WAEE Events
Past Winter Workshops
| 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 |
Theme:
"Environmental Leadership"
Dates:
January 30 - February 1, 2009
Location:
Treehaven - Tomahawk, WI
Summary:
If you didn’t get the chance to come up to Treehaven for the
2009 Winter Workshop you missed a wonderful opportunity for
networking, education and fun, and we were again blessed with
excellent snow cover and moderate temperatures in the upper
20’s!
The 2009 theme was “Environmental Leadership”, coinciding with
the presidential election and at a moment in time where new
leadership and change are in the forefront across the nation. 45
people from ages 4 to 64 and from all over Wisconsin made the
trip up to Treehaven for a weekend of perfect winter weather for
fun and learning. Three individuals joined WAEE for the first
time, and a number of folks renewed their memberships, which of
course is the ultimate strength of our signature statewide
organization. A record 19 college students were in attendance,
marking a resurgence of student involvement and participation in
WAEE.
On Friday evening WAEE student board members ran us all through
some fun ice breakers, followed by festive social networking in
the lounge and a traditional night hike into the Treehaven wilds
to call for wolves.
The Keynote this year was Bruce Palmer, Director of Marketing
and Admissions for NOLS, (National Outdoor Leadership School),
who gave an interesting perspective on the outstanding NOLS
model and what it means to be an environmental leader in today’s
changing world. The 19 concurrent sessions offered throughout
the weekend ranged from grants and creative funding to green and
local foods, green and healthy schools and communities,
composting, sustainable forestry, sustainable model curriculum
for the classroom and much, much more., And of course there were
opportunities for cross country skiing and snowshoeing on the
1,400 acres with all equipment provided, so there was literally
something for everyone! The food was satisfying, and a
sustainable meal was offered on Saturday evening as well as the
“Brutal Gourmet”, who again held court over the curling smoke of
a winter campfire with a tasty repast of Irish Stew from a Dutch
oven.
Saturday afternoon brought time for student -led “Winter
Olympics” and for some to hit the groomed ski trails. Saturday
night the crowd learned of the outstanding web resources
available through the associated “EE in Wisconsin” and “ComunitEE”,
which will become of ever increasing value in the future. Later
there was a fun mix of music , pool, libations, fireside chat,
and our third annual “Nertz Tournament,” a fun and frolicking
game of cards with the awarding of a traveling “trophy” (of
singular nature) and with proceeds going to WAEE (along with
refreshments the only “fundraising" part of the conference, as
all auctions are at Fall Conference). A few hardy souls even
decided to sleep out in a snow Quinzhee before Sunday morning
brought an end to the concurrent sessions and closing ceremony.
Thanks to all who came to learn or present, and to support WAEE!
We are a member driven organization, so look for the 2010 call
for presenters and think about running a session yourself, or
even consider joining the 2010 Winter Workshop Committee. We’ll
look forward to seeing you next winter!
~ John Heusinkveld, 2009 Winter Workshop Chair
Photos:
View Winter
Workshop Photos (flickr)