Welcome!
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This coalition was created to bring together folks from our region of PA who share an interest in Environmental Literacy.
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find a blank “about me” slide and add your info on it.
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April 30, 2024 Agenda
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PA Friends of Agriculture Foundation Newsletter
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“Outside for 5” Pledge
PAEE invites school administrators and educators of all grade levels to sign the Outside for 5 pledge online at www.outsidefor5.com and commit to spending at least 5 minutes a day outside with their students. Whether that means teaching a classroom lesson outside, studying the local ecosystem, or taking a short walk across the school campus, everyone can benefit from going Outside for 5.
There is a large and compelling body of evidence-based research that demonstrates the benefits of outdoor learning for mental health and well-being, stress and anxiety reduction, physical health, student engagement, and academic success. Outdoor educational experiences also offer schools an opportunity to ignite learning, which addresses both social and emotional well-being as well as learning loss.
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Remake Learning Days
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2024 Pennsylvania Statewide Environmental Education Survey
Survey Link
Please find the survey link here:
2024 Pennsylvania Statewide Environmental Education Survey
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Purpose of the Survey
The objective of this survey is to gather comprehensive insights into the current landscape and future needs of Environmental Education (EE) across Pennsylvania. Your input will directly influence the development and capacity enhancement of EE programs, particularly in addressing professional development and watershed education practices.
SAVE THE DATE!
Western PA Environmental Education Summit
When: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Where: Grove City College, 9:00am-2:00pm
Welcome!
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This coalition was created to bring together folks from our region of PA who share an interest in Environmental Literacy.
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find a blank “about me” slide and add your info on it.
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February 12, 2024 Agenda:
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JIM WILLIS’ GROWING GREENER: STREAMBANK STABILIZATION
TIFFANY STEWART
WATERSHED SPECIALISTS
GREENE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT
UNT PUMPKIN RUN RESTORATION PROJECT
Willis farm, Greene County, Pennsylvania
THE PROBLEM
SOLUTION: IN-STREAM RESTORATION
The banks were graded to the top of the cribbing.
Upstream limit of the project. Log cribbing (mudsill) and a log cross vane were installed. Seed and straw were applied and coconut fabric was nailed to the top log. The coconut was staked to complete the job
Livestock crossing prior to construction
A new livestock crossing was installed. Fencing was installed to limit livestock access in the stream.
Downstream – Log cribbing (mudsill) installed on both banks to prevent erosion and provide fish habitat. Before project start, fish and sediment surveys were conducted and additional surveys will continue.
BEFORE
Much of this reach of the UNT to Pumpkin Run consists of vertical eroding banks.
AFTER
The vertical bank has been sloped to a mudsill that provides excellent overhead cover and fish habitat.
Approximately 1,200 ft of streambank fencing was implemented on both sides of the streambank. The width from the streambank to the fence is 35ft.
Next Steps:
Second Stream Stabilization
Riparian Buffer Planting in Spring of 2024
QUESTIONS?
QUESTIONS?
A�SHARING!
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**Online application deadline is Monday, February 19, 2024
– APPLY TODAY FOR A SPOT ABOARD THE US EPA’S RESEARCH VESSEL FOR A HANDS-ON SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION OF LAKE ERIE
Fifteen formal and non-formal educators of grades 5-12 will be selected to embark on a scientific journey to explore Lake Erie July 7-13, 2024.
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https://www.cgll.org/education/professional-learning/r-v-lake-guardian/
PAEE EE Certification Meeting Announcement
PAEE will be offering virtual meetings via Zoom 3 times a year for current EE Certification participants and to anyone interested in the program.
For those of you interested in the program this is a time for you to learn more about the program - we welcome you!
More information on our Non-Formal Environmental Education Certification program.
The fall meeting is set for Tuesday, February 20 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM and everyone is welcome to attend.
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OpenSciEd
https://www.openscied.org/curriculum/high-school/high-school-instructional-materials/
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SAVE THE DATE!
Western PA Environmental Education Summit
When: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Where: Grove City College, 9:00am-2:00pm
SWPA Environmental Literacy Coalition Meetings
SWPA Environmental Literacy Coalition Newsletters- Coming Soon!
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All meetings will take place via Zoom from 4:00-4:30pm.
Thanks for Joining us!
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This coalition was created to bring together folks from our region of PA who share an interest in Environmental Literacy.
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find a blank “about me” slide and add your info on it.
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Upcoming Environmental Literacy Events/Trainings
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Monday, May 13 from 12-4 PM (in person and virtual options are available)
Upcoming Environmental Literacy Opportunities
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Environmental Literacy Resources
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SWPA Environmental Literacy Coalition Meetings
SWPA Environmental Literacy Coalition Newsletters- Coming Soon!
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All meetings will take place via Zoom from 4:00-4:30pm.
December 11, 2023 Agenda:
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PA STEELS Standards
New Academic Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability- Effective June 30, 2025
Full integration into classrooms by the 2025-26 school year
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SAVE THE DATE!
Western PA Environmental Education Summit
When: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Where: Grove City College, 9:00am-2:00pm
Our Goal:
The Western Pennsylvania Intermediate Units are joining forces to host a conference that empower educators with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration they need to integrate environmental literacy and sustainability into their curricula and teaching practices. We will bring together passionate educators from diverse backgrounds and environmental professions. We hope to foster a community of environmentally conscious and engaged teachers who can, in turn, inspire and educate the next generation of environmentally responsible citizens.
What to Expect
Community Partners and Exhibitors Showcasing Materials and Resources
Breakout Sessions for Educators
Panel Discussion highlighting Best Practices
Raffle Prizes
Breakout Session Themes
Best Practices for Teaching ELS in the Classroom
Creating a robust curriculum that embeds ELS
District Leadership for Environmental Literacy
Connecting with Community
Do you have any questions?
Alyssa Moore, alyssa.moore@iu1.org
Please keep this slide for attribution
CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, and includes icons by Flaticon, and infographics & images by Freepik
Do you have any questions?
Alyssa Moore, alyssa.moore@iu1.org
Please keep this slide for attribution
CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, and includes icons by Flaticon, and infographics & images by Freepik
WATERS Curriculum!
Stroud Watershed Curriculum: Watershed Awareness using Technology and Environmental Research for Sustainability–
https://learn.concord.org/waters
The WATERS project is developing and researching a student-centered, place-based, and accessible curriculum for teaching watershed concepts and water career awareness for students in the middle grades. This 10-lesson unit includes online, classroom, and field activities. Students use a professional-grade online GIS modeling resource, simulations, sensors, and other interactive resources to collect environmental data and analyze their local watershed issues. The WATERS project is paving a path to increased access to research-based, open access curricula that hold the potential to significantly increase awareness of and engagement with watershed concepts and career pathways in learners nationwide
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RiverWatchers KIT!
Connellsville Area High School, Carmichaels Area High School and West Greene Elementary received a grant through EQT to receive a RIVERWATCHERS Kit from the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE). FORE is the 501c(3) environmental education partner of the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO).
Nick Callahan and Rachel Toney presented the RIVERWATCHERS Kit to our students and provided an overview of the program along with instructions for its use during a classroom visit on Friday, December 8.
More Information: The Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE) has recently secured funding through EQT Corporation to expand their citizen science water quality program called RiverWatchers within the region that they operate.
For information about FORE and RiverWatchers, please check https://riverlearning.org/program/volunteermonitoringprograms/.
For information about ORSANCO, please check www.orsanco.org.
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I hope to help build this network to be the connective tissue between local organizations/ agencies and educators. I hope to support you in promoting your initiatives and support our students with getting outdoors for meaningful environmental experiences.
I would like to build connections with local agencies to continue to support our educators.
I am currently expecting my second baby boy with a due date of December 27. Christmas baby!
I am a former Biology teacher.
I enjoy being outdoors with my family, kayaking, vacationing at the beach and lake, and doing yoga
Alyssa Moore
Intermediate Unit 1
Curriculum Specialist
724-938-3241 ext. 239
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I hope to help build this network to be the connective tissue between local organizations/ agencies and educators. I hope to support you in promoting your initiatives and support our students with getting outdoors for meaningful environmental experiences.
I would like to build connections with local agencies to continue to support our educators.
I am currently expecting my second baby boy with a due date of December 27. Christmas baby!
I am a former Biology teacher.
I enjoy being outdoors with my family, kayaking, vacationing at the beach and lake, and doing yoga
Kevin Willis
Carmichaels Area High School
kwillis@carmarea.org
724-966-5045 ext. 3203
kwillis@carmarea.org
724-966-5045 x3203
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Sharing of resources
Adult programming is our focus, but involved with Trout in the Classroom and community events
I coordinate the PA Master Naturalist program in Westmoreland County. I love cats, photography, hiking, spring ephemerals, star gazing, and so much more!
Melissa Reckner
Program Manager at Penguin Court, a preserve of Brandywine Conservancy
814-242-4285 (cell)
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Connections with other educators who want to incorporate more environmental themes in their lessons.
I want to learn more about what resources educators are looking for - professional development, classroom support, lesson plans, etc
I LOVE Turkey Vultures! I love to watch them, learn about them but especially teach others about them.
Susie Moffett
PA Master Naturalist, SW Program Coordinator
PA Association of Environmental Educators, SW Region Director
smoffett@pamasternaturalist.org
412-445-3715 (cell)
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I’d love to provide students with opportunities to learn about conservation careers and to give them exposure to current environmental issues.
Working at a nature center, I’m always interested in how we can better connect the public with nature and get people interested in nature-based learning.
Even though it has been decades since I’ve lived in PA,
it still holds an important place in my heart. My personal background is in forest ecology, but my current role focuses on land management, avian research, citizen science, and other conservation topics.
Jessica Simons
(Hometown: Mapletown, PA)
VP for Conservation Stewardship
Kalamazoo Nature Center (Michigan)
jsimons@naturecenter.org
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Connections for Butler County
The Western IUs are hosting an Environmental summit on June 12, 2024. I’m curating experts, workshops, vendors for the the event.
I was a member of the content team for the STEELS standards
Diane McGaffic
Midwestern Intermediate Unit 4
diane.mcgaffic@miu4.org
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Any resources/networking/ideas to enhance our existing education programs
We are a waste-to-energy facility that uses free public outreach and education to better serve the communities we serve.
Ruthanne Jones
York County Solid Waste Authority- Community Services Specialist
(717) 845-1066
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I hope to get better connected and can provide better resources to the areas agriculture community.
I want to develop connections with other Educators so we can grow environmental and agricultural education and outreach in South West Pennsylvania.
I am originally from West Virginia, but have lived in PA for about 6 years.
I enjoy gardening, wood working, and traveling.
Justin Brackenrich
Penn State Extension
Field and Forage Agronomist
(724) 207-2009
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I hope to learn from others how to incorporate MWEE activities and Environmental Literacy into my curriculum.
I would like to learn more about our Environmental literacy section of the STEELS standards. I would also like to incorporate these needs into my STEAM classroom.
I love collecting rocks, especially from the Great Lakes.
I am a Chemist on the weekends
And I work with Cyanide
I have a small farm and I love
animals.
Linda Filby
Charleroi School District
K-5 STEAM/Gifted Teacher
Star
lindafilby@charleroisd.org
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I wish to make a connection on how the PFBC can support Environmental Literacy efforts through the capacity laid out in PFBC’s strategic plan. On a personal level, I am hopeful of the PA Master Naturalist program coming to Cambria Co. in 2024 and becoming PMN certified -so also finding connections/opportunities for community engagement.
I am interested in creating a larger base of *fishing* and boating volunteer instructors to reach a greater audience in the SW Region. I also enjoy connecting/networking with and learning from others in the field of EE and look to learn more about the new STEELS standards.
I’ve been an educator with PFBC since Feb. 2007. My education and experience coming into the position was in Env. Interp. I am a single parent with two teenage daughters (and a fiancé) who keep me very busy! I’ve been a Girl Scout leader for 10 years (and counting).
I love nature (naturally)! “Naturalist style” hikes are probably my favorite way to be outdoors. 😄
Miranda (MANDY) Smith
SW Region Education Specialist, �Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
mirsmith@pa.gov�(814) 443-9841
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My goal is to built connection that would help allow more environmental education programs and events to be established in Greene County.
Although I have experience working with children, I need help with planning and brainstorming events for my county.
My husband and I absolutely love spending time in nature and traveling.
Tiffany Stewart
Watershed Specialist
Greene County Conservation District
Email: tmstewart@co.greene.pa.us
Office Number: 724-852-5278
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Build connections and help Pittsburgh-area students get learning OUTDOORS beyond who our org alone can serve.
How can we best support schools/teachers in getting students to learn outdoors in a coordinated way? How to SCALE for a district like PPS?
I make natureired jewelry and sell it as a fundraiser to support EE. Google my name to see my shop.
Jen Schnakenberg
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Asst Dir of Ed
PAEE, Board Member at Large
jschnakenberg@pittsburghparks.org
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Engagement across groups
Sustainable Forestry - engagement and education of private forest landowners in PA
Blaine Aikin
Finley Center for Private Forests
clife2020@gmail.com
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Hope to share ideas on the new standards and just get to know more EE educators
Additional knowledge on agriculture and review plant succession.
Suzi Bloom
Rivers of Steel
Office: 412-464-4020 ext. 245
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Connections with others in the area to:
We all need to update our programs to work with the STEELS standards so we’re a real help to teachers
My first career… meteorologist in the U.S. Air Force. I LOVE clouds and weather phenomena!
Pittsburgh Educator
Creek Connections, Allegheny College
Laura Branby
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Connections and support for all that is environmental and sustainable education in SW PA. Finding a place where we can all work together and really be a strong beacon of education.
More connections and knowledge of all of the great things going on around SW PA.
I love to travel and spend as much time outside as I can. I teach Mycology and love to hunt for mushrooms.
Dr. Sarah L. Meiss
Associate Professor of Environmental biology and Sustainability at PennWest California
meiss@pennwest.edu (email)
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I like to see what’s new and exciting in Environmental Education, especially local projects and upcoming events.
New standard updates and local hands on projects to get my students involved.
Before teaching, my profession was in environmental consulting. I worked as a field technician and staff scientist. I also have field experience working with the geologist at Emerald and Cumberland Mines (2001) , along with a summer spent working for USGS (2006) on the Three Rivers.
Karen Cox
Jefferson Morgan High School
Earth & Environmental Science Teacher
724-797-6447
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Thanks!
ANY QUESTIONS? Please contact us!
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