Community Calendar

Schools and Districts in Arkansas have received over $1.1 billion in emergency Covid funding under a federal program called “Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief” (ESSER). AEEA has been working with our friends at the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) on a national campaign to advocate that a portion of these funds be used for the following: 

• Creation of outdoor classrooms
• Engaging kids in green school activities
• Every Arkansas student having at least one outdoor/environmental education field experience each year
• Supporting these measures with teacher professional learning and support staff

These are all evidence-based strategies for addressing students’ learning needs and socio-emotional health, which are priorities for use of ESSER funding. On September 30, you can join a national conversation for educators and administrators. Presenters will include the US Department of Education, environmental researchers, and district personnel who are actively putting these strategies into place in their schools. 

The implementation of these strategies by schools and districts could be supported by the many non-formal educators around the state through field experiences, professional development, and green school activities as well as activities and experiences that lend themselves to outdoor classrooms.  If you would like to learn more, read our recent blog post or contact us.

Registration is required. This event is free and we ask that you share with your network to help spread the word.

REGISTER HERE

Come join us as we learn all about building a schoolyard wildlife habitat. Participants will receive two free books to help build a habitat from start to finish. This workshop is very hands-on and you will walk away with lots of goodies to help you get started in your school yard wildlife habitat.

Participants will learn about grant opportunities. Arkansas Department of Education 6 hour approved professional development credit. Register before September 28th to be eligible for a a bird feeding station door prize.

The workshop is free, but registration is required. To register, go to https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/171332

For questions, contact Sheila Connerly at sheila.connerly@agfc.ar.gov or 479.518.2621.

Project WILD is an environmental science curriculum rooted in nature that helps educators bring the outdoors to their students. Come join us and let’s get WILD. Teachers will walk away with two curriculum guides, hands-on modeled lessons, and lots of great ideas.
Door prizes.

The workshop is free, but registration is required. To register go to https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/171334.

For questions, contact Sheila Connerly at 479.518.2621.

Join Project Learning Tree for this fun, interactive and educational 2-day workshop focusing on the Benefits of Prescribed Fire.

With recent wildfires ravaging portions of the West and the debate on forest management to control fuel loads – now is an opportune time to learn more about the benefits and uses of prescribed fire in Arkansas.

Participants will learn about forest management, fire weather, habitat restoration, creating a burn plan, tools of the trade, and – if conditions allow – observe a controlled burn demonstration.  

Registration is limited to 20 and overnight lodging will be provided. Social distancing and State and CDC guidelines will be followed.

The $25 registration fee covers workshop materials, curriculum, resources, meals, and overnight lodging.

Workshops are open to all formal and non-formal educators. Participants should be aware that these workshops will involve outdoor activities requiring walking in rough, uneven terrain and sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

For more information and an application form, visit: www.arkforests.org/page/TCT

Approved for 12 hours of ADE PD.

Come join as as we learn about how to get started on a schoolyard wildlife habitat. Participants will receive two free guides to help gain knowledge in developing a wildlife habitat. This is very much a hands-on workshop. Participants will walk away with a butterfly habitat, a Toad Abode, a blue bird house, and more.

Arkansas Department of Education 6 hour approved credit. Register before October 12 and be eligible for a special door prize.

The workshop is free, but registration is required. To register, go to https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/171426

For questions, contact Sheila Connerly at sheila.connerly@agfc.ar.gov or 479.518.2621.

Come join us and enjoy learning out Elk in Arkansas. Participants will learn about the natural history and biology of elk, elk antler measuring, travel to elk viewing area in hopes of seeing elk, and have some fun with elk art. Participants will walk away with a WILD About Elk curriculum guide to use as a resource in their classroom and a “Wildlife of Elk” by Donna Love. Door prizes.

Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch, snacks, and drinks.

The workshop is free, but registration is required. Register at https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/171335

For questions, contact Sheila Connerly at sheila.connerly@agfc.ar.gov or 479.518.2621.

Join Project Learning Tree for this fun, interactive and educational 2-day workshop focusing on growing pine trees to support the pulp and paper industries in Arkansas.

Besides having such a large economic impact on the state; pulp and paper is one of the most widely used materials in the world. From copy paper to toilet paper to cardboard boxes and disposable diapers – wood pulp is everywhere!  

Participants will learn about the pulp and paper industry, make their own paper, and learn how trees are sustainably grown to support the demand. Participants will visit an active harvesting site, tour a Kraft paper mill, and a corrugated box plant.  

Registration is limited to 20. Social distancing and State and CDC guidelines will be followed.  $25 per person. Overnight lodging is NOT provided.

Workshops are open to all formal and non-formal educators. Participants should be aware that these workshops will involve outdoor activities requiring walking in rough, uneven terrain and sometimes in adverse weather conditions.

For more information, visit: www.arkforests.org/page/TCT

Approved for 12 hours of ADE PD.

Project WILD is an environmental science curriculum rooted in nature that helps educators bring the outdoors to their students. Teachers of all subjects are encouraged to participate. Workshops cover a variety of subject areas, including science, social studies, language arts, math, and physical education.

Participants will receive 6 hours of Arkansas Department of Education professional development credit.

The workshop is free, but registration is required. To register go to https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/171310

For questions, contact Sheila Connerly at 479.518.2621.

Growing Up WILD is the early childhood curriculum of Project WILD. It is geared to teachers who teach children of ages 3 – 7. Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children helps educators and caregivers engage children in activities that encourage outdoor exploration. Each participant will receive a 27-lesson curriculum guide, “Wishing I Was Fishing” picture book by author Eva Wells, door prizes and more. Teachers will also learn about a Conservation Education Grant.

The workshop is free, but registration is required. To register go to https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/171312

For questions, contact Sheila Connerly at sheila.connerly@agfc.ar.gov or 479.518.2621.