Environmental Education Council of Ohio News

Ohio EPA Hosts Free Environmental STEM Days for High School Students

Brenda Metcalf — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Ohio EPA Hosts Free Environmental STEM Days for High School Students

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) is hosting two FREE Environmental STEM Days for high school students (grades 9-12) this spring. Join us at the Muskingum County Family YMCA on the Ohio University Zanesville campus on May 14, 2025, 9am to 1:30pm.

This event offers hands-on activities aligned with state science standards, allowing students to explore environmental science, meet professionals, and learn about STEM careers. Participants will engage with Ohio EPA staff and local university and industry partners, gaining valuable insights into academic and career pathways in the environmental sector.

Download flyer here.

For more information and to register, please visit the Ohio EPA Environmental STEM Days page: Ohio EPA STEM Days.

Ohio EPA Hosts Free Environmental STEM Days for High School Students

Brenda Metcalf — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Ohio EPA Hosts Free Environmental STEM Days for High School Students

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) is hosting two FREE Environmental STEM Days for high school students (grades 9-12) this spring. Join us at the at Cuyahoga Community College East Campus on May 21, 2025, 9am to 1:30pm.

Download flyer here.

For more information and to register, please visit the Ohio EPA Environmental STEM Days page: Ohio EPA STEM Days.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is seeking volunteers

Brenda Metcalf — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 13:36:40 GMT

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Seeking Volunteers

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is seeking groups and individuals who may be interested in helping research/maintain/preserve/restore some of the historically significant barns (and farmsteads) within the park. In addition to barns and farmsteads within the park, they also have an active railroad built in the 1870s, the 1820s built Ohio and Erie Canal (a section of which is a National Historic Landmark and are trying to keep this section watered), and numerous environmental projects associated with the Cuyahoga River and surrounding forest and grasslands. The National Park Service also has Historic Preservation Teams that can come to the park and provide training in restoration and preservation skills.

If you are interested, please reach out to Kelsey Voit, NPS Museum Curator, at kelsey_voit@nps.gov, and Grant Day, Cultural Resources Program Manager, at grant_day@nps.gov.

The National Park Service is also seeking volunteers for the following areas;

· Archeological Assistant: Both field and lab positions available. Field positions will monitor known archeological sites. Lab positions will organize and research various files and records.

· Citizen Science: Work with park staff to monitor and survey numerous native plant and animal species throughout CVNP.

· Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Be a part of the iconic events on the railroad. Opportunities exist for train crew: Trainmen, Concessionaires, Servers, Platform Attendants and Guest Ambassadors, Education Program Assistants, Maintenance and Mechanical Support.

· Cycling School: Facilitate a biking experience for youth from the Cleveland and Akron areas. Assist with fitting bikes and helmets to youth, accompanying youth on a bike ride along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and ensuring safety.

· Donor Garden: Tend to and maintain the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park donor garden by grooming, watering and planting native species.

· Environmental Education Center: Seeking volunteers interested in youth environmental education programming. Assist with Junior Ranger events and outdoor education programs.

· First Ladies National Historic Site: Greet and engage with visitors of the site. Assist with youth historical interpretation.

· Habitat Restoration: Assist with invasive plant management at park-selected sites. Work includes seed collection of native plants under supervision, planting native plants, and working in the park greenhouse.

· James A. Garfield National Historic Site: Greet and engage with visitors of the site. Assist with youth historical education programming.

· Junior Ranger Fishing Assistant: Assist staff leading public fishing programs primarily with youth. Assist with instructing participants on how to fish and fishing safety. Volunteers may also be needed to assist with equipment maintenance.

· Rail Rover: Present informal interpretation aboard Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad on regularly scheduled runs. Distribute literature, share animal pelts, and answer questions about the national park.

· Special Events Team: Assist with Cuyahoga Valley National Park Concert Series, Conservancy for CVNP programming, and other special events. Help with directing traffic flow in the parking lot, taking tickets, and answering visitor questions.

· Trail Maintenance: Assist in building, maintaining, and improving the bike, hike, and horse trails in CVNP using hand tools and power equipment.

· Trail Mix Shop Greeter: Assist retail staff in the operation of stores by providing excellent customer service, greeting visitors, and providing park information/orientation.

· Visitor Center Assistant - Boston Mill, Canal Exploration Center, Hunt House Assist rangers with the operation of the visitor center. Greet visitors, provide information/orientation and complete bookstore sales. Most work will be performed indoors in historic structures.

Contact the volunteer office at volunteer@forcvnp.org or 440-717-3846, or visit Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) - Cuyahoga Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) for more information regarding these opportunities.

EECO Winter Conference Call for Proposals is out now!

Brenda Metcalf — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:10:59 GMT

Please consider presenting at this year’s “Winter Snow CONFERENCE”, Friday, January 31^st – Saturday, February 1^st, 2025. This conference will be held at Camp Nuhop, Hemlock Campus: 5370 Bunkerhill North Rd., Butler, OH 44822.

Presenters at the Winter Conference will receive a $25 discount on full conference registration and a $20 discount on a Saturday only registration.

Presentation topics can be diverse and if possible, relate to winter, but should relate to one of the following: STEM, Arts, Environmental Literacy, 21^st Century Skills or Careers, and the Environment. Please fill out this presenter form completely and return by September 30^th, 2024, to: Amanda Kriner at akriner12@gmail.com

What is EECO and what do we do?

Brenda Metcalf — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:08:09 GMT

Since it is back to school time, and we are learning new things now is a chance to learn more about EECO. It is also an opportunity to teach someone else about the amazing programs and events that EECO offers all over Ohio!

2022 Earth Expeditions

Ann Drake — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 23:12:14 GMT

2022 Earth Expeditions

Miami University’s Project Dragonfly is accepting applications for 2022 Earth Expeditions graduate courses that offer extraordinary experiences in 15 countries throughout the world. http://EarthExpeditions.MiamiOH.edu

Earth Expeditions can build toward the Global Field Program (GFP), a master’s degree that combines summer field courses worldwide with weblearning communities so that students can complete the GFP master’s part-time from anywhere in the United States or abroad. http://GFP.MiamiOH.edu

Project Dragonfly also offers the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) master’s degree that combines web instruction from Miami University with experiential learning and field study through several AIPMaster Institutions in the U.S.

Applications for Miami’s 2022 cohorts are being accepted now with place-based experiences provided at zoos and botanical gardens in Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Jacksonville, New York, San Diego, Seattle, and St. Louis. http://AIP.MiamiOH.edu

Graduate tuition for all programs is greatly reduced because of support from Miami University.

Grant Writing Workshops

Ann Drake — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 15:16:36 GMT

Grant Writing Workshops

The Ohio EPA Office of Environmental Education typically offers grant writing workshops around the state throughout the year. Once staff are able to travel again, the following workshops will be offered. If interested in finding out more, please contact Dennis Clement at dennis.clement@epa.ohio.gov

Grant Writing 101: Finding the Right Funder. Prospecting tips to help you identify foundations, corporations, and government grant programs, and how to approach different kinds of grantmakers.

Grant Writing 102: Writing a Winning Proposal. How to avoid common mistakes applicants make, and develop realistic objectives, activities and budgets. OEEF will be referred to during this session.

Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) Grant Applications

Ann Drake — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 15:12:38 GMT

Grant Applications

The Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) invites applications for mini grants ($500 - $5,000) and general grants ($5,000 - $50,000) for education projects targeting pre-school through university students and teachers, the general public, and the regulated community.

Prospective applicants can start the application process by opening an account in Ohio EPA’s eBusiness Center at https://ebiz.epa.ohio.gov/

Ohio EPA encourages OEEF applicants to discuss their proposal ideas with OEEF staff members before completing their applications. OEEF staff members will be happy to provide a pre-review of draft applications as they are under development in the online grant service.

Electronic Letter of Intent Deadline is due by 5:00 p.m. on January 8th, 2022.

Application Deadline is 5:00 p.m on January 15th, 2022.

Student Career Resources

Ann Drake — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 15:06:18 GMT

Student Career Resources

Career Paths in Arboriculture: International Society of Arboriculture https://www.isa-arbor.com/Careers/Careers-in-Arboriculture/Career-Paths-Flowchart

American Water Works Association Career Center AWWA Career Center https://careercenter.awwa.org/

Ohio Department of Education Career Pathways https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Career-Tech/Career-Connections/Career-Pathways

Students who are looking for a career in Science and Research here is a great site https://kids.niehs.nih.gov/topics/environment-health/meet-the-scientist/lab-coat/index.htm

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife has information about education and preparation for positions in Wildlife Enforcement, Fish Management, Wildlife Careers, and more. https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/buy-and-apply/sup-port-odnr/jobs/wildlife-careers

Save the Date: EECO Annual Conference 2022

Ann Drake — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 14:59:42 GMT

Save the Date: EECO Annual Conference 2022

Hueston Woods State Park, in SW Ohio
March 31 - April 2, 2022

Get ready to join us in SW Ohio for the EECO Annual Conference which will be packed with fun, learning, community, and fossils!

Thursday
Student Wildlife Research Symposium

Friday
Field trips, Workshops, Open Space

Saturday
Sessions, Annual Meeting, Auction, Awards Banquet

Saturday Keynote
Learn about “the Big Woods”
with Shawn Connor, Hueston Woods Naturalist

Sunday
Bird Hike, EECO Tour

Information & registration will be posted at
https://eeco.wildapricot.org/

Student Wildlife Research Symposium: Call for Proposals

Ann Drake — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 14:55:44 GMT

Student Wildlife Research Symposium: Call for Proposals

The Call for Proposals is now open for the Ohio Student Wildlife Research Symposium. The Symposium will take place as part of the Annual EECO Conference on March 31, 2022 at Hueston Woods State Park.

Any middle or high school-aged student can present a poster on research related to native Ohio wildlife and their habitats. Paper presentations are selected by a panel to "ill a limited number of presentation slots. Paper presentations must be completed research. Posters can be either completed or ongoing research. Guidelines are included in the Call for Proposals. Submissions not selected for Paper Presentations will be allowed to present their research as part of the Poster Session. Please see the abstracts from previous Symposiums below for past presentation and poster topics.

Proposals shall be accepted between now and January 14, 2022. For more details, please visit https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/education-training/environmental-education/student-wildlife-research-symposium

Anyone with an interest in Ohio’s wildlife can attend the Symposium. Registration fees apply, discounted rates for students. Registration will open in December or January through the EECO website https://eeco.wildapricot.org/.

Winter Snow Conference is going VIRTUAL!

Brenda Metcalf — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 11:43:41 GMT

Winter Snow – Creative Ways to Teach STEM in the Winter!

EECO Winter VIRTUAL CONFERENCE 2021

This years’ “Winter Snow CONFERENCE,” will be January 30th, 2021. The conference will be held online, and presenters are encouraged to create lessons that are hands-on and transferable for classroom teachers. If your lesson has outdoor components, keep modifications in mind for students who do not have access to the outdoors at home.

Presentation topics can be diverse and if possible relate to winter, but should relate to one of the following: STEM, Arts, Environmental Literacy, 21^st Century Skills or Careers and the Environment. If interested, please fill out the presenter form completely and return by September 7th to: Amanda Kriner at akriner@richlandcountyoh.us

At Home Outdoor Education Resources

Josh Flory — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 15:24:07 GMT

We hope you are all healthy and safe during this time. We are starting a collection of at-home outdoor education resources. If you have something you would like to add, drop us a line at administrator@eeco-online.org.

Camp Nuhop Online "At Home" Outdoor Education Modules

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Virtual Classroom

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens Home Safaris

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Digital Learning Center

COSI Connects

Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center and spring activities

Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District SWIFTLETS

Hidden Worlds of the National Parks

National Groundwater Association resources

REI Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Summit Metro Parks At Home in Nature

The Wilderness Center

FREE Education Resources

Ann Drake — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 17:24:08 GMT

Polar Bear Toolkit: This time of year students often think about artic animals, and this toolkit could be a huge help. The polar bear resource guide is designed to give you all the information you need to teach your students about polar bears and climate change. The guide provides fun polar bear facts, why they matter, what threats they face, what WWF is doing to help polar bears and the Arctic, and what kids can do. Check it out.

Penguins Marching Through Your Classroom: Are you learning about penguins this winter? Check out the cool resources and projects about Adelie Penguins, which only exist in Antarctica. There are lots of resources for teachers, plus citizen science projects, ask a scientist opportunities, the Postcard Project, the Flag Project, and much more! Learn more.

Nutrient Cycling and the Serengeti: A key dilemma in studying ecology is how plants can obtain nutrients when they are relatively immobile. In this new nutrient cycling card activity that accompanies HHMI Biointeractive's newest short film, see how Serengeti plants obtain the macronutrients carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus from decomposition by soil microbes and inorganic reservoirs.

Citizen Science Highlight

Ann Drake — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 17:23:25 GMT

Globe at Night: The Globe at Night program is an international citizen-science campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of light pollution by inviting citizen-scientists to measure their night sky brightness and submit their observations from a computer or smart phone. Light pollution threatens not only our "right to starlight", but can affect energy consumption, wildlife and health. Explore the last 12 years of data in the interactive data map, see how your city did with our regional map generator, and help put your city on the map with observations! Plus, with how early the sun goes down, it is the perfect time of year for students to make observations without having to stay up late. Get your classroom involved by checking out their website.

Upcoming National Program

Ann Drake — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 17:22:37 GMT

Green Teacher Webinar: Using Geocaching and Orienteering as Engaging Learning Tools

This webinar was previously recorded and is available to view until Jan. 4. This one features Becky Lewis, who has 15 years of classroom teaching experience and is always looking for ways to get students learning outdoors, and has recently used geocaching and orienteering as learning tools for prek-5th grade science. View it on YouTube.

Upcoming National Program

Ann Drake — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 17:22:04 GMT

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Free Webinar Series

These engaging monthly webinars provide background information and K-12 activities related to scientific observations, inquiry, NGSS, citizen science, and outdoor learning. Educators can also opt to receive one Continuing Education Unit (CEU) from Cornell University. Learn more and register on their website.

Student Driven Investigations: Jan. 21, 6 PM or Jan. 23, 8 PM. Put your students in the driver's seat. We'll guide you through the basics of using Investigating Evidence: how to develop observations, formulate questions, and design experiments. Learn what inquiry is and how it can help you meet the Common Core Standards, discover new citizen-science projects in ornithology and beyond, and review case studies to discover how educators foster the scientific process through observing and asking questions.

Upcoming State Program

Ann Drake — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 17:21:07 GMT

Winter Snow: Creative Ways to Teach STEM Conference

Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, Camp Nuhop- 1077 Township Rd 2916, Perrysville, OH 44864

Presentation topics are diverse and if possible relate to winter, but will relate to one of the following: STEM, Arts, Environmental Literacy, 21st Century Skills or Careers and the Environment. Keynote Michelle Stitzlein is an artist who will give a digital presentation about materials available in the waste stream and how she has utilized them in her own artwork and collaborative projects with schools. The Sessions and Scheduled Form can be downloaded here. Register online.

Teacher Field School

Ann Drake — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 17:20:10 GMT

Teacher Field School

New this year, we will be offering periodic Teacher Field Schools that any educator can attend! These are perfect for educators considering doing a self-guided field trip, or just looking for new ideas for hikes and outdoor experiences. As always, these are free, though all teachers participating will receive a backpack with supplies (thanks to grant funding) to assist with your outdoor adventure, whether it be at a park or at school.

Winter in the Park: Jan. 8, 4 to 5:30 PM, Cox Arboretum MetroPark's Mead Theater. While some species hibernate in winter, there's a lot of animals still active in winter and lots to explore! We will hike around the park looking at plants in winter and animal evidence. And each teacher will receive a backpack with supplies to help during winter outdoor explorations! Register online.

Teacher Night Out Series

Ann Drake — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 17:17:47 GMT

Teacher's Night Out Series

Join other like-minded, formal educators in the Montgomery County area for an evening in the park, just for teachers! We will explore new ways to connect your lessons with nature and showcase resources available in the community to help support what you do!

Composting in the Classroom: Jan. 21, 6 to 8 PM, Cox Arboretum MetroPark's Mead Theater. Composting is a great way to turn food waste into soil for your school garden. Join other formal educators as we discover how to bring composting to your classroom, and all the activities that go hand-in-hand with this conservation action. Plus, all teachers will build their own worm bin to take back to the classroom! Register online.

Teacher Workshop Series

Ann Drake — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 17:17:02 GMT

Teacher Worskhop Series

Join other like-minded, formal educators in the Montgomery County area for an evening in the park, just for teachers. We will explore new ways to connect your lessons with nature and showcase resources available in the community to help support what you do!

Healthy Water Healthy People: Jan. 11, 9 AM to 3 PM, Cox Arboretum MetroPark's Fifth/Third Room. Graduate credit eligible. This workshop will introduce classroom teachers to the Healthy Water, Healthy People curricula guide, help educators become comfortable teaching outdoors, and demonstrate how to utilize Five Rivers MetroParks' resources to make your curriculum come alive for students! Graduate credit (0.5) is available through Wright State University if attending this workshop. No written project required. Register online.

Project WILD and Project WILD Aquatic Workshop: Jan. 12, 9 AM to 5 PM, Cox Arboretum MetroPark's Fifth/Third Room. Graduate credit eligible. This workshop will certify classroom teachers in the nationally recognized Project Wild curricula and allow teachers to take an in-depth look at inquiry-based learning through Inquiry Adventures. Participants will take home both the Project Wild and Aquatic guides, as well as field guides and other classroom resources, and gain access to MetroPark's Inquiry Adventures Kits: Tubs filled with a variety of outdoor scientific instrumentation for classroom use. Lunch is provided and Project WILD materials are provided free of charge by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Graduate credit (0.5) is available through Wright State University. Participants can also earn 6 Ohio Approved hours through OCCRRA. No written project required. Register online.

Bees 101

Ann Drake — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 17:15:57 GMT

Bees 101

Jan. 18, 10 AM to noon, Possum Creek MetroPark. Pollinators are critical to community gardens. In this class, learn from an expert beekeeper how to start a backyard (or community garden) beehive. This program often fills up fast, so register soon.

Ongoing Five Rivers MetroParks Opportunities

Ann Drake — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:49:02 GMT

Ongoing Five Rivers MetroParks Opportunities

Green Schoolyards Program

The Five Rivers MetroParks Green Schoolyards Program assists schools in developing habitat and/or vegetable gardens, which can be great ecological teaching tools that encourage connection with nature. It also supports two seedling schools each year, with additional resources to get a green schoolyard established and thriving! If your school would be interested in an initial site visit to discuss the Green Schoolyards Program, or interested in becoming one of our seedling schools for the 2019-2020 school year, please call or email Hallie Hayden. More information can be found on our website.

School Field Trips

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your 2019-2020 school year field trip to Five Rivers MetroParks! I will begin scheduling in June, so get your ideas ready! Call at least three to four weeks in advance for school field trips in the parks. Think of our parks as 16,000 acres of green schoolyard for you to use with your students. While we have guided field trip options, you're always welcome to lead students on your own adventures and we can help reserve spaces for you. Call 937-275-5059. Check out our guided programs.

Teacher Field School

Are you interested in taking students to a park but a little unsure about what to do or where to go? You may know the standards you'd like to teach, and don't need a guided experience, but still could use help planning your self-guided trip. This usually takes 90 minutes to two hours, usually after school, and helps build confidence, expand ideas and sort out logistics for your self-guided field trip. At Cox Arboretum MetroPark, grant funds help provide supplies and a backpack for teachers. Call 937-275-5059 to schedule a Teacher Field School for you and your fellow teachers.

Educator Facebook Page

Five Rivers MetroParks has created a community on Facebook to help share upcoming opportunities, helpful articles, classroom resources and as a way to communicate with fellow educators in the area. Visit Facebook for more information and to join.

To join, you will be asked two questions:

1. Where do you teach?
2. What grade level do you teach?

These questions are a way for us to verify that those looking to become members are teachers in the area. Feel free to start discussions in the group, ask questions, share ideas, and we will be sure to share resources we find as well.

Free Education Resources

Ann Drake — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:48:25 GMT

Free Education Resources

eBird Explorer's Curriculum Series: Download your free eBird lessons to get a taste of the birding world! The stand alone, comprehensive downloads allows educators an opportunity to explore the new K-12 curriculum suite, eBird Explorers. Each grade-band offers youth the opportunity to make careful observations, collect and explore data and patterns, and build STEM practices, all while addressing standards align science content. Entire kits with lessons and supplies will be available through our partners at NASCO soon! Find the free downloadable lessons on their website.

Explorer's Curriculum Webinar: Discover how you can engage your 6-12 grade students in the eBird citizen-science project with our latest eBird Explorers curriculum. Lessons explore the complexity of biodiversity and human impacts on the environment, and how citizen science can help us understand our world. Sign up for either the Nov. 19 at 6 PM or Nov. 21 at 8 PM.

Climate Change in My Backyard Curriculum: With support from NASA, and in collaboration with the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and schools and teachers throughout Illinois, the Chicago Botanic Garden has developed the Climate Change in My Backyard curriculum series. The project targets grades 5 to 12. Students explore climate change in the context of an investigation of how climate affects their local plants and ecosystems. They collect data to contribute to Budburst, and analyze the data they collect in the context of NASA and NOAA climate and atmospheric data, as well as NASA satellite imagery. They learn about the effects of changing climates on ecosystems through participation in Budburst, and then broaden that perspective by exploring the effects of climate change on human communities around the world. You can find the overview and the three different curriculum sets on their website.

Citizen Science Highlight

Ann Drake — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:47:48 GMT

Citizen Science Highlight

Citizen science is a way for everyone to contribute in a meaningful way to "professional scientists." It's a great way for students to realize they can make a difference and contribute to the scientific community!

Nature's Notebook: Nature's Notebook is a national phenology program in which professional and volunteer scientists record long-term observations of plant and animal life stages. Observing phenology through Nature's Notebook offers place-based, hands-on learning opportunities provides a collaborative platform for site-based educators, promotes cross-subject engagement while addressing standards of learning, and can be used to identify and answer local scientific research questions addressed by many natural resources, volunteer, and gardening groups. Plus there are already plenty of resources to help educators incorporate activities at all grade levels on their website. Get your classroom involved by checking out their website

Upcoming National Programs

Ann Drake — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:47:16 GMT

Upcoming National Programs

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Summer Educator Retreat
July 7-9, 2020 or August 4-7, 2020

Join us for our Summer Educators Retreat 2020. Pick one of two dates and get ready four fun days of hands-on training in using citizen science and inquiry. During the retreat, educators will:

Learn eBird protocols, complete a citizen-science study along the Sapsucker Woods trails, and enjoy guest presentations on environmental conservation.
Discover the Cornell Lab's online field guide, digital library, and citizen-science programs as educational resources for K-12 learning.
Receive K-12 Education's popular Investigating Evidence unit, your choice of one of four brand new eBird kits, and two free window feeders.
Earn 3 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) from Cornell University.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Sapsucker Woods and the Finger Lakes with like-minded K-12 educators and so much more!

Space is limited. Register today to guarantee your spot. Scholarship applications to attend the retreat are now open. The deadline to apply is February 3, 2020.

Five Rivers MetroParks Event for Classroom Teachers

Ann Drake — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:46:23 GMT

Five Rivers MetroParks Event for Classroom Teachers

OUTstanding Teacher Award: We are currently accepting nominations for the OUTstanding Teacher Award! This award recognizes educators K-12 who are weaving nature into the curriculum, getting kids outdoors, and we know you would be an excellent candidate. A significant prize package accompanies the recognition, and you can self-nominate. Nominations are due by Jan. 31, but why wait - nominate now. Learn more.

Free Educational Resources

Ann Drake — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:20:28 GMT

Recycling in the Classroom: This year the No Waste Lunch at Cox Arboretum has become very popular, and you can recycle even more through a great organization called Terracycle. Think about all the juice pouches your students go through in a week, or chip bags, or granola bar wrappers... you can recycle those, even if it isn't through your regular waste stream. Check out all their brigades on their website.

FREE Educational Resources

Ann Drake — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:19:47 GMT

Symbolic Monarch Migration: This fall join 60,000 students across the globe to create symbolic monarch butterflies and send them to Mexico. Children who live beside the monarchs' winter sanctuaries in Mexico protect the paper butterflies and return them in the spring. Through the Symbolic Migration, children are united by the monarch butterfly and celebrate its spectacular migration. They learn authentic lessons of conservation and international cooperation. The symbolic butterflies' fall flight is timed to correspond with the real monarchs' journey south. As the eastern population of North American monarchs are arriving in Mexico for the winter, students from the sanctuary region receive their symbolic butterflies. Sometime in March when the real monarchs' departure from Mexico is announced, the paper butterflies return north carrying special messages from the students in Mexico. Learn more on their website.

Citizen Science Highlight

Ann Drake — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:19:10 GMT

Backyard Bark Beetles: Backyard Bark Beetles is a citizen science initiative aimed at producing and maintaining a large-scale, long-term bark beetle monitoring program. Our trapping activity is easy, fun, effective, and utilizes items found in the everyday household (2L bottle, hand sanitizer, etc.).
This activity is especially useful as a hands-on activity to complement in-school lessons focused on topics like native/invasive species, forest health, environmental stewardship, etc. and has been used in courses spanning multiple disciplines (e.g., environmental science, entomology, ecology, etc.). Students will create a bark beetle trap, collect beetles for 3 days, and mail the beetles to scientists. Your beetleswill be identified and promptly added to the interactive map, which can be found at bottom of the project's homepage (www.backyardbarkbeetles.org). Get your classroom involved by checking out their website.

Upcoming National Program: Outdoor Classroom Day

Ann Drake — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:18:22 GMT

Outdoor Classroom Day: Outdoor Classroom Day is a global campaign to celebrate and inspire outdoor learning and play. On Nov. 7, thousands of schools around the world take lessons outdoors and prioritize playtime. In 2018, over 3.5 million children in over 100 countries took part. If you're new to outdoor learning, why not use Outdoor Classroom Day to try it out? If you already get outdoors regularly, use the day to celebrate what you're doing and inspire other teachers around the world to join in. There is plenty of time to get organized now, so get your fellow teachers together and brainstorm how you'll send Outdoor Classroom Day! Check it out and add your school to the map.

Upcoming State Program: Envirothon 2020

Ann Drake — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:17:46 GMT

Envirothon 2020: Is your high school part of Ohio's Envirothon Competition? If not, you're missing out! The Envirothon is an environmental high school competition designed to stimulate, reinforce and enhance interest in the environment and natural resources among high school students. Students are tested on their knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and current environmental issues. In addition, the Envirothon encourages cooperative decision-making and team building. While each student on a team is challenged to contribute his or her personal best, the score that counts at the end of the competition is the team score. A team consists of five students, all from the same high school. An adult advisor (or advisors) must accompany the team, but is not permitted to assist during the competition. Check out the website for more information for our region (Area 4) and get your team registered today!

Upcoming State Program: "101 Alternatives to the Chalkboard" 45th Annual Educators' Conference

Ann Drake — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:16:42 GMT

"101 Alternatives to the Chalkboard" 45th Annual Educators' Conference: Saturday, October 12, 2019 8:30am-6pm (with the option of staying Friday and/or Saturday night). At YMCA Camp Kern 5291 St Rt 350 Oregonia, Ohio 45054 (32 miles northeast of Cincinnati). Cost: $30, includes all sessions, programs, meals, and overnight accommodations (Scholarships and discounts available!). The "101" Conference is THE weekend outdoor education experience designed to inspire teachers and outdoor educators with creative ways to provide exciting learning experiences. Enjoy meaningful large and small group sessions, excellent company, and fine eating. To register or for more information, see the flyer.

Upcoming State Program: Ohio Energy Project

Ann Drake — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 16:30:00 GMT

Ohio Energy Project

Relevant, informative, fun — that's energy education from the Ohio Energy Project. Created by teachers for teachers, OEP has been energizing classrooms with hands-on, interactive learning tools and programs since 1984. Are you a little uncomfortable teaching electricity, thermal energy, circuits, light, sound, or do you lack materials to teach about energy? Attend one of many Ohio Energy Project professional development workshops to help with all of those things! Check it out and find grade specific workshops on their website.

FREE Education Resources

Ann Drake — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 16:28:06 GMT

HHMI Biointeractive

HHMI BioInteractive brings the power of real science stories into tens of thousands of high school and undergraduate life science classrooms. Our stories anchor a variety of classroom resources based on peer-reviewed science. From data-rich activities and case studies to high-quality videos and interactive media, our resources are designed to connect students to big ideas in biology, promote engagement with science practices, and instill awe and wonder about the living world. And now that they've redone their website, you can create an account and use it to save resources you like and find connected content really quickly! Check it out on their website.

Citizen Science Highlight

Ann Drake — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 16:27:10 GMT

Midwest Invasive Species Information Network

The Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) is a regional data aggregation effort to develop and provide an early detection and rapid response (EDRR) resource for invasive species in the Midwest region of the United States.This effort is led by researchers with the Michigan State University Department of Entomology Laboratory for Applied Spatial Ecology and Technical Services in conjunction with a growing consortium of supporting partners.

The goal of this regional resource is to assist both experts and citizen scientists in the detection and identification of invasive species. Data collected will allow for the development and implementation of effective control strategies in the region. There is even an app you can use with tablets or smartphones so you can easily snap photos and get precise locations of the invasive species you see. Get your classroom involved by checking out their website.

Upcoming National Program: NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project

Ann Drake — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 16:26:09 GMT

NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project

NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project (PSEP) provides formal and informal educators working with elementary through college aged students the knowledge and resources to build scientifically-literate individuals and communities who are prepared to respond to environmental challenges monitored by NOAA. The Education Community is open to anyone. Participants are invited to attend monthly webinars, book club discussions, and face-to-face workshops at locations across the country. Workshops have focused on citizen science, STEM, community resilience, climate science, and a range of environmental education topics. Education Community members receive free educational materials/resources and links to special professional development opportunities. Check it on their website.

Upcoming State Program: Bioblitz 2019

Ann Drake — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Bioblitz 2019 Coyote Run Farm in Pickerington, OH July 19-20, 9 AM to 4 PM

Ohio Wetlands Association invites interested naturalists to join our effort to observe, discover and report on the diversity of all living things on the Coyote Run Farm. The owners of this property are devoted to protecting and restoring the habitat where they live and the land around them in perpetuity. This is open to everyone, not just educators, but would be a great experience! Register online.

EECO Annual Conference April 2-5, 2020 Call for Proposals is OPEN!

Brenda Metcalf — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 17:43:22 GMT

EECO 53rd Annual Conference will be April 2-5, 2020 at Hueston Woods State Park Lodge and Conference Center.

The theme for the conference this year will be EE2020: The Vision of the Future. If you would like to present or do a workshop at the annual conference please complete the form listed below and return by September 30th.

Word version of the Call for Proposals

PDF version of the Call for Proposals

EECO Winter Conference - Call for Proposals

Brenda Metcalf — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 17:39:04 GMT

EECO Winter Conference- Winter Snow: Creative Ways to Teach STEAM in Winter.

Call for Proposals are OPEN! Submissions are due by August 30th. Click here to download the form.

Guide to Outdoor Safety and Health

Josh Flory — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:13:29 GMT

If you and your family are headed outside this summer, check out these helpful tips and reminders.

Cincinnati Parks job posting

Josh Flory — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 19:34:31 GMT

Want a Fun, Outdoor Job this Summer?

Summer Day Camp Staff Needed in Cincinnati Parks!

* Full day of paid training on 6/2 and 6/3 - 6/7 from 9:00am - 3:30pm.

* $10.44 per hour, no benefits, but a variety of skills gained.
* Must be available to work June 2 - August 2.

NATURECAMP IN THE PARKS
* A nature-oriented daycamp program, ages 5 - 12, that visits 4 Cincinnati Parks.
* Education or Natural Sciences majors with teaching/child care experiences preferred.
* Develop your own lesson plans that include daily hikes, educational games, crafts and

other nature activities for 12 campers per staff person each week.

* Must work 9am - 3:30pm (Mon. - Fri.) and select Thursdays until 5 pm; up to 35 - 38 hrs/wk.

PRESCHOOL DISCOVERY MORNINGS

* A nature-oriented preschool program, ages 3 ½ - 5, that visits 4 Cincinnati Parks (same as above).
* Early Childhood Education majors with teaching/child care experiences preferred.
* Already created lesson plans include daily hikes, games, crafts and other nature activities for campers per staff person each week.

* Must work from 8:45am - 12:45pm (Mon. - Fri.), and select Thursdays until 2pm, up to 20 - 25 hrs/wk.

NATURE NEXT DOOR

* An award-winning, grant-funded program that visits 4 inner-city parks each week.

* Work with a team to provide educational crafts, games and other hands-on activities

for inner-city youth ages 4 - 13. Lesson plans are already created.

* Education or Social Services majors with teaching/child care experiences preferred.

* Must work core hours from 9am - 2:30pm (Mon. - Fridays), about 23 - 26 hrs/wk.

CAMPS AT NATURE CENTERS

* A nature-oriented daycamp program with set age ranges and themes that change weekly. Staff will work with campers from preschool to middle school age.

* Education or Natural Sciences majors with teaching/child care experiences preferred.

* Already created lesson plans include daily hikes, games, crafts and other nature and science activities for 8 - 12 campers per staff person each week.

* Must be available to work hours ranging from 8am - 4pm (Mon. - Fri.), 34 - 38 hrs/wk.
Late evening hrs or an overnight may be required on two evenings during the summer.

QUALIFICATIONS

* Basic knowledge of local nature and ecology and ability to communicate well with children.

* Ability to work outdoors and maintain physical condition necessary for:

sitting, standing, climbing, walking for prolonged periods of time; occasional light or moderate lifting and carrying required; occasionally required
to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to climb or balance;
stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.; able to hear sounds in low and high frequencies; specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to distinguish colors, and the ability to adjust focus; must speak clearly and audibly.

* Must be 18 years old, a high school graduate, and pass criminal police background checks.

* Must have a valid driver’s license or state id; provide own transportation.

Send resume to: erin.morris@cincinnati-oh.gov
(please indicate in the email any preferences you have for the 4 positions)

For more information, contact:

Erin Morris, Assistant Manager

Cincinnati Park Board

Phone: 513-321-6070
The City of Cincinnati is an equal opportunity employer.

EE Position Posting

Josh Flory — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 15:31:36 GMT

Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College invites applications for the position of Environmental Educator

Location: Wolf Lake, Indiana

Merry Lea is a 1,200 acre nature preserve and educational center owned by Goshen College. Located in rural Indiana, Merry Lea runs programs for school groups, public audiences, and immersive academic programs for undergraduates and graduate students, including an 11-month Masters in Environmental Education program.

The person in the Environmental Educator position delivers and designs high-quality environmental educational experiences for the Environmental Education Outreach (EEO) team at Merry Lea. Primary audiences include PreK-12 and Public participants. This person works closely with other educators (volunteers, graduate/undergraduate students and other staff), and supports program logistics (setup/cleanup, materials preparation). The Environmental Educator interacts directly with participants, and provides excellent customer service to ensure a positive experience. This person additionally provides leadership around the equipment, materials, and infrastructure needed to support EEO programming.

Visit www.goshen.edu/merrylea/ to learn more about the organization, or https://www.goshen.edu/employment/2018/06/07/environmental-educator/ to apply.

Bees in Your Backyard

Josh Flory — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 00:56:34 GMT

Bees in Your Backyard with Olivia Carril. Spotting, collecting, and identifying in Ohio. Workshops and free lecture/book signing featuring Olivia Carril, Biologist and Author, June 4, 5, 6 and 7 in multiple locations across Ohio.

Learn from bee expert Olivia Carrill at one of these three day-long native bee workshops. This year’s “Bee Tour” will focus on practical ID in the field, using cameras or phones to capture images, and citizen science for everyone. We’ll practice hands-on bee identification through microscopes and exploration in the field with Olivia and a team of biology experts. All sessions are9AM to 4PM.

Cost: Handouts, lunch and refreshments included. $65 per person, or $80 including Olivia’s book.

Monday, June 4th - Stratford Ecological Center, Delaware

Tuesday, June 5th - The Dawes Arboretum, Newark

Wednesday, June 6th - University of Mount Union, Alliance

Thursday, June 7th - Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center, Minerva

To register: http://go.osu.edu/gobees, Workshop registration deadline: May 18th

Questions? Contact Denise: ellsworth.2@osu.edu or

Bonnie TWADDLB@mountunion.edu (330) 823-7487

Butler SWCD Internship Opportunity

Josh Flory — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 00:56:08 GMT

Butler SWCD is seeking a summer intern to assist with environmental education programs and natural resource projects in urban and agricultural environments. Details are available at:https://www.butlerswcd.org/employment. Application deadline is May 4.

Edge of Appalachia Educator Workshops

Josh Flory — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 00:55:44 GMT

Sponsored by Cincinnati Museum Center, the Educators at the Edge program will provide participants with experiential learning opportunities. Topics focused on natural history will be explored and new skills to be used in the classroom will be gained. These exciting classes are open to classroom teachers, naturalists, and other non-traditional educators. Graduate credit through Ashland University is available as well as up to 45 contact hours. Full information is available at: http://eoapreserve.blogspot.com/p/educator-workshops.html.

Lutheran Memorial Camp Position Openings

Josh Flory — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 14:41:12 GMT

Love the environment? Passionate about teaching kids about the environment? Have Christ at the center of your heart? Then Lutheran Memorial Camp is the place for you!

LMC is currently seeking Environmental Education Associates to assist with our spring season. We have schools regularly throughout April and May. The kids come and spend up to three nights on site. The position includes leading them through different classes that could include: stream class, forestry, ornithology, astronomy, and many more!

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, then contact: Hannah Demaree, Program Director, Lutheran Memorial Camp for more information: hannah@lomocamps.org or 419-864-8030.

Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District Position

Josh Flory — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 14:40:40 GMT

Licking County SWCD is hiring an Agriculture Conservation Technician. Full details are available here.

Openings at The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

Josh Flory — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 14:40:13 GMT

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes currently has openings for Summer Outdoor Environmental Educators. Click here for additional information.

SWACO Position Available

Josh Flory — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 14:39:40 GMT

The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio currently has positions open for an Outreach Specialist and Programs Administrator. Click here for more information.

Position postings

Josh Flory — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 20:44:24 GMT

Clark County Park District Openings

The Clark County Park District has open positions including a Sergeant Ranger position and Conservation Internship. Complete details are available here.

Rural Action is Recruiting Ohio Stream Restore Corp Applicants

OSRC members serve in many communities in Appalachian Ohio and in all aspects of regional community development. Members sample and monitor streams impacted by acid mine drainage, pollution, and nutrient loading. They lead lessons in schools, host summer camps, and organize community events to share environmental knowledge and eco-stories. Members provide education to property owners and the public about sustainable and profitable land use, and improve public lands so more people can access and appreciate their local natural resources. Members also identify local assets and implement plans for community growth based on those assets, as exemplified through heritage tourism efforts in communities like Shawnee, McConnelsville, and Somerset. Complete details are available here.

National park ambassadors needed

Josh Flory — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 19:16:17 GMT

Do you have a passion for sharing your enthusiasm about Cuyahoga Valley National Park with others? The park is seeking park enthusiasts for a number of public education and interpretive positions. Click here for more information.

Summer learning opportunities on a Maine island

Josh Flory — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 19:12:37 GMT

The Hog Island Audubon Camp has been in operation since 1936 and is primarily an adult-focused facility which offers about 15 different residential programs each summer, each lasting for 6 days. Some of our 2018 programs include Field Ornithology; Sharing Nature: An educator’s Week; The Joy of Birding; Arts and Birding; and many others. Full details are available at hogisland.audubon.org. Scholarship funds are available.

Geauga Park District position openings

Josh Flory — Fri, 22 Dec 2017 19:10:32 GMT

The Geauga Park District currently has openings for outdoor recreation specialists and season camp naturalists. You can find full details here.

Welcome to our new website!

Josh Flory — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 20:33:35 GMT

We are in the midst of upgrading our website, and we are excited to bring you new features. Please excuse the mess as we complete this transition.

Environmental Education Council of Ohio News

Ohio EPA Hosts Free Environmental STEM Days for High School Students

Ohio EPA Hosts Free Environmental STEM Days for High School Students

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is seeking volunteers

EECO Winter Conference Call for Proposals is out now!

What is EECO and what do we do?

2022 Earth Expeditions

Grant Writing Workshops

Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF) Grant Applications

Student Career Resources

Save the Date: EECO Annual Conference 2022

Student Wildlife Research Symposium: Call for Proposals

Winter Snow Conference is going VIRTUAL!

At Home Outdoor Education Resources

FREE Education Resources

Citizen Science Highlight

Upcoming National Program

Green Teacher Webinar: Using Geocaching and Orienteering as Engaging Learning Tools

Upcoming National Program

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Free Webinar Series

Upcoming State Program

Winter Snow: Creative Ways to Teach STEM Conference

Teacher Field School

Teacher Field School

Teacher Night Out Series

Teacher's Night Out Series

Teacher Workshop Series

Teacher Worskhop Series

Bees 101

Bees 101

Ongoing Five Rivers MetroParks Opportunities

Ongoing Five Rivers MetroParks Opportunities

Green Schoolyards Program

School Field Trips

Teacher Field School

Educator Facebook Page

Free Education Resources

Free Education Resources

Citizen Science Highlight

Citizen Science Highlight

Upcoming National Programs

Upcoming National Programs

Five Rivers MetroParks Event for Classroom Teachers

Five Rivers MetroParks Event for Classroom Teachers

Free Educational Resources

FREE Educational Resources

Citizen Science Highlight

Upcoming National Program: Outdoor Classroom Day

Upcoming State Program: Envirothon 2020

Upcoming State Program: "101 Alternatives to the Chalkboard" 45th Annual Educators' Conference

Upcoming State Program: Ohio Energy Project

Ohio Energy Project

FREE Education Resources

HHMI Biointeractive

Citizen Science Highlight

Upcoming National Program: NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project

NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project

Upcoming State Program: Bioblitz 2019

Bioblitz 2019 Coyote Run Farm in Pickerington, OH July 19-20, 9 AM to 4 PM

EECO Annual Conference April 2-5, 2020 Call for Proposals is OPEN!

EECO Winter Conference - Call for Proposals

Guide to Outdoor Safety and Health

Cincinnati Parks job posting

Want a Fun, Outdoor Job this Summer?

Summer Day Camp Staff Needed in Cincinnati Parks!

NATURECAMP IN THE PARKS * A nature-oriented daycamp program, ages 5 - 12, that visits 4 Cincinnati Parks. * Education or Natural Sciences majors with teaching/child care experiences preferred. * Develop your own lesson plans that include daily hikes, educational games, crafts and

PRESCHOOL DISCOVERY MORNINGS

NATURE NEXT DOOR

CAMPS AT NATURE CENTERS

QUALIFICATIONS

EE Position Posting

Bees in Your Backyard

Butler SWCD Internship Opportunity

Edge of Appalachia Educator Workshops

Lutheran Memorial Camp Position Openings

Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District Position

Openings at The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

SWACO Position Available

Position postings

National park ambassadors needed

NATURECAMP IN THE PARKS
* A nature-oriented daycamp program, ages 5 - 12, that visits 4 Cincinnati Parks.
* Education or Natural Sciences majors with teaching/child care experiences preferred.
* Develop your own lesson plans that include daily hikes, educational games, crafts and