Environmental Education Conference

     The 2008 Idaho Environmental Education Conference that met February 29 & March 1 in Boise drew over 175 people who attended for many different reasons. A wide variety of people attended, including members of the health community, journalists, teachers, agencies and students.
     One came because the meeting’s theme of “Go Local: Exploring your Backyard.” She is working on creating a sense of place within the community surrounding her national conservation area so that the people living in the region would be able to better understand and appreciate the natural resource in their “backyard.” She thought that this conference would help her achieve her goal.
     Another came for the professional networking opportunities and to reestablish relationships with other environmental educators. She knew that the meeting would be fun, was looking forward to meeting Amy Pike the new IdEEA executive director, and believed that the yearly conference was an important tool for learning what was going on in the E.E. field.
    A teacher from an elementary school came because her school was working on becoming a science magnet school. She found the conference very helpful in making connections with agencies and other schools. She was sorry that the rest of the staff was not there.
    One adult session presenter came to share information, to gain ideas for conducting future environmental field studies, and to gain contacts. She felt what she gained from the conference would benefit her far into the future.
    Overall, those interviewed felt that the conference was a great place to meet people, share ideas, socialize, and to get re-energized.
    Planning for the 2009 Idaho Environmental Education Conference has already begun. We hope you’ll make plans to attend.

The Idaho Environmental Education Association
Environmental Educators of the Year

The 2007 Awardees are:

Elementary Environmental Educator of the Year - Jane Thornes, 4th Grade Teacher, Heyburn Elementary School, St. Maries, Idaho
    Jane and her forester husband, Jim, own, manage and live on Pettis Peak Tree Farm south of St. Maries and she makes full use of her home in the forest as an outdoor classroom. Her fourth grade students are frequent visitors to this 270-acre working forest. So are youth from numerous other local and regional schools, Girl and Boy Scout groups, and a church Bible School.
    Jane uses Project Learning Tree and other environmental education outdoor activities on the tree farm to give all her visitors a better understanding of a well managed forest, and the need to care for our environment.
    Jane Thorne’s commitment to quality education for her students is impressive. At a time when many teachers have surrendered to the pressures of high-stakes testing, Jane Thornes continues to offer her students real, meaningful education. She’s a truly dedicated and outstanding environmental educator.

Secondary Environmental Educator of the year - Charlie Kator, Science Teacher, Soda Springs High School, Soda Springs , Idaho
    Charlie Kator was nominated for the enthusiasm he instills in his students for wildlife and its habitat. He has supported his instruction with hands-on opportunities to improve habitat, such as establishing osprey platforms and re-vegetation of riparian areas to support moose populations.
    He was also commended for his early and frequent participation in the Idaho Fish and Game “Wild About” series of education offerings. This continuing education assures that his high school classes offer the freshest and most current scientific understanding of wildlife biology.
    He continually endeavors to bring the outside word into his classroom. Charlie also makes sure every lesson comes alive for his students, as he ensures his students comprehend the real world issues facing the environment.

Professional Organization Environmental Educator of the year - Steven L. Hines, Natural Resources Camp (NRC)
    Steve Hines was nominated for his dedication and commitment to educating and serving the youth of Idaho at the Natural Resources Camp (formerly the Natural Resources Workshop, held annually at the Central Idaho 4-H Camp north of Ketchum). For the last 7 years Steve has been instrumental in organizing and training Idaho’s youth in supervisory leadership roles at the NRC through the Boys Camp Counselor position. Steve has succeeded in influencing hundreds of youth aged 12-18 in good decision-making and leadership skills in this critical and difficult period of adolescence. His tireless efforts have made a significant contribution to the NRC and most importantly to the future citizen stewards of Idaho’s natural resources.
    Steve is currently University of Idaho Extension Educator/Ag at the Twin Falls County Extension Office, Twin Falls, Idaho. He was formerly UI Extension Educator for Lincoln County, Idaho; UI Extension Educator for Valley County, Idaho; and agriculture science and technology instructor and FFA advisor at Castleford High School, Castleford, Idaho.

IdEEA would like to thank the Idaho Conservation League for providing the framed wildlife art for each of the recipients.

Board of Directors Nominees

Region 1 (Vacant position- 1 yr. term)
Name: Jane Thornes
Current Organization/ Affiliation:  Heyburn Elementary School, St. Maries, ID
Position: 4^th grade teacher
Biography:
   I was raised in Wisconsin and moved to the Northwest when my husband attended Washington State University in Pullman.  We have lived in Washington and Idaho since that time.  I have a degree in sociology and biology from Wisconsin State University- LaCrosse, and a BS-ED from University of Idaho.  I was a Girl Scout Master Trainer for 20 years, specializing in outdoor education.  I am currently a facilitator for Project Learning Tree and Project WET, having led nearly 30 workshops for teachers.   I have received a regional award from ISTA for Outstanding Elementary Science Teaching in 1995, a National Project Learning Tree Outstanding Educator award in 2006, and Idaho Environmental Educator of the Year in 2008 in Elementary Education.  I have been on the national EE WEEK Teacher Advisory Committee for the past two years.  My husband and I have lived on our 270 acre tree farm near St. Maries for 36 years.

What I Can Bring to the IdEEA Board:
   I would bring to the board a commitment to finding ways for educators to share ideas for taking care of our environment. I believe students benefit from hands-on activities, as well as being outside studying the world around them. I want to find new avenues for that to happen.  My desire is to be able to share these thoughts and concerns with other educators and other professionals working to care for our environment.  I have a background that enables me to be aware of many resources and contact people, especially in northern Idaho.  I would welcome being a voice heard from this part of the state, and being able to bring more back to this area. I am excited about the possibility of sharing concerns and education about the environment of Idaho.

Region 2
Name: Megan Wandag
Current Organization/Affiliation: USFWS - Dworshak National Fish Hatchery
Position: Information & Education Assistant

Biography:
I am originally from Minnesota, where I grew up canoeing, camping and learning about the outdoors. This background gave me a thirst for knowledge about my environment, and led me to pursue a degree in biology from Luther College. I spent my summers in college working at a YMCA camp, where I found my calling in environmental education. I moved from being a counselor into a position as the Resident Camp Naturalist, where I developed and led a variety of new nature programs for the campers. Building on that experience, I developed a curriculum and taught environmental education to youth in the Philippines, where I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years at a small non-profit organization. My service there opened my eyes to the wide variety of opportunities in EE worldwide, and also to the profound impacts education can have on people. Upon my return to the U.S., I moved to Idaho to work with Dworshak National Fish Hatchery's education programs and visitor services. In my tenure here, I have worked with students from preschool to college, developing programs, activities and lesson plans about fisheries and watershed education. I have also prepared and facilitated teacher workshops, passing on the skills to use EE in their classrooms.

What I can bring to the IdEEA Board:
I have had a wide variety of experiences conducting environmental education in very diverse places and with diverse populations. I look forward to being able to share these experiences with others in my field, and to learn from their experience and backgrounds. I am also interested in working on the professional development of environmental educators in Idaho, through training opportunities and through the Idaho Environmental Education Conference. I have worked at the Conference in the past, and have experience planning and coordinating other events and trainings. I also have experience researching potential funding sources and granting organizations. I am excited about the opportunity to use my talents to further and promote environmental education in Idaho, because I believe environmental literacy is a vital component of every child and adult's citizenship in this state. 

Region 4
Name: Michael Breen
Current Organization/Affiliation: Carey School, Blaine County School District Environmental
Position: Teacher

Biography:
I was born in New York City area on August 9th, 1959. After graduating from college, I moved to Idaho in September of 1982. I have had an assortment of jobs and I began in my gardening and landscaping business, Earth Care, Approximately twenty years ago. In 1989 I returned to Boise State, where I earned my teacher certification for English and Social Studies, grades 6-12. I have taught English and World History for the last eleven years at Carey School; previously, I taught High School English at Richfield High School. Seven years ago, I started the Environmental Practice Committee to encourage our District to deal with recycling and to look at environmental concerns and possibilities. Two years ago, I voluntarily stepped down from the chairperson position after I was confident that the committee was in good hands.

What I can bring to the IdEEA Board:
Since becoming a schoolteacher, I have served on many committees. I feel that I am a person of compromise and also a leader on issues that I feel strong about. I feel that I have a good working relationship with many types of people and I am not divisive or confrontational. I feel that I know and understand the people, the landscapes, and the issues that face central Idaho, and I would be and excellent candidate for this Board. My students know, by my example that I care about the earth. Many years ago, while camping in the Sawtooths, I had an epiphany, which told me to “listen to the Earth.” I feel that by serving on this board, this would allow me to serve and help environmental education throughout our beautiful state.     

Region 6  (VOTE FOR 2)
Name: Sara Ashenburg
Current Organization/Affiliation: Teton Valley Foundation
Position: Executive Director 

Biography:

Although a newcomer to Idaho, I’m proud to call the Teton Valley home.  I have quickly grown to appreciate the unique nature of the Valley and the vibrant community in which I live.  I have recently accepted a position with the Teton Valley Foundation (TVF), a young nonprofit organization focused on bringing education, recreation and culture to the Valley.  Prior to TVF, I worked in a variety of capacities at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment.  During my 8-year tenure at Duke, I managed continuing education programs, developed and implemented an online master’s degree for working environmental professionals, and coordinated seminars, conferences, workshops and community outreach programs.  Other professional experience includes short-term assignments at The Home Depot Environmental Programs Department, NC Wildlife Federation and the Southface Energy and Environmental Resource Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

I received a B.A. and B.S. in Botany with an environmental science emphasis from Miami University in Ohio and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke. I am a certified environmental educator and have served on the board of directors for Environmental Educators of North Carolina for six years, including a 3-year presidential term.  In my free time, I enjoy running with my dog, Yogi, reading, dabbling with art, yoga and exploring my new home in the greater Yellowstone eco-region.

What I can bring to the IdEEA Board:

I can bring over ten years of experience in environmental education and nonprofit management.  My areas of expertise include innovative approaches to teaching and learning using technology and environmental leadership.  Having served on the Board of Environmental Educators of North Carolina, I can provide a frame of reference for how another affiliate works.  On the national level, I’ve volunteered for a number of NAAEE committees and presented at the last three conferences.  Although my current position does not directly deal with EE, I look to infuse environmental principles into everything I do – personally and professionally, so I am clearly committed to the cause.  I will bring passion, enthusiasm and creativity to IdEEA.  I look forward to the journey.

Name: Laron Johnson
Current Organization/Affiliation: Rigby Junior High School/Jefferson School District #251
Position: Teacher

Biography:
I currently teach the subjects of World History, Decision Making, and Environmental Field Studies. Although I savor each subject I teach it is Environmental Field Studies that has created my dream teaching experience. For two of our three trimesters I am able to team-teach this subject by taking students on thirteen various excursions throughout Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming. In the last five years I have come to the simple reality that there is no better way to educate our youth today. I was named Jefferson School District/s Teacher of the Year for 2007. Although teaching is my first priority, I also serve as Social Studies Department Chair as well as sit on our Schools Improvement Team. When I am not teaching and fighting wildland fires, I spend the rest of my time ice fishing with my son, traveling extensively with my family, observing grizzly bears, and reading travel essays for future destinations.

What I can bring to the IdEEA Board:
I have worked extensively in Environmental Education. I am the founder and primary developer of Environmental Field Studies our school’s hallmark program that will reach its 100th field experience in May 2007. We are part of the Yellowstone Ecosystem’s EIC Network, which has given me a broader perspective on how our environment can be a primary learning tool for all disciplines. Even my recreational life revolves around the outdoors. I use every opportunity I get to educate my own children about being good stewards to our environment. Finally, I have six generations of heritage in the great State of Idaho. My family has been here since 1863, and I will do all I can to maintain Idaho’s health and welfare. I want a sustained landscape for all future generations.

Region 7 (Vacant position- 1 yr. term)
Name:  Amy Luft
Organization/Affiliation:  Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Position:  Environmental Education Coordinator

Biography:
I was raised in Moscow and spent my childhood enjoying outdoor activities with my family.  I graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Wildland Recreation Management, with an emphasis in environmental interpretation, in 1990.  I then went on to receive a master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, with emphases in interpretation and tourism, from Clemson University (South Carolina) in 1994. 

Between my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I worked as a shipboard naturalist for Princess Cruises in Alaska and as an interpretive specialist at Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area in Utah.  Upon completion of my master’s degree, I worked as the education/communications coordinator for the Environmental Science and Research Foundation in Idaho Falls.  I then left Idaho and served one-year stints as an instructor (mainly of communications) at a small private college in Utah and served as the director of the Chamber of Commerce of a small Nebraska community before returning to Idaho in 1998.  I have been with the Department of Environmental Quality since 2000 and have been in my current position since 2005.  I was honored to be named Idaho (nonformal) Environmental Educator of the Year in 2007.

In my spare time, I enjoy running, as well as camping, hiking, canoeing, and exploring with my husband and our six-year old son.

What I can bring to the IdEEA Board:
I have a strong belief in the power and necessity of environmental education. I am also a strong supporter of IdEEA and other professional organizations.  The connections we make with our peers through organizations such as IdEEA provide us with the motivation to keep striving forward and provide us with the chance to learn from one another so we can all constantly improve. As a Board member, I would work to help keep these connections alive. 

In addition, my breadth of work experience, ranging from working for private, for-profit companies to nonprofits to state agencies, as well as in the fields of environmental education, interpretation, and general communications, provides me with a broad and unique perspective of our field. I am excited to be able to use my experiences to help further the mission of 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 July 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.