$1000 Educator Academy Scholarships

Please forward to any teachers or informal educators that might be
interested.

Denise Savageau
Conservation Director
Town of Greenwich

Hello,
I am making an early announcement about our summer program.  This will
allow you to meet your fall deadlines for PD funding requests.

We are celebrating 21 years in the Amazon and offering PD for teachers,
complete with syllabus and scholarships available.  Here is a summary and
at the end please find a colorful release to share through your social
media outlets.

Apply for $1000 Professional Development Scholarships
http://www.amazonworkshops.com/educators--naturalists.html  (case
sensitive)

2014 Educator Academy in the Amazon Rainforest + Machu Picchu
The July 1-11, 2014 Educator Academy is a cross-curricular professional
development workshop for K-12 formal and informal educators to learn and
use:
      21st Century Instruction:  5E Lesson Design, Inquiry-Based
      Exploration, STEM Problem-Based Learning
      Inquiry Protocols:  Project Learning Tree, GLOBE, Cornell Lab's
      BirdSleuth
      Global and Cultural Perspectives:  Service Learning, Sustainability,
      Global Education

Join Dr. Mo Walters, ASU; Al Stenstrup, Project Learning Tree (PLT);
Jennifer Fee (BirdSleuth), and Christa Dillabaugh, Amazon Rainforest
Workshops; and work side-by-side with scientists Dr. Steve Madigosky,
Widener University; and Randy Morgan, Curator/Entomologist, Cincinnati Zoo.
The Amazon experience is a real world lens through which to view global
issues as -- sustainable development, global health, energy, population,
water, quality of life and the meaning of service. Experience:
      a 1/4-mile Rainforest Canopy Walkway and research on Weather and
      Climate
      interactions with Indigenous Yagua, Riberenos and a Village Service
      Project
      ReNuPeruEthnobotanical Garden and problem solving inspired by
      Biomimicry
      Monkey Island Conservation Project

PLT Certification, BirdSleuth and GLOBE training and PD Hours included.
Academic Credit and Machu Picchu Extension optional.  Land cost is $2140,
plus air.  $1000 scholarship deadline March 1, 2014.  Land cost is $1140
for scholarship recipients. Space is limited! Register early to secure your
spot! See Syllabus on Webpage:
http://www.amazonworkshops.com/educators--naturalists.html  (case
sensitive).  Contact christa@amazonworkshops.com or 1-800-431-2624.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We appreciate your camaraderie in making these opportunities available to
educators.

Warmest regards,

-- Frances
Frances Gatz, Ph.D., Director
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPEDITIONS, 9335 Fraser Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland  20910
Phone:  800-669-6806
Email: frances@ee-link.net
http://www.amazonworkshops.com

IF THE LINKS BELOW DO NOT DISPLAY CORRECTLY, VIEW THIS RELEASE IN YOUR
BROWSER:
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs159/1108552320218/archive/1114888687764.html


___________
Connecticut Outdoor & Environmental Education Association

Green Leaf Training - 10/8

Hi All,

As some of you know, the Town of Greenwich Conservation Commission has been
working hard to get environmental literacy in our schools.  Although we all
run programs, there has not been an organized effort by the BOE and the
Administration.

We have been working with the PTAC Greenwich Schools Committee to bring the
CT Green Leaf Schools program to Greenwich and had also been working with
BOE Administration.  As we were working on this, we received a call from
Laurel Kohl, who is running this for the state to let us know that GHS and
Parkway School had enrolled in the program by finding it on the website. We
also have Greenwich Academy and Whitby School interested.  So we are now on
our way! This happened quickly and we are thrilled that it has just taken
off.

On Tuesday Oct 8 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Laurel Kohl (lead CT Green Leaf)
and Sue Quincy (CT DEEP) will do a work shop for Greenwich on the Green
Leaf program. (see below)

Green Leaf has 3 components :  1) Green Facilities (eg energy conservation,
recycling  etc),  2) Healthy Schools (eg. pesticide-free, good nutrition
etc). and 3. Environmental Education (common core, STEM etc)

We are looking for schools to have a Green Leaf Committee that includes
administrators, teachers, parents, and students.  And at the Town level, we
also need our core environmental education delivery system in place to
support their efforts.

We hope that you will be able to have someone join us at GHS for this
program.  I will then have a follow-up meeting with you to discuss how we
can coordinate to best assist our schools with this effort.

Here is the link to Green Leaf Schools in CT.
http://www.ctgreenschools.org/index.htm

Please let me know if you or a rep from your organization will be joining
us on Tuesday.  Or if you can't make that date, if you would be interested
in the follow-up meeting.

Denise Savageau
Conservation Director
Town of Greenwich
101 Field Point Road
Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone:  203-622-6461
Fax:  203-622-3795
Mailto:denise.savageau@greenwichct.org

Solarize Greenwich is Here! | workshop Oct 2

Solarize Greenwich Is Here!

The Town has been accepted into the Solarize program by the State of CT
Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA). This is being
coordinated by the Conservation Commission as part of our Clean Energy
Community program and is supported by our First Selectman.

What does this mean for town residents?

CEFIA, through an RFP process and working with the Town, has preselected a
single installer that will offer discounted rates for solar panels to
residents that sign up by February 18, 2013. Additionally the installer
will handle all the paper work for the State rebate program. This is a
great opportunity for residents looking to lower energy bills and support
Greenwich's Clean Energy initiative all at group rates!

Renewable Resources of Stamford is our selected installer. They will do a
free evaluation, including a shade analysis, of your home to determine if
solar will work for you.

We are launching the program at a workshop on Oct 2 in the Town Hall
Meeting Room. First Selectman Peter Tesei will help us kickoff the
meeting at 7 p.m followed by a presentation on Solarize Greenwich.

For more information, go to the Conservation Commission's Clean Energy
Community website (see link below) and click on Solarize Greenwich (on the
side bar).

You can sign up for the free Solarize evaluation online or at the workshop.

http://www.greenwichct.org/Government/Commissions/Conservation_Commission/Cean_Energy_Community/

Hope you will join us on Oct 2 to learn more about the program and meet our
installers. Feel free to share this exciting new program!

Denise

Denise Savageau
Conservation Director
Town of Greenwich
101 Field Point Road
Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: 203-622-6461
Fax: 203-622-3795

GREENWICH-STAMFORD ENVIRONMENT  (GSEnvironment) __,_._,___

CT Green Leaf Program Meeting | October 8th

The CT Green Leaf program will be holding a meeting in town for any schools interested in learning more about the program. The program is a certification program developed by the state of Connecticut which is awarded to schools which have demonstrated a focus on environmental and health issues. You can read more about the program at http://www.ctgreenschools.org/ctgreenleaf.htm. Currently there are four schools in Greenwich which have signed up to participate: Parkway Elementary, Greenwich High, Greenwich Academy, and Whitby. By signing up, the school agrees to embark on a journey to meet the program goals and achieves various levels as they progress.

 

Two of the leaders of the Green Leaf program will be coming to Greenwich to discuss how it works and how to get started on October 8^th, from 4:30 – 6:00 pm. We will meet in the Media Center at Greenwich High School, located at 10 Hillside Road, Greenwich, CT. We encourage anyone interested to join to hear more about the program, even if their school is not yet participating.

Please consider coming to the meeting or sending someone from your school. Please also forward this to the Health & Wellness reps as this program is also very relevant to the things on which they are focused.

Sustainability Workshop Registration OPEN

Best Practices in Sustainability Education

October 25, 2013

8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Regional Vocational Aquaculture School

60 St Stephens Drive

Bridgeport, CT

Featured Speakers:

·       Sustaining Fisheries in Long Island Sound

Penny Howell, CT DEEP Marine Fisheries Biologist

·       Revolutionize Your Plate

Chef Bun, Miya's Sushi New Haven, CT

Breakouts Sessions featuring classroom ready materials to use with students
to investigate energy, food, and resources. 
Sessions include- Marine Energy Resources, Research Project for Education,
Hydroponics for Elementary Students, School Gardens and the Sea,
Connecticut's Energy, and Carbon Travels. 

·        Bring your own ideas to the table through special share-out session. 

·        Learn details and progress of the new Green LEAF School program

Registration required: Electronic Form

Fee: $25.00 includes lunch and refreshments

COEEA member and Green LEAF participants- $15.00

_______________________________________________
Connecticut Outdoor & Environmental Education Association

First Sunday Science at the Seaside Center at Greenwich Point

Sunday, October 6, 1:30 - 4:00 pm. First Sunday Science at the Seaside Center at Greenwich Point, Greenwich, CT
Join Bruce Spaman, Superintendent of Parks and Trees and Town Tree Warden, at 1:45 pm at the main concession stand for a one-hour walk to learn about the trees around Greenwich Point. At 3 pm in the Innis Arden Cottage, hear Eric Hammerling, Executive Director at Connecticut Forest & Park Association, talk about the CT blue trail system and the legacy of Helen Binney Kitchel, Greenwich conservationist, state legislator and philanthropist. This event is co-sponsored by the Greenwich Tree Conservancy and Bruce Museum. For more information, call 203-413-6742 or email <plinderoth@brucemuseum.org>

www.greenwichtreeconservancy.org

from GREENWICH-STAMFORD ENVIRONMENT  (GSEnvironment)

Update | GHS and MISA Environmental Testing

The Draft Remedial Action Plan for Greenwich High School has been released and is posted to the GPS Web Site along with a GHS Environmental Testing Update summarizing the draft plan (RAP.)

September 5th begins a 30-day public comment period through October 5, 2013. The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the draft RAP at the Public Meeting scheduled for September 18, 2013, 6:00pm at Greenwich High School or using the online Public Comment mechanism on the GPS Web Site - HERE. All comments will be considered in finalizing the RAP, which will be submitted to state and federal regulatory agencies.

Background: In mid July 2011, during the course of the excavation work for the Greenwich High School Music Instructional Space and Auditorium (MISA) project, unexpected soil conditions were discovered in the West (or back) parking lot, adjacent to the fields, which prompted immediate environmental testing. The site work in the west lot was stopped and the excavation area was contained. The initial tests reflected low levels of some metals, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the soil.  A second round of samples was taken on July 20^thand included soil and indoor and outdoor air testing. The results of the air quality tests indicate all selected factors are within acceptable levels. The results of the second round of soil samples duplicated the previous results, which showed low levels of some metals, VOCs and PCBs in the soil.  On July 29, 2011 the results of a third set of soil samples taken closer to fields 3 and 4 at a depth of one foot beneath the surface, reflected PCBs levels that are above acceptable standards for residential or commercial use as determined by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). These results prompted the closure of all fields as a precaution until a more comprehensive understanding of the extent of the issue could be determined.
The Greenwich Public Schools/Board of Education, the Town of Greenwich and the GHS-MISA Building Committee are working in collaboration to address the environmental concerns of the fields at Greenwich High School. Licensed Environmental Professionals have been contracted to plan for and conduct more comprehensive testing. The Town and State Departments of Health and Environmental Protection, and the Federal EPA are also involved in consultation on the testing and remediation plans. http://www.greenwichschools.org/page.cfm?p=10019

HawkWatch Festival & Green Bazaar | Audubon Greenwich | Sept 28,29

Visit Greenwich for the 15th Annual ...

HawkWatch Festival & Green Bazaar
September 28 & 29, 2013
11 am - 5 pm ~ Rain or Shine

Enjoy this exciting two-day nature festival at Audubon's sanctuary in northern Greenwich - a celebration of the annual hawk migration passing overhead at Audubon Greenwich's "Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch". Enjoy live animal shows, nature-themed games, environmental exhibits, and visit and learn from a wide variety of eco-friendly vendors exhibiting on-site.
SPECIAL EVENTS:

• Live "Birds of Prey" Shows @ 1:00 & 3:00 pm (Hawk Watch Lawn)
• Rehabilitiated Raptor Release by "Wildlife In Crisis" @ 4:15 pm (Back Patio)
• Cyril the Resourcerer's Magic Show @ 2:00 pm (Hawk Watch Lawn)

PLUS LOADS OF ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE DAY: 
more information at 
http://greenwich.audubon.org/15th-annual-hawkwatch-festival-green-bazaar
2013 Hawk Festival POSTER

Long Island Sound in a Jar

Here's a great program from UCONN Connecticut Sea Grant.  It's a good connection to the fourth grade unit on watersheds and the Long Island Sound.  It's a super fun, hands-on way to think like scientists about pollution and natural systems.

http://seagrant.uconn.edu/publications/marineed/LISINJAR.pdf

The Conservation Commission has all the tools needed.  Green Schools is working on a way to make this program available as a kit to bring into the school.

Before-school community walks

It's the perfect time of year to walk outdoors.  The exercise is great for your health, the seasonal changes are a pleasure to see, and the fresh air has been shown to improve your ability to learn!  If you can't walk to school for walk-to-school month, maybe you can invite families to come walk on the school grounds as a community event.  It's easy to organize, inexpensive and fun.

Here's an idea for a before-school AUTUMN-AIR-ATHON, complete with flyers you can print.
1.  Set a week or day where families are invited to come to school a half hour early.
2.  Set a safe route for the walk, around the field, or around the block, and mark it with signs.
3.  Volunteers have paper clipboards to mark how many laps are done.  Teachers, parents, siblings, even babies in strollers, they all count!
4.  Have a simple handout, such as a paper bracelet, that kids can show off.
5.  Try to reach a goal (such as a marathon of 26.2 miles) and celebrate when you do.

What kind of outdoor fun-runs and walks have you done with your school?

Garden Environmental Afters Program

The Garden Education Center of Greenwich is offering an environmental Afters program this fall.

 Garden Education Center of Greenwich 

A Non-Profit Organization 

130 Bible Street in Cos Cob, CT 

Wednesdays from September 25th through December 18th 

(12 classes; no class on November 27th) 

3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. for grades K – 3 

Weekly classes will follow the seasons beginning with nature hikes in the Montgomery Pinetum during Indian summer, harvesting bounty from the GEC's very own organic teaching garden, building teepees and lean tos in celebration of the Native Americans, bulb planting, crafting holiday ornaments and decorating a tree for the Enchanted Forest are some of the activities we have planned thus far. Each session will include a healthy snack. 

Fee: Members pay $275/Non-Members pay $335 

To register and/or become a member of the GEC: 

Visit gec@gecgreenwich.org or call 203-869-9242 

Link to pdf of poster

International walk to school partnerships

International Walk to School Day to develop classroom partnerships around the world. The article is below from Safe Routes to School:

 http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/2013newsletter/issue1/connect-with-walking-schools-worldwide

Using photos, videos, emails or Skype, classrooms can share what it's like to walk or bike to school in their community with peers around the world. Walk the Globe broadens perspectives and enhances school connectedness, all while motivating students toward active, healthy lifestyles.

Partnerships to start in October for International Walk to School month. These partnerships can last as long as you and your partner classroom would like. Learning about and connecting with another classroom makes walking and biking to school fun, educational, and memorable!

To learn more about Walk the Globe and how you can register, see the video and website at: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1uwzhUeMh0#action=share
www.dashbc.ca/walktheglobe

Greenwich Land Trust Event | Go Wild | Sept 22

Greenwich Land Trust Event

Go Wild!
Sunday, September 22, 2013 

3-6 pm

Tickets are available for purchase at the gate

 
The GLT's Go Wild! annual family field day is widely regarded as one of the premier family events in Greenwich.  Nancy Fazzinga and Lindley Pless, 2013 event co-chairs, are working with their enthusiasticcommittee to plan a fabulous afternoon overflowing with classic family fun.  All generations are invited to enjoy the al fresco party at Conyers Farm - the Greenwich Polo Fields.  There will be something for everyone to enjoy -  a rock climbing wall, petting zoo, bungee trampoline, giant maze, birds of prey exhibit, sack races, mini golf, autumn crafts, and much more.  Enormous hot air balloons will give GLT supporters a spectacular view of the expansive 62-acre preserve surrounding them. 

More information:  http://www.gltrust.org/index.php?p=pages&title=Go-Wild

About the GLT

The Greenwich Land Trust (GLT) works every day to protect our community by conserving and caring for open space in the Greenwich area. By accepting gifts of open space, the GLT is able to protect that land from development forever.  Our work promotes the environmental health and well-being of our community and local residents by protecting waterways, trees, and other natural vegetation.

The GLT is a private, non-profit conservation organization with over 1400 active members.  The GLT received national accreditation status from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the national Land Trust Alliance in August 2012.  The Greenwich Land Trust is one of only 181 accredited land trusts among 1700 LTA member land trusts in the country.

The GLT receives no funding from the Town of Greenwich.  All funds for operating and open space acquisition are raised through private donations and our annual outdoor fund-raiser, Go Wild!

Riverside School - Tree Walk

Here's an inspiring way to get to know the trees on your school grounds.  Here are two links for Riverside School's Tree walk.

Article about RS Tree Walk
RS Tree Walk Map and Guide - 2005

Citizen Science: Butterfly Atlas

The Yale Peabody recently launched a project called iCBug.

This is a website that is used for identifying butterflies and
tracking sightings in Connecticut.  The site is based on data from the CT
Butterfly Atlas Project.
The site is available at http://www.icbug.org
It is optimized for your
computer, tablet and mobile device.  Registration is simple; you can either
register through the site, Facebook or Twitter.
On the site there are many search features.   You can search by name,
location or even characteristic descriptions. You can also track all of
your observations in Connecticut.  You can add what you saw, how many and
the location.  You can attach images and notes as well.  Your observations
will be added to the latest observations list.  The more observations you
add, the better the location search features will work for other users.

via Connecticut Outdoor & Environmental Education Association

Greenwich School Cafeterias Go Single Stream

Photos are from the single stream pilot program introduced last year at Parkway, Riverside, New Lebanon, and Julian Curtiss.  The students responded well to a week long of lunchtime monitoring, bringing the average lunch waste stream down from 100% trash to where it should be, with 80% of items being recycled.  See the photo below of what we are able to remove from the waste stream.  It's no longer just bottles and cans, single stream allows us to recycle clean Styrofoam trays, many plastic containers, chip bags, plastic wrap, plastic spoons, and aluminum foil.  The students get it, and they can do it!

Let's see how they do this year.  We need your help for a smooth transition to less waste in the school.

We'll be gathering responses from cafeteria staff, recycling monitors, custodians, facilities, and our trash/recycling hauling companies.

To volunteer or offer feedback please email ptacgreenschools@gmail.com




Professional Development: DEEP

Food, Land & People Workshops

Food, Land & People (FLP) is committed to helping people of all ages understand the interrelationships among

agriculture, the environment, and people of the world.

Food, Land & People's science and social science based curriculum,

Resources for Learning, for grades Pre-K to 12th

grade students throughout the United States.

FLP materials are correlated to Connecticut State Science Standards, and the

Common Core Objectives. This integrated material is designed to help support classroom requirements

while providing real world applications. Materials are provided through workshops which

can be arranged for schools and centers by contacting Susan Quincy.

Project WET Workshops

Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is an interdisciplinary water education program that provides K-12 educators with hands-on activities and programs that can be used in a variety of educational settings.  The goal of project WET is to facilitate and promote the awareness, appreciation, knowledge and stewardship of water resources through the development and distribution of classroom ready teaching aids.   Recently revised and updated the WET Guide 2.0 offers new activities on topics such as National Parks, health and hydration, storm water, and the very best activities gathered from all of Project WET's
publications. Contact susan.quincy@ct.gov, 203-734-2513.   Workshop fee is $40.00.

Susan Quincy
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Kellogg Environmental Center
500 Hawthorne Ave.
Derby, CT 06418
203-734-2513
FAX 203-922-7833

www.ct.gov/dep

Live Green CT: Two Day Festival in Norwalk

Celebrate and learn to 'Live Green' at a two-day, fun-filled family festival for all ages, at Taylor Farm Park located at 45 Calf Pasture Beach Road in Norwalk, CT!
Enjoy Delicious Food, Live Music, Eco-friendly shopping, Environmental Speakers and Exhibits! 'Green' Dogs Welcome….on a leash of course!!
Location: Taylor Farm Park at 45 Calf Pasture Beach Road in Norwalk, CT

See and experience businesses that are showcasing their new technology to positively impact our lives and environment. Come away with tips and ideas that will save you money!
FREE ADMISSION!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's all Live Green Connecticut!

September 14th, 2013
10:00am – 4:00pm

September 15th, 2013
11:00am – 4:00pm

http://www.livegreenct.com

Professional Development: Birds Webinar

from: http://www.birdsleuth.org/webinar-series/

You can attend one webinar to gain insight into one life science topic of interest… or attend the series for a true professional development opportunity!

Webinar 1 - Birds in Your Ecosystem 
Webinar 2: Bird Communication: Songs and Calls
Webinar 3: Migration: Birds on the Move
Webinar 4: Nesting: Birds Raising Young  
Webinar 5: Citizen Science: Next Generation Scientists
Choose to attend as many as you wish, and if within a year you complete the whole series, you can earn 1 CEU from Cornell University’s School of Continuing Education!
Schedule (times are in the Eastern zone):

• Session 2 Afternoon: Tuesdays at 3:30pm on September 10th, 17th, 24th, & October 1st, 8th; the equivalent of taking an online course on Tuesdays, you can complete the series in 5 weeks.
• Session 2 Evening: Tuesdays at 7:00pm on September 10th, 17th, 24th, & October 1st, 8th; the equivalent of taking an online course on Tuesdays, you can complete the series in 5 weeks.
• Session 3: November 11 (Monday):  All five webinars in one day with short breaks between them. Session begins at 9:00am, concludes at 4:30pm.
• Session 4: January: Tuesday evening series on January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4 (all webinars at 7:00pm)

Pricing: $15 each  (For a limited time, take $5 off your first webinar with the Promotion Code SleuthWebDisc).
[If you complete the series of five webinars, you can elect to earn 1 CEU  (Continuing Education Unit). There is an additional $10 fee if you opt for that credit (awarded by Cornell University).]

Excited to attend? Register for one or all at this link.

High School Video Contest

Please help spread the word to Connecticut environmental educators about the “World of 7 Billion” video contest that is going on this school year.  The contest is hosted by the Education Program at Population Connection, a Washington, DC-based non-profit focused on educating today’s youth about our growing human population.
The contest is open to all high school students worldwide and the deadline for submission is February 21^st, 2014.  We’re hoping that by giving educators so much lead time, they’ll be able to incorporate the contest into their syllabi and/or promote it with teachers and high school students they work with.

World of 7 Billion Video Contest
Bring technology and creativity into your environmental education curriculum by incorporating the World of 7 Billion video contest.  Challenge your students to create a short (60 seconds or less) video illustrating the connection between world population at seven billion and one of the following: climate change, global poverty, or water sustainability.  Students can win up to $1,000 and their educators will receive free curriculum resources.  The contest deadline is February 21, 2014.
Full contest guidelines, resources for research, past winners, and more can be found at www.Worldof7Billion.org.

Thank you for your help!
Sincerely,
Amanda Frank
Population Education Fellow
World of 7 Billion: www.Worldof7Billion.org
Population Connection: www.PopulationEducation.org
[forwarded from COEEA -- Connecticut Outdoor & Environmental Education Association]

Town-wide cleanup | International Coastal Inventory | Sept 21

TOWN-WIDE

FALL CLEANUP & INTERNATIONAL COASTAL INVENTORY

SAT, SEPT 21, 2013

STOP at any TOWN FIREHOUSE from 8 AM to NOON for:

CERTIFICATES FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

LITTER BAGS, GLOVES & REFRESHMENTS

TRADE IN TRASH FOR DAFFODIL BULBS!

DUMPSTERS AVAILABLE UNTIL 4 PM.                       

TO HELP OR TO REPORT A DIRTY SITE,

 call 531-0006 or email grgreenclean@aol.com

link to printable flyer