Association for Environmental Education Winter 2002

KUPEE Universities Working Together to Improve Math, Science and the Environment

The Kentucky Partnership for Environ- (KEEC), felt it was so vital to bring the mental Education (KUPEE) is at the fore- universities together that the KEEC front in beginning to provide environmen- funded several gatherings of the group. tal education to teachers across the Com- Ms. Eller said, “This is the first step to monwealth of Kentucky. Funded by the implement the higher education recom- U.S. Department of Education with spear- mendation of The Kentucky Master Plan heading efforts of Congressman Ed for Environmental Education. We are Whitfield and the support of Senator Jim pleased to assist in bringing together this Bunning, eight public universities are network of eight universities.” working diligently together as a “network” After a spirited discussion at JABEZ, to provide: (1) teacher (pre-service and in- the group agreed the mission of KUPEE is From bottom left: Brian Reeder, Morehead State service) and leadership training (2) pro- University; Yvonne Meichtry, Northern Kentucky Uni- to “increase the environmental literacy of gram development (3) regional services versity; Ron Mawby, Kentucky State University; all citizens of the Commonwealth through and (4) research. Joe Baust, Murrary State University; Allan Dittmer, environmental education to assure the The lead KUPEE institution in the con- ; Carol Hanley, ; David Wicks, University of Louisville; protection and sustainable development sortium is ’s Cen- Kazi Javed; Kentucky State University; Stephanie of Kentucky’s natural and cultural re- ter for Environmental Education with its Jenkins, University of Kentucky; Bill Martin, East- sources.” members being Eastern Kentucky Univer- ern Kentucky University; and Ron Grieder, Univer- The chairperson of KUPEE is Dr. Joe sity, Kentucky State University, Morehead sity of Kentucky. Missing from photo is Terry Wil- son, Western Kentucky University. Baust (MurraySU) and its members in- State University, Northern Kentucky Uni- clude: Dr. Bill Martin, Mr. Homer Strong versity, the University of Kentucky, the stituents and skills willing to help in the (EKU), Dr. Kazi Javed, Dr. Ron Moby University of Louisville, and Western Ken- greater good of making Kentuckians more (KSU), Dr. Yvonne Meichtry (NKU), Dr. tucky University. Each institution has environmentally literate. So important is Brian Reeder (MoreheadSU), Dr. Carol pledged to provide environmental educa- this concept of working together to make Hanley, Dr. Tom Greider, Dr. Stephanie tion services during the year to their ser- an impact on the Commonwealth, that Jenkins (UK), Dr. Al Dittmer, Dr. David vice region and to work together to pro- before the $800,000 grant was received Wicks, Dr. Russ Barnett (U of L), and Dr. vide quality environmental education pro- from Washington, the group had met on Terry Wilson (WKU). gramming for all Kentucky citizens. The several occasions to discuss strategies for For more information please contact project began in July 2002 and will end in collaborating and putting into place its any of the persons above or the Center for November/December 2003. infrastructure for success. Ms. Jane Eller, Environmental Education, Murray State What is significant is the fact KUPEE the Executive Director of the Kentucky University at 270-762-2595. represents universities with diverse con- Environmental Education Council In this issue . . . Please send articles and photos to the KAEE Editor by Letter from President ...... 2 February 8th for the spring issue (mailed late March). EE Reflections ...... 3

Representative Stumbo Receives NAAEE Award KAEE and EE News ...... 4 for Outstanding Service by an Individual Committee Reports ...... 5 The NAAEE, at its National Conference Representative Greg Stumbo, House in Boston in August, recognized Represen- Majority Leader for the Kentucky House EE Resources and PD ...... 6 - 7 tative Greg Stumbo as a national leader of Representatives, has played a dynamic in environmental education for his efforts role in shaping Kentucky’s environment Regional Reports ...... 8 - 9 to spearhead HB174 through the Ken- and environmental education policy. Greg Educating through tucky General Assembly last winter. This Stumbo has a vision of a clean Kentucky Environmental Inquiry .... 10-11 bill provides a funding mechanism for and a citizenry that is environmentally environmental education and the cleanup literate. Membership Application ...... 12 of old solid waste landfills. continued on page 7... http://www.kaee.org KAEE Board Members Executive Committee Letter from the President Gwenda Adkins President, Region 7 Gwenda Adkins Yvonne Meichtry Vice President, Region 4 Nancy Kiernan Secretary, Region 1 Doug McLaren Treasurer, Region 5 Rosetta Fackler Immediate Past President, Region 5

Seated Members through 2003 Region 1 Region 3 Kathy Jones Cheryl Bersaglia Tina Marshall Region 5 Region 2 Zeb Weese Steve Spencer Laurie Taylor Thomas Julie Gee Region 8 Cathy Neeley

Seated Members through 2004 Region 1 Region 4 Hello, Joe Baust Mary Kathryn Dickerson WOW!! What a conference!! Nancy Kiernan and her com- Region 2 Wren Smith mittee deserve a standing ovation for the program they put Sharon Ganci Region 5 Debra Spillman Carol Hanley together at Lake Barkley. Mary Kate Dickerson, 2003 Con- Region 3 Region 7 ference Chair and the committee, have already begun plan- Doug McCoy Christie Gibbs Cook ning next year’s annual conference to be held in September at General Butler State Resort Park. I’m sure it will be a great two days of learning, sharing, and fun… so start planning Alternate Board Members now to attend! Region 4 Region 7 Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve KAEE as Bob Anderson Stephanie Young president. The people who held this position before me have made great strides for Environmental Ex. Officio Members Rayetta Boone, Ag. & Environment in the Classroom and North America. Hopefully, by working together, we can Jane Eller, Ky. Environmental Education Council carry on the tradition. John Hohman, East Kentucky Power Cooperative The KAEE State Board Retreat is scheduled for November Kurt Mason, U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Svc. 22nd and 23rd at Barren River State Resort Park. This will be Evelyn Morgan, Daniel Boone National Forest Joy Morgan, Natural Resources and Environmental a full two days of evaluating the past year and planning for Protection Cabinet the future. If you have ideas that you want shared with the Carey Tichenor, Kentucky Department of Parks full board, contact the representative from your region. Board Terry Wilson, Kentucky Universities members’ names and contact information are on the website Send articles and photos to: at www.kaee.org. Also, please feel free to email issues you Newsletter Committee Chair - Yvonne Meichtry would like on the agenda to me at [email protected]. Each [email protected] board member will receive an agenda prior to the retreat so they will have an opportunity for input. and to the Newsletter Editor - Erica Ashcraft Some ideas that I would like to see addressed this year (or in [email protected] coming years) include increasing membership and awareness For membership information, visit the KAEE through regional or area events, and strengthening the roles website at http://www.kaee.org or contact: of board members while creating avenues for more involve- Fife Wicks ment of all our members. Please send comments about these 3200 Tucker Station Road ideas and others to me at the email address above. Louisville, KY 40299 [email protected] Again, thank you for letting me serve you.

KAEE is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of teachers, administrators, government, and Gwenda Adkins agency personnel, business and industry representatives, and private citizens interested in promoting environmental education.

http://www.kaee.org KAEE Newsletter -- Page 2 Environmental Education Reflections

Interpretive Environmental Education by Patty Wren Smith Occasionally, people come into our lives and offer a new way to be less beautiful than before. We simply gained an understanding view or think about the familiar. Those people may touch our that beauty can occur through sacrifice of other forms of beauty lives for only moments, and then move on as gently as a breeze and perhaps other forms of life. It was an “interpretive moment.” in summer. I recall such a “breeze” years ago when I was perhaps The young man helped us view a “natural” scene in a new way in eleven or twelve years old. During summers of my childhood, my a larger context. He did this without preaching, without a lesson family and I frequently camped near Lake Cumberland. We plan, without hopes that we kids succeed at scoring on the lasted fished, skied, swam, and hiked. My sister, another friend, and I standardize test; yet it was a profound and lasting environmental often climbed to the top of a wooded hill that overlooked the education experience. lake. There above the tree line, we scrambled up a large rock Today, as Interpretive Programs Manager for Bernheim, I’m that provided a perfect panorama of the blue, shimmering often asked, “so what is an interpreter?” or “what do you mean expanse of the lake. From this lofty perch we sang the songs of when you use the word interpretation?” The story above comes our youth and occasionally just sat still and admired the view. to mind. Over the years I’ve also come to understand that One day a young man in his early twenties hiked up the hill environmental education and interpretation are often parallel and seemed to be heading past us toward his own destination. paths towards a similar destination. Sometimes the two He smiled as he stopped in the midst of our reverie. We three approaches are so inextricably linked as to be inseparable. I call kids chattered with him like a small flock of birds, chirping on this interpretive environmental education. I bring this up now and on about the beauty of the lake and the view from “our rock.” as we environmental educators examine the need to create a The young man listened and nodded in agreement. Then he told certification process. us a story that began with a question. Certainly, we must examine ways to make sure that those He asked if we thought that the lake had always been there. leading environmental education programs do not open the field Feeling confident, we said “yes.” Then he asked us to imagine a to continual attacks by critics bent on finding prejudicial, faulty wild river that once ran through a valley; a river of deep pools and sentimentalized information. If we create standards for EE and glinting ripples that flowed through woodlands of ferns and certification, we must also seek ways to keep the heart of wildflowers and glided swiftly past farms and homes. He went environmental education strong, keep our eyes open for the on to tell us about the construction of the dam that changed not interpretive possibilities within our programs, and protect only the river and surrounding woods and farms, but also the components of teaching that are not as easily measured... the view that we had before us. things of poetry and art. The interdisciplinary nature of EE Our conversation with this young man was brief, probably should allow for interpretive experiences, the ones that infuse less than five minutes. Yet, the sharing of this story, the imagery life and learning with nuances of meaning, that may not be that it evoked, and the insights that it revealed made an possible though science alone. impression upon all of us. It’s not that we perceived the lake to

E.E. Acrostic by Dale Faughn A note from the KY Poet Laureate and Biology Teacher, Caldwell County Newsletter and Website Commitee: EEverybody is responsible. NNow is the time. Please be sure to submit information about EE news, VVerify talk with performance. EE resources, and EE professional development IInvolvement is what is needed. RResist being passive. experiences for the KAEE newsletter and/or website. OOpen up the way for others. NNeglect created the problem. This information can be sent via email MMove dreams into actions. or as a Word or RTF attachment to: EEnthusiasm should be our trademark. NNever feel like it can’t be done. Yvonne Meichtry TTeam-up with others. [email protected] AAttack problems, but not people. LLearn what research is saying. The submission deadline for the EEvery day is Environmental Education Day. KAEE spring newsletter is DDare to take the lead. February 8th8th. UUtilize both knowledge and skills. CCultivate the Environmental Education attitude. AAccept individual responsibility. Best wishes for TTomorrow we must do the same. IIndividuals make up the nation. a safe and happy holiday! OOverlooking the problem won’t solve it. NNothing tried - nothing gained.

KAEE Newsletter -- Page 3 News from KAEE and EE http://www.kaee.org

Women Environmental Leaders Learn to United Nations Share Knowledge through Arts Environment Program By Aimee D. Heald NAIROBI - Children from around the PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (October 17, 2002) One artist, Christie Cook from Johnson globe are being urged to paint their vision Recently a group of women, who are County, has spent more than 25 years ei- of a cleaner, healthier, fairer, and more natural resources and environmental ther as a volunteer or professional environmentally-friendly world. leaders in their home counties, came to- children’s librarian relating themes of The 12th international painting con- gether for two days of learning about wa- books through storytelling. Her new job test, jointly organized by the United Na- tersheds during the “An Autumn Walk by as the Johnson County Conservation tions Environment Program (UNEP) and a Stream” conference at Jenny Wiley District’s environmental educator allows the Foundation for Global Peace and the State Park in Floyd County. They hope to her to combine her storytelling skills with Environment, Japan, has begun and will take their new knowledge home and teach newfound knowledge about the environ- continue until January 31, 2003. All en- others by non-traditional methods, in- ment. tries will be archived at the National Mu- cluding the arts. “I know the power of the picture book seums of Ethnology in Japan. Women from the Northeast Area at- and how it helps relate concepts,” Cook “Preserve the Beautiful Oceans, Skies tended the conference free of charge and said. “Also, because the educational sys- and Forests for the Future” is this year’s received teaching materials to use in their tem emphasizes literature and reading theme. Prizes will be awarded for the best counties, thanks to a generous grant the material, I feel that if our participants go 500 entries, which will be used in the pro- project received. They studied a wide va- into the classroom armed with picture duction of postcards, a calendar, posters, riety of topics during interactive work- books and literature there is more cred- publications and exhibitions worldwide. shops including outdoor photography, ibility for them with that teacher. Plus, it Ten of last year’s winning paintings, watershed monitoring, agricultural wa- helps expand the teacher’s knowledge of representing the work of children from ter quality, and the biodiversity of East all the ecological literature out there.” across the globe are being turned into spe- Kentucky streams and forests. Cook’s district conservationist encour- cial cards which should be available on- “What we hope to achieve over a series aged her to attend the first walk in au- line and in United Nations offices soon. of four trainings over four years is to have tumn last year because she is a large land- Visit www.unep.org/children_youth/ a core group of people who can go out into owner and as part of training for her new kids/painting.htm for information the community and reach non-traditional job. Because she was so encouraged by about last year’s winners and their work. audiences with natural resources educa- the program, she became interested in tion,” said Gwenda Adkins, program co- being part of the planning team with ordinator and Extension agent for family Adkins. “I saw how empowered the women America’s Low Energy IQ: and consumer sciences in Elliot County. were after they’d attended this conference “Last year was our first conference and and gained all this new knowledge,” she A Risk to our we studied the forest. This year we’re said. “They were going to go back to their Energy Future studying streams and water quality and counties and teach others.” Published in EE-News next year we’ll study land use throughout Adkins said during the conference, par- by NAAEE, October 10, 2002 history — from prehistoric times through ticipants must formulate some type of The 10th NEETF/Roper Report Card modern agriculture.” education plan to commit to and follow finds that 88% of adult Americans get a Adkins said the different programs also once home. To remind them of that failing grade on a simple multiple-choice focus on teamwork and building self- committment, they drafted memos to test of basic energy knowledge and just 1% esteem so the participants will have con- themselves to be sent throughout the year. has a high “A” level of basic knowledge. It fidence to relay their knowledge when they Conference participant Flo Whitley of further finds that most Americans over- go home. A big part of the conference was Elliot County is an environmental volun- estimate their energy knowledge and that focused on finding non-traditional teach- teer and a homemaker. She said her many important public discussions on en- ing methods. With the help of five art- knowledge from the conference would be ergy may be thwarted by America’s low ists, the women learned that natural re- invaluable. “We’re building a welcome cen- energy IQ. source education can be passed on ter for Laurel Gorge back home and we’ll However, the study also finds that 90% through storytelling, painting, photogra- be doing environmental education in the of Americans want to learn how to address phy and even singing. center,” she said. “I hope that all kinds of energy problems and wish to reduce per- “By combining the arts, which is a long- people will be able to learn the things I’ve sonal energy consumption. Nine out of ten time hobby for women, and the environ- learned here this week when I start volun- also feel that a sound economic future de- ment, they will have a new way of teach- teering at the center.” pends on good energy management. ing a non-traditional audience,” Adkins Adkins was encouraged by the partici- The report recommends a significant na- said. “The artists with us have been pation and was grateful for support from tional education effort —a major refresher trained with the Ky. Program Studies the UK College of Agriculture, KEEC, course on energy basics — as a way to help through the Ky. Arts Council. It’s a true Daniel Boone National Forest, and address significant energy needs. Visit partnership aimed at teaching youth and Prestonsburg Community College. www.bigfishpond.com/clients/neetf/ adults.” Roper2002.pdf for more information.

KAEE Newsletter -- Page 4 KAEE Committee Reports http://www.kaee.org

Awards Committee 2001 - 2002 KAEE Steve Spencer, [email protected] Long Range Planning Committee Chairman: Rosetta Fackler The Awards Committee, KAEE Board Members: Joe Baust, Evelyn Morgan, Carey Tichenor, of Directors, and KAEE membership, con- Nancy Theiss, Karen Armstrong Cummings gratulate the winners of the 2002 KAEE awards listed below. We thank everyone Over the past year, the Long Range Planning Committee, with the help of the ad hoc who participated in the nomination pro- Publicity Committee, developed a new brochure to promote KAEE. We received a $2000 cess for these awards. Challenge Zone Project grant in 2001 through the National Environmental Education IndividuaIndividual Award Advancement Project (NEEAP) to print a promotional brochure. With an additional Doug Travis, Kentucky Department of $100 out of the $5,000 membership development funds from the Kentucky Environ- Fish and Wildlife Resources mental Council, we printed 10,000 copies of the four-color brochure. All labor on the project, except printing costs, was donated. The brochure will be an aid as we seek to Program/Project Award diversify membership and strengthen our organization. As a part of that project, we Kentucky State Fair Board: A Water also have a new member recruitment brochure that is suitable for black and white Odyssey and 2002: A Land Odyssey photocopying. All board members have received copies of both brochures. Anyone inter- Environmental Education Exhibits. ested in helping to promote KAEE should contact his or her regional KAEE board (Harold Workman & Stephanie Darst) representative. The children on the brochures are Lydia Aaron, with her pet turtle “Cow”, and Kameron Organization Award Mason. Lydia is the daughter of Valerie Aaron of Burlington and granddaughter of the Sanitation District #1 of Northern Ky. Boone and Kenton Conservation Districts’ Administrative Secretary, Sally Aaron. (Peggy Ziegler & Katie Barlage) Kameron is the son of long-time KAEE’ers Kurt and Theresa Mason of Louisville. It is not too early to begin nominations Thank you to both families for allowing their children to be the “faces of the future” on for the 2003 KAEE awards presented at our brochures, newsletter, web site and other promotional materials. the annual conference in September. Send KAEE has received a $4,250 grant from NEEAP that would help fund a contract your nominations to Steve Spencer for any position to work on membership recruitment and development to reach diverse popu- of the award categories above. Go to lations within the Commonwealth. Other items requested in the grant were funds to www.kaee.org/kaeeawards.htm for a print membership reply envelopes to accompany the color brochure, and funds to help nomination form. offset costs for advisory members and retiring members of the board of directors to attend the annual fall planning retreat to provide for more continuity in the work of the board. Work will begin as soon as possible, and the grant period extends through KAEE 2003 Conference January 30, 2003. September 19th - 21st The Long Range Planning Committee will continue working with the Finance Com- General Butler mittee to begin implementing the Legacy Fund, an endowment for the future State Resort Park sustainability of KAEE and special Environmental Education projects. Carrollton, KY It has been a pleasure to serve KAEE in this capacity. Thank you to the committee Plan now to attend! and all those who have helped in so many ways! I am sorry I couldn’t be with you for this year’s conference, but I look forward to seeing you in 2003 at General Butler State Resort Park! Conference Committee Mary Kate Dickerson Chair: Nancy Kiernan, [email protected] Education Committee Co-chairs: Carol Hanley Newsletter & Website Committee Nominating Committee [email protected] Chair: Yvonne Meichtry, Chair: Debra Spillman, and Tina Marshall, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Newsletter Editor: Finance Committee Erica Ashcraft, [email protected] Co-chairs: Mary Kathryn Dickerson, Webmaster: Brandon Foltz [email protected] State Fair Student See page 7 and Rosetta Fackler, Exchange Committee [email protected] for a list of new Co-chairs: Carol Hanley, KAEE Board Members! Membership Committee [email protected] Laurie Taylor, [email protected] and Stephanie Darst, [email protected]

KAEE Newsletter -- Page 5 EE Resources and Professional Development Opportunities http://www.kaee.org

PLT and Project Wild Course Offerings Summer 2003 Facilitator Workshop Teacher Program January 23rd and 24th REC 331: Introduction to Environmental Learning Institute Outdoor Education Project Learning Tree and Project WILD Western Ky. University Parks In summer 2003, the Environmental are hosting a joint Facilitator Workshop. and Recreation Administration Learning Institute will be offering our 3rd The workshop will be held at Jabez on This course is an elective but strongly season of science education courses in January 23 and 24, 2003. The cost is $50 advised for any student working toward cooperation with the Colorado School of and covers lodging for one night, meals, an emphasis in Outdoor Recreation at Mines and the Woodrow Wilson National supplies, etc. We will start at 9:00 am on Western Ky. University. The course is Fellowship Foundation. the 23 and end about 3:00 pm on the 24th. designed to place students in an experi- Our courses in Mayaland, British For more information please contact ential learning environ. Through exposure Columbia and Alaska offer intermediate- Jennifer Turner by email at to numerous challenging activities, stu- secondary science educators opportunities [email protected] or call dents become acquainted with areas as- to learn more about inquiry-based science 502-564-4496. sociated with outdoor education and en- education, philosophy, pedagogy and vironmental education and are exposed to praxis, and global environmental change resources beneficial to outdoor programs. while learning about a threatened North Contact Steve Spencer, course instructor, American ecosystem of global Beginner’’’ s Backpacking at [email protected] for more infor- significance. Natural Bridge mation. Each course has a dual tract structure State Resort Park in biology and geology allowing the State Resort Park Teaching Environmental participant to specialize in their discipline 2135 Natural Bridge Road Education of interest. Geology and biology faculty Slade, KY 40376-9701 NKU College of Education supervise all courses. 606-663-2214 EDG 646 – 3 Graduate Credits We invite pre-service, in-service, EDU 599 – 3 Undergraduate Credits education undergrad and graduate Natural Bridge State Resort Park is of- This course can be taken by teachers or student, science education professors fering two Beginner’s Backpacking Week- undergraduate education majors. It can (teacher of teachers) and science education ends in 2002: also be taken by nonformal environmen- professionals (e.g. science education December 7th - 8th tal educators who are non-degree students coordinators, university, park, museum December 14th - 15th (visit www.nku.edu~admitnku for ap- and outdoor center affiliated). This is an 8 mile overnight trip in the plication information). Courses offered include Field Biology Red River Gorge area for those with little Location: Grants Lick Elementary and Field Geology in: or no experience in backpacking. All meals School, Science Lab. Wednesdays from and equipment are provided. Ages 18 and 4:30 - 7:15 PM, January 15 - May 7, 2003. Mayan Tropical Coastal up may participate, and a $50 registra- For information, contact Dr. Yvonne Ecosystems tion fee (including a $15 non-refundable Meichtry at [email protected] or by Quintana Roo, Mexico deposit) is due by November 25th. phone at 859-572-6380. For more information call the Park Session 1: June 30 - July 8, 2003 Naturalist Office at 606-663-2214, ext. Session 2: July 10 - July 18, 2003 2104. Canadian Temperate Rainforest EE Alliance Reception British Columbia February 19, 2003 July 22 - July 30, 2003 Kentucky Educational 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm Kenton County Library Tundra and Taiga Ecosystems Television (KET) Alaska Range Electronic Field Trips The Environmental Education (EE) Al- Session 1: August 2 - August 10, 2003 www.ket.org:80/itvvideos/offering/ liance of Northern Kentucky (Region 4) is Session 2: August 12 - August 20, 2003 fieldtrips hosting the 4th Annual Environmental See the website above for a listing of Education Reception for Teachers in Feb- For more information, visit electronic field trips produced by KET. You ruary at the Kenton County Library. The www.environmentallearning.org. and your students will be taken on a field reception is a resource fair, with local and trip to Ky. forests, Mammoth Cave, coal state agencies showcasing their programs mines in Ky., and the Louisville Zoo. Each and resources for classroom teachers. The web page provides an overview of the pro- newly developed “trunks” of EE resources gram and information about taping rights, will be on display. These trunks are loaned how to order tapes from KET, the live by the EE Alliance to classroom teachers. broadcast schedule, and the Ky. Academic Contact Mary Kathryn Dickerson at Expectations addressed by the field trip. [email protected] for information.

KAEE Newsletter -- Page 6 EE Resources and Professional Development Opportunities http://www.kaee.org

Amazon Rainforest Workshop, 2002/03 Election Results! Inca Trail, and $1000 Scholarship A Big Thank You and Welcome Provide Cornerstone in Teacher Leader Development Provide Cornerstone in Teacher Leader Development to the Newly Elected Members Enter to win a $1000 scholarship for a · Integrate field study with slides and of the KAEE Board of Directors lifetime experience! The Amazon support materials as a catalyst for local Rainforest Workshop, July 7-16, 20032003, environmental education projects at is a professional development opportunity home. for teachers to work side-by-side with sci- Full land cost for the workshop is $1948. entists in one of the most biologically di- Academic credit through NC State Uni- verse environments in the world. versity, budget airfare, optional Andes · Join a spirited faculty of specialists in extensions, and an Inca Trail Expedition ornithology, botany, marine biology, and are available. entomology. To enter the scholarship drawing, go to · Ascend over 115 feet on a 1/4-mile www.travel2learn.com for an applica- Rainforest Canopy Walkway. tion form. Deadline: March 8. Officers · Visit local schools and families; see how For more information, visit the website President indigenous cultures use the forest for medi- above or contact Frances Gatz at Gwenda Adkins cine, food, and shelter. [email protected] or call 800-669-6806. Elliott County Cooperative Extension

Vice President Yvonne Meichtry * continued from front page * Biodiversity 911: Northern Kentucky University Saving Life on Earth Representative Stumbo... Interactive Website He has tackled the issues of poverty, job Secretary www.biodiversity911.org creation, and eco-tourism and has consis- Nancy Kiernan tently woven the need for appropriate en- Kentucky Department of Fish Developed by World Wildlife Fund and vironmental legislation and the funds to and Wildlife Resources funded by the National Science Founda- develop environmental education’s infra- tion, Biodiversity 911: Saving Life on structure into all of those issues. Region 1 Earth engages visitors in hands-on activi- This past legislative session, ending in Joe Baust, Murray State University ties to explore what biodiversity is, why April of 2002, Rep. Greg Stumbo initiated it’s declining, and how we can help to pro- and worked tirelessly to pass a compre- Region 2 tect it. hensive solid waste legislation. As an in- Sharon Ganci, To complement the traveling exhibition, tegral part of that legalization, Rep. Mammoth Cave National Park WWF created a comprehensive website Stumbo included one million dollars an- Debra Spillman, that provides interactive games, video nually to fund environmental education Retired teacher, Barren County centers at all of Kentucky’s eight state clips, and special downloads that explore Region 3 universities. The legislation, that had bi- biodiversity and teach how to help con- Doug McCoy, Assistant Curator of partisan support as well as support of serve it. Visit the website above for more! Education at the Louisville Zoo Kentucky’s governor, will establish envi- ronmental education programs in all of Region 4 Kentucky’s publicly funded teacher edu- Mary Kathryn Dickerson, Websites on Composting cation programs. These centers will be Boone, Campbell, & Kenton County actively involved in community outreach, Conservation District Cornell Print & Video Resources in research, in curriculum development Wren Smith, Bernheim Arboretum www.cfe.cornell.edu/compost/ and in teacher education. Compost_Resources.html For the past many years, Representa- Region 5 tive Stumbo has been an environmental Carol Hanley, Extension Specialist for Cornell Video champion. He has worked to create a 4-H Youth Development Education www.cfe.cornell.edu/compost/ cleaner Kentucky, for a bottle bill, and to IGR.html Region 7 clean up abandoned land fills, but the rea- Christie Gibbs Cook, son for this nomination is that he has Additional Resources Johnson County Conservation District www.oldgrowth.org/compost/ worked tirelessly for years to ensure that general.html the next generation of Kentuckians are Alternates: environmentally literate and active. His Bob Anderson (Region 4), Boone County NB Free Booklet & Video actions will ensure that the Bluegrass Cooperative Extension Service www.gnb.ca/0009/0372/0003/0001- State has a secure and sustainable eco- Stephanie Young (Region 7), Boyd County e.html nomic and environmental sound future. Conservation District

KAEE Newsletter -- Page 7 Regional Reports http://www.kaee.org

Region 1 Region 4 Joe Baust, Yvonne Meichtry, [email protected] [email protected] On Saturday, October 5, high energy foods for ani- the Northern Ky. Environ- mals, and Nature Safe Murray State University’s Center for mental Education Alliance natural and organic fertil- Environmental Education has several held its annual Outdoor izers. A wonderful resource opportunities for teachers and others Classroom Tour for North- for student field trips! interested in environmental education ern Ky. teachers and edu- The tour continued this spring and summer, 2003. cators. The tour began at through the afternoon with Griffin Industries Corpo- a presentation by Mr. Nate Photography for Teachers rate Offices in Cold Spring. Sturm from Northern Ky. 3 semester hour class Being certified as an Audobon Coopera- Solid Waste Management and Mr. March 7-9 tive Sanctuary System, Griffin Industries Caldwell from Rumpke Landfill. After Mr. and is held to the highest water quality, wild- Sturm provided statistics on how solid April 11-13 life sanctuary, and conservation stan- waste was managed in the Northern Ky. Brandon Springs, dards. They introduced the group to the area, Mr. Caldwell took the group to the Land Between the Lakes (residential) recycled products they make, showcasing landfill and spoke of safety efforts for our the making of biodiesel fuel. ground water and how the landfill oper- Agriculture and the Environment The group also learned about Bakery ated to keep environmental hazards to a in the Classroom I Feeds recycling bakery wastes, including minimum. 2 semester hour class using the paper waste for fuel, producing Another good field trip for students! May 16-18 Murray State University’s College of Education, Alexander Hall

Agriculture and the Region 5 Environment II Kim Henken, [email protected] 1 semester hour class Bluegrass PRIDE celebrates Clean Water May 30-31 and Household Hazardous Waste Month Murray State University’s One of the most successful environmen- Bluegrass PRIDE also celebrated College of Education, Alexander Hall tal legislation acts in America celebrated Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) its 30th birthday on Oct. 18th. The Clean month in October. PRIDE promoted HHW Field Experiences in Water Act was passed in 1972 to protect awareness by producing a pamphlet Environmental Education and restore the physical, chemical and (available at www.kentuckypride.com) 3 semester hour class biological integrity of the nation’s water- and spoke about proper use, storage and June 14-20 ways, to eliminate the discharge of harm- disposal of HHW on radio stations Brandon Springs, ful amounts of toxins and pollutants, and throughout the Bluegrass. Land Between the Lakes(residential) to keep rivers, lakes and coastal areas safe Each year Americans use 1.6 million for fishing, swimming and wildlife habi- tons of HHW, most of which many people The Environment in Austria, tat. To help celebrate, Bluegrass PRIDE may not recognize as hazardous. Finger- Germany, and Switzerland and Kentucky American Water Company nail polish remover, mothballs, and shoe 3 semester hour class is sponsoring WATER WAYS at the Liv- polish are considered HHW, so are engine July 2-17 ing Arts and Science Center in Lexington. oil, paint, pesticides, and car care prod- Bregenz, Austria WATER WAYS is a new hands-on ex- ucts. Even old computers, monitors, TV’s hibit that highlights water quality and and printers are potentially harmful. Im- For more information contact: human interactions with water. It fea- proper disposal of these products can cause Dr. Joe Baust Dr. Joe Baust tures indoor stations where visitors can injury to sanitation workers and contami- Center for Environmental Education participate in a variety of activities such nate septic systems and wastewater treat- Murray State University as ‘fishing’ for macro invertebrates. There ment plants. Murray, KY 42071 are also outdoor educational activities To participate in HHW awareness in Phone: 270-762-2595 available during field trips. your classroom, contact your PRIDE coor- Fax: 270-762-3025 This display is open to the public and dinator, your Solid Waste Coordinator or e-mail: [email protected] available for field trips through the be- the Bluegrass PRIDE office for educational ginning of May 2003. For more informa- materials, lesson plans, or collection tion about scheduling a field trip to the points. Contact PRIDE 866-222-1648, by Living Arts and Science Center for the email at [email protected], or visit WATER WAYS exhibit, contact Roberta www.kentuckypride.com for more in- Burnes at 859-252-5222. formation.

KAEE Newsletter -- Page 8 Regional Reports http://www.kaee.org

Region 6 2002 Conference Attendees in Action Teresa Spurling, [email protected] and Frances Carter, [email protected] Campbellsville University hosted a wa- ter quality workshop for local teachers, October 5. The workshop was funded by the East- ern Ky. PRIDE, a government funded agency of National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration founded by Congressman Hal Rogers to help clean up streams and promote a clean environment in Eastern and South Central Ky. Teach- ers learned how to choose sampling sites, sample for chemical and biological water quality parameters, and get students in- Nature journaling volved in civic activities involving the en- vironment. The educators will take this training back to their classrooms and stu- dents will learn how to test water quality. Schools and educators were involved in a region-wide water quality sampling ef- fort in October culminating in the posting of the results on the PRIDE website. The water quality workshops and sam- pling days teach students a variety of les- sons, including environmental science, civic activism, and personal responsibil- ity for the environment in which they live. Dr. R. Brent Summers, Dr. Gordon Weddle, and Mr. Glenn McQuaide led the work- shop.

Region 8 Cathy Neeley, [email protected] Building birdhouses Visit the East Ky. Science Center website at www.wedoscience.org for a wealth of information. You can receive the weekly notice of up- dates and a direct link to the site by sign- ing on with the listserve. To do so, email Cathy Neeley at [email protected].

Region 2 Julie Gee, [email protected]

Region 3 (TBA)

The Wicks family... Region 7 resting after a boat ride to conduct water studies Gwenda Adkins, [email protected]

KAEE Newsletter -- Page 9 Educating through Environmental Inquiry http://www.kaee.org Teaching Students About Backyard Conservation http://www.wildlifehc.org (click on the Backyard Conservation graphic)

Backyard Conservation is a program of the Wildlife Habitat Council, Natural Resources Conser- vation Service and National Association of Conservation Districts that teaches citizens how to im- prove water quality and provide habitat for wildlife using conservation techniques developed for farms. The Backyard Conservation education modules encourage students and their families to ex- plore and investigate the fascinating natural world in our own backyards. Furthermore, the mod- ules allow schools to utilize nearby natural areas as outdoor classrooms, reducing or eliminating the need for costly and time prohibitive field trips. Each lesson contains interdisciplinary activities de- signed to promote investigation, team building, and critical thinking.

Growing Native: Native Plants—Living in Communities

Summary: This lesson will introduce students to native plant and animal species in their region, and will help students recognize the native plant communities in which they are found. Students will use research and plant and animal identification skills to learn which plant and wildlife communities are native to their region. Students will also use brainstorming, teamwork, communication and artistic skills to de- velop a mural of a plant and animal community native to their region. This knowledge is a building block to help students prepare for the “Native Plants: Living in Communities Just like You and Me” field study visit and for establishing a native plant community within their own community.

Objective: Students will discover the concept of a community. Students will learn to identify plants and plant communities that are native to their region. This activity will help students understand vegetation succession and the importance of native plant communities as wildlife habitat.

Grades: 6-8

Subject: Science, social studies, language, art

Skills: Research, creative thinking, communication, organization, and teamwork

Materials: Pencil, paper, art supplies, lists of regional native plant & animal species, internet access (optional)

KAEE Newsletter -- Page 10 Educating through Environmental Inquiry continued http://www.kaee.org Background: Vegetation consists of all the plant species in a given region. Plant ecologists describe and map vegetation by identifying different plant species and grouping them together in plant communities. To begin to understand the vegetation of a region, students may be asked to describe the plant species common to that region. Vegetation is described by its primary growth form, which is the dominant size and structure of the most common plant species in the plant community. For instance the primary growth form of a forest community is a tree. Plant species live together in plant communities. A plant community is a group of plants that usually grow together in a habitat. The same species occur together wherever a particular habitat exists. The types of plant communities that grow in particular habitat are related to many factors, which include moisture, climate and soil type. Habitat affects the type of plant community that dominates a region. As habitat changes, plant communities will change. Eastern de- ciduous forest is dominated by broad-leaf deciduous tree species, and it is found in the northeast region of the North American continent. As you travel farther north into Maine and Canada, the climate grows colder and the habitat changes, these changes in habitat (colder temperature, shorter growing season) favor the growth of needle leaved evergreen trees. These distinct forest communities are located in two different regions of the continent due to changes in habitat that include differences in climate and other factors such as geology and soil type.

Activity 1. Begin with a class discussion on what comprises a human community. Encourage students to think about their block, neighborhood, school, religious institution, city, state, country and the global community. Identify what humans need to live as defined as “will we die if we don’t have ______?” Discuss interdependence in the human community using questions such as “what if we didn’t have farmers to produce our food or roads on which to drive” 2. Have students to describe natural areas within their community. Make a list of those places on the board. Ask the students what type of plants are growing there; are there trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses or aquatic plants? Make a list of characteristics which those plants share, are the plants tall or short? Do they have deciduous or evergreen leaves? Are they woody or herbaceous? Have the students describe the most dominant plant species in the natural area. 3. Ask a speaker from your state native plant society, wildlife heritage program or other natural resources professional to come to the class and give a talk on native plant communities and the animals that depend on them. Ask them to bring any publications or educational materials they have. Potential native plant communities may include forests, meadows and wetlands; or there may be more specialized ecosystems in your region, related to the soil conditions, such as serpentine barrens or fens. 4. Divide the students into teams and assign one plant community for each team. 5. Have the students research their native plant community. They can accomplish this through researching information at the library and on the internet. They can begin by going to www.wildlifehc.org/managementtools/backyard, which provides information on native plants by state. Students should answer the following questions: a) What are the dominant types of native plants in the community? b) What are the types of wildlife that live in this plant community? c) What habitat components (food, water, shelter, space) are in this community? To illustrate this concept, students should list the four habitat components and compare the features of their plant community to it. For instance, a woodpecker lives in the cavity of a dead tree, which would be found in a forest; a mallard duck lives in a marsh or a stream. d) Draw a mural depicting the food web and describing the interdependent relationships between plants and animals, and animals and animals. e) Have each student choose a plant or animal in the community and write a paragraph describing what would happen in the food web if the species was missing. 6. Ask each team to give a presentation on their native plant community to the class. In summary compare each of the plant communities presented, to the list of community sites generated in the first class discussion about natural areas within their community. 7. Discuss as a class what would happen if the native plant communities developed into a residential area or commercial district.

KAEE Newsletter -- Page 11 Membership Application and Mailer

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