Environmental Education on a Stick?
Visit the Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair August 21 - September 1 to learn about the environment and eco-friendly living in a fun, interactive way. Among the many new exhibits at the Eco Experience this year is the Nature Adventure Play Yard. This outdoor play area will be hosted by a different SEEK Partner each day. Stop by to say hi, learn and play!
Visit SEEK to find environmental education Resources, Jobs, Internships, Volunteer Opportunities, Professional Development events, and more!
In this issue:
 Anoka County is the fourth-most populous county in Minnesota and is located just north of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Several departments within Anoka County offer environmental education programs and resources.
The Integrated Waste Management Dept offers free resources on recycling, waste reduction, reuse, household hazardous waste, and waste processing to help environmental educators, both formal and informal, teach others about the environment.
The U of M Extension delivers educational programs and research-based information in three core areas: Community Development and Vitality; Land, Food, and Environment; and Youth Development and Family Living. They do that through 4-H Youth Development, the Master Gardener Program, and the Homeowner Education for Septic Systems program.
The Environmental Health Services Dept works
to prevent the public's exposure to environmental hazards and provides education
resources on food safety, groundwater protection and hazardous waste management
and disposal.
The Parks and Rec Dept provides most of its
environmental education programs through Wargo Nature Center which is an outdoor
learning center in Lino Lakes. Classes and programs are available for all grade
levels and are designed to provide children with a better understanding of the
natural world and of their relationship to and responsibilities for the natural
environment.
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August:
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August 2: Science Saturday: Wiggly Worm Watch will be held at Soudan Underground Mine State Park
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August 2: Take a Day OFF (Outdoor Family Fun) will be held on the Mississippi River in Rice, MN
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August 3: River Canoe Trip: A Scientific Exploration of Water Quality will be held at Lake Vermilion State Park
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August 4-6: 2014 Summer Institute for Climate Change and Energy Education will be held at the Audubon Center of the North Woods in Sandstone
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August 4-6: WaterWorks!: A Drinking Water Institute for Educators will be held in Saint Paul
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August 5: Green Strides Webinar: National Energy Literacy Virtual Town Hall
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August 8: Dragonfly Workshop will be held at the Maplewood Nature Center in Maplewood
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August 11: Workshop: Project WILD and Project Learning Tree (PLT) K-8 Workshop will be held at River Bend Nature Center in Faribault
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August 12-14: Zoo Math and Science (ZooMS) Summer Institute will be held at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley
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August 13-15: BirdSleuth Educator Retreat will be held in Ithaca, NY
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August 14: Geocaching 101: Guide to High Tech Treasure Hunting will be held at Soudan Underground Mine State Park
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August 14: Steve Spangler Hands-On Science Boot Camp will be held in Fargo, ND
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August 16: Monarch Butterfly Saturday will be held at Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls
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August 16: Science Saturday: Tag, You're It will be held at Soudan Underground Mine State Park
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August 17: River Canoe Trip: A Scientific Exploration of Water Quality will be held at Lake Vermilion State Park
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August 18-22: Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer Training - Northwoods, Great Lakes will be held at Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center near Duluth
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August 19-21: Project WET Facilitator Training on the St. Croix will be held in Taylor Falls and Interstate State Park MN/WI
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August 21-September 1: The Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Saint Paul
Visit the SEEK Calendar for more information about these events.
 Call for Presentations for the Minnesota Naturalists' Association (MNA) Conference - Deadline: August 30th
The 2014 MNA Conference: Plugging into Nature will be held November 21 - 23 at the Audubon Center of the North Woods in Sandstone. The conference is an annual gathering of naturalists, interpreters, environmental educators, administrators, teachers, volunteers, and interns! Please consider sharing your knowledge by presenting at this conference. We're looking for outdoor programs, panel discussions, debates, hands-on learning, tricks of the trade and much more.
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Saint Paul Mayor Joining Forces in National Initiative to Connect Young People to the Outdoors
As part of U.S. Department of the Interior's (DOI) ambitious youth initiative, the National League of Cities, YMCA of the USA, and the DOI signed an agreement to coordinate efforts to bridge the growing disconnect between young people and the great outdoors by creating meaningful connections to nature through four pillars: play, learn, serve and work. Leaders from these organizations joined Saint Paul Mayor and President of the National League of Cities Chris Coleman in Saint Paul to sign the agreement. Through this Memorandum Of Understanding, these organizations have a goal of seeding and supporting efforts that bring the four pillars of the DOI's youth initiative alive for millions of children, young adults and veterans in communities across the country.
The Nature-Smart Career: 11 New Jobs For a Nature-Rich Future
What if high schools and colleges helped students create a nature-rich future, helped them become outdoor entrepreneurs? By that, Richard Louv from the Children & Nature Network means a whole new category of green jobs - nature-smart jobs -- careers and avocations that will help children and adults become happier, healthier and smarter, by truly greening where people live, work, learn and play. He lists and details 11 exciting careers for you and your kids to consider.
"Hummingbird Parents": Seven Actions Parents Can Take To Reduce Risk And Still Get Their Kids Outside
Parenting advice can go to extremes. Regarding outdoor play, some experts sternly warn parents about all the dangers, real or assumed - from strangers to noxious weeds - lurking outside the front door. At the same time, parents sometimes find themselves shamed for their fear. Even with this fear, most of us want to make sure our children have as much independent play as possible, including play in the natural world, for their healthy development. Some parents will be comfortable encouraging their kids to roam freely, but the truth is most won't. So this article discusses seven suggestions for ways to manage our fear, reduce risk, and still get our kids outside.
You're invited to the 2014 Summer Institute for Climate Change and Energy Education
The Will Steger Foundation's 2014 Summer Institute for Climate Change & Energy Education will be held August 4-6 at the Audubon Center of the North Woods in Sandstone, MN. Integrate STEM content into any subject-area and deepen your ability to teach about energy and climate change with curriculum and experiences from this professional development event. The $125 cost includes two nights lodging, meals, with curriculum and materials.
 Minnesota will be part of the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools 2014 National Best Practices Tour
48 schools from around the country were honored as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School for their exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact and costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education, including STEM, green careers and civics. In addition, nine districts were honored with the District Sustainability Award. The 2014 "Healthy Schools, High-Achieving Students" Best Practices Tour featuring many of these schools will take place in August-October 2014. This year's tour legs includes school and district honorees in Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota and West Virginia.
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Now Accepting Nominations for the 2014 Mom on a Mission - Deadline: August 8
Healthy Child Healthy World's Mom on a Mission campaign celebrates inspiring women who have dedicated their lives to creating healthier environments for children. Currently in its sixth year, the program recognizes all that moms do to make the world a better place as women, consumers, professionals, thought leaders, volunteers, and role models for future generations. If you or someone you know is helping to get toxic products off the shelves or educating others on how to raise healthier children, then submit a nomination.
The National Science Teachers Association is Accepting Applications for 2014-2015 New Science Teacher Academy - Deadline: August 22
The New Science Teacher Academy is a professional development initiative created to help promote quality science teaching, enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence, and improve teacher content knowledge. It is geared to second through fifth year middle and high school science teachers. The Academy provides each teacher with a year-long, discipline-specific mentor, web-based content development courses and other resources, membership in the NSTA, and an opportunity to attend the National Conference on Science Education.
 What's new at the Eco Experience in 2014? The Nature Adventure Play Yard for Starters
The Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair is a huge exhibit filled with hands-on activities, demonstrations, and resources. It is open during the 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair: August 21-September 1. Don't miss the new exhibits this year including the Nature adventure play yard! This is a free, outdoor, multisensory, exploratory play area in front of the Eco Experience building. It has a large sand and water area, a grassy hill with teepee and fairy gardens, and an adventure play construction zone using recycled and natural materials.
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Expedition Granted: Win $50,000 for Your Dream Expedition! Deadline: August 31
National Geographic announces Expedition Granted, a nationwide competition to discover the next generation of explorers that will award one person a $50,000 prize to fund the expedition of their dreams. This contest is designed to show that we are all explorers in our own unique way, regardless of how we choose to push boundaries and forge new paths. Exploration is about pushing boundaries and charting new territory, whether it is within the human brain, in space, in the ocean, or in creating a new way of cooking or making music. Record a short video with your idea, upload it, and share it for a chance to win.
Nominate an outstanding project or person for Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) Awards - Deadline: September 5
Every year, RAM recognizes the environmental stewardship efforts of community groups, businesses, public entities, and individuals that benefit the communities in Minnesota via the RAM Awards. Individuals or recent programs contributing to the betterment of recycling or other resource conservation efforts in the state of Minnesota are eligible. Applications are currently being accepted for 4 award categories: 1. Green Project Award, 2. Public Service Award, 3. Recycler of the Year, and 4. Denise Kolar Award.
 U.S. EPA's Climate Change Kids Site (with lesson plans)
The U.S. EPA's Climate Change Kids Site offers comprehensive information on climate change in a way that is accessible and meaningful to kids. There are nine sections on various aspects of climate change, including: What is climate change? Climate & weather, Can we change the climate, etc. The EPA has also compiled seven climate change lesson plans for middle school students. The lesson plans and related classroom activities meet the National Science Learning Standards, and can be completed in one class period. Lessons include: the difference between weather and climate, the sources of greenhouse gas emissions, the carbon cycle, sea level rise, and the impact of climate change on coral reefs. The site also has a climate change calculator, games, links, stuff for teachers and more.
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 The National Climate Assessment
The National Climate Assessment provides an in-depth look at climate change impacts on the U.S. It details the multitude of ways climate change is already affecting and will increasingly affect the lives of Americans. A team of more than 300 experts guided by a 60-member Federal Advisory Committee produced the report, which was extensively reviewed by the public and experts, including federal agencies and a panel of the National Academy of Sciences. The report includes analyses of impacts on seven sectors – human health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture, forests, and ecosystems – and the interactions among sectors at the national level. Explore how climate change affects you and your family.
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 CoolClimate Carbon Footprint Calculator
The CoolClimate Carbon Footprint Calculator is a tool for educators and citizens to learn more about their carbon footprint. People can use the calculator for their household, sign up to be part of a community, or create a special calculator for small businesses. CoolClimate researchers have built the most complete, peer-reviewed model of carbon footprints associated with transportation, foods, goods and services for households, businesses, organizations and cities. The CoolClimate tools, including the Household Carbon Footprint Calculator, integrate social context into carbon footprint management. Users are encouraged to publish or share their pledges and carbon profiles. Support and visibility from social networks helps maintain accountability and keep goals in mind.
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Home Depot Building Community Impact Grants – Deadline: August 15
Grants up to $5,000, are available to nonprofit organizations, public schools, or tax-exempt public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their community and/or school. Grants are given in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services.
Patagonia Environmental Grant Program - Deadline: August 31 (if you are applying directly to a retail store, applications are accepted year round)
Patagonia funds only environmental work for projects up to $12,000. We support small, grassroots activist organizations with direct-action agendas, working on multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect our environment. We help local groups working to protect local habitat. Projects should be quantifiable, with specific goals, objectives and action plans, and should include measures for evaluating success.
 Fruit Tree Orchard Grants - Deadline: Rolling
The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF) is dedicated to planting fruitful trees and plants to alleviate world hunger, strengthen communities, and improve the environment. FTPF donates orchards where the harvest will best serve communities for generations, such as community gardens, public schools, city/state parks, Native American reservations, etc. The “Fruit Tree 101” program creates outdoor edible orchard classrooms at public schools to provide students with environmental education opportunities and a source of organic fruit for improved school lunch nutrition. FTPF seeks schools that can accommodate at least 20-25 trees on school grounds near existing irrigation sources.
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Bush Fellowship Program – Deadline: September 11
The Bush Fellowship seeks leaders who have a demonstrated success record, an outstanding character, and an active-learner mentality, and who could benefit from intensive development through self-designed or academic programs. There are two ways to use a Bush Fellowship 1. to start, make progress toward or complete an academic degree or 2. in a self-designed learning program where the learning experiences including conferences, classes, seminars, etc. are chosen by the Bush Fellow. Bush Fellows are up to $100,000 to be used over 12 to 24 months.
Walmart Foundation State Giving Program - Deadline: September 13
The Walmart State Giving program provides grants to nonprofits that serve underserved populations and align with the Walmart Foundation’s giving focus areas. This program provides grants from $25,000 to $250,000. Walmart Foundation's core giving areas are: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating or Career Opportunity. Organizations can also seeking funding for programs that focus on the unmet needs of underserved low-income populations.
Melinda Gray Ardia Environmental Foundation – Deadline: September 14
The Foundation funds grants up to $1,500 to that contribute to the development, implementation and/or field testing of environmental curricula. The curriculum should integrate field activities and classroom teaching, and incorporate basic ecological principles and problem solving. Any organization is eligible to apply, including schools, non-profits, governmental agencies and others. Individuals are not eligible.
 Conservation Partners Legacy Grants - Deadline: September 19
The Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) grant program funds projects ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 that restore, enhance, or protect forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife in Minnesota. Local, regional, state, and national nonprofit organizations, including government entities are eligible to apply. The application system is broken into two sections Traditional and Metro Grant Cycles. Both will open August 1 and will close September 19th.
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RGK Foundation Grants for Education, Community and Medicine/Health – Deadline: Ongoing (upcoming review date is September 19)
Grants up to $25,000 are available for nonprofits in the focus areas of Education, Community and Health/Medicine. The Education category includes programs that focus on formal K-12 education (particularly mathematics, science, and reading), teacher development, literacy, and higher education. The Foundation is also interested in programs that attract female and minority students into the fields of mathematics, science, and technology.
Captain Planet Foundation Grants - Deadline: September 30
The Captain Planet Foundation provides grants to schools and organizations to serve as a catalyst to getting environment-based education in schools, and inspire youth and communities to participate in community service through environmental stewardship activities. Grants range from $500 - $2,500 with preferential consideration given to requests that have secured at least 50 percent matching or in-kind funding.
 Green Thumb Challenge Award - Deadline: September 30
Green Education Foundation and Gardener’s Supply Company are calling on schools and youth groups to submit chronicles of their garden projects in a race to win a $500 prize. The award is designed to support the continued sustainability of an exceptional youth garden program that has demonstrated success, and has impacted the lives of kids and their community.
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Target Field Trip Grants – Deadline: September 30
Target stores award grants to K-12 schools nationwide enabling schools to send a classroom on a field trip to museums, historical sites and other cultural destinations. Each grant is valued up to $700. Funds may be used to cover field trip-related costs such as transportation, ticket fees, resource materials and supplies. Other criteria for selection of grant recipients include the field trip's tie-in to the school's curriculum and the number of students involved. Grants are accepted from August 1 until noon on September 30.
 Kids in Need Teacher Grants – Deadline: September 30
Kids In Need Teacher Grants provide K-12 educators with funding to provide innovative learning opportunities for their students. The Kids In Need Foundation helps to engage students in the learning process by supporting our most creative and important educational resource — our nation's teachers. Grant awards range from $100 to $500 each and are used to finance creative classroom projects. Typically, 300-600 grants are awarded each year.
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Freshwater Future’s Project Grants Program – Deadline: September 30
Members of Freshwater Future are invited to apply to the Project Grant Program (you can become a member). These grants support organizations engaging in advocacy activities and projects that protect local lakes, rivers, wetlands, and other aquatic habitats. Grants range from $500 to $3,500.
 Project GreenWorks! Grants – Deadline: September 30
Project Learning Tree is providing GreenWorks! grants from $250 to $2,000 to schools and youth organizations for environmental community action and service learning projects. Participants are encouraged to form partnerships with groups, businesses or organizations within their communities to help implement and sustain environmental projects.
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Ramsey County Public Entity Innovation Grant - Deadline: December 31
This program provides financial assistance to public entities to create and implement innovative programs that increase waste reduction and residential recycling efforts, initiate residential organic management programs, expand public space recycling and address bulky waste management. Eligible applicants include municipalities, Independent School Districts, park boards, watershed districts, libraries and other public entities in Ramsey County. Public entities with creative ideas are encouraged to apply!
School Recycling Bin Grant for Ramsey County Schools - Deadline: December 31
This program provides recycling bins and containers to increasing recycling in public K-12 schools in Ramsey County. Benefits from this program include increased opportunities for waste reduction, recycling and organics management in schools. It will also create greater efficiency and potential cost savings for schools by developing a resource management approach to waste and recycling.
 Archery in The Schools Equipment Grants - Deadline: April 1, 2015
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's Archery in the Schools program introduces Minnesota students to archery by providing schools with the best equipment, training, and curriculum available at the lowest possible price. The DNR's financial assistance is for schools or non-profit organizations and provides archery equipment through a competitive grant program. Schools will be required to provide $1,600, and the DNR will fund the rest. The equipment's retail value is nearly $5,000. The grant application period opened July 1 and grants will be reviewed as they are received.
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SEEK stands for Sharing
Environmental Education Knowledge and is the online home of Minnesota's environmental
education resources.
For further information visit
the SEEK website or Facebook page or contact Colleen Schoenecker,
SEEK Coordinator, at seek.pca@state.mn.us or 651.757.2700 or
800.657.3864
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