Providing a new digital space to network
We’ve been working for some time on developing a resource for you to network with us and other environmental educators online. We learned the need for this from you directly through our environmental education grant evaluation process, at network meetings and events, and during our youth environmental education assessment. Thank you to all of you who provided this valuable input.
Finding the right fit for our network
We evaluated many options to figure out what the online space would look like, where it would live, and how we would put it all together. We looked into what other environmental education organizations and government entities were using and what worked and didn’t work for them before deciding to move forward with an existing and free platform called Transforming Youth Outdoors. Our staff initially learned about this site at the Children in Nature Network conference in St. Paul. This website allowed us to create a “gathering” within it. Our gathering is called the Hennepin County: environmental education network, and we would love for you to join it!
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How to join the Hennepin County: environmental education network gathering
- Follow this direct link to create a free account and join our gathering.
- Read over the content that is already on the site. React, ask questions, find resources!
- Post some stuff of your own!
- Explore the rest of the site! There are a bunch of other gatherings that you can join. You can also search the content that people have shared throughout the site and follow learning paths.
Ideas of things to post
- Job postings
- Upcoming events
- Requests for help or resources on a specific topic like teaching kids during rain storms, recycling, or explaining climate change.
- General conversation and community-building questions like “how long has everyone been in the industry?”
- Curriculum links
Want to learn more about TYO overall? Check out this video.
Food is being wasted at an alarming rate – 40% of all food in America is wasted. And consumers are the largest source of it, more than grocery stores and restaurants combined. But there's good news: we can do something about it. Let’s save the food!
 Food storage tips
Throughout July, we’re bringing a kitchen display to the farmers market at the Hennepin County Government Center to help visitors learn how to store foods to make them last. Some storage tips include:
- Berries: Store berries in an airtight container unwashed in either the fridge or refrigerator.
- Melon: Store melon in a cool, dry place out of the sun. Once ripe, store melons in the fridge. Cubed melon can be frozen in an airtight container for smoothies.
- Milk: Keep milk in the main part of the fridge, not in the door. The door is often warmer than other parts of the fridge.
- Corn: Put corn in the fridge with husks on or freeze it with the kernels cut from the cob.
Preventing food waste resources
Check out these resources to help spread the word on preventing food waste:
Applications open for new career pathway program
Program aims to increase diversity in environmental, natural resource careers
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources have partnered to launch the increasing diversity in environmental careers program.
The program is geared toward environmentally minded college students or soon-to-be college students interested in pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math. It will consist of three parts:
- A fellowship with stipends to help address financial need and support academic success
- A mentorship to connect students with professionals in the field
- An internship to ensure the students have experience in the field before graduation.
Fifteen students will be accepted as part of the first cohort, and will begin the program at the start of the academic year in the fall.
Preference will be given to racial or ethnic minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, individuals who face barriers to education and employment, first generation college students, first year college students and individuals demonstrating a strong financial need.
The program is funded by the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Application instructions, as well as more information about the program, can be found on the Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa website. Applications are open until the cohort is full.
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MPCA seeking Environmental Justice Advisory Group members
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is looking for six new community members to join the agency’s Environmental Justice Advisory Group. The group provides key oversight and recommendations on protecting our land, air, and water resources. MPCA will host information sessions in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota to provide more information on the group’s scope, function, and goals. Charter and application materials can be found on the MPCA’s Environmental Justice Advisory Group's webpage.
Hennepin County environmental education network training: BEETLES Introduction — Teaching Observational Skills
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Thursday, August 8, 2019
9:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
French Regional Park
12605 Rockford Rd, Plymouth, MN 55441 (Map)
Cost: free! |
Are you looking for new ways to lead programs that are inclusive, student-centered, or inquiry-based? Are you interested in strategies that support outdoor science education and are research-based? If so, then BEETLES would be a great resource for you! BEETLES (Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning & Expertise Sharing) was developed at the University of California in Berkeley and is devoted to creating student activities for use in the field. This is a great opportunity to experience some of the most exciting research-based teaching practices in environmental education and hear how it’s transforming Three Rivers Parks approach.
This session, led by Three Rivers Park District staff, will help participants directly engage students with the natural world through scientific observation. It provides participants with basic skills, behaviors and tools to use with students to help them become curious about nature. The goal is to empower students to engage with the natural world after their experience at your program.
RSVP today!
RSVP as soon as you know you are able to attend to reserve your spot. RSVP form.
Follow the Adventures of Recyclo at Hennepin County libraries
Our educational display aimed at promoting literacy and recycling is once again rotating through various Hennepin County libraries this summer and fall. The display follows the story of Recyclo, a superhero who teaches youth about the power of recycling all while fending off villains like the evil Lord Waste-A-Ton and Garbage Giant.
The display teaches youth that there is value in recycling. The glass, paper, metal, and plastics that you put in the recycling bin can be transformed into new products to be used again and again. The display has interactive elements for both pre-readers and learners in upper elementary grades, and kids can get a copy of the Recyclo activity book (PDF). Order multiple copies of the activity book through our online order form.
The display will be located at the following libraries:
For more information, contact Christina Schmitt at christina.schmitt@hennepin.us or 612-596-7740.
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Become a Master Water Steward
Is your organization concerned about clean water and interested in protecting a lake or stream near or at your site? Perhaps you have been thinking about installing a rain garden for years, but none of your staff have the expertise to lead the way. Consider sending one of your staff members to become a Master Water Steward! The application period is now open for the 2019 - 2020 training year. Learn more at an upcoming information session:
Applications are due September 13. Learn more and apply.
For more information about the Hennepin County Master Water Steward cohort, contact Christina Schmitt at christina.schmitt@hennepin.us.
New science kits promote environmental health literacy
One woman-owned small business is making it easier for people to learn about environmental pollutants in their local communities, thanks to National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) funding. Science Take-Out, owned by owned by Dina Markowitz, Ph.D., produces educational kits with the goal of helping diverse communities learn about environmental health risks in their homes and neighborhoods, and how to take action. Each kit contains materials for users to conduct simulated experiments that illustrate core concepts of environmental health literacy.
Education kits include:
- A Healthy Home
- Safe City Water
- Safe Well Water
- Pesticide Safety
Interested users can choose from three ordering options depending on their resources and needs.
- Pre-assembled kits for two participants to share ($5 - $10ea)
- Do-it-yourself, unassembled kits sold 10 to a pack ($30 - $70ea)
- Refill materials for participants who want to reuse kits they already have ($9 - $30ea)
Free instructions for making your own kits are available for download. Request these by emailing Dina Markowitz.
Order kits by contacting Dina Markowitz from Science Take-Out at dina_markowitz@sciencetakeout.com.
Find more information here.
Volunteer to collect BWCA water data
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is an iconic slice of wilderness in the far reaches of northern Minnesota. The MPCA is seeking volunteers that are willing to collect much needed water quality data on your next trip. No prior water monitoring experience is needed, and the MPCA provides the lightweight equipment.
To sign up: send an email to the Citizen Lake Monitoring Program with your BWCA trip dates. If you’d like more information on the program, check out the BWCA Lake Monitoring page.
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Aquatic WILD and Project WET training
Saturday, July 27, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Bell Museum
2088 Larpenteur Ave W, Saint Paul, MN 55113
Fee: $70 (includes curriculum, parking and lunch)
Presented by the Bell Museum, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and The Raptor Center.
This workshop will train educators to use Projects WET and Aquatic WILD lessons with their students. Participants will engage in several fun, hands-on, indoor and outdoor learning activities appropriate for use with students in grades K–12.
Learn more and register.
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Project WET training
Tuesday, August 6, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Nine Mile Creek Discovery Point,
12800 Gerard Dr., Eden Prairie
Fee: $15
Spend the day learning how to incorporate water education into your curriculum. Get trained on Project WET activities using the woods and wetlands around Discovery Point and become confident using them both indoors and out! Project WET activities are designed to be easy to use to complement existing curricula rather than replace or add additional concepts. Activities fulfill objectives and educational standards in the sciences, as well as other disciplines, from fine arts to health.
Learn more and register.
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WaterWorks!
August 5 - 7, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Oakdale City Hall and Water Services, 1584 Hadley Ave. N., Oakdale, MN 55128
Investigate drinking water quality, chemistry, community resources, and inquiry-based activities for your classroom. This intensive, three-day, hands-on workshop allows upper elementary and middle school science teachers to enrich their water-related standards and come away with new teaching ideas and information from expert presenters on the engineering, chemistry, geology, people, and politics of how drinking water is delivered to your home and school. Meals and resource binder provided.
Learn more and apply for admission.
Monarch toolkit from the World Wildlife Federation
The World Wildlife Federation has free monarch resources including an information guide, activities, games, crafts and posters available. Through the activities, students will learn how everyday food choices can impact this incredible species, their habitat, and their legendary migration. Access all of the resources here.
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MAEE call for award nominations
Nominate the excellent teachers and students in your life!
The Minnesota Association for Environmental Education (MAEE) is pleased to offer awards to teachers and students every year to recognize and encourage excellence in the field of environmental education.
Award Categories:
- Lifetime Achievement in Environmental Education
- Formal Environmental Educator of the Year
- Non-Formal Environmental Educator of the Year
- Student Environmental Stewardship Award
Nominations are due August 31, 2019. Learn more and nominate someone.
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NAAEE call for award nominations
Do you know of an individual or organization that has accomplished great things in environmental education?
The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) is currently seeking nominations for their annual Awards for Excellence in Environmental Education.
Nominations are due August 1, 2019.
Learn more and consider nominating an individual or organization today!
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Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys: Adventure Out, Explore In
In the next year, Girl Scouts River Valleys will engage 200 girls in grades K-12 in their Adventure Out, Explore In environmental stewardship program.
The Girl Scouts have planned a series of environmental learning events in Hennepin County for girls in grades K-12. Experiences at Fort Snelling State Park, Kroening Interpretive Center, and Baker Park will provide these girls the opportunity to explore their relationship with the environment and practice hands-on environmental stewardship through a variety of curriculum based activities. Funding through the Hennepin County environmental education grants program has helped to make this possible.
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The opportunities offered vary by age group:
- Youth in grades K-1 will learn about environmental stewardship for possibly the first time in their lives as they earn our eco learner skill-building badge.
- Youth in grades 2-5 will participate in citizen science, learning how to make observations, collect data, and use their curiosity to explore the natural world.
- Youth in grades 6-8 will act as conservation leaders during the Eco Trekker Camping weekend by finding an environmental issue to investigate and making a commitment to create a project at home to share with their community.
- Youth in grades 9-12 will earn their water badge and engage in hands-on activities concerning natural resources, and connect with multiple ecosystems including aquatic and forested environments.
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Tree Trust offering ash tree workshops and low-cost trees to Hopkins residents
As part of their Hennepin County environmental education grant, Tree Trust is encouraging Hopkins residents to #ActOnAsh. Tree Trust is offering 100 low-cost trees to residents that attend a community workshop. Workshops are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, July 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hopkins Library
- Thursday, August 1 from 7 to 8 p.m. at The Depot Coffee House
Workshops will inform residents what they can do to help combat the threat that emerald ash borer poses to our trees. Attendees can then purchase a tree for only $30 to plant this fall. Learn more.
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East Side Neighborhood Services: H2 Whoa!
East Side’s Youth Out-of-School Time Programs serve over 450 low-income youth in grades K-12 attending school in northeast or southeast Minneapolis. Their H2 Whoa! program is a project-based learning experience focused on water quality that will engage all youth in East Side’s out-of-school time programs.
Through H2 Whoa!, youth will involve go on field trips, document their experiences through videos, engage their families, and clean up in their neighborhood through the adopt-a-drain program.
The project’s learning objectives are to:
- Increase youth knowledge of natural and chemical forms of water filtration
- Conduct water testing at three sites within the watershed
- Increase awareness of the importance of clean water and learn what can be done to protect water in the community.
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