Service Learning Grant Project in Wasilla

The most recent edition of "The Branch," Project Learning Tree's newsletter, features an article about a service learning project in Wasilla, "Save Our Stream" that was financed with a $3,200 PLT Greenworks grant. http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/36_123_0.html

The Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators

Developed in 2001 by seven federal agencies, this kit has been updated and expanded, and is now available on the Web. It will aid educators in teaching how climate change is affecting our nation’s wildlife and public lands, and how everyone can become "climate stewards." Among the contents of the kit are: a 12 minute video, an overview of the science of climate change, case studies on 11 ecoregions, and classroom activities keyed to national science standards. To see the toolkit, visit www.globalchange.gov/resources/educators/toolkit.

Swine Flu Information

This site provieds some good information, including "H1N1 Briefing" - a powerpoint program on swine flu.
http://www.denver.feb.gov/index.php?content=12&page=H1N1%20Emergency%20Preparedness

The Health and Environment Program

This program of the National Environmental Education Foundation is targeted at health care professionals seeking to educate the public about improving environmental health. A special emphasis is placed on children and other populations disproportionately impacted by environmental health disparities. http://www.neefusa.org/health/index.htm

"How Not to Get Attacked by a Bear" video

Kevin Hood sent along a link to this entertaining cartoon video. He attached an evaluation by John Neary, Wilderness Field Manager, Admiralty NM, who said "I like the humorous approach but wouldn't endorse its use as a "stand-alone" product. If I were to use it in trainings it would be for the students to critique in a - "what's wrong with this video" exercise.
the problems I see: suggests having a pet to prevent bear problems. Maybe they meant it in humor yet most people have legitimate questions about this strategy and the answer isn't uniform...
Step 3, avoiding eye contact, isn't a strategy we teach and shouldn't be a step at all. We like people to keep an eye on the bear to recognize its behavioral signals and I'm unaware of any studies that show bears respond aggressively to eye contact alone. Canids do, but bears are different in this regard...
Step 6 could better advocate falling down only as a very last resort, and the bit about punching in the nose is taken out of context. We do suggest fighting back a predacious or opportunistic black bear by focusing blows to the nose, eyes but this would be a foolish strategy to use on a sow grizzly defending her cubs.
Step 7 about pepper spray is out of context and should be introduced at step 3 instead, and should give some useful hint about actually using the product correctly
that said, I'll add it to my list of interesting videos to use in my presentation..."
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2009/07/how-avoid-bear-attack-great-outdoors-cartoon-version

World Water Monitoring Day

World Water Monitoring Day™ is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies. World Water Monitoring Day is officially celebrated on September 18; however, the monitoring window was extended for the first time in 2009 from March 22 (World Water Day) until December 31. Participants are encouraged to celebrate with WEF and IWA in September or to observe their own WWMD anytime during the extended window. The deadline for submitting data to the WWMD database is December 31. http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/index.html

Interpretive Writing Class

Judy Fort Brenneman is offering a workshop, "Interpretive Writing Intensive," October 12-17 in Oregon. Check out the Greenfire Creative LLC website for information on that course and other topics.
http://www.greenfire-creative.com/