Carolina or purchase a hunting license. There is no minimum age requirement for the course. Please bring a pencil or pen and your social security number.

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT—MOSSES & LICHENS OF THE MOUNTAINS

Sat., Oct. 21 * 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This program begins with a slide show introduction to the diverse world of mosses and lichens. See some of the more common of these intriguing miniature plants and learn about their morphology, reproduction, natural history, and uses. The program includes a walk on the Pisgah Center grounds to locate and identify mosses and lichens growing in their natural habitats. Ages 14 and up.

ADVANCED PROJECT WILD—OWLS Sat., Oct. 28 * 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Project WILD is a wildlife-based education program that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and other natural resources. This advanced workshop focuses on North Carolina’s owl species. Topics discussed include general life history, appearance/identification, reproduction and nesting habits, and much more. Participants engage in many hands-on activities including the observation of live owls. This workshop is open to all interested educators including school teachers; park, nature center, and camp personnel; and scout leaders. CEU and EEC credits are available. Registration deadline is October 24. Limited to 30 participants. For adults.

November INTRODUCTION TO FLY FISHING—SKILLS CLINIC Sat., Nov. 4 * 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This program presents the basics of fly fishing. Our instructors are experienced anglers, excellent classroom facilitators, and have completed the Fly Casting Instructors Course with Joan Wulff at the Wulff School of Fly Fishing in Livingston Manor, New York. Topics covered include equipment, casting techniques, aquatic ecology, and fly identification. Equipment and materials provided. Bring your own lunch. Wear clothing suitable for entering the water and bring non-slip shoes or waders. Limited to 8 participants. A $20 registration fee is fully refundable upon class attendance. Ages 16 and up.

“GOT ROCKS!”—INTRODUCTION TO LOCAL GEOLOGY Sun., Nov. 5 * 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Do you know the difference between a rock and a mineral? Learn how the Southern Appalachian Mountains formed and what types of rocks occur here. This hands-on class, presented by a local geologist, demonstrates the differences among the basic rock types and explains how certain properties are used to identify rocks and minerals. Limited to 25 participants. Ages 10 and up.

HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE Tues., Wed., & Thurs., Nov. 14, 15, & 16 ♦ 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Hunter Education Course covers hunter responsibility, wildlife conservation and management, firearms, wildlife identification, survival and first aid, specialty hunting, and tree stand safety. The course is accepted in every state and province in North America. All unlicensed sportsmen and women must successfully complete a hunter education course before they can hunt in North Carolina or purchase a hunting license. There is no minimum age requirement for the course. Please bring a pencil or pen and your social security number.

OUTDOOR COOKING & DUTCH OVEN Sat., Nov. 18 * 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Whether in a camp setting or at home, this class teaches you the basics of this traditional means of cooking. Learn how to prepare a palatable meal over an open wood fire or charcoal briquettes. Discover other novelty methods of cooking as well. Participants help prepare the food and partake of the dishes created in this class. Bring a lawn chair. Limited to 25 participants. Ages 12 and up.

Lynn Veurink Program Coordinator Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission PO Box, 1600 Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 Phone: 828-877-4423 www.ncwildlife.org

Fundamentals of Environmental Education Online Course

Registration deadline is August 11, 2006

A 10-week online course about the fundamentals of environmental education will be offered this fall (September 11 – November 17, 2006). The course is appropriate for both classroom teachers and for non-formal educators who work with students and/or teachers. Participants may obtain three undergraduate or graduate credits from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. All students, regardless of location, are eligible for the in-state tuition rate. The course is also offered at a reduced cost for those who are not interested in obtaining college credit.

The "Fundamentals of Environmental Education" online course was developed by the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) in collaboration with national EE experts. It provides educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to incorporate quality environmental education into their instruction. Participants discuss the history, definition, and goals of environmental education; develop an understanding of the professional roles and instructional methods of environmental educators; and interact with other educators from across the country. Past course participants have given the course excellent reviews.

“This is a remarkable course. It is very well organized and in a way that I find models teaching organization we can all strive for. I enjoyed the opportunity to read about other people's experiences and to benefit from their knowledge and experiences. I also enjoyed reading the helpful comments the instructor gave me and others on the discussion board. What a wonderful opportunity!” – Spring 2005 FEE course participant

For more information, please visit www.eetap.org and click on “Online EE Courses” or contact Angela Arkin (Angela.Arkin "at" uwsp.edu) for a registration form.

Please act quickly the preference registration deadline for the fall course is August 11, 2006.

Project WET Workshop and PLT Workshops in September at Agapé Center for Environmental Education, near Fuquay-Varina (Wake/Harnett)

When: Friday, September 15, 2006 , 4:00-8:00 p.m. AND

Saturday, September 16, 2006 , 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Credit: This 10-hour Workshop provides credit for both NC EE

Certification and CEU upon completion. (No homework!)

Fee: $18 covers facility use to workshop participants. Thanks to a generous grant from the NC Project WET office, guides are being provided free of charge.

Meals: There is an option to purchase food service or you can bring a bag supper Friday and a bag lunch Saturday. Food service for dinner Friday: $8.00, lunch Saturday: $7.00.

Lodging: If needed, lodging is available at our campground for $12.00/night (4 person per site max).

What: This Project WET workshop is geared toward teachers, scout leaders, and other youth leaders interested in teaching about water. The goal of Project WET is to facilitate and promote awareness, appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of North Carolina’s water resources.

This workshop is fun, hands-on, action-packed, and informational. WET is for anyone interested in natural resources and environmental education and is especially useful for public and private school teachers in grades K-8. The workshop offers educators exciting new activities to use in teaching science, math, language arts, social studies, and environmental studies. Each participant will receive a copy of the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide.

How to Register: Complete and s end the form on the last page.

Center for Environmental Farming Systems Fall Festival!

Saturday, September 16, 10am-4pm.

Admission and parking for this event are free.

Exhibits - Learn about organic and sustainable farming, home gardening, small farm equipment, healthy eating, and more through exhibits hosted by extension offices, university faculty and staff, non- profit organizations and other agricultural organizations in North Carolina.

Kids' Activities - Children of all ages will enjoy hands-on agricultural activities including games, crafts, and a sorghum maze (a close relative to the corn maze!).

Demonstrations - Learn how to build your own home compost bin, watch a flame weeder in action, or visit a field demostration of summer cover crops. Local experts will offer hourly demonstrations on topics of interest to farmers and home gardeners.

Live Music - Enjoy live music from North Carolina bluegrass bands Constant Change and the Back Porch Boys.

Farmer's Market - Purchase farm fresh products from local farms at the Festival Farmer's Market.

Farm Tours - Tours of the CEFS farm will be offered throughout the day. Tour stops include the pasture-based dairy and beef facilities, swine hoop houses, and cropping system research areas.

Food & Refreshments - Food & drinks will be available for purchase all day. Perfect for a picnic under the trees!

Form more info, visit http://www.cefs.ncsu.edu/fallfestival.html.

Wonders of Wetlands and Planning of Wetlands Workshops

Registration is through Sarah Toman - pow "at" wetland.org.
You can register online at www.wetland.org.

Wonders of Wetlands Sept 6th at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education

Wonders of Wetlands Sept 8th, 2006 at the Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Planning of Wetlands Sept 9th, 2006 at the Aquarium at Fort Fisher

High Performance School Buildings Program 

Sustainable Sandhills will host a High Performance School Buildings Symposium on October 23, 2006 at the picturesque Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club in Southern Pines, NC.  The symposium will focus on the costs and benefits of building high performance school facilities.  It will run from 9am to 1:30pm and include lunch. For more information on speakers, schedules, and Directions for the Symposium, visit the Sustainable Sandhills Web site at http://www.sustainablesandhills.org/index.htm