Non-formal Environmental Education at the State Level

Section B, Question Three

Are there strategies for involving non-formal educators in efforts to expand or strengthen EE in the state?

Alabama - Our Conservation Education programs target non-formal audiences also, such as Home Schoolers, 4-H, Scouts, Zoos, Parks, Museums, etc. Elderhostels, day camps, and Becoming An Outdoors Woman are examples of recent additions to our program. The EEAA seeks to involve these folks by putting them on the Board of Directors, etc.

Alaska - No strategy. 4-H programs related to outdoors & fisheries. Alaska Natural Resource and Outdoor Education Association (ANROE) - one or two projects per year. Alaska Committee for Resource Education (ACRE) - putting effort into Campbell Creek EE center and education for teachers. Various agencies have different emphases depending on importance of EE to the agency. Things may be done here (in AK) by federal agencies because there is so much federal land compared to other states. Rural Science and Native Culture camps in McGrath, Bethel, Pribilof Island (largely sponsored by USFWS). USFS “Practicum” (land management camp) for native youth.

Arizona - The Advisory Council on EE is a mix of diverse representatives from Universities, K-12, Business, Non-profit organizations, and agencies (many others attend these meetings). EE Academy encourages teams of formal educators, business representatives, agency personnel and community members. Networking breakfast focuses on business people, agencies, organizations, and university people.

Arkansas - Unreported.

California - Limited. Representation of nonformal education on Department of Education Advisory Committee; Survey of non-formal organization funded (1993/94) by California Dept. of Education (information provided in “California EE Resource Guide;” regional EE fairs and events).

Colorado - Yes; Colorado State Parks has developed a plan for interpretive/educational plans at most of the state parks. Colorado Wildlife Federation, Denver Museum of Natural History also provide many opportunities.

Connecticut - Yes; invitations and newsletters are always sent to the environmental organizations throughout the state. Many non-formal educators serve as facilitators for the programs sponsored by the state.

Delaware - Unreported.

Florida - Yes, although not as part of a master plan or state-level coordinated effort (e.g., Sea Grant runs a network, state agencies run their own networks, LEEF’s center project/network, etc.).

Georgia - In progress.

Hawaii - In progress.

Idaho - No.

Illinois - Yes, through the proposed draft strategic plan/Environmental Literacy for Illinois.

Indiana - State EE plan in progress; EE Association.

Iowa - Yes, the majority of the individuals involved in the expansion of EE are non-formal educators. There are numerous formal educators involved and their input is always sought, but their schedules and time constraints limit their involvement in the planning process. Workshops are usually available to all educators.

Kansas - KACEE is the present umbrella we are organized under.

Kentucky - Yes, we are attempting to form a regional coalition of non-formal educators in EE.

Louisiana - Yes, non-formal educators will be an integral part of the state EE initiation.

Maine - ITV; Earthminders group; Maine EE Association.

Maryland - Yes, MAEOE conferences and get-togethers. Also, Project WILD is holding workshops for natural resources managers. Networking; we have a vast and strong contacts system to use in our programs.

Massachusetts - Unreported.

Michigan - Presently being discussed.

Minnesota - Yes, representation and task force work by MAEE (part of Greenprint Plan).

Mississippi - Yes, Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, Conservation Camp, SEA Camp, Project Marine Discovery.

Missouri - Yes, through Education/Interpretation Division, MO Dept. of Education.

Montana - No.

Nebraska - Unreported

Nevada - No.

New Hampshire - Ideas have been discussed; non-formal educators do the majority of teacher training.

New Jersey - ANJEE conferences and workshops.

New Mexico - The non-formal sector is most active in EE in the state; efforts are currently focusing on involving more formal educators.

New York - Unreported.

North Carolina - Yes.

North Dakota - Our initial meeting in September 1995 included mostly non-formal educators. We used Promoting EE as a guide throughout our meeting and created a Memorandum of Understanding and a vision statement per NEEAP’s advice.

Ohio - Yes, as part of EECO strategic plan.

Oklahoma - Yes, through Curricula in Rough/PE in Rough, Dept. of Wildlife; also a non-formal EE subcommittee of the Interagency Committee.

Oregon - Yes, through cooperative grants, partnerships.

Pennsylvania - Yes.

Rhode Island - Yes, through state science framework roll-out and University of Rhode Island EPA grant.

South Carolina - Yes.

South Dakota - Not currently, but EECSD considers this to be one of their long-range goals.

Tennessee - Yes, we use formal and non-formal facilitators for Project WILD, WET, and PLT workshops, and non-formal educators are also involved in coalition and planning.

Texas - Yes; TEEAC endorsed programs conduct EE inservices.

Utah - Only through State Association.

Vermont - Yes, being led by Fish and Wildlife Department and Agency of Natural Resources to develop a statewide comprehensive plan.

Virginia - Yes, many are PLT, WET,WILD, facilitators.

Washington - Yes, non-formal educators are a strong part of our state EE community through their leadership and involvement with the OSPI EE Advisory Council, the Governor’s Council on EE, EEAW, and other networks.

West Virginia - Project WILD workshops, EE Toolbox workshop.

Wisconsin - One meeting is usually held in conjunction with state EE conference. The nature/env. section conducts two informal meetings/visits to centers every year.

Wyoming - WAEE has objectives which were identified by many non-formal educators from around the state. WAEE currently has a strategic plan to accomplish these.