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June 2009
2009 IdEEA Environmental
Educators of the Year
The 2008
Professional Environmental Educator of Year is Gregg Losinski.
Gregg is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Upper
Snake Region of Idaho Fish and Game out of Idaho Falls. His job
is to not only talk to students, but also teaches teachers and
the general public about fish and wildlife. So that he can get
the story right, he gets to take part in all the fascinating
things Fish and Game does. While helping with projects like deer
trapping or catching poachers, he also takes pictures and video
for newspaper and television. He writes stories about what Fish
and Game is doing and also speaks on the radio and to
sportsman’s groups and clubs. He is part of the team of agencies
working to delist the grizzly bear in the Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Gregg is available to the public and educators. He communicates
in an engaging way that is adapted to any grade level. He is a
great representative of Idaho Fish and Game and the Southeastern
Idaho environment.
The 2008 K-12 Environmental Educator of the Year is Dan
Richards. Dan is the K-12 Science Teacher at Meadow Valley
Schools in New Meadows, Idaho. Dan is an active educator. Last
year he participated in an Earthwatch project traveling to Nova
Scotia for two weeks with several other teachers to do a
mammal-climate effects study. He had a daily blog and did video
conferences with his students to discuss the data he collected.
In the summer, Dan works for the Forest Service as a Wildlife
Biologist doing population surveys.
Last year, Dan applied for and received a Solar 4R Schools
installation from Idaho Power. It’s a competitive process and
his application demonstrated innovative ideas for how to use the
panels and the data generation system to teach his students
about renewable energy. Dan also held “An Evening on Green
Street”; an open house for the community to learn about
environmental issues. The main focus was the students who
showcased their own projects about the environment and local
energy. Dan invited local businesses to showcase their green
products; he also had Idaho Power give a talk on renewable
energy, and had local citizens discuss recycling and waste
management in the community.
Congratulations, Gregg and Dan!
From left: Gregg Losinski, Laron Johnson, Dan Richards
President’s Note
I’d like to begin my
service as IdEEA president with a big thanks to Greg Fizzell,
who has done such a fine job in this position for the past two
years. Greg led the IdEEA through some very challenging times,
with a change of executive directors, and the development and
implementation of a strategic plan for the organization. While
the notion of a strategic plan may not strike you all as
terribly exciting, that plan, and the ongoing processes that
support it, continue to prove extremely valuable in keeping the
organization focused and productive in serving our members.
Greg’s leadership has been marked by steady thoughtfulness,
sound judgment, and caring. Luckily, when Greg took on the
president’s post, we not only structured it so as to have him at
the helm for 2 years (rather than the previous one year term),
but also to hang on to him for an additional two years as
vice-president. We are fortunate to benefit from his past and
continuing dedication to IdEEA.
Following this theme
of torch passing, I believe I speak for many in expressing a mix
of both sadness and excitement at other changes that are afoot
in the organization. We are sad to see two valuable, long-time
leaders leave their posts on the board of directors. Bob Vestal
and Dick McCloskey have spent a number of years contributing to
the direction of IdEEA and have been valuable advocates for EE
in Idaho, and I would like to thank them both on behalf of the
organization for all that they have done. We will also miss the
work of Amy Luft, a more recent addition who is no longer able
to serve on the board. We are grateful for her thoughtful and
effective work while she was with us, and value her ongoing
membership in IdEEA.
Looking forward, we
do have a number of candidates that have been nominated to fill
vacancies and to grow our board of directors, and I am excited
about the prospects for what these folks can bring to the
organizations’ leadership. Please be sure to see the information
on the nominees in this newsletter, and vote in the elections so
that the board can proceed in addressing a long slate of
important tasks in the coming year.
On that note, it is a really exciting time to be involved in EE
in Idaho, and a member of IdEEA. Coming off a very successful
spring conference in Pocatello, the conference planning
committee is already hard at working on next year’s meeting in
Boise, so mark your calendars and watch for updates on our
website and in upcoming newsletters. The organization is also
involved in supporting landmark legislation in support of EE.
The prospects look very good that some form of No Child Left
Inside will find its way into law in the next year or so, and
with it comes opportunities for greatly increased support for EE
in the states. In particular, IdEEA is looking into how the
organization can best facilitate the state’s capacity to gain
those forms of support provided by the potential new
legislation. Finally, we are incredibly happy to have passed our
initial fundraising goal of $10,000 to establish an endowment
that will provide scholarships for environmental educators in
Idaho. With the help of many generous donors, this new endowment
will help IdEEA continue to expand its core function of
supporting our members in their professional growth and
development as environmental educators.
Thanks again to all of you for supporting IdEEA and working for
the cause of environmental education in Idaho. See you all in
Boise next March.
Best,
Matt Sanger
Board of Directors
Election
You can vote online
at
ELECTION CLOSED. Vote
for one person in each category.
Board Member Nominees
Name: R. Forrest
Stanley,
fstanley@mvsd11.org
Current Organization/ Affiliation: Teacher, Meadows Valley HS
Position: Math teacher, Athletic Director, Asst. Girls' Soccer
Coach - McCall-Donnelly HS
Biography:
I learned conservation as a Boy Scout and on my grandfather's
farm. He had a small retired dairy farm in Vermont. Not that he
was ever a dairy farmer, that was my grandmother's cousin, he
purchased an old homestead farm that was the source for milk in
the area, north of Northfield. On the farm we did many projects
that improved the natural rhythms of the land and restored
habitat for fish and wildlife. As an adult I have been involved
in wildlife harvest management and restoration projects on
military installations as part of the Rod and Gun Clubs. I am an
instructor for the German Hunting Course, which is much
different from the Hunter Education program in the United
States. The German course requires hunters to know the animals:
biology and ecology. Projects are an integral part of the
educational process. I am also a Hunter Education Instructor for
the Idaho Fish and Game Department. I am also a Life Member and
Habitat Partner in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
As a school teacher I am one of three advisors for the Green
Earth Club, our student ecology organization. I am learning how
to write grants for science education programs and projects.
Though I am certified in Natural Sciences as my primary
endorsement, I teach in my secondary - Mathematics.
At home, we are actively restoring a stream that traverses the
length of our property. This project is part of our efforts to
restore the pastures, 20 acres, total to full production and
limit the impact of our horses on the stream and the pastures.
What I Can Bring to the IdEEA Board:
Organizational management skills that include program planning
and analysis.
________________________________________
Name: Karla Bradley,
kbradley@uidaho.edu
Current Organization/ Affiliation: University of Idaho / McCall
Outdoor Science School
Position: Assistant Professor / Director of Education
Biography:
I grew up in Maryland, went to college in Massachusetts, and
lived in New York City for four years before moving to Portland,
Oregon to work for Habitat for Humanity as an AmeriCorps member.
I served a second AmeriCorps year with Northwest Youth Corps in
Eugene, working as a field leader in their alternative high
school. After getting my feet wet in environmental education, I
decided to spend a year at Teton Science School in the
Professional Residency in Environmental Education so I could
further develop my skills. This led me to work with the Student
Conservation Association, leading conservation and trail crews
for several summers while pursuing my Master’s and PhD at the
University of Idaho. The move to Moscow opened up all kinds of
doors, including getting involved with the McCall Outdoor
Science School. I’ve been with MOSS since 2003 and have had the
chance to help it grow from a small program serving a handful of
schools to a year-round, statewide program that serves more than
3,000 students every year. My work as Director of Education at
MOSS means that I am responsible for curriculum development,
oversight and assessment, and most importantly, the training and
preparation of 15 graduate / AmeriCorps members placed at MOSS.
I teach a course in Place-based Education and an Environmental
Issues course as part of their graduate residency experience. I
also supervise their practicum. Through my work at MOSS,
teaching courses, living in McCall, and traveling throughout the
state, I have developed a strong sense of place for Idaho and
its amazing landscapes.
What I Can Bring to the IdEEA Board:
I bring 8 years of experience in environmental education, in
Idaho, Wyoming and Oregon. My experience helping to develop the
graduate residency at the McCall Outdoor Science School, coupled
with my dissertation research has given me a unique insight into
professional development for environmental educators. I have
developed relationships with teachers all over the state of
Idaho and also have a strong connection at the University of
Idaho. I enjoy challenges, have strong organizational skills and
I have a lot of energy. I believe in the great work that IdEEA
does, and I’ve been really impressed by the directions it’s been
going over the last several years.
________________________________________
Name: Jennie Rylee,
jrylee@cityofboise.org
Current Organization/Affiliation: Foothills Learning Center,
Boise Parks and Recreation
Position: Environmental Education Coordinator
Biography:
I am an Idaho native (actually I’ve only lived here since I was
five, but I think that counts). I grew up in Moscow and
graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in
Anthropology/Archaeology. Graduate school brought me to Boise
for Master of Public Administration program. I left that program
to take an internship with Governor Andrus in 1987. Gov. Andrus
then appointed me to direct the Idaho Emergency Response
Commission where I gained skills in hazardous materials planning
and community right-to-know; and where I learned the value of
collaboration and consensus-building. I then worked for the
Boise Fire Department for nine years as the Hazardous Materials
Coordinator.
In January of 2001 I took a job as an environmental educator for
the Boise Public Works Department. In March 2006 I transitioned
to the Foothills Learning Center, where I plan to work until I
retire. As education coordinator I am responsible for all
aspects of the Learning Center’s programs. I develop budgets,
hire and train employees, oversee volunteers, develop
curriculum, teach a broad array of environmental lessons,
organize special events, do outreach, lead the strategic
planning effort, maintain the building and landscape, oversee
contractors, herd cattle that wander onto the grounds, and
whatever else is required to keep the place going.
What I Can Bring to the IdEEA Board:
I’m a strong believer in collaborative work. There are very few
projects that couldn’t be improved by the application of many
good minds. I will champion a cause as long as there is a chance
of changing minds; but when consensus is clearly going the other
way, I know how to be a team player and work for the collective
goal.
Environmental education is my life – not just my job. I would be
honored to hold a board position for IdEEA and would give it my
all.
________________________________________
Name: Kristin Fletcher,
naturewalker7@gmail.com
Current Organization/ Affiliation: Center for Children & Nature
Position: Owner
Biography:
I was a lucky Idaho kid whose dad loved the out-of-doors and
wilderness areas, in particular, and shared this abiding
pleasure with me. So, extended trips into nature via car, foot,
and horse were common highlights of my youth and, over time,
sharing that experience with others became my passion and life's
calling. I've lived in Idaho most of my life, but living in
other states like California and Hawai'i plus a 2+ year sojourn
to S.E. Asia and Australia/New Zealand opened my eyes to both
the Earth's beauty and diversity and the continued degradation
of these essential natural systems. A recent trip to Tanzania,
home of Serengeti National Park, reminded me that the
relationship between humans and nature can, and must, must be
mutually sustaining. Through a lifetime of work and
volunteering, I've learned much about the complex web of Idaho's
plant and animal communities, and human communities, too. My
interdisciplinary degree through Idaho State University focused
on natural history with an emphasis on writing and my work has
been published in several regional books and journals and
broadcast across the Northern Rockies on National Public Radio.
I was honored to be able to take Shoshoni as my "foreign"
language! I've loved participating in many great EE workshops
over the past 15 years including animal behavior and tracking,
journal writing, and WILD, WET, and Project Learning Tree.
Recent work history includes several years as the Wildfire
Education Coordinator for 3 S.E. Idaho counties and the Ft. Hall
Indian Reservation and almost 5 years as Program Manager at the
Idaho Museum of Natural History in Pocatello. Life brings
unexpected opportunities and a few months ago I established the
Center for Children & Nature in Hailey, an entity I've long
dreamed of working for, and, finally, had to create myself! I am
deeply influenced by Baba Dioum, the Senegalese conservationist,
who said in 1968, "In the end, we will conserve only what we
love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand
only what we are taught." I also believe that it really does
take a village to raise a child and that all of us - parents,
neighbors, siblings, teachers, friends, businesses, etc. - must
recognize, mentor, and nurture this connection between children
and nature. I hope my efforts can contribute in some small way.
What I Can Bring to the IdEEA Board:
A passion for nature and connecting others to it in both formal
and non-formal ways; deep familiarity with Idaho; strength in
organizational and partnership development; skill in speaking
and writing; broad and relevant work background; the pleasure of
working with other committed souls; and the energy and
commitment to help further IdEEA's mission and vision.
President’s Note -
Traveling to NAAEE:
 This
October 7-10 environmental educators have a great opportunity to
learn, network, and gain inspiration at the NAAEE conference in
Portland, OR. Given the close proximity, the opportunity for IdEEA
members is much more practical to take advantage of this year, and
the IdEEA board would like to see what the organization might do to
support that. But first, we need to know who might be interested in
attending, and what might help them in doing so. While we aren’t
able to hand out checks for travel and registration costs, we can
help our members in organizing ride and room sharing, which may
include matching up those who are getting their mileage and/or
lodging paid for, with those that could use some travel assistance
in order to attend. We feel this is a great opportunity to bring
members together in support of each other, and the cause of EE, and
we hope many of you can attend the conference, and bring the
knowledge, skill and energy you gain back to Idaho and IdEEA.
Help us help you and other IdEEA members by completing a short
survey (www.stoller-eser.com/ideea/NAAEEConference.asp)
. For more information on the conference, and to save money by
registering early, go to
www.naaee.org/conference/registration.
Idaho Butterfly Counts
Elizabeth Dickey
 An
excellent way to learn more about Idaho butterflies is to
participate in an annual butterfly count. These counts are held
across the state and all are invited to participate. They typically
take place around the Fourth of July. To find a count near you visit
the North American Butterfly Association web site
www.naba.org. In
the left column put your cursor over Butterfly Monitoring, then over
the choice Butterfly Counts, and then click on Count Maps. Click on
the graphic of Idaho and the Idaho sites will appear. Click on the
Count in the area you’d like to join and the contact information for
that Count will appear.
I’ve been participating in the Boise Front Count for many years and
find it to be the best field trip ever! Typically we find 45
species. You don’t need to be a butterfly expert to join in the fun.
Knowledgeable entomologists are happy to help you learn species
identification. Bring a butterfly net if you have one. The group
will record the butterflies identified either on the wing or in the
net. Most of the captured butterflies will be released back into the
wild.
Freiburg Germany: A Hallmark of Environmental Justice
Laron Johnson
The red eye experience
is one many of us face in a lifetime; a kind of forced ordeal of
preparation many of us undergo, as we anticipate visiting far off
foreign lands. Indeed this was the experience facing our team from
the Idaho Human Rights Education Center, as we arrived in Frankfurt,
Germany beginning our ten day mission on Environmental Justice
sponsored by the Goethe-Institut. Two enthusiastic representatives
from the Goethe-Institut met our zombie troop and they led us to the
commuter train taking us to Frankfurt’s main transport terminal.
Upon our arrival, we were granted our first free time in many hours
and were given a 45 minute reprieve before our next travel
departure. As the delusional fog of jet lag began to fade from our
collective brains, it was easy to notice we were no longer home;
mass transit means something of importance here. Trains raced in and
out of the post –WWII reconstructed station, outside were rows of
bicycles ready to be used for quick transportation into Frankfurt’s
business district. As people left their efficient commute, they
deposited Berliner wrappers and mineral water bottles into
quadrangular recycling bins with not one trash can in site; perhaps
jet lag causes hallucinations, for many of us had never seen such
concepts like these.
 A
bullet train raced into the station and our leaders motioned us into
car seven; after frantically stowing gear and feeling the swift
150mph forward motion of the train we were off to Freiburg. This was
not your typical narrow gauge experience; to travel at such quiet
efficient speeds creates an immediate addictive awareness that mass
transportation of the sort is a necessity the world needs, and
should not be counter debated with the frivolous automobile
argument. As the train raced passed the German countryside, we
noticed numerous community gardens adjacent with weekend bungalows.
The sleepy church centered villages of Germany seemed to quietly
greet us, and they too became a part of this interlinked experience.
Before we knew it, our short two hour journey was over, and
surrounding us was the Black Forest and its self-proclaimed capital
of Freiburg. Click here to read the
full article
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IDEEA
Call for Articles
IdEEA is accepting
articles that highlight environmental education programs in Idaho. To be
considered for inclusion in the next edition of IdEEA Report, articles
must be 300 words or less and submitted by August 1st. Preference
will be given to individuals and/or organizations that are IdEEA members
and offer programs that are statewide or could be adopted in locations
throughout Idaho.
Professional Development Survey -
As a valued member
of IdEEA, we are asking for your input on professional development
opportunities that will guide our organization over the next several
years in terms of what we will offer to you.
Register today!
GIS in the Classroom Teachers' Workshop - August 4-5 (ISU Credit)
sponsored by IdEEA, Stoller ESER Program, and the Sawtooth Science
Institute
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