NEWS More News »
_thumb.jpg)
May Member Feature: Carson Loftsgard & Erryn Turcon read more
WVFK Launches Spring Programs! read more
CBEEN AGM: May 8 read more
EVENTS Events Calendar »
For more information about different events, information, and upcoming meetings at CBEEN, check out our calendar here.
Sign-up for CBEEN's monthly newsletter
Click here for our newsletter archive
CONTRIBUTE
Do you have a suggestion? We'd love to know if you have a news article, event, job, or program that might be helpful to our members.
Make a suggestion
May Member Feature: Carson Loftsgard & Erryn Turcon
Carson Loftsguard:
Carson is a ten year teacher having spent time teaching in Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories before moving to the Kootenays. He’s led outdoor classes and camps at every school he’s ever taught at, including facilitating kids to plan and execute multi-day paddling trips in the sub-Arctic. He sees so much opportunity for the outdoors as a classroom in our area and as he becomes more familiar with the area, he hopes to continue to develop this area of his teaching.
In the classroom, his lessons are constantly being brought back to nature and our place in it. Whatever class it is, it’s a priority of his to help kids learn through an environmental lens.
Erryn Turcon:
Erryn has taught part time for the past 5 years in Kimberely and Cranbrook. Before getting into teaching she worked in a variety of capacities facilitating outdoor leadership programing, mostly canoe and paddling trips in northern Ontario. She loves to introduce problem solving skills using the outside environment and providing students the opportunity to make connections to the environment that we live in. It provides a fresh perspective, which she thinks can be incorporated into all areas of curriculum.
Carson & Erryn:
We are a Gr 4-7 school and have noticed a few things about our students: a) Even though there is a relatively small gap in age range, we felt there was a divide between our grade groupings and; b) While our teachers do a great job of trying to value all types of intelligence, our naturalist learners were not seeing their skills and talents valued in our classrooms often enough.
Our solution was to have a Buddy Camp in the Fall where mixed grade groups participated in team building and outdoor themed activities outside of the school at Wycliffe Regional Park. For five days, two classes would bus out to the park for the day. Erryn and I facilitated the days with support from Dave Quinn and Mcim’s Aboriginal Ed support worker, Heather Beavis. The feedback we received from the camp week was overwhelmingly positive and the suggestion was to try and do a similar camp in the winter.
Our Winter Buddy Camp was held in much the same format in and around the Kimberley Nordic Trails. Stations included snowshoeing, nature scavenger hunt, and shelter building. Again, we were supported by Dave Quinn, who took advantage of every opportunity to help the kids become more environmentally aware, even giving the kids recycling/composting lessons over lunch. Again, the feedback on the camps was very positive.
We feel like these outdoor learning opportunities help create a more collaborative environment at our school. Interactions between kids of different ages, skills, and interests are more likely to be positive given the value these camps put on teamwork. These experiences reinforce that leaders in our school are not necessarily the oldest, nor are they always the most academic in the classroom. An eight year old who struggles with reading and doesn’t always see their worth indoors, can take the lead on a challenge guiding a group of older kids to solve a real life outdoor problem. Our kids now recognize the values and benefits of the outdoor classroom.
WVFK Launches Spring Programs!
CBEEN Growing Wild!
After succeeding in reaching its $25,000.00 fundraising target, CBEEN is excited to announce it is launching it’s Wild Voices for Kids program on April 22 - Earth Day! CBEEN would like to recognize all of the funders that came on board, including major donors Canadian Pacific and the Regional District of East Kootenay.
CBEEN currently offers 133 different programs by 79 community educators. Field trips include snowshoeing, avalanche safety training, pond explorations and opportunities to see Kokanee Salmon spawning. In-class presentations cover a wide range of natural and cultural heritage topics. Last year over 10,000 students took part in 441 presentations and field trips across the 6 school districts in the Columbia Basin. So far this year 4,700 students have been able to take part. To book your WVFK presentation click here!
After two major federal funding sources dried up in 2012, CBEEN has been looking for more local and regional support for its popular programs. CBEEN has the goal of being able to offer at least one presentation to every student in the Columbia Basin region every year (~20,000 students in total!). CBEEN will continue its fundraising efforts to allow it to continue to expand the number of programs it offers.
On average it only costs $10/student for CBEEN to offer a Wild Voices for Kids program. CBEEN is hosting two wine & cheese events in the East Kootenay this Spring to offer prospective funders the opportunity to have an up close and personal look at CBEEN. For more information please contact Whittick at 250-341-6141 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). CBEEN has also just been listed as a registered charity, and charitable donations can be made at http://www.cbeen.org.
CBEEN AGM: May 8
CBEEN 2012 AGM
5:30pm - May 8th
Pynelogs Cultural Centre - Invermere
Following the AGM, CBEEN’s own Juliet Craig will conduct a presentation titled “All about Bats”. Tickets for her presentation can be purchased at the door ($15).
Hope to see you there!
Wild Voices for Kids Growing!
The Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) is growing, and would like to give cheers to BC Hydro, Revelstoke Credit Union, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and Columbia Basin Trust, for their support of CBEEN’s Wild Voices for Kids (WVFK) program. Thanks to these community-minded organizations, approximately 4700 students across the Columbia Basin in 6 school districts have enjoyed environmental or heritage programs already this school year.
The financial contributions of these organizations have allowed our children the opportunity for hands-on learning. Through these programs they have discovered local archeology, explored wildlife habitats on snowshoes, learned about avalanche safety, and studied bats and local fossils. CBEEN’s website offers 133 different programs by 79 community educators across the Columbia Basin. Wild Voices for Kids also supports getting children out of the classroom and into the field by covering the cost of bussing for field trips.
WVFK program coordinator Susie MacDonald emphasizes that “This program, which is unique in Canada, offers our students’ education from the local source that schools are often unable to fit into their strained budgets. Programs meet their grade and curriculum needs in a unique and interesting way with presenters drawn from all walks of life to share their unique passions about environmental and heritage topics. The value of these programs lies not only in curriculum but also in the hands-on learning style that captures students who have difficulty learning in the traditional classroom style”.
CBEEN anticipates that if funding allows, over 7000 more students could enjoy a Wild Voices for Kids program this year. CBEEN is undertaking a campaign to raise $25,000 to ensure continued programming through this spring and into the fall of 2013. Applause goes to the Regional District of East Kootenay for contributing already to this challenge. If you or your organization is interested in contributing to our children’s education through this unique program please contact Susie MacDonald at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). CBEEN is a registered charity and individual donations can be made on our website www.cbeen.org.
Vote Now! Canada’s Coolest School Trip
Vote for your favorite class Advertisement!
Grade 8 classes from across the country have pushed the limits of their
creativity and created beautiful advertisements for Cape Breton Highlands
National Park or The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Have
your class check out their work and vote for their favourites.
http://contest.myparkspass.ca/en/vote/
March Member Feature: Ryan van der Marel
Ryan’s passion for freshwater systems has taken him from the Okavango’s “Every River has its People” project in sub-Saharan Africa to guiding canoe trips across Canada. After moving back to the West Kootenays, Ryan began chairing the multi-agency Kootenay Lake Partnership and consults for Living Lakes Canada to develop sound science on which to base lake management planning. Since Ryan believes that awareness is the precursor to stewardship, he supports several other initiatives in the Columbia Basin to grow an ethic around delight and responsibility for water and the natural environment. Some of these include the Friends of Kootenay Lake, the Columbia Basin Watershed Network, and Canada Water Week. Among several new initiatives, one new project is based on his desire to get back into youth outdoor leadership and experiential education. Ryan received an Honours Bachelor of Global Development Studies and Geography from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and a Masters of Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Grow for It! Local Food & Garden Forum in Kimberley
Grow For It: Local Food & Garden Forum
March 15-17, 2013 @ Centre 64
Join us in Kimberley for an event celebrating the coming of spring and the beginning of another season of gardening and fresh, local food. We’re fired up about the amazing initiatives taking place in our region, and think this is the start of something wonderful.
Whether you’re a new gardener, seasoned green thumb, or passionate foodie, there’s plenty of inspiration and information to be gleaned.
Click here to register now!
We’ll be talking about:
•Permaculture - David Suzuki says: “What permaculturalists are doing is the most important activity that any group is doing on the planet.”
•Community Gardening & Greenhouses - What if we had a space to learn to grow cold-hardy crops well into the winter?
•Local Food Systems - “With food occupying such a significant part of our lives, understanding the implications of our food choices can create a real sense of empowerment and self-determination.” Deconstructing Dinner
•Composting - Learn the secrets of getting life into your soil
•Urban Livestock - Chickens, Rabbits, Bees…. and Bears?
•Landsharing - Landless? Help someone. Too busy? Share with someone.
Schedule of Events:
•Friday, March 15 @ 7:30pm - Foodie Film Night (Entrance by donation)
•Saturday, March 16 from 9:00am - 5:00pm - Speakers, breakout discussions & lunch $30
•Saturday, March 16 7:00pm - Networking Feast @ The Old Bauernhaus $32.50
•Sunday, March 17 - Full Day Permaculture Workshop with Toby Hemenway $60
All events will take place at Centre 64 in Kimberley.
Member Feature: Darcee O’Hearn
I was born in Lethbridge Alberta but my family and I quickly moved to the Okanogan soon after. When I was 6, we moved from the Okanogan to Trail where I would live until I was 17. After graduation, I left for the coast vowing never to return. As the years passed, each time I visited my parents in Trail, I would find myself wanting to stay to enjoy the wonderful recreational opportunities and slower pace. So after 13 years, many adventures, and finding myself a husband, I decided to move to Rossland, where I live now with my husband, 3 kids, 1 dog, a handful of chickens, 1 turtle, and 2 bunnies.
Some of the adventures I enjoyed when I left home included joining the provincial team for Whitewater Kayaking. I spent 8 years trying to make the National team so I could represent Canada in the Olympics. While working as a safety kayaker for a rafting company in Chile, I ended up plummeting 27 feet over a very dangerous waterfall and landed upside down on a rock that hid just under the water’s surface. Unfortunately I broke my neck and had to undergo emergency surgery to save me from a lifetime of paralysis.
I made a full recovery after the surgery so I decided to cycle across Canada on my own to raise money and awareness for Spinal Cord Injuries. I was successful in cycling across Canada but I would never return to the water.
After I finished my tour across Canada I earned my diploma in Forestry and for the next decade I worked in the forest industry, regional parks, Science World, and as a forest educator travelling all over BC. While working in Northern BC, I was stalked by wolves and black bears. But my most memorable encounter was being chased by a grizzly bear. It was the most terrifying but exciting time in my life!
I learn and teach through story telling. So when I visit schools I share my stories/legends to help kids learn how to identify trees. The stories were always well received and I was encouraged by teachers, kids, and parents to write them down. That is how I began my “Legends of the Forest” book series.
Today, I am an award-winning author, with many books yet to come! After I finished the Legends of the Forest book series, I will then publish “Edibles of the Forest”, “Protecting our Watersheds”, “Nature Journaling”, and “How to Live with Bears”. I work for the Trail and District Public Library as a Children’s Programmer and am honored to be part of the CBEEN team.
Learn more about Darcee’s ‘Legends of the Forest’ Wild Voices for Kids program here.
Winter Adventure Skills Training at Blue Lake!
Winter BLAST! (Blue Lake Adventure Skills Training)- March 17 - 23, 2013
Develop Winter Technical and Leadership Skills!
During March break, Blue Lake is running a new winter technical skills and leadership program for youth aged 14 to 19. This course will take participants on a journey of adventure, leadership development, and personal growth. Throughout this 7 day program, participants will experience what it`s like to be part of a dynamic and energetic team. They will develop winter outdoor technical and safety skills, and receive training and workshops taught in an experiential manner onsite at the Blue Lake Centre, and gain practical back-country experience. Lessons will include: winter camping and survival, back-country safety, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow shelter building, risk management, and more! All participants will receive certification in Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 from the Canadian Avalanche Association. Winter BLAST will teach participants new ways to approach problems, and overcome challenges through participation in various initiatives and recreation activities. Through this program, participants will also be able to develop their leadership and teamwork skills including communication, problem solving, motivation, group management, critical thinking, self esteem building, teamwork, reflection, and conflict resolution.
During this 7-day winter technical skill and leadership development program you will gain:
· Certification in Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 from the Canadian Avalanche Association
· Trip preparation and winter camping skills
· Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing experience
· Back-country safety skills
· Snow Shelter building skills
· Risk Management skills
· And more!
A challenging and rewarding experience,
Winter BLAST will help you develop skills in:
· Advanced Leadership
· Team-building
· Group management
· Communication
· Problem Solving
· Critical thinking
· Confidence
· Independence
This winter youth leadership program involves 5 days of intense training at the Blue Lake Centre, followed by a 2 day trip into the back country to stay in a ‘Base Camp’ of snow shelters built by the group. The back-country portion of this program will take place on a pre-determined route which is classified as Low-Risk, making it a safe and stable winter camping environment. Instructors of this program possess a high level of training and experience.
SCHEDULE:
Days 1 to 4: These days will be spent at the Blue Lake Centre where you will learn necessary technical and safety skills required for winter camping in the back country. You will become part of a tight-knit group through participation in various team-building exercises and lessons.
Days 2 and 3: Participants will receive certification in Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 from the Canadian Avalanche Association
Days 5 and 6: The group will leave the Blue Lake Centre and ski and snowshoe to a back-country destination. You and your group will set up camp, construct a snow shelter and settle into winter camping.
During the 2 days spent in the back-country, you will have the opportunity to apply the skills learned earlier in the week, and gain valuable leadership skills.
Day 7: Break camp and travelling back to the trailhead where you will participate in a final wrap-up before leaving the centre and heading back to Cranbrook.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! Apply Now! Space is limited.
(For eligible participants, scholarships covering up to 85% of the program cost are available).
Participants will be selected based on their interest in developing their leadership and winter back-country safety skills, as well as their drive to have a positive impact on their communities. All interested participants must submit an application to Blue Lake by Tuesday February 26th, 2013. Applications may be submitted by Email, Fax, or Mail.
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Fax: 250-426-3933
Phone: 250-426-3676
Toll Free: 1-888-328-9998
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 759
Cranbrook, BC, V1C 4J5
Redfish School of Change Deadline Extended!
Redfish School of Change
Semester in the field, May 4 – June 2, 2013
Application Deadline Extended! Now accepting applications until February 20, 2013.
Bursaries available for all students with financial need.
Join this extraordinary field school designed for people who want to lead the way in creating positive social and environmental change. Travel by bicycle, canoe, and foot through the beautiful Slocan Valley of the West Kootenays. Live and learn while you explore BC’s wilderness, engage with a diversity of experts, and visit innovative communities working for change.
Students receive credit for two environmental studies courses from the University of Victoria, and six months support on their environmental and social justice action projects.
Check out what past participants have to say at “the buzz” http://www.schoolofchange.ca/about-program/buzz
To apply: http://www.schoolofchange.ca/registration/application-process
Ryan Hilperts
Director, Redfish School of Change
E: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
T: 250.858.7231
Funding for Youth Action Projects!
CBT’s Youth Action Grants support projects from Basin youth aged 12 to 19, with up to $3,000 for projects that demonstrate youth-led action with positive outcomes. There are monthly intakes for this program, on the first of every month. Click here for more info!
Canada’s Coolest School Trip!
If you are a grade 8 teacher, or know one, please check out the newest
contest that Canadian Geographic Education is running – Canada’s Coolest
School Trip! Grade 8 classes could win a trip values over $50,000 by
creating a print, video or audio advertisement for one of the two Parks
Canada sites on Cape Breton Island. This all-inclusive trip will take the
winning class to Cape Breton Island this June to experience first hand why
Cape Breton Highlands National Parks and the Fortress of Louisbourg attract
millions of visitors each year.
For more info click here!
Member Feature: Darcee O’Hearn
I was born in Lethbridge Alberta but my family and I quickly moved to the Okanogan soon after. When I was 6, we moved from the Okanogan to Trail where I would live until I was 17. After graduation, I left for the coast vowing never to return. As the years passed, each time I visited my parents in Trail, I would find myself wanting to stay to enjoy the wonderful recreational opportunities and slower pace. So after 13 years, many adventures, and finding myself a husband, I decided to move to Rossland, where I live now with my husband, 3 kids, 1 dog, a handful of chickens, 1 turtle, and 2 bunnies.
Some of the adventures I enjoyed when I left home included joining the provincial team for Whitewater Kayaking. I spent 8 years trying to make the National team so I could represent Canada in the Olympics. While working as a safety kayaker for a rafting company in Chile, I ended up plummeting 27 feet over a very dangerous waterfall and landed upside down on a rock that hid just under the water’s surface. Unfortunately I broke my neck and had to undergo emergency surgery to save me from a lifetime of paralysis.
I made a full recovery after the surgery so I decided to cycle across Canada on my own to raise money and awareness for Spinal Cord Injuries. I was successful in cycling across Canada but I would never return to the water.
After I finished my tour across Canada I earned my diploma in Forestry and for the next decade I worked in the forest industry, regional parks, Science World, and as a forest educator travelling all over BC. While working in Northern BC, I was stalked by wolves and black bears. But my most memorable encounter was being chased by a grizzly bear. It was the most terrifying but exciting time in my life!
I learn and teach through story telling. So when I visit schools I share my stories/legends to help kids learn how to identify trees. The stories were always well received and I was encouraged by teachers, kids, and parents to write them down. That is how I began my “Legends of the Forest” book series.
Today, I am an award-winning author, with many books yet to come! After I finished the Legends of the Forest book series, I will then publish “Edibles of the Forest”, “Protecting our Watersheds”, “Nature Journaling”, and “How to Live with Bears”. I work for the Trail and District Public Library as a Children’s Programmer and am honored to be part of the CBEEN team.
Learn more about Darcee’s ‘Legends of the Forest’ Wild Voices for Kids program here.
World Wetlands Day! Saturday Feb. 2
World Wetlands Day marks the signing of The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance that took place in Ramsar, Iran on February 2, 1971.
The goal of this international celebration is to raise public awareness of the vital functions wetlands perform and to promote wetland conservation. This being the UN International Year for Water Cooperation, the theme for World Wetlands Day 2013 is Wetlands and Water Management in an effort to focus attention on the important role that wetlands play in taking care of our water resources.
Please click here for curriculum-linked activities.
Check out CBEEN’s Job Board!
CBEEN has posted several new positions on the job board! Click here to see what’s available.
Green High Schools launch!
ECO Canada has launched its second annual Green High Schools program—a highly successful national contest where students compete to raise awareness about environmental issues and careers.
Participating schools will receive national recognition and have a chance to win $1,000!
Click here for more info!
Member Feature: Emily Nilsen
Emily narrowly escaped a life without mountains. In the late 1970s her parents immigrated from England to the west coast of BC where family weekends were spent wandering about the coast range and salmon fishing on the pacific.
After graduating from the University of Victoria with a degree in Writing & Environmental Studies, Emily assisted ecology projects in Iceland, the Broughton Archipelago, and Waterton National Park before landing in the East Kootenay grasslands in 2006. She spent the next six years representing The Land Conservancy of BC as a Terrestrial Stewardship Advisor for the Columbia Basin. During this time, Emily occasionally forayed into the world of school-based environmental education, working with Columbia Basin all-stars on programs such as Stream of Dreams, BC-SEA’s Climate Change, and the Kokanee Creek Spawning Channel. Nowadays, Emily splits her time between free-lance writing and consulting for the Columbia Basin Trust’s Environment Program through her business Round Stone Consulting.
Emily’s writing has been translated into Norwegian and Spanish and published in literary journals, magazines, and newspapers. She’s grateful for the support of Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network who provided a bursary for her to attend The Banff Centre’s Writing Studio in Spring 2012.
Season’s Greetings from CBEEN!
Season’s Greetings from CBEEN!
Video Sequel - B Bear & G Bear!
DId you enjoy the GOat Sheep GOat video? If so, check out G Bear and B Bear - another masterpiece by Mountain WIT coming to the Columbia Basin next fall!
Is it a sheep or a goat? Check out this fun video from Parks Canada to find out!
CSR for the Bluer Good: Moving Towards a Sustainable Economy
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute and be a part of this growing conversation with business and thought leaders in the water and CSR space!
Waterlution is seeking diverse, outstanding young leaders to attend as participants—please encourage those in your network to download the complete invitation here and apply TODAY!
When: November 22 - 24
Where: Outside of Bragg Creek, Alberta
Who: Proven leaders aged 18 - 35 yrs*
Overview: The program will focus specifically on industry, as it is Canada’s biggest water user. There is great potential for increased water efficiency across industries and Canada needs decision-makers with the knowledge and motivation to achieve this. Individual stakeholders, institutional investors, and consumers are increasingly looking to environmental management and resource use as an indicator of sector viability. Waterlution is pleased to bring together the latest research and metrics with water and business leaders for this workshop. Join us to develop the skills of young Canadian leaders in water, business and related fields about what Canada’s corporations are doing, and how they can continue to improve their practices into the future. http://bit.ly/SXFf6m
*Participants do not need to be experts in water issues. Waterlution believes the most compelling dialogue comes from a mixture of knowledge and experience levels in the room.
Workshop Host: Karen Kun - Director and Co founder of Waterlution
Application deadline: Nov. 8, 2012 - Apply now!
Earth Matters Environmental Education Conference
ACEE is pleased to announce that, thanks to Tervita Corporation, we will hold an annual ‘Earth Matters’ environmental education conference over the next three years, starting in Spring 2013! Whether you are K-12 teacher, an agency professional, a student, or a member of another environmental education stakeholder group – we’ll meet to develop communities of practice that will support you in your work post-conference. We will celebrate, share, learn, plan, and commit to action – because the ‘Earth Matters’!
This Halloween - help the bats!
The year’s most frightful night is rapidly approaching and the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is offering you some spooky treats to help celebrate!
If your school, classroom or community group pledges to help the bats by fundraising for CWF you can get FREE bat bags in packs of 10 for a minimum of $50! The group that raises the most money for CWF to help the bats will also win a cool prize. This offer is open to Canadian residents only. Learn more at HelpTheBats.ca
Ski season is coming: Check out the special school programs at Marmot!
CBEEN’s Annual Report now available!
Learn more about this past year and what’s been going on with CBEEN in our 2011-12 Annual Report!
Energizing the Kootenays: Workshops on Clean Energy Innovations
Selkirk College is delivering a Renewable Energy conference Friday and Saturday October 26 - 27, 2012. This event is open to the general public. General admission is $75 and student admission is $50.
Keynote speaker is Professor Mark Jacobson of Stanford University who will be talking about his 2009 Scientific American cover page article on how the whole world can switch to renewable energy in 30 years and achieve greater energy reliability and a smaller environmental footprint.
Endnote speaker is Bill McKibben, author and journalist. McKibben will examine the environmental effects of the fossil fuel industry, the need to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for its environmental effects and what that means for our energy future.
Both Jacobson and McKibben will deliver their preseAbntations via video conference.
In addition to the keynote and endnote presentations, Adam James and Darren Anderson will provide live talks on their experiences working with heat recovery and solar PV systems respectively.
There will be technical demonstrations led by Selkirk College electrical program instructor Julie Claire Hamilton including a functioning solar PV demo system, a solar thermal hot water heater, a ground source heat pump demo system, a small hydro system and a range of energy conservation demonstrations.
There will be a musical performance on Friday evening following Jacobson’s talk featuring a local musician. To connect the musical performance to the renewable energy theme, the power for the musician’s PA system will be supplied by a student pedalling a bicycle powered generator.
There will be a small art exhibition of work by local artists with a renewable energy theme.
Finally, there will be a trade show for suppliers of energy conservation and renewable services and technologies to present a display and meet conference participants.
There will be a simple reception on Friday evening after Jacobson’s talk. On Saturday there will be coffee, tea and muffins in the morning, lunch and coffee and cakes in the afternoon.
If you require more information or wish to register please contact Selkirk College School of Continuing education.
Registration is now open for the 2012/13 Solar Oven Challenge!
GreenLearning Canada hosts this popular renewable energy challenge for Canadian classes every year. Students build, test, and bake with solar ovens using the solar oven construction plan provided at re-energy.ca, or using plans of their own design.
The Solar Oven Challenge is open to all Canadian students. Past participants have ranged from grade 3 through to grade 12, and from science classes to environmental clubs.
To participate:
- Teachers, register your class by sending Green Learning an email with your name, school, grade, address, and phone number. They will send you a copy of the Teacher’s Guide.
- Build, test and bake with solar ovens!
- Email photos and descriptions of your creations by June 7th, 2013 to be eligible to win prizes.
- See your recipes and photos showcased at re-energy.ca — GreenLearning’s renewable energy website.
To see the Showcase of past winners and submissions and learn more about the Solar Oven Challenge, click here.
Youth Wavemakers Action Grants
CAWST (Centre for Affordable Water & Sanitation Technology) is a non-profit based out of Calgary that provides training to organizations that work directly with populations in the developing world who lack access to clean water and basic sanitation. The Youth Wavemakers Program was created in 2008 to educate and engage youth in global and local water issues and empower them to take action as global citizens.
For the first time this fall, CAWST’s Youth Wavemakers Program is opening its Action Grants to K-12 youth across Canada. Wavemakers provides educators with tools to facilitate both the creation and implementation of an action project with their students, as well as funding to implement these projects (up to $500 per team).
The deadline for project proposals is November 15, 2012.
Past water action projects have included teaching peers how to retrofit leaky toilets, publishing a comic book on water conservation, creating a community mosaic on the relevance of water, and fundraising for global water projects.
Watch the video below for more information on getting involved!
Grasslands Supa Video from Clear Sky Center
Clear Sky Center has just unveiled a four-minute video short on their Grasslands Conservation Adventures.
We’re hoping it will give you a good chuckle and inspire us all to enjoy ourselves as we do our part for a more sustainable society and planet.
“Collabetition” Advances Community Innovation
CBT collaborates with BC Ideas Competition; up to $50,000 in Basin awards available.
CBT is partnering with BC Ideas to provide five $10,000 cash awards to reward innovative solutions addressing issues which will improve the lives of residents in the Columbia Basin region.
BC Ideas: Solutions for Stronger Communities is an online competition seeking to identify solutions to deal with challenges facing BC communities now and in the future. This “collabetition” is designed to promote collaboration and information sharing among participants and experts to improve well-being and strengthen society. All stages of solutions are welcome and encouraged, from ideas to established programs.
Read the full press release here.
Dr. Jane Goodall Coming to Cranbrook
The Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) is thrilled to announce that world-renowned primatologist, conservationist and humanitarian, Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, will be in Cranbrook from September 29 to October 1, 2012. Dr. Goodall is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), and a UN Messenger for Peace.
Dr. Goodall will be offering her widely acclaimed ‘Reason for Hope’ presentation at the Key City Theatre in Cranbrook on Sunday, September 30, at 7:00p.m. Tickets are $50.00 and can be purchased from the Key City Theatre Box Office (250-426-7006) starting Monday, August 20. Following the presentation, Dr. Goodall will be available for a question and answer period and book signing.
In addition to her public presentation, Dr. Goodall will also be speaking to a select group of students and educators about JGI’s Roots & Shoots – a global program that empowers youth to take positive action on environmental and humanitarian issues. This will complement the work CBEEN is already doing as an umbrella network for environmental education in the Columbia Basin. CBEEN’s Wild Voices for Kids (WVFK) program offers students free programs and field trips with local experts to promote stewardship and a conservation ethic through direct experience of ecologically and culturally significant areas in their own back yard.
“To host Dr. Goodall’s first visit to the Kootenays is truly an honor for CBEEN. She travels extensively to share her story and message with leaders and citizens across the world” commented Duncan Whittick, CBEEN’S Executive Director. “We anticipate with great excitement the spark that Dr. Goodall will kindle in environmental education in the Columbia Basin.”
CBEEN is grateful for the generous support from their premier sponsor, Kicking Horse Coffee, along with feature sponsors Kootenay Savings Credit Union, Columbia Basin Trust and the Black Press East Kootenay Group. CBEEN would also like to recognize the important role of their supporting sponsors in making this event a reality, including St. Eugene Mission Resort, Key City Theatre, Cranbrook Photo, Wildsight Kootenay Kwik Print and Lotus Books.
ABOUT CBEEN AND JGI
The Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network (CBEEN) was founded in 2002 and is a registered charity and an umbrella network for environmental educators in the Columbia Basin. CBEEN encourages environmental stewardship and sustainability in the Columbia Basin by supporting environmental education initiatives through capacity building, information sharing and educational programs. For regular updates on this event as well as our other activities, please
visit www.cbeen.org.
The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGI) was founded in 1994 and is part of a dynamic network of Jane Goodall Institutes around the world. JGI supports
habitat conservation and chimpanzee protection programs in Africa and runs Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots here in Canada – a powerful, global program that
inspires and empowers youth to be active global citizens and to take action to create sustainable and positive change. For more information, please visit
JaneGoodall.ca.
Photo credit: Michael Neugebauer
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
Ida Cale, CBEEN Vice-chair: 250-422-3422
Duncan Whittick, CBEEN Executive Director:
250-341-6141 / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
East Kootenay Conservation Program Annual Meeting - Sept 21-22
EKCP’s Annual Meeting: Kootenay Connections
September 21-22, 2012 - Creston, BC
Come celebrate EKCP’s transformation into the Kootenay Conservation Program, or KCP, as they formalize their expansion of services Kootenay-wide and build upon their tradition of conserving natural areas for Kootenay communities.
Kootenay Connections is a festive and informative event to showcase and celebrate conservation in the Kootenays. So if you haven’t already done so, mark your calendar and plan on joining the celebration! Registration will begin in mid-July, so please watch for announcements.
Friday, September 21st *begins at 10:00am
Full day of panel discussions and small group sessions, trade fair, social hour & entertainment, recognition awards, and delicious meals featuring local food.
Saturday, September 22nd *ends by 2:00pm
Partial day of field tours and a picnic lunch visiting important sites for conservation in the Creston area.
Location: Ramada Creston located at the junction of Highway 3 and Highway 3A.
For room reservations at Creston Ramada call 250-254-1111 and mention KCP. KCP has reserved a block of rooms. Mention you are with the Kootenay Conservation Program to receive a special rate.
For more information, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education Webinars
Announcing the availability of a webinar series presented and recorded by the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education in 2012.
The series included six webinars. The first one provided an overview of the National Project for Excellence in EE. Each of the other webinars focused on one of five sets of guidelines:
- Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence
- Excellence in Environmental Education: Guidelines for Learning (k-12)
- Guidelines for the Preparation and Professional Development of Environmental Educators
- Nonformal EE Programs: Guidelines for Excellence
- Early Childhood EE Programs: Guidelines for Excellence
All six webinars were recorded and can now be accessed by visiting eelinked.net/n/guidelines.
G.A.S.P.: Glacier Adventure Stewardship Program
GASP is a film that captures the enthusiasm of youth as they become the first participants of the Glacier Adventure Stewardship Program. The film portrays the sense of wonder in youth as they discover Glacier National Park—a gem in their own back yard. Professionals volunteer to share their love of photography, mountain travel and music with the youth over their three day stay at Wheeler Hut. In return for their learning and experience, in the weeks following the GASP weekend, youth spend time giving back to the Park and the community through a variety of stewardship opportunities, including research of salamander, frog and pika, as well as helping at
community events. GASP—it breathes life into youth as they discover the mountain environment.
This program is available to be booked for grades 9 and 10 in Revelstoke this year. For more information, contact:
Alice Weber
Outreach Education Officer
Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Park
PO Box 350 Revelstoke, British Columbia V0E 2S0
Phone: (250) 837-7528
Fax: (250) 837-7536
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Two FREE upcoming courses will teach Kootenay residents to map & protect local wetlands!
Did you know that wetlands, one of the most important life-supporting ecosystems on earth, are rapidly disappearing from our province? In developed areas, such as Nelson and Castlegar, many of BC’s watery “kidneys” and “ecological supermarkets” have already vanished, and this is why we need engaged citizens to take an active role in protecting those that remain.
The BC Wildlife Federation’s Wetlands Education Program is coming to the Kootenays and will hold two environmental stewardship workshops for local residents. These valuable courses are being brought to the Castlegar-Nelson area free of charge:
Wetlandkeepers Course, June 1-3, 2012
Castlegar BC
Get involved in wetland conservation!
In this 2.5 day workshop you will learn about wetland types & functions, gain hands-on experience with inventory and mapping, wetlands soil, vegetation & wildlife surveys, and invasive riparian and aquatic species management. You’ll leave with the tools, resources and support necessary to begin your own stewardship project! This course is brought to Castlegar in partnership with the Castlegar & District Wildlife Association and with the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee.
Click here to register and here for the poster.
For questions, contact Neil Fletcher
toll free: 1-888-881-2293 ext. 232
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Map Our Marshes Workshop, June 9, 2012
Nelson, BC
Identify & conserve small under-appreciated wetlands!
Get connected to the Community Mapping Network!
An introduction to wetland ecosystems, values and stewardship. You will learn how to use basic GPS techniques to protect wetlands and identify conservation needs in your community. This wetland mapping and rapid assessment workshop (Puddle Project) is a 1 day course that will train up to 25 participants on how to evaluate wetlands for stewardship needs. A great project for community volunteers, schools, consultants, planners and anyone passionate about healthy watersheds. This workshop is brought to Nelson in partnership with the Nelson District Rod & Gun Club.
Click here to register and here for the poster.
For questions, contact Neil Fletcher
toll free: 1-888-881-2293 ext. 232
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Member Feature: Susie MacDonald
Being outdoors in nature has always been an important part of my life since childhood camping trips. Choosing new paths to follow through the woods, or life, has always been a great joy.
My professional career started with a Bachelor of Science-Biology with a specialty in Microbiology. After several years in a research lab a new path wondered to Florida, and a myriad of positions and opportunities to indulge in sailing and scuba diving. Another fork in the path took me to Peruvian mountains and jungles for some time in resource extraction.
I came to BC in 1991, and all of my background and outdoor passion kicked into gear as a volunteer with Girl Guides and the Young Naturalists Club. Training in Project WET and WILD in the late 90’s brought me into another world of environmental education. This has been the path that my feet have been glued to with certainty and conviction!
Currently I am still a facilitator for Wild BC programs. Not only are these excellent resources for anyone teaching environmental/outdoor education but the facilitators have become another family for me. In 2008 I was contracted by CBEEN to take on the management and expansion of the Wild Voices for Kid program. This has been rewarding and challenging both, as all good things in life are!
It has been a pleasure to see CBEEN grow, and encompass more of our Basin Brotherhood of environmental educators!
Happy Trails!
Immerse Yourself in Permaculture (and get a 10% discount!)
Permaculture Design Course: June 2-15 2012 | Bull River, BC
Clear Sky Centre is offering a two week residential Permaculture Design Certificate Course, just outside of Cranbrook in one month’s time! Taught by Jesse Lemieux of Pacific Permaculture, the course offers a dynamic and paradigm shifting approach to design that serves people and nature. It will arm you with the tools and skills you need to design for sustainability wherever you live, in any climate and environment.
Register today for a 10% discount! And even if you’re just ‘thinking about it’, or have questions, please contact Clear Sky!
Visit Website: Clear Sky PDC Course
Email Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Phone Contact: Cara at 250-429-3929
BCTF Documentary Winners: Why I Love the Kootenays!
These great videos were screened at the Environmental Justice Conference in Nelson on April 28/29.
1st Place: Why I Love the Kootenays by Morghan Watson
Very unique with the use of stop motion animation. Super awesome sketches and a nice count down from 3-2-1. She acknowledges how lucky we are to be in this area and to have these wonderfully clean resources. Great link beyond herself and into future generations!!
2nd Place: Loving the Kootenays: Shedding the Light by Kazia Drake
An extremely powerful soundtrack brings us perfectly into an unique and unexpected topic: Light Pollution. A sweet narration with soft video and great images used. A good explanation with suggestions on how we can act to help reduce the problem.
3rd Place: Love the Kootenies by Kalum Lauritzen
Lego model of boats in clean water with hydroelectric power…and super odd narrative voices. Unique and interesting movement of the boat with a message that is loud and clear for the audience. Makes us appreciate what we have and also reinforces the importance of choosing the appropriate method of energy generation.
A Spring Gathering: Project WILD at Camp Stone in Kimbo on May 26
Click here for more information and to register.
Announcing the launch of the Kootenay Camas Project
The West Kootenay Native Plant Study group is proud to announce the launch of the Kootenay Camas Project!
The Kootenay Camas Project is focused on finding camas in the West Kootenays. Camas has an interesting distribution along the Columbia Basin and Pacific coastal areas, with the West Kootenay populations being the most eastern occurrences in BC. Locally, but sporadically, abundant the true extent of camas here is currently not known. We will be working to rectify this.
Why are we interested in camas? Camas is in decline due to habitat destruction and lack of stewardship. The low elevation ecosystems where camas is found are the most heavily impacted by development and are home to other rare species.
Camas was cultivated in meadows by First Nations and the root was a dietary staple that was traded far and wide.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 12 - 3 pm
3rd Annual Castlegar Garden & Nature Fest
Millennium Walkway/ Twin Rivers Park, Castlegar, BC
Contact/info: Heather at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 250-399-4439
We will have a Kootenay Camas Project display and will show camas in Twin Rivers Park.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
West Kootenay Naturalists host a camas hike led by Valerie Huff.
Contact/info: West Kootenay Naturalists
More information on the Kootenay Camas Project: http://growwild.kics.bc.ca/index.html
Webinar Series: Learn About the National Project for Excellence in EE
Webinar Schedule and Registration Information
April 24th (4:00pm Eastern Time): Excellence in EE: Guidelines for Learning (K-12)
This webinar will guide you through Excellence in EE: Guidelines for Learning (K-12) and how you can use it as a framework for environmental literacy (K-12). Examples of how the K-12 guidelines are being used in curriculum development will be provided along with a discussion of how the guidelines align with the Common Core Standards. To register: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K-12guidelines
May 1st (1:00pm Eastern Time) : Guidelines for the Preparation and Professional Development of Environmental Educators
This webinar will focus on Guidelines for the Preparation and Professional Development of Environmental Educators and how they are being used in certification programs, professional development programs, environmental education research, and teacher education programs. To register: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/prepprof
May 8th (4:00pm Eastern Time): Nonformal Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence
This webinar, focusing on Nonformal Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence, will walk you through examples of how you can use these key characteristics of quality environmental education program development and implementation. To register: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/nonformal
June 26th (4:00pm Eastern Time): Early Childhood EE Programs: Guidelines for Excellence
This webinar focuses on our newest set of guidelines - Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence. We will discuss how the guidelines are being used in early childhood environmental education program design and implementation and introduce you to a companion document, Early Childhood Environmental Education Rating Scale. To register: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ecee
Did you miss one of our earlier webinars? Access a recording at: eelinked.net/n/guidelines
Questions? Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
CBEEN signs Memorandum of Understanding with Parks Canada
Parks Canada and the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network have recently signed off on an Memorandum of Understanding to work in partnership on environmental education in the Columbia Basin.
Yoho, Kootenay, Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks have all signed the agreement with CBEEN, recognizing the need to work together to create the next generation of stewards.
In the photo: Duncan Whittick, CBEEN Executive Director and Deb Griffith of Parks Canada (and a CBEEN Director)
New Blog: The Friends of Kootenay National Park
The Friends of Kootenay National Park have something to Crow About!
It is their new Blog - with stories about a cougar and bighorn sheep falling from a cliff to the announcement of a newly listed endangered species. You can read the results from the resent owl survey and learn about Parks Canada’s biggest fault. Entries are always short, with photos and occasionally videos and audio clips.
Look for new posts about which flowers are blooming, notes from the past and updates about park research and monitoring.
Go to http://www.friendsofkootenay.ca/blog. Keep updated through RSS Feed or Google Reader. Subscribe on-line or simply reply to this email to receive new entries when they are posted.
Salmo Earth Day Environmental Forum: Focused on Green Economics
Wings over the Rockies: May 7-13
During the first week in May, Wings Over the Rockies is celebrated in the Upper Columbia Valley. In the words of the festival’s patron, Robert Bateman, the world-famous wildlife artist and environmentalist:
“The Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival’ conjures up an image of all that is great about Canada… spectacular scenery, abundant nature and a warm, human spirit of getting together in a worthy cause. The world over, when people think of Canada, they think of the glory of the Rockies. When you combine this with the upper reaches of the mighty Columbia, you have an unsurpassed natural setting. The continuous wetlands along the river are perfect as breeding areas and staging places for a significant number of bird species. This and the many other habitats provide a variety of ecosystems which will bring joy to any naturalist. But the idea of this festival goes far beyond a “get-together” of serious naturalists. It is an ideal chance for everyone to learn and share the excitement of nature “in the flesh” so to speak.”
This ecosystem grows in value every day as other places like it disappear. A celebration of its wonder and beauty must respect its fragility and ensure that its natural values are protected for the future. Wings Over the Rockies is a festival that contributes to a long-term vision of sustainability for our communities - balancing the needs of human and natural systems.
This annual festival enhances community spirit and cooperation as volunteers, local businesses, naturalists, conservancy groups and special guests work together to provide activities that educate and instill an appreciation of nature. Visitors who come to the valley for this festival make a positive economic impact on our local businesses.
Since 1999, Wings Over the Rockies has been involved in education through the Wild Voices for Kids Program which has successfully delivered environmental education programs to students in the Rocky Mountain School District. This innovative program is now being implemented throughout the East and West Kootenays and Wings has transferred control to the Columbia Basin Environmental Education network (CBEEN). The program continues to support students in the local Rocky Mountain School District throughout the school year and during the Festival, with Wings speakers giving presentations in our local schools.
Wings also awards a scholarship to a local graduating high school student pursuing a career in environmental or natural sciences.
Visit the Wings Over the Rockies website for more information.
Registration now open for the 2012 Project WET Conference!
May 22-25, 2012
**The call for proposals is now open! Click here for details**
The goal of the conference is to increase the knowledge and capacity of conference participants to effectively reach children, parents, educators and communities of the world with water education. In the interest of innovation, engaging and interactive presentations are encouraged. Presentations must address one of the following strands: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) in Water Education, Pedagogy & Water Education, ActionEducation™ & Water Education, and Technology & Other Water Education Topics.
Click here for more information.
Regional Environmental Justice Conference: Nelson, April 27-29
Essay Competition: Dear Mr. UN Secretary-General
‘Dear Mr. UN Secretary-General ...’ Essay Competition
As part of the lead-up to the Rio+20 Earth Summit in Brazil in June 2012, the Living Rainforest is organising an international essay competition for primary and secondary schoolchildren, Dear Mr. UN Secretary-General ...
The Living Rainforest wants to hear what children think governments and world leaders should be doing to build a more sustainable future on planet Earth. First Prize is a once-in-a-lifetime trip to attend the Rio+20 Earth Summit in Brazil, with other winners receiving trophies and certificates. We think it’s an important opportunity to engage children in this crucial global debate.
Interested teachers, schools & parents can register here. The deadline is 30 March 2012 for registration and essay submissions.
Please help spread the word! Click here for more information.
Finding Balance: A Forum on Community, Environment and Economy
Economics meets the Environment in Invermere
Finding Balance Forum, March 2nd & 3rd
Register As Soon as Possible
“What’s the value of our environment as it relates to economics?” It’s a question that has garnered much attention in national and international media as of late.
Finding Balance is an event that discusses and connects economics with the environment and is being held in Invermere, BC on March 2 and 3. Finding Balance is an ‘Economic and Environmental Forum’ that brings economists, researchers and other innovators together with the public to discuss and review the environment and economics. We’d be pleased if you could join us!
“There’s been an exceptional amount of interest in an event of this type in our region and we’re pleased to see how much attention the Forum’s already garnered,” said event organizer Juri Peepre.
The Forum is comprised of an evening keynote event at 7:30 PM, Friday March 2nd, and an all-day public seminar March 3.
Friday’s keynote event is presented by Mark Anielski, renowned speaker and authour of ‘The Economics of Happiness: Discovering Genuine Wealth’ and will be held at 7:30 pm at the Invermere Community Hall. Saturday’s event sees presentations from Dr. Richard Kool on “The Economics of ‘Local’ and the Positive Psychology of the ‘Nearby’”; Amy Robinson presents Greening and Sustaining Small Business and the power of local business networks; and John Thompson hosts The Economic Impacts and Benefits of Protected Areas and their role in the larger economy. There will also be a panel discussion on building a conservation economy in the East Kootenays and Columbia Valley.
“There’s often a disconnect between the value of our environment and how it’s relevant to our communities. This forum aims to address the issue and seeks to provide clarity about the worth of where we live,” said Peepre.
Interest is high and capacity is limited and attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets for the event as soon as possible. To obtain tickets for the entire event or for select portions, visit www.Wildsight.ca.
The event is being hosted by Wildsight, an environmental group celebrating over 25 years of working for the environment with communities and people in Canada’s Columbia and Southern Rocky Mountain region.
To register visit http://www.wildsight.ca/findingbalance
For questions or requests for further information regarding the event, please contact:
Juri Peepre
250-688-1005
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Green Learning announces new online community for teaching about climate change
Green Learning is very pleased to announce COOL 2.0, a powerful new online community for teaching and learning about climate change! COOL 2.0 gives you access to hundreds of teaching resources on energy, the environment, and sustainability. Look for resources created by Canadian teachers, GreenLearning Canada, and many of our partner ENGOs — among them, UNICEF Canada, Sustainability Frontiers, Biosphere, Wild BC, and Earth Day Canada. COOL 2.0 also provides you with a robust web 2.0 platform for customizing resources, creating assignments, and connecting with colleagues.
What can you do at cool.greenlearning.ca?
- Access lesson plans and activities, videos, research and data, and collaborative projects.
- Search for teaching resources by keyword, grade level, subject, province, language, and more.
- Use Teacher Space to tailor COOL 2.0 resources for your students.
- Create assignments that integrate blogs, mapping, online discussions, and media galleries.
- Exchange ideas in the Teacher Forum, meet colleagues, and team up to collaborate on class projects.
To create COOL 2.0, we initially hosted a design retreat with teachers, youth leaders, curriculum consultants, and ministry of education representatives from across Canada. With a design blueprint in hand, we then partnered with TakingITGlobal, a number of leading energy and environment education organizations, as well as Canadian ministries of education. Visit the COOL 2.0 Partners page for a list of current partners.
COOL 2.0 is free to teachers, thanks to generous support by TD Bank and the Suncor Energy Foundation. Log in to COOL 2.0 with your GreenLearning ID and password, or register on the COOL 2.0 homepage.
Discover the best in climate change education at COOL 2.0!
Living Within a Watershed: Creating Urban Water Systems That Go With The Flow
Join Waterlution for the first Future of Water Workshop of 2012!
Waterlution is seeking diverse, outstanding young leaders with a passion for water to attend as participants—download the complete application here!
When: March 9-11
Where: Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Who: Proven leaders aged 18-35 yrs
Overview: The objective of this weekend-long workshop is to explore the application of integrated watershed management best practices in Vancouver’s Lower Mainland. To build the capacity of communities to create healthy and productive communities while sustainably managing its watersheds and water resources by engaging tomorrow’s decision makers in experiential, meaningful exploration of sustainable urban praactices. Learn more at http://bit.ly/AiYlDg.
Deadline to apply: February 20, 2012—Apply now!</strong><./p>
. Geared for both formal and informal educators, Project WILD is among the most-used conservation and environmental education programs for grades K-12. Emphasizing wildlife and their intrinsic ecological value, the program is used for its role in teaching how ecosystems function. Registration is $15 and includes activity guides and afternoon snacks. To register, click here! Click here for our event poster! This event is possible thanks to support from Columbia Basin Trust. To get to Camp Stone, coming from Kimberley, follow the Kimberley highway and turn right onto St. Mary’s Lake Road (between Kimberley and Marysville). Go approximately 12 km and you’ll see the entrance to Camp Stone on your left, just past the Happy Hans Campground and Kimberley Nature Park. Click on the map below for more information. This conference aims to engage students in workshops, presentations, and networking to work towards a better tomorrow. The topics include sustainable farming, outreach and education, sustainable energy, conservation, and much more. The conference is February 17-19 and will include students from all over the northwest. The goal is to bring forth a new generation of activists. Power Shifts have been happening around our country since 2007. Regional conferences have been held every other year, but the Rocky Mountain region and our issues have been underrepresented until now. Together students from all over the Rocky Mountain region will converge in Missoula, Montana to exchange regional success stories and campaigns, hear from climate movement leaders, and learn from each other how to organize and launch new campaigns. To meet the unique climate challenges facing our region today, we know we’ll need a diversity of tactics and approaches, and we’ll bring them together in Montana. Now is the time for the youth of the Rocky Mountain region to stand up and demand a lifestyle change. New organizers will have the chance to learn many new organizing skills and seasoned organizers will build upon their skills and develop new ones by working through special curriculum tracks. This conference will also include a series of workshops and panel discussions in many different areas, as well as many amazing keynote speakers and some super fun socials. We’re working to educate and prepare the next generation of civic leaders, promote sustainability initiatives, and provide opportunities for collaborative efforts throughout the region. George Mason University’s Centre for Climate Change Communication has released the second and third reports from their latest national survey on Americans’ climate change and energy beliefs, attitudes, policy support, and behavior. In the report Americans’ Global Warming Beliefs and Attitudes in November 2011 we find that: Beliefs and Attitudes
Extreme Weather and Climate Change
Trust
“Peak Resources”
The two reports can be downloaded here: Dear CBEEN Members, A colleague, Connie Cirkony, is researching how B.C. K-12 teachers integrate environmental education into their practice by conducting surveys through related organizations throughout BC. I encourage you to participate in this survey by clicking on the following LINK. It should take 10-15 minutes. Your survey answers will be helpful in understanding how BC educators integrate environmental education into their practice, as well as identifying effective strategies and significant barriers. I have also reviewed her survey and have added feedback so it also reflects the needs of environmental educators in the Columbia Basin. The survey closes on December 16th, 2011. Please contact me directly if you have any questions. Eli Baker Recognizing contributions of outstanding individuals and organizations engaged in environmental learning across the country! Call for award nominations ...Give your friends and colleagues the best gift – nominate them for an EECOM award! DEADLINE: February 1st, 2012 For more information on award criteria or for how to nominate someone, go to the EECOM website. Call for award reviewers ... EECOM is looking for anyone interested in reviewing award nominations. For more information or to express your interest, please contact Leigh Bird, Award Committee Chair: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Waterlution is thrilled to announce a unique opportunity for leadership development in 2012, with a water-tailored facilitation training series: the Art of Hosting Water Dialogues. Waterlution is partnering with the Art of Hosting to offer those connected through the Waterlution network a great opportunity to become true hosts of space around water discussions. Goal: to develop strong water leaders with the capacity to host conversations that matter for the health of our most precious resource. The Art of Hosting Water Dialogues Workshops: Application deadline: January 23, 2012 at www.waterlution.org/aohwd These two-and-a half-day events will be hosted by Tatiana Glad (co-founder of Waterlution, principal of Engage! InterAct and founder of The Hub Amsterdam) and Chris Corrigan (co-founder of Harvest Moon Consultants and one of Canada’s most reputed facilitators). Karen Kun will also join participants at the Ontario workshop. Drawing on The Art of Hosting - a global community of practitioners and a practice in understanding the patterns of community-building beneath methodologies - we will discover and learn the art of the ‘host’ and how to host the conversations that matter for the health of our water. A valuable professional development experience that you do not want to miss! Applications are now open! www.waterlution.org/AOHWD Cost of workshop: $300 (includes tax)* Theme: Making an Impact Tuesday to Thursday Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 2011 Member rate: $110 NEW Member Group Rate: $180 To register and for more info: www.interpcan.ca Early bird rates in effect until November 18, ten days before the conference. Connecting you with experts from across North America, this conference will help you deepen and enrich the impact of your programs on participants, from one-time visitors to members and residents. For example, keynote speaker Dr. David Anderson will discuss his fascinating research into visitors’ long term memories and how to influence them. Previous years’ online conferences have seen over two hundred interpreters from seven different countries come together to share ideas, become recharged, and develop further as professionals. You can attend the six live interactive sessions and AGM, or watch the recordings at a later date. New group rates allow multiple people at a site to gather around a single computer or projection screen. We understand how rare and costly professional development opportunities are for interpreters. Why not let our conference inspire you with cutting So grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and join us for this exciting event! A little more about us: IC is a not-for-profit association of contributing members with one staff person (me). Canadian interpreters first gathered in 2011-2012 Environmental Networking Seminar Luncheon season unveiled KAST and Selkirk College are excited to kick off a stellar lineup for the 2011/2012 Environmental Networking Seminar Luncheon (ENSL) season, with a fascinating presentation on bat research by Dr. Cori Lausen of Birchdale Ecological at the Trail campus of Selkirk College. Designed to bring together students and the environmental science and business communities in the West Kootenay, the ENSL series features presentations by local scientists working in the environmental sector, lunch and networking. On November 24th, Dr. Cori Lausen will be providing a glimpse into her unique world – 18 years of bat research in the Fort Shepherd Conservancy area and beyond. A Kaslo resident, Lausen holds a Masters and a PhD in bat ecology from the University of Calgary, and is currently launching her next research project: four years of winter bat behaviour monitoring in BC, with a focus on the Kootenay region. She will provide a broad overview of bats of BC, discuss her ongoing research, the importance of bats to our ecosystem and the threats they face. As the longest-lived and slowest-reproducing mammals for their size, bats are sensitive to population depletion. As the primary consumer of night-time insects, including agricultural and forestry pests, they are also an integral component of our ecosystem. Bats now face conservation risks on a continental scale, with a new disease in hibernating bats depleting populations in the eastern U.S. and Canada at an alarming rate. British Columbia, blessed with the greatest species diversity of bats anywhere in Canada, has the most to lose. In addition to disease, bats are being killed by wind turbines; wind energy development in the province is expected to boom. Upcoming 2011/2012 ENSL presentations: Thursday, February 9th, 2012 in Castlegar: Amber Ashenhurst onWaneta Expansion Project Environmental Management. Thursday, April 26 ,2012 in Nelson: SNC Lavalin Environment presents the Cork Mine remediation project. Price: $10.00 Read more about each of the programs below, or click here for more information about the program, and available scholarships. Greener Footprints envisions thriving communities in a waste-free BC! Greener Footprints is a not-for-profit society founded in 2005. We believe that engaged and empowered citizens play a vital role in environmental protection by choosing low impact, waste free options in the marketplace. As part of larger collective efforts to reduce Canada’s carbon footprint, reduce solid waste, and protect waterways and wild spaces, Greener Footprints works with business, government and the general public at the grassroots level to research, promote and facilitate sustainable waste reduction options where we live, work, play and shop. An opportunity currently exists to take a leadership role on our board of directors to help move Greener Footprints forward. Are you keen to get involved? We are seeking an individual who has experience, knowledge or an interest in learning about fundraising. More than anything we are keen to have a motivated individual who is passionate about the environment and wants to contribute through Greener Footprints to make a difference! Currently, Greener Footprints is in a transitional phase as we work through our strategic planning process and is looking for a leader who can contribute directly to the future of Greener Footprints. Responsibilities are negotiable and are based on the individual expertise of the board member. We ask that you commit to volunteering at least 4 hours/month and attending board meetings every two months (online conference calls via Skype or phone – you can join in from anywhere as long as you have internet). Our current board is based in Squamish, Rossland, Vancouver and Germany. The board of directors’ responsibilities are currently shared among seven directors. Responsibilities are varied, but in the past have included: • Revising and updating the Greener Footprints’ website, blog and social media Benefits to You: If you want to know more about our organization, check out our website at www.greenerfootprints.com. Please contact Jen Reilly at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information about volunteering as a board member or for any other inquiries.
On October 26, the WSP in partnership with the University of Victoria’s Environmental Law Centre released the latest instalment in its water sustainability handbook series for decision makers, policy analysts, community leaders, and water managers. Peeling Back the Pavement: A Blueprint for Reinventing Rainwater Management in Canada’s Communities by Susanne Porter-Bopp, Oliver M. Brandes, and Calvin Sandborn outlines the problems with conventional stormwater management and examines solutions for moving toward sustainability. The handbook was released as part of the Action H2o program. Rethinking the way we deal with rain and snowmelt in our cities means replacing conventional pipe-and-convey systems with an approach that recognizes rainwater as a valuable resource while, at the same time, reducing runoff volume and improving runoff quality. Peeling Back the Pavement provides a comprehensive action plan outlining the crucial steps necessary for changing the way communities govern stormwater. The blueprint describes measures that local and senior levels of government can take to move from the current system of stormwater management to one based in rainwater management. A main focus of the handbook is the fragmented responsibility for fresh water across and within jurisdictions—one of the greatest challenges to reinventing rainwater management in Canada. The resource was launched as part of the WSP’s Creating a Blue Dialogue webinar series. Guest speakers included lead author Susanne Porter-Bopp and Patrick Lucey, senior aquatic ecologist and president of Aqua-Tex Scientific Consulting Ltd. To view a recording of the webinar, click here. Electronic copies of Peeling Back the Pavement: A Blueprint for Reinventing Rainwater Management in Canada’s Communities are available for download on the WSP website.
Read the press release here!
Deadline: November 18, 2011 Annual Conference hosted by the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation Energy @ the Centre Plugging into Generations: Our audiences are changing. As the population ages and family sizes decrease, science centres and museums can no longer rely solely on family audiences. Older adults and teens are becoming important new audiences for our organizations. How are you reaching out to new audiences? Have you developed content specifically to attract new visitors? The program committee is interested in sessions that address content development, as well as marketing strategies designed to attract a changing audience. Charged Up and Plugged In: Science centres and museums are communities—whether this means the staff teams that develop, deliver, promote and fund activities; the networks and partners we activate with our programming; or the audiences with which we engage. Communities lie at the heart of what we do. What are the programming trends that enable these connections? What is the role of social media? How are we recruiting, inspiring, and retaining our workforce? The program committee is interested in sessions that address collaboration, partnerships, innovative programming, audience development, team development and social media. Management of Resources: From dealing with competing demands for resources, to the challenges of changing demographics and a realignment of priorities, the process of deciding where to devote your energies is a challenging one. What are best practices in resource management? How can we learn from other’s mistakes and successes? The program committee is interested in sessions that address planning strategies, program and project management models, and best practices. Current Science: Science centres and museums share a common mission: to promote the science literacy of visitors, and to engage visitors with current science and technology. How do we involve and engage visitors in discussions? How do we keep our science and technology exhibits and programs responsive to current science? Tell us about the mechanisms you have in place for changing exhibits and programs at your centre. How is technology helping you to keep science current at your centre? The program committee is interested in sessions that explore innovative ways of engaging visitors in discussion and discovery around the role of science and technology in society. Helpful Information on the Call for Proposals Session Leaders: Hints for Writing a Great Session Description Criteria for a great session: In order to create a vivid experience for delegates, the committee will look favorably on proposals that: • provide practical examples in a “How-to” framework, Be specific. If you will be bringing salamanders into the room, say it in the description! If you want people to bring their ideas with them for discussion, indicate that. Be accurate. Be sure that the description really represents who you are and what the subject and style of the presentation will be. Friends coming to a party want to be sure they know what they’re getting into! Session Types Roundtable: An issue-oriented conversation, during which participants are seated in a circular format. A session leader articulates the issues, monitors the progress of the discussions, and often facilitates a wrap-up segment at the end of the session. Prepared participants facilitate conversation at each table. Panel Discussion: Three to four presenters, with session leader who introduces and summarizes the session. This is followed by a question-and-answer period and audience discussion of at least 15-20 minutes. The objective is to cover one topic from multiple points of view. Workshop: A program for a relatively small group of people in a given field that emphasizes participation in problem-solving efforts with one or more hands-on activities. Limited participation. How to submit your session: 1. Please download the form and complete its contents. September 13-15, 2012 - Boulder, Colorado USA For more information, contact Deserai A. Crow, Associate Director, Center for Environmental Journalism Join this innovative field school designed for people who want to lead the way in creating positive social and environmental change. Travel from the mountains of the interior to the southern coast of British Columbia. Live and learn while you explore the wilderness, engage with a diversity of experts, and visit innovative sites across the province. This year’s Redfish School of Change runs from May 16 to June 23, 2012. Students receive credit for three environmental studies courses from the University of Victoria, and six months support on their environmental and social justice action projects. Undergraduate students from all disciplines are eligible and encouraged to consider this program as a complement to their studies. Visit www.schoolofchange.ca to see the eligibility requirements and learn about student bursaries. Applications are accepted until February 15, 2012. What do past participants have to say… “The Redfish School of Change was the most intellectually stimulating and meaningful experience of my post-secondary career.” “Amazing” is an understatement when it comes to describing my experience in the Redfish School of Change and “beautiful” does not do justice to the places that we have seen and visited. I feel like my experience goes beyond what words can explain.” “I have really learned the power of community and I am not intimated to make change. This has been the most inspiring and rewarding experience [and] has given me everything I expected and more. This was the best money I have ever spent on myself.
Please see the special message below from Colin Harris of Take Me Outside: Dear friends of Take Me Outside, It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 9 months since starting my run across Canada to promote getting children and youth outside, active and connected to nature. After 7000 km and almost 80 school visits, the TMO Project is soon coming to a close as I run the last 600 km towards the west coast. I am writing to you to say thank you for your interest in the project and for your support as I ran across the country. I would also like to offer you, your children, students, businesses and communities another opportunity to get involved with the project. I am on target for completing the run on October 25th in Victoria, British Columbia and would like your help celebrating by declaring that day ‘Take Me Outside Day’. For this celebration I would be grateful if we could get as many students (and adults) as possible outside to enjoy the fresh air for at least 15 minutes any time during that day. It could be as simple as taking the students outside for part of their class, setting up some outdoor activities, or going for a walk. Anything you choose to get outside, active and united. Our hope is that on October 25th, we can collectively get 25,000 students outside! If you’re willing to pass this email on to other teachers, schools or even boards, it would be appreciated. We would love to make the media aware of this, so we’re asking for just a couple of things. If you can email us and let us know that a) You’re committing to celebrating this day with Colin and Take Me Outside and b) Give us some details about number of students and what you might do outside. We’d love to share some of these stories and perhaps the media will even be interested in picking up the story. Please R.S.V.P. to this invitation by October 18th (email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) I genuinely appreciate your support and enthusiasm Colin Colin Harris This year’s 2011-12 Board of Directors includes standing Directors Ida Cale, Gillian Cooper, Kimberley Hartling, Ami Haworth, and Deborah Griffith, and new Directors Erika Momeyer, Cristallin Toullec and Yann Loranger. Thank-you to all Directors for dedicating your time and your passion to the building of our network. We are anticipating another great year with you on our team! The Environmental Initiatives Program (EIP) focuses on providing funding for community-initiated and community-supported project applications. Part of the program intent is to encourage education and awareness for all generations about Basin ecosystems and associated human interactions. CBT is looking to groups in the Columbia Basin for projects that will help strengthen Basin-wide ability to meet environmental challenges. EIP has provided approximately $4.5 million in funding over the past 10 years for environmental conservation, restoration, stewardship and education projects across the Basin. CBT staff are available to provide some degree of assistance to proponents during the project/proposal development stage of EIP applications. There may also be a limited opportunity to access specific technical assistance. PLEASE NOTE: 1) The maximum funding for large grants has increased to $30,000, from $20,000. 2) The application deadline for large grants ($10,000 to $30,000) for the 2011/12 field season is Monday, November 14, 2011, at 3 p.m. PST/4 p.m. MST. PLEASE NOTE: There will not be a spring 2012 intake; the next intake will take place in fall 2012. 3) Funding applications for small grants (less than $10,000) may be submitted throughout the year. However, applications received by Monday, November 14, 2011, will be reviewed at that time; after that date, applications received will be reviewed as they arrive, but are subject to available funding. Read more here.
Spark your students’ desire to learn through Facing the Future’s Connecting Students to the World: Engaging K-3 Lessons for Literacy, Science, and Social Studies. Connecting Students to the World is a research based, teacher-tested resource that is aligned with language arts, science, social studies, and Common Core standards in all fifty states. It easily integrates into core classroom teaching and helps create a hands-on exploration of global issues and sustainability while incorporating new skills in language arts, science and social studies. This interdisciplinary teacher lesson plan guide is designed to develop the assets that young people need to thrive at school, at home, and in the world. Through these lessons your students will: Facing the Future is also offering a free 45-minute webinar about this new resource, Connecting Students to the World, on Thursday, October 20th at 2pm MST. On October 6, CBEEN will be holding its AGM in Invermere at David Thompson Secondary School, and we invite all members and friends to join us for networking, appetizers and an update on what's going on with EE in the Basin and among our network. We re also excited to be hosting a special presentation by Colin Harris immediately after we take care of business. Colin will be speaking about his organization, Take Me Outside, and his cross-country run to raise awareness about the importance of getting kids unplugged and back into nature. Colin has been immersed in the field of outdoor education for nearly a decade, and has spent the last five years as Director of Outdoor Education at YMCA Wanakita in Haliburton, Ontario. The agenda for the evening will be as follows:
5:30 - 6:15 pm - Welcome, appetizers, networking (please RSVP if you plan to attend so we have numbers for catering) This year, we are looking to expand our Board and hope that you'll consider becoming a Director and helping us build a regional network of environmental educators. In addition to an environmental background, an interest in our goals and objectives, and the ability to work as part of a team, we are looking for directors who can bring marketing, finance, legal or human resources skills to the table to help build our non-profit organization. Previous board experience is preferred, but not necessary. If you are interested, please read the Directors Rights and Responsibilities and then complete a Board Director Application. Email your completed application to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). If you are not able to volunteer, feel free to pass this message on to someone who you think might be. The election will be held at our AGM on October 6. You do not have to attend to be elected, but of course we'd love to have you join us!
Hoping to see you on the 6th, Waste Reduction Week (WRW) in Canada is intended to raise public consciousness about waste and its environmental and social ramifications. The WRW theme, “Too Good To Waste” is about conveying an appreciation for the richness and beauty of our diverse world and the importance of working toward ecological sustainability by conserving resources and curbing wasteful practices. Our ultimate goal is to educate, engage and empower Canadians to reduce waste through provision of access to relevant information, opportunities and options. WRW in Canada is coordinated by a coalition of 13 recycling councils and sister organizations from across Canada. Collaborating on a national level, this partnership promotes waste reduction on provincial/territorial and local levels. “We buy a wastebasket and take it home in a plastic bag. Then we take the wastebasket out of the bag, and put the bag in the wastebasket.”—Lily Tomlin, comedian “A house is just a pile of stuff with a cover on it.”—George Carlin, comedian Although comedians make fun of our wasteful consumption habits, it’s sad that it’s so true. We need to take action now if we want to sustain the planet for future generations. Waste Reduction Week in Canada provides the opportunity for Canadians to showcase their waste reduction activities in a number of ways. Check out our campaigns and challenges and get involved. Canada is Too Good To Waste! For more information, visit the Waste Reduction Week website.
Submit an Event or Activity More great resources to help involve your class in WRW: Clear Sky Farm is pleased to offer you this wonderful workshop & teacher for the third year running! Explore the leading edge concepts of sustainable food forest gardening for cold climates. Learn how to combine layerings of perennial nuts, fruits and medicinals for an abundant and diverse food and medicine supply in your garden or on your farm. If you have done a permaculture course you will find that this food forest workshop provides the practical details you need to implement permaculture’s broarder principles & theories. Course Instructor Richard Walker currently lives in Oliver BC, but spent his early years as an organic farmer in Alberta. He later moved to Grand Forks BC where he developed a 3 acre food forest, called Dragons Eye Nursery, over a 20 year period. Having converted a degraded piece of land into an abundant mix of rare, unique nut, fruit and medicinal plants from all over the world, he is one of Canada’s most experienced food forest gardeners. Course Fees: (Lunches included) Accomodation Rates: indoor: $35 per night / camping: $15 per night +HST Register now: by email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Coming from Alberta or the Coast? Carpooling may be available, let us know if you’re interested and we’ll connect you with others who might want to do the same.
The October 2011 issue of the Green Schools Newsletter includes a great article about the work being done in schools around the Basin and a profile on CBEEN! Also included: 1. The Notebook: Making Connections Read the full newsletter here!
Sharpen your (sustainably harvested wood) pencils: school is back in session! If you think schools should be supplementing reading, writing and arithmetic lessons with some schooling on those other three r’s - reducing, reusing and recycling - the Story of Stuff Project has some great resources for you, your kids and their teachers. For high school teachers and students we collaborated with Facing the Future to create Buy, Use, Toss: A Closer Look at the Things We Buy, a free two-week curriculum that includes ten, fully planned lessons aligned with national science and social studies standards. You can download this incredible learning resource at Facing the Future’s website, where it’s already become a smash hit. For the younger set, Annie Leonard worked with WGBH-Boston and PBS Kids to develop Loop Scoops, a series of fun 2-minute videos that help get kids thinking about the Stuff in their lives. Things like: What is this made of? Where did it come from? Who made it? And what happens when I throw it away? Check out the videos, share them with your kids and pass them along to their teachers for use in the classroom. For the life-long learners among us, we recently released a companion Reading Guide for The Story of Stuff book , which is now available in paperback in the U.S. and in more than 10 languages. This free Guide includes discussion questions, ideas for enhancing your book club, and a Q&A with author Annie Leonard. Grab a copy of the book from your library - or buy one from a local bookseller - and then download the reading guide. And, of course, you can always view, download and share all of The Story of Stuff Project movies on our website, including the original Story of Stuff, which The New York Times called “a sleeper hit in classrooms across the nation.” We hope you use, enjoy and share these resources widely. After all, rewriting the story of stuff is going to take many hands, including those just grasping a pencil for the first time! Sincerely, Annie, Michael, Allison, Christina & Renee The Story of Stuff Project Team Aquatic habitats deliver goods and services that are essential to all life forms on our planet. Unfortunately human impacts from industrial, commercial and recreational activities are directly or indirectly threatening the health and sustainability of these critical areas.
Taking part in a shoreline or riparian zone clean up can help students appreciate the importance of aquatic ecosystems while making a meaningful contribution to their communities. A shoreline clean up can also be an especially enjoyable experience for students and great way to start the school year! A Spring Gathering: Project WILD
Join us for an afternoon of fun and professional development at beautiful Camp Stone in Kimberley on May 26 from 1 - 5:30 pm
Rocky Mountain PowerShift 2012
New Report: Americans’ Global Warming Beliefs and Attitudes in November 2011
For the first time, we asked Americans when, if ever, the United States will start to experience serious shortages of natural resources:
Americans’ Global Warming Beliefs and Attitudes in November 2011
Americans’ Actions to Conserve Energy, Reduce Waste, and Limit Global Warming in November 2011
Environmental Education Survey - Integrating EE into the B.C. Classroom
Executive Director
Columbia Basin Environmental Educators Network
EECOM’s Canadian Awards of Excellence in Environmental Education
Waterlution’s Art of Hosting Water Dialogues
British Columbia (Bowen Island): Friday April 13 - Sunday April 15, 2012
Alberta (Canmore): Monday April 16 - Wednesday April 18, 2012
Ontario (Stouffville): Friday April 20 - Sunday April 22, 2012
*Cost includes training, workbook, accommodation and food.
Interpretation Canada’s third National Online Conference!
edge topics - delivered right to your computer? No matter how remote your museum, park, or site, you will be connected to a thriving community of
practice with no travel. WHAT A COST SAVER! Access to emerging research and techniques can contribute so much to your organization’s interpretation and
education programs.
1973 to establish the organization that would become IC. We keep membership costs low so all interpreters can belong if they choose to join. This
online training event is only one of our wonderful member programs. Check out the growing list of resources, entry forms and more at our website as
we continue to boost our accessibility and innovative professional development offerings.
KAST’s Environmental Networking Seminar Luncheon season with research so cool it’ll drive you batty!
Time: November 24, 2011 - 11:30 - 13:30University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point announces Spring 2012 online courses
Environmental Education Theory & Practice
Gain foundational knowledge of environmental education (EE) and learn how to incorporate quality EE into your instruction. Discuss the history and goals of EE and develop an understanding of the professional roles and instructional methods of environmental educators.
Applied Environmental Education Program Evaluation
Environmental educators, natural resource professionals, and graduate students will design evaluation tools such as questionnaires, observation forms, and interview and focus group guides that can be applied in evaluations of environmental education and outreach.
Natural Resources Policy & the Legislative Process
This course examines the legislative process with regard to natural resources, including power, limitations, and balances in the policy making process; natural resources advocacy; and the political behavior of voters and policy makers.
Advanced Oral Interpretation Methods
This course explores the communication process as the foundation of interpretation and discusses why understanding communication theories can improve interpretation effectiveness. Participants will gain skills to help create quality interpretive talks, guided walks and tours, and illustrated talks, beginning with the interpretive planning process and ending with the evaluation of an interpretive program. The goal of this course is to provide participants with a set of tools they can use to effectively communicate an oral interpretive message to an audience.Volunteer Opportunity: Greener Footprints seeks new board members
• Strategic planning for the organization
• Approving/determining the programs and services offered by the organization
• Supporting staff initiatives
• Approving major contracts and grants
• Assisting in/supporting fundraising efforts
• And so on… The board member role is flexible and can be done all from the comfort of your home computer or you may take a more active role in contributing to outreach projects in your community!
• Learn and gain professional experience in a leadership role
• Grow your personal network by meeting and working with new people
• Personal satisfaction of contributing to a non-profit environmental organizationReinventing Rainwater Management - New Resource to Help Communities Achieve Water Sustainability
The WSP team believes that making headway on a more progressive approach to rainwater management requires dealing with the thorny and complex problems associated with governance. An integrated watershed-based approach offers significant opportunity to create truly sustainable communities that can protect the natural water cycle now and into the future.SFU and TRU announce new outdoor education dual certification for teaching
Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) 2012: Call for Session Proposals
http://www.canadiansciencecentres.ca
Ottawa, Ontario, May 3–5, 2012
Energy lies at the heart of so much of what we do at science centres and museums—from the energy we invest in developing ideas and building exhibitions, to our energetic engagement with visitors. With limited resources and so much to do, however, how can we direct this energy towards achieving maximum results? How are we meeting the internal demands of our organizations? How do we ensure that our visitors are energized by their contact with us? We invite you to join us at the 2012 Canadian Association of Science Centres’ Conference. This 10th Annual Conference, hosted by the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, is expected to welcome more than 120 delegates. This three-day conference features a pre-conference activity, more than twenty learning sessions, a keynote speaker, and events that include a welcome reception, a tradeshow (Friday, May 4), and our national awards gala (Saturday, May 6).
The person who submits a session is usually the session leader. As a session leader, you are the main contact with the program committee for your session. While the program committee will provide assistance, it will be your responsibility confirm and liaise with other presenters, confirm titles, descriptions, and a/v requirements.
Think of it like an invitation. You are inviting your audience to attend an important event. Just as if your were hosting a party at home, give some thought to who you would like to see—from the people doing demonstrations on the floor to the CEO. Make it clear who will benefit from your session.
• encourage “bright-eyed” behavior from delegates,
• employ session formats that nurture discussion, and• move towards calls to action beyond the conference event: e.g. new collaborations, networks or projects.
2. Cut and paste the contents of the form into the body of an email. For a Windows machine, Just ctrl A to select, ctrl C to copy, then Ctrl V into the email. Headings can be included.
3. Put your session title in the subject line.
4. Send email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) by November 18th, 2011. Keep a copy.
Conference Call for Papers:The International Conference on Culture, Politics, and Climate Change
Deadline for abstracts: January 10, 2012
This cross-disciplinary conference will explore intersections between culture, politics, and science in order to enhance our understanding of public policy addressing climate change. The conference will interrogate the many obstacles and opportunities confronting U.S. climate policymakers and scientists. Presenters will be asked to broadly consider how climate change is communicated and how these processes intersect with ongoing cultural and political issues. While we will focus on climate change, authors are encouraged to draw lessons that can be applied to a variety of environmental contexts. Comparative papers and panels that explore similarities and differences between culture, politics, and climate policy in the U.S. and other countries are encouraged.
Discussions about climate change, policy, and science arise in a variety of cultural settings. Questions of how and whether to address climate change on a national and global scale are significant parts of political and cultural discourse. How policy is made, the role of state and non-state actors, the communication of science and values, and how meaning is derived from our shared culture are all questions that directly influence policy outcomes. In the context of U.S. national elections and ongoing international climate negotiations, these considerations are especially relevant. This conference will address these questions in the context of the 2012 elections, the COP-18 climate talks, and other cultural developments.
Culture, Politics, and Climate Change is a conference of the Center for Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder.
www.climateculturepolitics.org
This conference is co-sponsored by the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Colorado Boulder, Advertising a2b, the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR), and the CU Environmental Center.
In the Field, for the Future: Redfish School of Change
- 2009 participant
- 2010 participant
- 2011 participant
October 25: Take Me Outside Day!
Take Me Outside
www.takemeoutside.ca
705-754-0446
CBEEN Elects its 2011-12 Board of Directors
On October 6, CBEEN staff, Board and members met at David Thompson Secondary School for the 2011 AGM. The AGM was preceded by lively networking and snacks, and followed by an engaging talk with outdoor educator Colin Harris of Take Me Outside.CBT’s EIP program is back - Deadline for large grants is Nov 14
Several aspects of the EIP funding process have recently changed to better meet the needs of program applicants. Environmental groups wishing to apply for funding should take note of these revisions:Great new resource from Facing the Future: Connecting Students to the World
CBEEN’s AGM and a special presentation by Colin Harris of Take Me Outside
6:15 - 7:30 pm - AGM
7:30 - 8:30 pm - Talk and Q&A with Colin Harris
8:30 - 9:00 pm - Socializing, networking and goodbyes
~CBEEN
Waste Reduction Week - October 17-23
Get involved!
Submit Photos for the Ease My Load Campaign
Sign up for Recycle My Cell Challenge for Students
Tell the world that you’ve proclaimed Waste Reduction Week
Recommended by Resources for Rethinking:
Clear Sky Farm’s Food Forest Workshop: Registration Now Open!
Early Bird Special: $179 incl HST for registrations before October 15th 2011.
Regular Course Fees: $199 incl HST after October 15th.
Extra Meals: $7 breakfast, $12 dinners +HST
by phone: 250-429-3929
www.clearskyfarm.caNew Green Teacher features the Basin and CBEEN!
2. Ministry Update: Personalized Learning and Carbon Neutral Action Reports
3. BC Green Games: Welcome to Year 4
4. EventsGreat Resources from the Story of Stuff
R4R Classroom Resources for the Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up! September 16, 2011
Resources 4 Rethinking (r4r.ca) encourages students and teachers to participate in The Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up. Check out the curriculum-linked Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up Classroom Resources that will connect you to some excellent resources to support these efforts.
Some of the Top R4R Picks for The Great Canadian Shoreline Clean Up are:
Remember, Ozone Day is happening on September 16th. Some of the Top R4R Picks for International Ozone Day are:
Elementary, Middle
Elementary, Middle
Elementary, Middle
Cheers,
Learning for a Sustainable Future
Columbia Salmon Festival
The first annual Columbia Salmon Festival will be taking place September 28-October 1, 2011 in the Columbia Valley. This inaugural Festival is being hosted by the Shuswap Indian Band and Akisqnuk First Nation and proudly supported by the Canadian Columbia Inter-Tribal Fisheries Commission, Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partnership and Fairmont Trails Society.
The mission of the festival is to inform people about the history and future of salmon in the upper Columbia, and their cultural significance. The Festival will consist of events and activities in the Invermere to Fairmont Hot Springs areas including Youth Salmon Awareness Field Trips, guest speakers presentations, a Charity Golf Tournament, the Salmon Monument Celebrations and conclude with the Gala Salmon Dinner with Celebrity Chef David Wolfman.
This historic event will involve: First Nations and US Tribe Political Leaders; Federal, Provincial, Municipal and Regional Leaders; Members of the Ktunaxa, Okanagan and Shuswap Nation; Columbia Valley Residents; and members of the General Public.
For more information about the festival and events in your community, click here.
More information about specific events are available by clicking on the links below:
- Salmon Monument Unveiling - Invermere, October 1
- Salmon Festival Event Schedule
- Salmon Festival Gala Dinner - Invermere, October 1
- Columbia Salmon Festival General Information & Registration
- Youth and Schools Information & Registration Package
International Youth (18-30) Internship Opportunity with Sustainable Cities
International Youth Internship Program (IYIP)
There is a soft deadline for applications of November 13th, however all positions will remain open until filled.
Sustainable Cities has received a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Youth Internship Program grant to support our programs for 3 years. The program is intended to address multiple goals:
- Provide high-quality experiences in development work for Canadian interns
- Address specific development goals of the participating cities around governance (participatory planning) and sustainable urban development
- Increase the knowledge and understanding of youth-led development through the Sustainable Cities International Network, partners and affiliates.
The annual budget provides for 20 interns a year (in two six month periods) in Dakar, Senegal; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; San Fernando, Philippines, Durban, South Africa and Colima, Mexico for a total of 60 interns over the course of three years.
For more information, click here.
Would your students like to see their work in print and become 1 of 9 WILD Classes of the Year?
WILD Magazine wants to help make it to happen!
What’s up:
In celebration of International Literacy Day on September 8, 2011, the Canadian Wildlife Federation is reminding classes to participate in its new program: WILD Classes of the Year. It’s designed to get kids involved in conservation and literacy, and maybe even see their work published in WILD Magazine!
How it works:
We’ve picked a department from the magazine for every grade (K to 8). This is the breakdown:
Grade Levels/Departments
- Kindergarten: Say what? – Students create captions for a funny photo
- Grade 1: Jokes – Send us your class’s best wild-animal funnies
- Grade 2: Trivia – Create 20 brain-teasing quiz questions
- Grade 3: Pals at Risk – A short feature highlighting an endangered species
- Grade 4: Animal profile – A feature story on an iconic Canadian animal
- Grade 5: Habitat project – Why, and how-to, build a simple project
- Grade 6: Biological concept story – Explain a natural phenomenon
- Grade 7: You asked – Create questions and answers about wild animals
- Grade 8: Wild Bunch – A narrative tale that explores a natural issue
Show your class their category in WILD Magazine, or bring them to Wild-mag.ca to see PDF examples. Let them brainstorm, research, and get creative as they come up with material. We’ll be accepting submissions until October 31, 2011, and winners will be announced on November 28, 2011. In the spring, we’ll publish an issue of WILD Magazine featuring Canada’s WILD Classes of the Year!
The payoff:
We’ll choose nine winning classes – one for each grade (K to 8). Each of those classes will become an inaugural WILD Class of the Year, and the content they created will be published in the May/June 2012 issue of WILD Magazine*. As well, all students from the winning classes will receive a complimentary copy of that issue.
*Classes whose work is not chosen will have their work appear online, on a special website dedicated to this exciting project.
How to register:
To register to participate in this unique learning experience, visit Wild-mag.ca. If you have questions, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or telephone 1.800.563.9453.
Get ready for BC Green Games!
Over the past three years, BC Green Games has received over 350 entries promoting energy conservation, sustainability and stewardship projects from elementary and high schools province-wide.
Have you searched the BC Green Games gallery for inspiration or found your link yet? BC Green Games permanently showcases these action-based videos and photo-essays to promote further positive changes in school and community behaviour. Please let us know how you use these stories of student success.
In addition to over $20,000 in prize money being awarded directly to schools, all registered teams will receive a celebration package to support Earth Day 2012 events.
Registration for Green Games 2012 will be open September 15 - November 30. Visit BC Green Games for more information.
Get funding for your school action projects!
Have a great idea for a school action project, but need some funding?
Learning for a Sustainable Future passed along two funding opportunities for school action projects:
EcoLeague:EcoLeague™ is a youth empowerment program that challenges and motivates students across the country to help save the planet through community and school-based sustainability action projects. For more details about the EcoLeague Program, please click here.
Project FLOW:Project FLOW (For the Love of Water) engages elementary and secondary students in sustainability education through hands-on projects that model responsible and active citizenship. The experiential component prepares students to be stewards of our water resources and engages them in action that addresses local water issues and concerns.
Through Project FLOW, Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF) is working with teachers and students to provide the necessary tools to identify water issues that are important to them and provide ideas for action.
Project FLOW Professional Development
Through Project FLOW, teachers also have the opportunity to participate in professional development workshops. For more information on professional development opportunities, please click here.
Project FLOW Fund
Through Project FLOW, Canadian teachers have the opportunity to apply for funding to support water action projects in their classrooms: R4R Water Action Projects (up to $500 in funding) and Comprehensive Water Action Projects (up to $3000 in funding).
EE Courses: Theory & Practice; Making EE Relevant for Culturally Diverse Audiences; Needs Assessment
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will be offering several scholarships for their online environmental education courses offered in the fall. There are several $250 scholarships for those taking one of the two three-credit courses: Environmental Education Theory & Practice or Making Environmental Education Relevant for Culturally Diverse Audiences.
$125 scholarships are available for those auditing the courses at zero credit. There are also several $125 scholarships for the one-credit course: Needs Assessment in Environmental Education/Interpretation
For more information on the online environmental education courses at UW-Stevens Point, please visit http://www.uwsp.edu/natres/eetap/. For more information on the scholarships or to receive an application, please contact Katie Boseo at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Environmental Education Theory & Practice
Gain a foundational knowledge of environmental education and learn how to incorporate quality EE into your instruction.
Participants discuss the history and goals of EE, develop an understanding of the professional roles and instructional methods of environmental educators, and interact with other educators from across the country.
Needs Assessment in Environmental Education and Interpretation
This course is for professionals and graduate students interested in conducting a needs assessment to develop or revise programs, products, or services to meet the needs of environmental education and/or interpretation (EE/I) audiences, program providers, and organizations. Together, the four units in this course present a basic, practical approach to needs assessment in an EE/I context. The ultimate goal of the NAEEI course is to guide you in developing a plan for carrying out a needs assessment at your organization or agency.
Making EE Relevant for Culturally Diverse Audiences
This course is designed to provide participants with the basic knowledge and skills needed to make EE relevant to culturally diverse audiences. Through this course you will broaden your perspective of EE to encompass interests and issues of concern to culturally diverse audiences, assess barriers to participation among these audiences, and appraise the role and significance of building relationships and partnerships with members of an audience you intend to work with in the future. As part of this course you will adapt a component of your program to make it more relevant for a culturally diverse audience of your choice.
Make This Year’s First Assignment an Environmental One: GREEN High Schools
The GREEN High Schools Program recognizes the environmentally sustainable actions of students, teachers, and schools across Canada.
This annual program encourages student-led, action-based projects that work to:
- Enhance the environment;
- Communicate about the environment; and/or
- Demonstrate the sustainable use of resources.
Each section includes a career component where students are asked to consider employment opportunities post-graduation.
Created in partnership with the SEEDS Foundation, this program bridges the gap between environmental education and career exploration.
Don’t delay, spots for this year’s pilot program are filling quickly!
As a successful participant, your school will be listed on the ECO Canada and SEEDS Foundation websites, among other benefits.
Projects exceeding the minimum requirements will also be awarded an exclusive profile spot on ECO Canada’s website and will be featured in national and regional press releases.
To participate or to learn more, contact Rebecca Dickson at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit www.eco.ca/greenhighschools.
Engage students with water ed! Learn how in a FREE webinar Aug 22, 23, 30 and 31.
Discover Water: The Role of Water in Our Lives is an exciting new online resource with everything you need to teach about water in your classroom.
The Project WET Foundation, world leader in water education, is working to create the foremost resource for teachers and students about water education online.
Event: Discover Water: Learn how to engage students with water education
Description: In this FREE, 60 minute event you will get a tour of this exciting new resource and learn how it can make teaching about water in your classroom fun!
Host: Laurina Lyle Ph.D., Executive Director and National Network Coordinator, Project WET USA
Please visit this link to register for a session.
Monday, August 22, 10am MST
Monday, August 22, 12pm MST
Monday, August 22, 2pm MST
Tuesday, August 23, 10am MST
Tuesday, August 23, 12pm MST
Tuesday, August 23, 2pm MST
Tuesday, August 30, 11am MST
Tuesday, August 30. 2pm MST
Wednesday, August 31, 11am MST
Wednesday, August 31, 2pm MST
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time
NAAEE Annual Conference in Raleigh, NC. Oct 12-15.
Help NAAEE celebrate four decades of teaching people how to be more environmentally literate. Join more than 1,000 environmental educators from North America and abroad on October 12-15, 2011, in Raleigh.
Learn about scholarship opportunities here.
EE Goes to School is just one of six strands.
Come two days earlier for overnight field experiences or the two-day Research Symposium. Or come one day earlier for Wednesday workshops or Wednesday Field Experiences. Stay one day later for a Sunday Field Experience.
There is still plenty of time to register for workshops, field experiences, and the conference, with its 450+ presentations!
Pre-registration closes September 15 – after that, an additional $50 on-site registration fee applies to walk-ins in Raleigh. Find out more at www.naaee.net/conference.
Disney Planet Challenge Teacher Scholarship: Go to the NAAEE conference in Raleigh! Oct 12-15
The 2011 NAAEE Disney Planet Challenge Teacher Scholarship recognizes a teacher’s achievement in environmental education in his/her classroom.
The scholarship includes a “Full Conference” registration for a teacher to attend the 2011 NAAEE Annual Conference on October 12- 15, 2011, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Registration includes access to all plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, the exhibit hall, meal functions, and many other events. Awardees who accept the scholarship and attend the conference will also receive a one-year membership in NAAEE. Recipients are responsible for their travel to the conference, lodging, and any costs associated with field experiences, workshops, the Research Symposium, the Saturday closing event, guest tickets, and merchandise.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be full-time teachers in grades 3-8 in Canada, Mexico, or the United States at the time of their application and at the time of the 2011 conference. Individuals of color are encouraged to apply.
Evaluation and Selection Process: The intention of this scholarship is to support the professional development of a teacher. Scholarship applicants will be evaluated primarily on their understanding of and commitment to environmental education and their potential for future contribution to environmental education. In addition, applicants’ experience and potential for leadership in environmental education on diversity issues also will be considered.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NAAEE-DisneyTeacherScholar
Moving Planet - Sept 24: A Day to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels
Moving Planet is a worldwide rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis: a single day to move away from fossil fuels. For too long, our leaders have denied and delayed, compromised and caved. That era must come to an end.
Come on bike, on skates, on a board, or on foot. Come with your neighbors and your friends, your family and your co-workers. Come be part of something huge. It’s time to get moving on the climate crisis.
Watch the 90-second inspirational video below.
Grasslands Workshop - September 10
Connecting Mountains to Grasslands
Learn about linkages between mountains and grasslands, Crown land and farmland, as well as between communities, the environment and economics!
- Discover tools to help you increase levels of connectivity on your own property and your neighbours
- Learn basic terminology for land use management
- Understand corridors, patches, linkages and fragmentation
- Apply holistic thinking about sustainable land use management to reinforce positive connections
- Engage in dialogue for sustainable and smart solutions over the long term
Learn more or register here.
New Resource! A Teachers’ Guidebook for Applying Systems Thinking to EE Curricula
Why Systems Thinking in Environmental Education?
Understanding the interdependencies within our natural systems is the key that unlocks deeper awareness about how we are each connected to our environment. The tools and habits of systems thinking help us to identify when our or others’ short-term solutions may have dangerous long-term consequences. It can help us carefully contemplate our own assumptions and ways of thinking; to perform rigorous analysis as well as deeper personal reflection. These all are important skills to equip 21st century learners to deal with the social, economic, political and environmental complexities they are inheriting—much of which is the result of less-than-systemic thinking.
Read more here!
CPAWS Capture the Wild Photography Contest
It’s that time of year again! The CPAWS Capture the Wild Photography Contest is now accepting photo submissions with this year’s theme celebrating “The International Year of Forests.”
Submit pictures in five different categories, and receive great prizes from The Camera Store ($100 gift cards for each category and one grand prize $500 gift card) and Mountain Equipment Co-op (prize packages to each winner).
Last year’s Grand Prize winning photo, Khutzeymateen Grizzly by Michael Wieser.
How to enter:
or
Submit photos in person at The Camera Store (802-11th Avenue SW, Calgary) on CD or DVD
There is a $10 fee per entry.
The photo entry deadline is October 23rd at midnight. You will have plenty of time to snap captivating images throughout the summer and fall!
The awards will be presented at the CPAWS Wild Soiree in November 2011, with a silent auction of the award winning photos. Stay tuned for more information.
This photography contest is designed to raise awareness and funds in support of CPAWS and Alberta’s wilderness conservation. CPAWS invites photographers of all ages to capture the beauty of Canada’s wild spaces.
Click here for complete details.
Sustaining the Blue Planet
APPLY FOR A CBEEN BURSARY TO ATTEND SUSTAINING THE BLUE PLANET!
The first conference that connects water education and the wider world is in Bozeman, Montana September 13-16, 2011.
Sustaining the Blue Planet will bring educators, corporate sustainability experts, water resource managers, policy makers and more to discuss how water education can impact communities and change lives. Scheduled presenters include representatives from USAID, Intel, NASA, Nestle Waters, Microsoft, UN HABITAT, UNESCO-IHP and more, with registrants hailing from more than 20 U.S. states and 17 foreign countries.
To learn more about the conference and its scheduled events, download the brochure or visit the website.
Call for Awards Nominations: Generate 2011
Deadline: July 22nd, 2011
Do you know someone who deserves special recognition for a job well done or an outstanding achievement in the clean energy Industry? Please consider the nomination process below and make sure they get that recognition.
Clean Energy BC has four specific annual awards available plus discretionary Merit Awards recognizing individuals and companies that have excelled in their field of discipline. Nominations should be submitted by July 22, 2011. Send us your submission by email or mail.
Send email forms to Lisa Bateman (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)). If you prefer to print and mail your letter, please address your letter to:
Chairman, Awards Committee
Clean Energy BC
1230-888 Dunsmuir Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 3K4
Fax: 604.568.4724
Environmental Stewardship and Community Improvement Award
This award is intended to recognize exceptional accomplishments on the part of individuals or companies in contributing to environmental stewardship, sustainable development and community improvement. Design of facilities to minimize environmental impact, design of environmental or community programs or involvement and promotion of communities are examples of award nominations.
Other awards include the Project Excellence Award, the Finance Award, the Community of the Year Award and merit awards.
For complete details click here.
Special opportunities for students to attend Clean Energy BC’s Generate 2011 conference
Clean Energy BC has exciting opportunities for students to participate in their upcoming annual conference, Generate 2011 - Clean Energy: Backbone of a Sustainable Economy on September 25th-27th, 2011 in Vancouver. ()
Opportunity 1:
The Conference Committee is seeking student participation in a poster board competition during the Clean Energy Association of BC’s annual conference, Generate 2011, in Vancouver for a chance to win $750. The deadline for registration is September 16th 2011. Please click here for more information.
Opportunity 2:
Clean Energy BC also has a special student rate for a 3 day conference package at only $50 (regularly $1,075 for non-members). Please register online at http://www.cleanenergybc.org/conferences/generate_2011/. This is an excellent opportunity to network with the delegates and attendees involved in the renewable energy industry in BC and North America.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Project Specialist Yuho Okada at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 250-616-7924.
More info here.
Now’s your chance to name a lichen!
New Lichen Species Names to be Auctioned off as Environmental Fundraisers to Protect British Columbia’s Wilderness Areas
Naming rights to a recently discovered species of lichen will be auctioned off as a fundraiser for The Land Conservancy (TLC) of British Columbia (www.conservancy.bc.ca), working to purchase private lands in the Clearwater River Valley adjacent to Wells Gray Provincial Park.
The lichen species was discovered in B.C. in recent years by botanical researcher Trevor Goward. Since then its identity as undescribed species has been supported by two teams of molecular researchers working in Finland and Spain. According to scientific protocol, the right to give a new species its scientific name goes to the person who describes it. However, an online auction running TLC’s website into the fall will earn the highest bidders the right to name this lichen - whether after loved ones, themselves, or whomever they choose.
“Having your name linked to a living species is a legacy that lasts,” says botanist and taxonomist Goward. “It has been almost three centuries since the modern system of biological classification was developed by Carolus Linnaeus; and even now the names of people after whom he christened various plants and animals are still with us. With any luck your name will endure as long as our civilization does. Not even Shakespeare could hope for more than that.”
Lichens are small, stationary organisms often mistaken for plants, but better thought of as cooperative (symbiotic) unions of fungi and algae: www.waysofenlichenment.net. Instead of invading or scavenging like other fungi, lichen fungi live off sugars from tiny photosynthetic algal cells maintained within the body of the lichen. Lichens are sometimes thought of as fungi that have discovered agriculture: www.waysofenlichenment.net/ways/readings/essay1.
Many lichens are sensitive to pollution and disturbance and become rare in urbanized and industrialized landscapes. The conversion of old-growth forests to tree plantations is taking a particularly heavy toll on the abundance and diversity of lichens in British Columbia. Some lichens provide critical winter food for animals like mountain caribou in B.C.’s inland rainforests and black-tailed deer in B.C.’s coastal rainforests.
Lichens come in many shapes and sizes. The lichen on loan to the Land Conservancy is a Parmelia or “Crottle Lichen”, consisting of strap-like lobes pale greyish above and black below. It inhabits the branches of trees, and grows in the Clearwater Valley, where TLC is working with Goward to create a critical wildlife corridor for southern Wells Gray Park: www.waysofenlichenment.net/wells/corridor.
Goward is an internationally acclaimed lichenologist who has described about two dozen species and genera of lichens, mostly in western Canada. He is curator of lichens at the University of British Columbia and author of several books. His work can be found at: www.waysofenlichenment.net/portal . Goward lives in the Clearwater Valley near Wells Gray Provincial Park north of Kamloops, B.C. Recently Goward has come out in support of environmental groups, starting with The Land Conservancy, by auctioning off some of his newly discovered species through the process he refers to as “taxonomic tithing”: www.waysofenlichenment.net/tithe/home .
“I whole-heartedly support efforts to set aside biologically critical portions of B.C.’s forestlands. Putting my new species up for auction for this highly-deserving environmental organization allows me to give something back to my home province,” says Goward.
“In partnership with Trevor, TLC is raising funds to create a permanent wildlife corridor that connects two separate portions of southern Wells Gray Provincial Park. The acquisition will include two significant donations of land by Trevor and his neighbours and the purchase of three further parcels. This naming auction will help support our campaign and we would like to thank Trevor for choosing TLC. Trevor’s passion and commitment to protecting B.C.’s special places is commendable,” says Barry Booth, TLC Northern Regional Manager. “In addition to the wildlife corridor, this project will also protect vital wetlands and a meadow that is home to Canada’s most diverse population of Moonwort Ferns. TLC and its partners need to raise $350,000 to complete the initial stages of this project.”
Those who want to make a bid to have one of the new species named after themselves or a loved one should visit The Land Conservancy at www.conservancy.bc.ca or phone 1-877-485-2422.
For more information, please contact:
Barry Booth, TLC Northern Regional Manager, 250-564-2064, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Trevor Goward, Lichenologist, 250-674-2553, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Calling all artists and creative souls for Peace Energy Co-Op Art Contest
Summer is finally here in the beautiful Peace Region. The rain has ceased, the winds are blowing and the countryside has never looked greener.
Peace Energy Cooperative hopes all is well in your communities and would like to challenge you to unleash your creative side and enter our art and photo contest titled: Nature’s Energy - The Beauty and Power of Renewable Energy’.
People everywhere are talking and thinking about the environment so this is a great way for individuals and families to get out and enjoy nature then share their experiences through creating an artistic statement. There is no entry fee, any art medium is welcome, the contest is open to everyone (so tell all your friends) and there are some fantastic prizes to win:
- First prize: $500
- Second prize: $250
- Members’ Choice: Framed print of your entry
- Best Youth Entry, Grades 8 - 12: Fuel cell car kit from Northern Toy Box
- Best Youth Entry, Grades K - 7: Working wind turbine model kit from Northern Toy Box
Contest closes October 31, 2011, so there is lots of time to enter often!
Have fun and enjoy nurturing that right side of your brain!
Click here for the contest poster and submission guidelines.
—
Nicola Peacey, Executive Director
Peace Energy - A Renewable Energy Cooperative
Box 2567, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 5A1
Phone (250) 782-3882
Fax (250) 782-3884
http://www.peaceenergy.ca
Win a dream trip for two to the Nahanni with CPAWS’ Park Dreams contest
It’s time for this summer’s contest! Last year we celebrated parks, and this year we’re celebrating the 100th birthday of Parks Canada. Entering is simple: all you have to do is dream!
CPAWS wants to know—what’s your park dream?
Tell us what national park experience is on your bucket list, and be eligible to win a dream trip for two to the Nahanni courtesy of Nahanni River Adventures.
It’s so easy! Share your park dream experience in 50 words or less, and send it to your friends. Paddling, hiking, camping, sunset… whatever you dream about!
We have tons of great prizes too, including great weekly draws.
Need some inspiration?
Here are a few to get you started:
Paddling through the surreal smooth natural limestone sculptures and islands of Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve.
– Éric Hébert-Daly, National Executive Director, CPAWS
Climbing Mt Logan in Kluane National Park on a self supported expedition, carrying all our supplies to and from the highway; a multi month journey into a landscape that rivals Antarctica.
– Bruce Kirkby, Adventure writer, photographer and speaker.
Now, share your park dream with the world. Good luck!
Get national recognition with ECO Canada’s GREEN High Schools program
ECO Canada is launching a new GREEN High Schools program, in partnership with the SEEDS Foundation, to provide national recognition to schools, teachers, and students involved in demonstrating environmentally sustainable actions. This program was developed with feedback from educators across Canada and is designed to promote both environmental education and career awareness to secondary students. We’re seeking a limited number of high schools across Canada to participate in the pilot program set to launch in September. Should you be interested in participating in this program, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.
Read more here.
The Canadian Award for Environmental Innovation - Nominations open until August 31.
Welcome to the Canadian Award for Environmental Innovation: Making a difference through innovative environmental solutions
The Canadian Award for Environmental Innovation was established in 2009 by The Royal Canadian Geographical Society and 3M Canada to recognize outstanding individuals in business, government, academia or community organizations whose innovative contributions to environmental change are benefiting Canada and Canadians.
The Award seeks to celebrate individuals involved in a local, regional or national project, program or initiative that has provided innovative solutions that protect, restore or preserve the environment.
The RCGS is now inviting all Canadians to look to their communities for candidates worthy of recognition for the 2011 Canadian Award for Environmental Innovation.
You’ll find the information you need to complete a nomination in the official Nomination Guide and Nomination Form.
Please submit your completed nomination online no later than 2 pm EST on Wednesday August 31, 2011.
Thank you for taking action for Canada’s environment.
View the Nomination Guide.
Participate in a Canada-wide loon survey
The Canadian Lakes Loon Survey (CLLS) 2011 season (May to July) is upon us, and volunteers are still needed from across Canada. Among other things, this survey provides a great opportunity for lake users and cottage owners to support research and conservation activities. Surveyors visit and survey their assigned lake at least three times during the summer (i.e., June, July, and August), record the number of Common Loon pairs on the lake, and track each pair’s breeding success.
Anyone who spends time on a Canadian lake and is interested in participating can contact Kathy Jones (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)). For more details, including a map where surveys are currently taking place, see:
http://www.google.com/fusiontables/DataSource?snapid=S180410LEyn”>www.bsc-eoc.org/volunteer/clls/ and http://www.google.com/fusiontables/DataSource?snapid=S180410LEyn
Tasha Sargent
Coordinator, Canadian Intermountain Joint Venture and Pacific Coast Joint Venture
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
5421 Robertson Road, RR #1
Delta, BC, V4K 3N2
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Tel: (W) 604-940-4703 (C) 604-838-7679
Fax: 604-946-7022
Government of Canada
Website: www.ec.gc.ca
Book Wild Voices for Kids Programs until the end of the school year!
Due to the amazing amount of inclement weather this spring, we realize that not all teachers may have been able to book a Wild Voices for Kids field trip.
As a result, we’ve decided to allow teachers to book WVFK programs right up until the end of the school year, but we need your help.
Our paperwork needs to be in by the end of the school year, and we can’t issue honoraria until evaluations have been submitted. So feel free to book programs right up until the end of the year, but help us by getting your evaluations returned to us quickly.
Browse Wild Voices for Kids programs, and book a program today!
*Note that the extension does not allow pre-booked programs to be rescheduled.