Trails to Every Classroom

"The Trail to Every Classroom program engages young people in nature. It brings together Trail managers, teachers, and children, allowing a safe pace to engage in physical exercise, explore nature, learn about the Trail as a natural and cultural resource, and collectively get their hands dirty. This is exactly the kind of program we need to see more of as a way to connect children to nature."

--Richard Louv, Author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder

Trails to Every Classroom with Project Learning Tree

Where: CFPA Headquarters (16 Meriden Road, Rockfall, CT)

When: Tuesday, November 5, 2013 - 9:00am - 3:00pm (Election Day)

Who: Teachers, Youth Leaders & Educators

Join this interdisciplinary, professional development workshop for educators aimed at providing the inspiration, knowledge & skills to transform teaching into effective and exciting place-based education.

Integrate hands-on study of the natural and cultural resources of local communities addressing concepts in ecology, botany, sense of place, recreation, and civics. Project Learning Tree (PLT) activities teach students how to think, not what to think, about the environment by using the forest as a window into the world.  

Workshop Fee:  $40 each

 

For details and registration visit: http://www.ctwoodlands.org/TTEC_Part1

 

Lori Paradis Brant

Education Director

PLT Coordinator

 

Connecticut Forest & Park Association

16 Meriden Road (Route 66)

Rockfall, CT 06481

860-346-2372 x 14

www.ctwoodlands.org/educ

www.walkct.org   www.plt.org

Conserving Connecticut.  Connecting people to the land.

Are you a fan of CFPA? Become a Member, www.ctwoodlands.org/join-us
Join us on Facebook---facebook.com/CTForestandParkAssociation 

Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving
your community and world better than you found it.
--Marian Wright Edelman

 

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Posted on Connecticut Outdoor & Environmental Education Association Listserv

BRUCE MUSEUM | Science Enrichment Programs

Forwarded from Ellen Hawley, Greenwich PTAC Curriculum Enrichment Chair

Excerpts from the Bruce Museum literature:

"The school programs are inquiry-based and promote critical thinking and oral expression. They feature hands-on-learning activities using objects from the Museum's collections and exhibitions. Many are interdisciplinary and address various learning styles."  

SCIENCE K-5:

BRUCEMOBILE: Various Natural Sciences Options

(CLICK ON TO VIEW BIGGER)

 TWO TEMPORARY INSTALLATIONS TO NOTE AND PERMANENT COLLECTIONS:

November 2, 2013 to March 23, 2014

Oysters, Pearls of Long Island Sound

Found in estuaries around the world, oysters are a favored delicacy for humans and play a valuable role in ecosystems and economies. These unassuming mollusks have sustained Native Americans, cleaned polluted harbors, provided critical habitat, and created waterside cultures. The exhibition will feature hands-on interactive displays, videos, and historical objects that appeal to all ages.

January 25, 2014 to April 13, 2014

In the Dark: Animal Survival Strategies

Explore different environments of darkness and the unique life forms that inhabit them through a combination of hands-on and whole-body interactives, walk-through dioramas, and specimens.

PERMANENT EXHIBIT

Woodland Indian Life (PreK - 6th grade)

Artifacts from local archaeological sites and a reconstruction of a Woodland Indian wigwam help recreate the life of coastal Native Americans of our area. Students use critical thinking skills as they become history detectives and take part in an artifact interpretation activity.

Animal Adaptations (PreK - 5th grade)

Different body coverings, colors, and physical structures help vertebrates adapt to their environment, find food, and escape from predators. Children learn these concepts and develop their observation and communication skills while handling fur pelts and animal mounts.

I Am an Archaeologist (2nd – 5th grade)

How do archaeologists work? What kinds of artifacts do they collect and why? How do they interpret artifacts? Students take part in an archeological "dig" of a Woodland Indian site and use critical thinking and communication skills as they work in teams, recording and interpreting artifacts. This program complements "Woodland Indian Life." A discount is offered when both are requested for the same school group.

Coastal Ecology (PreK – middle school)

Students learn about their local marine ecosystem, the Long Island Sound, through a hands-on introduction to the aquatic animals in the Sound. Utilizing our marine touch-tank, students observe the animals' structures and adaptations to the marine environment, discuss the food chain of the intertidal zone, and are shown how to handle live invertebrates.

 Mineral Marvels (3rd – 5th grade)

What is a mineral? How can you tell the difference between various rocks and minerals? Students will observe the Museum's mineral collection, learn to classify minerals based on their many properties, and then use these skills to identify the minerals in everyday objects such as pencils, makeup, and baby powder. Primary science skills (observing, recording, and hypothesizing) are used as they handle and examine specimens.
 

Butterflies (PreK - 2nd grade)

Students explore the world of butterflies while learning about their body structure, life cycle, and symmetrical decorative patterns. The program includes a symmetry game and craft project.

SCIENCE: for MIDDLE SCHOOL only. Contact: 

Julie Harrington   in the Bruce Museum's Education Department at (203) 413-6744.  

Scholarships for schools on a tight budget are  available for both  programs.

Partnership with AAG (Archaeological Associates of Greenwich)

# # # #

[GSE] October 22 Bruce Museum Lecture on Oysters:Ecosystem Engineers, Aquaculture Crops

Bruce Museum Science Lecture

Oysters: Ecosystem Engineers, Aquaculture Crops, and Dinner

October 22, 2013 at 6:30 pm

 

Bruce Museum, One Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT

 

On Tuesday, October 22, the Bruce Museum in Greenwich hosts shellfish expert Dr. Sandra E. Shumway, who will discuss the multiple roles that shellfish play as industry commodity, efficient ecosystem engineers, and coveted food.

 

The lecture begins at 7:00 pm and is preceded by refreshments and open galleries at 6:30 pm. Admission is $7 to the public, $5 for Bruce Museum members, and free for students with ID. For reservations, call 203-413-6757.

 

Oysters, mussels, scallops, and clams are key members of the marine environment. These shellfish are among the most important of ecosystem engineers and providers of ecosystem services. They also provide an important food source for human consumption and are the basis for successful aquaculture businesses.

 

"Shellfish aquaculture and restoration continue to expand globally, as do eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, and degradation of coastal environments," Shumway notes.

"Restoration and aquaculture are both increasingly touted as means of habitat restoration, and as potential sources of mitigation for coastal degradation," she asserts.  "At some scales, shellfish restoration and establishment of sustainable molluscan shellfish aquaculture operations can mitigate effects of coastal development and eutrophication; however, the expectations and publicity are reaching unrealistic levels."

Her presentation will open a discussion of the realistic expectations that could result from exploitation of bivalve mollusks, whether in restored reefs or in aquaculture farms, as long-term ecosystem engineers and mitigators of coastal degradation. She will also address shellfish on the menu.

 

 

 

About Sandra E. Shumway, PhD:

Dr. Shumway is a strong advocate for the shellfishing industry and has pioneered the study of impacts of harmful algae on shellfish. A research professor at the University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, she has received numerous academic honors and authored scholarly publications. She is past president and current president-elect of the National Shellfisheries Association. Her research interests are in the ecology of marine invertebrates, shellfish biology, and aquaculture.

 

About the Bruce Museum:

For additional information, call the Bruce Museum at (203) 869-0376 or visit the website at www.brucemuseum.org.

 

GREENWICH-STAMFORD ENVIRONMENT  (GSEnvironment) is a free email distribution list, established in 2001 on behalf of the Greenwich Environmental forum, to facilitate networking and information-sharing among environmental leaders in Greenwich and Stamford.  If you received this message from a friend and would like more information about the list or how to subscribe,  write to GSenvironment-owner@yahoogroups.com.  <mailto:GSEnvironment-owner@yahoogroups.com>.

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Single Stream Rollout Process | A Week in the Cafeteria

What to expect during Single Stream Rollout
The process typically begins a couple of weeks before the scheduled roll out when Gayle contacts the Green Schools rep to review what is needed. She will ask for the name of the head custodian in order to book a meeting with him. At this point Ron Matten will call the principal so that he/she knows what we are doing and why. He should also encourage them to speak with the cafeteria monitors about their role in making sure the process works long term. The support of the custodial and cafeteria staff is critical to success. 

The week before the roll out, Gayle and the Green Schools rep meet with the school's head custodian and Matt Orsaia from Finocchio Bros. They look at the current dumpsters on the loading dock and discuss any changes required to the dumpsters and pick-up schedule (typically a larger recycling container is needed). After that Matt leaves and the others go to the cafeteria to look at the current set up and how it needs to be modified for single stream (moving trash barrels, adding recycle barrels, hanging signs, etc). If the cafeteria monitors are there, the team ensures that they have been told what is happening. The custodian is also asked to think about any additional bins needed throughout the school.

During this week, the Green Schools rep should touch base with the principal to go over the specifics on what will happen in the cafeteria and should email him/her the link to the youtube video and the classroom guide.

The week usually runs as follows, but can be modified as needed:

 

Monday - general introduction to cafeteria recycling

Tuesday - show single stream youtube video ((https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GP3JuiX5BY)

Wednesday - discuss benefits for town

Thursday - recycling in the classroom (Click here for Guide)

Friday - no talk

 

Each day volunteers stand at the bins and help the kids sort as well. Ideally, there are 3-4 volunteers on Monday and Tuesday and then two is usually enough for the rest of the week. Gayle is typically there most days and can get 1-2 other volunteers if given enough time to notify them. The Green Schools rep will hopefully be able to be there a couple of days and can get the support of a few other parents.

 

Showing the video is dependent on having a screen and/or projector in the cafeteria. The Green Schools rep can coordinate with the media staff on how best to show it. If the school don't have the ability to show it in the cafeteria, they can think of other options (e.g., Glenville had teachers show the video in the classrooms).

 

The Classroom Guide should be distributed to the teachers before the roll out so they know what they should be recycling in the classrooms. Some schools have a teacher or administrator who is enthusiastic about this and has done a short presentation at a staff meeting.

 

Our experience is that the kids catch on quickly and most of the older kids know what to do by the end of the week. Kindergarteners and First Graders tend to have more trouble as they have difficulty holding the tray while sorting things. Assistance from the monitors for the younger students is a great help.

The volume of recycling on any given day is highly dependent on the food being served. Meals with lots of sauce, syrup, and ketchup result in fewer trays recycled. Generally, however, at least half of the waste in the cafeteria can be recycled.

We realize that the sorting is not perfect and that food/dirty containers do wind up in the recycle bin. Hopefully the kids will get better over time. We started the process knowing that there would be some contamination but believe that it is important that the kids understand and embrace recycling wherever they work and play.

If you have any questions please contact:

Gayle Hagegard, Green Schools/GRAB, gayle@hagagard.com

Deanna Novak, Green Schools, deannanov@gmail.com

Sally Davies, GRAB, daviesally@aol.com 

--

Posted by Gayle Hagegard 

gayle@hagegard.com

+1 203 554 9993

Plant Trees! October is National NeighborWoods month

The following is an announcement from Children and Nature Network, a great resource (please see http://www.childrenandnature.org/) about a national celebration of trees in our communities.  You can get involved by learning more about our local Greenwich Tree Conservancy.  Please see their update below.

October is National NeighborWoods® Month!

National NeighborWoods Month is the Alliance for Community Trees' (ACTrees) annual celebration of trees in our communities. Every October, tens of thousands of volunteers take action to make their communities greener and healthier by planting trees—turning their neighborhoods into vibrant, livable NeighborWoods! [+] Get involved. 

Update from Greenwich Tree Conservancy

We are continuing to plant trees in town!  So far in October we have planted 20 trees which has brought our annual tree planting number this year to about 150.  We have planted at Parkway School and plan to plant at EMS shortly.  If any other school is in need of trees they should let us know.
Other than that, we are on our way next Wednesday the 23rd to the New York Botanical Garden for a tour by Todd Forrest, author of Magnificent Trees of the NYBG.

Best regards,
JoAnn Messina

JoAnn Messina  Executive Director  Greenwich Tree Conservancy  PO Box 4215  Greenwich, CT  06831  (203) 869-1464  treeconserv@optonline.net  www.greenwichtreeconservancy.org

[COEEA] Oct 24 Event: Networking, Panels, Speakers, Special Guests

RESILIENT CONNECTICUT!
WORKSHOP & TOOLKIT
Key Building Blocks That Create Stronger Communities

In collaboration with
Fairfield University's Environmental Studies Program, Connecticut Green Building Council and
Live Green Connecticut!

JOIN US:
Thursday, October 24th, 2013
8:30am - 12:45pm
Oak Room
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, Connecticut


WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?
Workshop Benefits

1.)  Find out if a co-generation plant is right for your community.

2.) Share your community's success stories with others and be a part of the Resilient CT! Toolkit. The Toolkit is shared with all workshop attendees. To be included in the Toolkit, send us your success story.<mailto:daphne@resilientct.org>

3.) Receive a complimentary, easy to use, EPA award winning tool that residents of your community can use to answer the question, "How Green is My Town" and tools to help make your community greener right away.

4.) Find out how your town can make money by using single-stream recycling.

5.) Learn how your community can engage in an "Energy Challenge" where residents can save 10% - 20% on their electricity bill.

6) Learn about Fairfield University's Jesuit Community Center - named a "Top Ten House" by American Institute of Architects.

7.) Find out the latest on disaster preparedness and measures your town can take to recover quickly.

8.) Learn about easy ways to get your community involved and connected to each other.

9.) Free promotion and visibility for you and for your community's projects and initiatives.

10.) Find out about new technologies that are modernizing and improving our communities.

11.) Learn about products and services that will improve quality of life and save your community money.

12.) Network with community and municipal leaders to learn what is new and discover best practices and projects that are working well.

13.) Take advantage of the complimentary offer to be featured on your GreenTowns community network with your photo and quote. Check out the Norwalk Network.


To learn more about the Resilient CT! Workshop & Toolkit, please visit  www.resilientct.org.
For immediate questions, contact Daphne Dixon at (203) 536-4695.

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Connecticut Outdoor &amp; Environmental Education Association

You could be a Greenwich Point Ranger!

Have you completed the JR Ranger booklet yet at Greenwich Point?  It's fun and easy!  The full copy is available here:

JR Ranger Booklet (pdf)

More about the Program

Welcome to Greenwich Point! The Point is a wonderful place and one of our town’s most visited parks. It offers a variety of activities for the whole family including the opportunity to see and learn about a variety of natural habitats. The Junior Ranger Program is designed to help you do this. What is a Junior Ranger? A Junior Ranger is:

…an Adventurer

…a Learner

…a Seeker

…a Discoverer
…a Care-taker

A Junior Ranger could be…YOU!

To become a Greenwich Point Junior Ranger you need to:

 -JR Ranger Patch greenwichct.org

• Take the Junior Ranger Pledge (see last page).
• Complete the Ranger Safety page (page 3)
• Visit Greenwich Point at least twice and write about your visits on the journal page (page 7). 
• Attend a nature program at Greenwich Point. These are offered by many different organizations,including the Bruce Museum, Audubon Greenwich, the Friends of Greenwich Point, Soundwaters, the Shellfish Commission, the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, and the Conservation Commission. Check these organizations’ websites for upcoming programs.
• Complete the other activities in this booklet. Each activity is worth a certain number of slipper shells, which can be found on the upper right hand corner of each page. The number of shells you need to collect depends on your age.
• Sign your name on the last page and submit your completed booklet to the Conservation Commission to have your certificate signed and receive your official Junior Ranger patch.