Connections Spring 2011.indd

Transcription

C o l o r a d o
D i v i s i o n
o f
W i l d l i f e
Colorado Connections
Providing Conservation Education Resources for Educators
Spring 2011
THIS IS YOUR LAST PAPER ISSUE!
Tabbi Kinion
Colorado Connections Editor
I
t’s your last issue on paper, because
it’s our last issue on paper! After
20 years of sending you the latest
information on conservation education
and professional development
workshop announcements, Colorado
Connections is moving to an e-mail
version.
The reasons? You can probably guess
- conserving resources (paper and
postage), being more efficient (it takes
many people lots of time and effort to
create this document and keep up with
the mailing list) and speed (a digital
version that updates you every couple
of months with workshop opportunities
as opposed to 2-3 times per year is
much more efficient for your planning
purposes.)
I know, I know... Many people have
told me that they like the paper version.
When Connections arrives in the
mailbox it is one of the few times they
can take a few moments to sit down
and flip through a short newsletter to
find out about the latest information
about conservation education and
engaging workshop opportunities. I
appreciate that, but I also know that
in light of state budgets that this is a
necessary move for us.
I’m excited to move to an e-mail
version that will be delivered to you
from:
[email protected]
If you have attended a Project
WILD or Project Learning Tree
workshop in the past 2 or 3 years
and shared your e-mail address
with us on the registration form,
you will likely receive the digital
version of Colorado Connections in
your in box this summer. Of course,
if you do not wish to find out about
conservation education happenings
and workshops through the e-mail
version of the newsletter you can
simply unsubscribe from the list
using the Safe Unsubscribe links
found at the bottom of the e-mail.
and workshops with you that are
presented by credible, science-based
organizations. The purpose of Colorado
Connections will always be to provide
you a link to resources that help you
educate your students or audiences
about the state we live in.
I hope you will join us by using the
link below to subscribe to the digital
version of Colorado Connections.
Thank you for reading this version,
and thank you to all of you who
have sent kind words about items we
have published over the years. I look
forward to being in touch with you in a
new realm.
At first, we plan to send you a
simple e-mail update every couple
of months featuring workshop
opportunities and pertinent articles
to issues surrounding conservation
education in Colorado. I’m sure
that over the next few years the
digital version will evolve.
The one thing that will remain
the same is that we will honor
your time and connection to
us by sharing opportunities
Join our e-mail Colorado Connections list at:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/education/
Look for the link to Colorado Connections
Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife
O
n July 1, 2011 the Colorado
Division of Wildlife will likely
merge with the Colorado Division
of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
(Colorado State Parks) to form a new,
joint agency.
In a March 10, 2011 meeting
addressing a joint meeting of the
Colorado State Parks Board and the
Colorado Wildlife Commission,
Governor John Hickenlooper said the
agencies have many shared missions
and that combining the Division of
Wildlife and the Division of Parks
and Outdoor Recreation would
streamline state government, improve
service to customers and preserve
critical programs by combining the
resources.
“The Colorado Division of Wildlife
and Colorado State Parks are
well thought of and have strong
relationships in the communities
they serve,” said Hickenlooper.
“Both agencies will find synergy
in the merger. What will make this
successful is people’s will to make it
successful.”
“On behalf of the Colorado State
Parks Board, we appreciate this as an
opportunity to serve all Coloradans,”
said Gary Butterworth, chairman of
the board. “As the governor noted,
there are similar missions in our
organizations. A partnership seems
appropriate.
Page 2
“We will approach this challenge
with an open mind and a desire
to respect the history of both
divisions,” said Butterworth.
Mike King, the executive director
of the Colorado Department
of Natural Resources which
oversees both agencies, said the
consolidation is right for the
state of Colorado at a time when
government is striving to serve
citizens more efficiently and
effectively.
reduce duplication of equipment,
including fleet vehicles. Those and
numerous other efficiencies would
lead to significant cost savings
while also preserving a number of
important Parks-run programs that
create significant benefits for wildlife.
An exact dollar figure for the costs
savings is not yet known.
“There is hunting in 32 State Parks
and 39 State Parks offer fishing,”
said King. “There are many
overlaps. This will allow parks to
stay vibrant and provide many other
kinds of outdoor recreation.”
Early estimates show the creation
of the new division will allow the
elimination – through attrition –
of roughly 25 positions, as well as
Colorado Connections is published three times per year and mailed free of charge to
participants of Project WILD, Project WET, or Project Learning Tree workshops in Colorado.
This newsletter is funded by the Colorado Lottery through Great Outdoors Colorado.
Tabbi Kinion, Editor
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216
[email protected]
STATE OF COLORADO
John Hickenlooper, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Mike King, Executive Director
COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
Thomas E. Remington, Director
Colorado Connections Spring 2011
Celebrating 30 years of Ferret Recovery Program success in 2011.
www.blackfootedferret.org
Page 3
Bird Field Trips with Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
E
ach spring the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO) offers Barr Lake Bird Watch field trips for all grade
levels. Birds are the perfect “hook” to engage kids in environmental education because they are easy to see in all
habitats in all seasons. RMBO field trips are aligned with Colorado State Science Standards. Program
fee and bus scholarships are available for RMBO field trips. Field trips cost $5 per
student and include a free pre-trip program where RMBO naturalists will introduce
the concepts of habitat and adaptations in your classroom. Spring 2011 field trips
start near the Barr Lake Nature Center, 13401 Piccadilly Rd., Brighton, CO, 80603.
Please read the following information to learn more about the field trip options for
2011. Contact Cassy Bohnet at [email protected] or 303.659.4348 ext 15 to
book your spring field trip!
Barr Lake Bird Watch
Recommended Grades: 9th and up
Time: 3 hours
Hike Distance: approx. 3-miles
Students will love viewing wildlife while we discuss bird adaptations during a hike
through riparian and prairie habitats. Students will record observations about bird behavior while they observe
waterfowl from a boardwalk. The students will use spotting scopes to view Barr Lake’s nesting Bald Eagles and learn
about Bald Eagle adaptations and conservation.
Barr Lake Bird Watch for Fledglings
Recommended Grades: 5th through 8th
Time: 2 hours
Hike Distance: approx. 2-miles
Students will love viewing wildlife at the wildlife viewing shelter approximately 1-mile from the Barr Lake Nature
Center. During the hike through prairie and riparian habitats with heavy cottonwood tree cover we will record
observations about birds we view from the trail. Journaling and recording information is one of the most important
jobs of a scientist and is a great way for students to commemorate their hike with RMBO! Barr Lake Bird Watch for Nestlings
Recommended Grades: PreK-4th
Time: 2 hours
Hike Distance: approx. 1-mile
Teachers and students will enjoy using journals to record drawings from their
exploration at Barr Lake’s prairies and riparian habitats. We will observe waterfowl
behavior from a boardwalk, look for nesting songbirds in Cottonwood trees, and
watch the raptors searching for food over the prairie.
www.rmbo.org
Page 4
Students Discover Joys of Nature and
Learning through School Programs at
St. Vrain State Park
Becca Frager
St. Vrain State Park
W
hether feeling the soft pelt of a beaver, learning about a beautiful local flower, or pretending to be a squirrel
hiding from a fox, the school programs at St.Vrain State Park deserve an “A.”
St. Vrain State Park is a firm believer in the Colorado Kids’ Outdoor Bill of Rights. Many kids are able to focus better
when they are immersed in nature and often don’t even realize they’re learning. St. Vrain State Park hopes to help
as many children as possible explore the wonders and gain the benefits of the great outdoors. This is why the park is
constantly working to develop quality programs to supplement the courses currently being taught in the classroom. If
a teacher is unable to come to the park, but is still interested in a program, it may be possible for park staff to bring a
hands-on lesson into the classroom. A classroom lesson can be a fun way for students to learn and become interested in
exploring the world outside.
St. Vrain State Park school programs are a great way to supplement natural and social science curriculum while sparking
an interest in children and teens to get outside and learn more about their local ecosystems. The park has created over
40 programs to reach the needs of teachers and students in the community. Some of the topics offered include: history
of the St. Vrain Valley, wildlife adaptations, snow science, outdoor safety, and much more. All programs are adaptable
and can be made fun and appropriate for any age group.
St. Vrain State Park is located in Firestone, Colorado, near Longmont. To schedule a program with St. Vrain State Park
or to learn more about what the park has to offer, please contact the park at 303-485-0186.
www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/StVrain/
Congratulation to the 2011 Habitat Grant Recipients!
C
ongratulations to the following schools for receiving 2011 WILD Colorado Schoolyard Habitat Grants. This
year’s recipient projects range from bluebird nesting boxes to eco-classrooms. Grant applications are evaluated
based on wildlife habitat improvement, student involvement and scope of project. Applications for 2012 are due in
March and can be found on the Colorado Division of Wildlife web site.
Cheraw Elementary –Cheraw District 31
Skoglund Middle School – Center Consolidated District 26 Jt
Children’s Outreach Project – Adams 50
Castle Rock Elementary – Douglas County
Red Feather Lakes Elementary School – Poudre School District
Beulah School of Natural Science – Pueblo County D70
Explorer Elementary – ASD20
Big Thompson Elementary – Thompson R2J
wildlife.state.co.us/education/teacherresources
Page 5
Explore Wildlife in Other Parts of the World
Scholarships Available
T
he Wildlife Experience offers scholarships to school groups interested in
visiting our museum or scheduling one of our outreach programs.
All schools are encouraged to apply. If your school’s percentage of students
participating in the free and reduced lunch program is above 30%, you can qualify
for funding!
An on-site field trip or an outreach visit by one of our experienced educators will
be a tremendous asset to your students understanding if you are doing a unit on
any of the following topics:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Animal Classification
Animal Habitats
Animal Adaptations
Biomes/Ecosystems
Watersheds
Groundwater
Don’t be one of the teachers left on a waiting list! Contact Dan Zimmerer, School Programs Coordinator, at dzimmerer@
twexp.org or 720.488.3373 to inquire about the scholarship program or to book a program or field trip for next school
year. The Wildlife Experience is located south of Denver in Parker.
www.thewildlifeexperience.org
Become a Certified Environmental Educator
Would you like to build your knowledge and skills in environmental education?
Would you like to demonstrate your skill to your employer or potential employer?
If you answered yes, then it is time to get certified!
A
pplicants submit a portfolio demonstrating competency in environmental
education knowledge, skill and practice, based on the Guidelines for
Environmental Educators in Colorado by September 1, 2011. For more information e-mail [email protected] or call 303-273-9527.
www.caee.org/quality/certification
Page 6
Summer Educator Workshops...
May 24-26
Thompson Teaching Environmental
Science Naturally (T.E.N)
Loveland
TEN is an environmental education
course emphasizing outdoor classroom
experiences. The goal of TEN is to help
teachers promote student understanding and appreciation of the natural
environment by increasing local fieldoriented education opportunities in the
schools.
Contact: Mary McCormac,
303-291-7369 or
[email protected]
June 1
Project Learning Tree:
Environmental Experiences for
Early Childhood
Montessori School of Aurora
www.montessoriofaurora.com
Cost: $25
Audience: ECE, Pre-k – 2nd Grade
Contact: Erika Sueker, 303-202-4661
June 4
WILD about Black-footed Ferrets
Fort Collins
Be the first to get your hands on the
brand new WILD about Black-footed
Ferrets curriculum guide. Learn about
the decline and amazing recovery of
this fascinating critter.
Cost: $35
Credit: ½ credit for an additional fee
Audience: Middle and high school educators
Contact: Kimberly Tamkun,
[email protected]
June 4
Basic Project Learning Tree
Denver
Cost: $25
Credit: ½ credit for additional fee
Audience: PreK-12th grade teachers
Contact: Erika Sueker, 303-202-4661
June 6 – 9
Astronomy Tools for the
Classroom, Gunnison
An introduction to astronomy, the
motions of the sky, & the practice
of sky watching using inquirybased approaches.
Cost: $250
Credit: 2 credits
Contact: “Science Education” at
www.observantnaturalist.org
June 13-15
Geological Principles for
Educators - Western State College
Summer Teacher Institute , Gunnison
Receive inquiry based lesson plans and
40+ rocks to go with them.
Cost: $250
Credit:2 credits
Audience: 5th- 12th grade teachers
Contact: ”Teacher’s Rock” at
www.observantnaturalist.org
June 13-15
PLT and WET: CO River Basin Tour
with CFWE (Forests to Faucets)
Frisco, www.cfwe.org
Fremont County
Cost: $400
Credit: 1.5 credits for an additional fee
See May 24-26 for description
th
th
Contact: Steve Lucero, 719-227-5203 Audience: 4 -12 grade teachers
Contact: Kristin Marharg
[email protected]
303-377-4433, [email protected]
June 6-10
June 13-15
Lamar Teaching Environmental
Project Learning Tree: Fire Ecology
nstitute for Educators
I
Durango
Contact: Linda Groat, 719-336-6608
Field trips to the Missionary Ridge
[email protected]
burn area and Mesa Verde National
June 9
Park, as well as to other local public
Rocky Mountain EE Teacher’s
lands, will be central to our learning
Institute – A One Day
experiences.
Workshop About Teaching
Cost: $120
Environmental Issues
Credit: 2.5 credits
Cost: $30
Audience: 4th-12th grade teachers
Credit: ½ credit for additional fee. Contact: Shawna Crocker
Contact: [email protected]
303-202-4662
303-273-9527.
[email protected]
www.coloradoplt.org
June 11
Project Learning Tree:
June 13-17
Environmental Experiences for
Pikes Peak Teaching Environmental
Early Childhood
Children’s Museum of Denver
June 6-10
Fremont Teaching
Environmental Science
Naturally (T.E.N)
www.mychildsmuseum.org
Cost:$35
Audience: ECE, Pre-K – 2nd grade
Contact: Breanna Gallagher
303-561-0106,
[email protected]
Colorado Springs
Contact: Steve Lucero, 719-227-5203
[email protected]
Page 7
More Summer Educator Workshops...
June 13-17
Food, Fiber & More Summer
Institute, Castle Rock
The class will provide a variety of
methods for using agriculture materials
in the classroom, and assist educators
in developing curriculum ideas.
Cost: $250
Credit: 2 credits
Audience: Educators
Contact: Bette Blinde, 970-881-2902 [email protected]
June 14
Project WILD: Growing UP WILD
Butterfly Pavilion, Broomfield
Cost: $40
Audience: ECE – 2nd grade teachers
Contact: Nicole Bickford, 720-974-1863
[email protected]
June 15
Project Learning Tree: Global
Connections: Forests of the World
Cost: $30
Contact: Denise Price, Nicole Bickford
720-974-1863
June 17 – 18
Understanding the Motions of the
Sky and the Astronomy of Past
Cultures, Gunnison
An introduction to astronomy and the
motions of the sky.
Cost: $135
Credit: 1 credit
Contact: www.ObservantNaturalist.org
“Science Education”
June 20-24
Food, Fiber & More Summer
Institute, Fort Collins
See June 13th description and contact
information.
Page 8
June 22-23
Insects in Art and Culture
Delve into myths and art activities
as you explore the lives, history,
and significance of honey bees, silk
moths, dragonflies, and many more
invertebrates.
Cost: $90
Credit: 1 credit for an additional fee
Audience: K- 12th grade teachers
Contact: Nicole Bickford,
720-974-1863,
[email protected]
June 22 - 24
Geological Principles for
Educators
Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison
See June 13th description
Cost: $250
Credit:2 credits
Audience: 5th- 12th grade teachers
Contact:
www.ObservantNaturalist.org
”Teacher’s Rock”
June 27 – 30
Grand Valley Teaching
Environmental Science
Naturally (TEN) Finding Your Way
Grand Junction
Cost: $50
Credits: 2 credits for additional fee
Audience: K–12th grade teachers
Contact: Kathleen Tadvick
970-255-6181
[email protected]
June 28th-30th
PLT and WET: Forests to
Faucets
Aurora Water
Explore mountain watersheds,
conduct water quality studies, tour
a Xeriscape garden, and visit a
drinking water treatment plant.
www.auroragov.org/AuroraGov/
Departments/AuroraWater/
Credit: 1.5 credits; free for Aurora
teachers
Audience: K-12th grade teachers
Contact: Natalie Brower-Kirton
720-427-6029
July 11 & 13
Exploring the Ecology of Your
Local Landscape, Denver
Through the use of handson, inquiry-based lessons and
modeling build a contextual
framework for the study of water.
Cost: $35
Credit: 1 credit
Audience: 4th – 12th grade teachers
Contact: Casey Davenhill
303-345-1675
[email protected]
July 11-15
2011 Summer Institute: Soil
and Water, Montrose
The class will provide a variety
of methods for using agriculture
materials in the classroom, and
assist educators in developing
curriculum ideas.
Cost: $250
Credit: 2 credits
Audience: Educators
Contact: Bette Blinde, 970-881-2902 [email protected]
July 12
Insect Investigations: Science
Notebooks and Bugs in the
Classroom
Cost: $45
Audience: K – 12th grade teachers
720-974-1863,
[email protected]
Even More Summer Educator Workshops...
July 13 - 15
High Plains Teaching
Environmental Science Naturally
(T.E.N), Limon
Contact: Linda Groat, 719-336-6608
[email protected]
July 14
Growing Up WILD
Denver
See June 14th description
Cost: $20
Audience: ECE – 2nd grade teachers
Contact: Tabbi Kinion, 303-291-7165
[email protected]
July 18-22
Pueblo Teaching Environmental
Pueblo
Contact: Steve Lucero, 719-227-5203
[email protected]
July 20-23
Water, Agriculture and
Continuing Education Credit
Cost: Free!
Credit: Credit for an additional fee
Audience: K-12 teachers
Contact: Kathy Parker,
970-330-4540
July 26
Who Swallowed a Fly?
July 28
Dream Weaver
Using a variety of children’s
literature focusing on bugs and
other invertebrates, read and play
with the language and unique art
that makes these children’s books so
memorable!
Cost: $45
720-974-1863,
[email protected]
Explore the creepy and awesome world
of arachnids! A fun mix of inquiry
and creativity while learning through
science, art, and literacy-based lessons.
Time: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: $45
720-974-1863,
[email protected]
July 20
Friends or Foes – Exploring Plant
and Animal Interactions
July 26-27
PLT and WET: Forests to
Faucets
Observe plant-animal interactions in
the garden and then learn how to create
a schoolyard habitat for beneficial
insects.
Cost: $45
720-974-1863,
[email protected]
www.woodbinecenter.org
Cost: $75
Credit: 1 credit for an additional fee
Audience: K-12th grade teachers
Contact: Pavlos Stavropoulos
303-380-7984
Woodbine Ecology Center, Sedalia
August 27
Project Learning Tree: Global
Connections: Forests of the World
Downtown Aquarium, Denver
Investigate world and local forestry
issues through hands-on activities
designed to give your students realworld relevant experience.
Cost: $35
Contact: Shawna Crocker, 303-202-4662
[email protected]
For more information about these workshops
and the most
up-to-date calendar of events visit:
wildlife.state.co.us/education
For more PLT workshop information visit:
www.coloradoplt.org
Page 9
WANTED: Kids of all Ages to Have Exciting Outdoor Adventures
Saturday, June 11, 2011
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Denver City Park
C
olorado is known for our amazing outdoor adventure opportunities – from afternoon walks through a local park to
back-country skiing in remote mountain ranges. There are many chances to get out and enjoy, but in spite of these
options, many Colorado kids are not finding their entertainment outdoors.
A coalition of public land management agencies, outdoor recreation and education groups are bringing a taste of outdoor adventure and excitement to downtown Denver to inspire Coloradans to get outside and enjoy our amazing state.
This FREE action-packed event features:
- Climbing Walls
- Wildlife Tracking and Watching
- Mountain Biking
- “How-To” Camping Demonstrations
- Canoeing and Kayaking
- Junior Ranger Camp
- Skiing in the Park
- Take a Family Fishing Event
- Challenge Courses
- Where to go for outdoor adventures
- Smokey Bear and other nature celebrities
- Entertainment
– Music, Prizes and Special Guests
- Volkssport 5K/10K Walk
www.getoutdoorscolorado.org
Connecting Land and People
Colorado Foundation for Agriculture
K
www.growingyourfuture.com
-12 Educators can get the latest information on Food, Fiber and
Natural Resources Education by signing up for our E-newsletter.
June 13-17, Castle Rock OR June 20-24, Fort Collins
Food, Fiber & More! - AgriCULTURE in the Classroom Summer Institute
This course is designed for teachers with little or no agriculture background to experience the
diversity in agriculture. More info is at www.growingyourfuture.com
Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Cost: $250 (scholarships available)
Credit: 2 credits from CSU
Audience: K-12th grade educators
Contact: Bette Blinde, 970-881-2902 or [email protected]
Page 10
Project Learning Tree Community
www.coloradoplt.org
Red Feather Lakes
Elementary becomes First
PLT School in Colorado
I
Early Childhood Wins
Teachers’ Choice Award!
GreenWorks! Grants are back!
G
reenWorks! is PLT’s servicelearning, community-action
program that partners PLT educators,
students, and communities in environmental neighborhood improvement
projects. GreenWorks! blends service
activities and academic curriculum
while addressing real community
needs as students “learn by doing.”
A new grant proposal will be posted
to www.plt.org in early May for grant
awards of up to $1,000. The deadline
for proposals is September 30, 2011.
Funds will be distributed in December
for the completion of environmental
service-learning projects throughout
the 2012 calendar year. Eligible applicants must have attended a PLT workshop.
C
ongratulations! PLT’s Environmental Experiences for
Early Childhood has been selected
a Learning Magazine 2011 Teachers’ ChoiceSM Award winner!
For 17 years, the Teachers’ Choice
Awards have heralded the very best
in classroom-tested, teacher-recommended products. Each year a
nationwide panel of teacher-judges
names the standouts in books,
classroom supplies, educational
games, software, Web sites, and
supplemental materials that teachers need for their classroom. After
receiving top ratings in rounds
of rigorous judging, PLT’s Early
Childhood Guide and CD won a
Teachers’ Choice Award for supplemental materials
The Teachers’ Choice Awards
program is one of the most recognized and prestigious awards in the
educational market.
n recent years, Red Feather Lakes
Elementary School faced the possibility of closing because of budget concerns. This would force the
students to be bused 25 miles to the
nearest elementary school. Parents,
educators, and community leaders
voiced their concerns about the possible closure. By finding a way to
make the school standout, the community hoped to keep their school
open. The school talked to Colorado
Project Learning Tree Coordinator
Shawna Crocker for help.
By meeting several of the program
requirements Red Feather Lakes
Elementary became the first Project Learning Tree certified school
in Colorado. In recognition of their
efforts, they will be presented with a
special bench made from Colorado
blue-stain pine. And so far, the school
has escaped closure. Principal Patrick
Kind also recently became a certified
PLT facilitator so that he can help
create additional PLT schools in the
state. See more photos of the program
at Red Feather Lakes Elementary at
the PLT Web site listed above.
In its first year, 456 Colorado
early childhood educators have
attended EE for EC workshops.
Page 11
CU-Boulder Releases New Video About Mountain Pine Beetle
T
he mountain pine beetle is in the
midst of its most intense and
widespread epidemic in recorded
history. The geographic infestation
extends from New Mexico to the
Yukon Territory and from the front
range of Colorado to the Pacific
Ocean. It is already 10 times bigger
than the second largest epidemic in
history. In Colorado alone, more
than 3 million acres of forests have
already been affected.
In a newly-released video, entitled
Colorado’s Forests and the Mountain
Pine Beetle Epidemic, CU-Boulder
scientists explain what happens
when pine beetles attack trees and
how climate change, which has led
to longer, warmer and drier growing
s e a s on s , m a k e s the trees more
vulnerable to these attacks.
“Climate change has also contributed
to this epidemic by speeding beetle
development and increasing their
reproductive output,” says Ecology
and Evolutionary Biology Professor
Jeff Mitton, whose research is
featured in the video. Mitton
has found that some beetles are
producing two generations of
offspring in one season, a dramatic
increase from traditional beetle
development of one generation per
season.
Part of CU-Boulder’s “Learn More
About Climate” initiative, which
brings climate change-related
information to communities across
the state, the video also offers a
glimpse at what the state’s forests
might look like in the future.
“Colorado’s Forests and
the Mountain Pine Beetle
Epidemic” is the sixth in a series
of videos that can be viewed
at LearnMoreAboutClimate.
colorado.edu — an online tool that
localizes climate change by pairing
interviews with leading scientists
and everyday Coloradans to explain
how climate change is affecting our
state. The site also offers resources
for teachers, students, policy makers
and community members who want
to learn more about this critical issue. To view “Colorado’s Forests and the
Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic,”
please visit LearnMoreAboutClimate.
colorado.edu. For more information, contact
Professor Jeff Mitton, CU-Boulder
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Department at [email protected]
LearnMoreAboutClimate.colorado.edu
Get Outdoors Events for Your Family
wildlife.state.co.us/Education/Getoutdoors
Outdoor Adventure, June 10-12, Two Buttes SWA
E
arn your hunter education card or improve your skills during a hands-on weekend for the family! Instruction by
Division of Wildlife staff, informative sessions on outdoor skills and rustic camping available. Must pre-register
by calling 719-336-6608.
Grand Mesa Moose Day, July 30, Grand Junction Area
A
free event for the entire family. Take a scenic drive on Grand Mesa and learn about moose! Scavenger hunt,
puppet show and prizes for kids; touch table with hides and tracks; programs on moose viewing and safety;
moose biology and telemetry demonstrations. Join us at the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center off of Highway 65,
20090 Baron Lake Drive.
Page 12
Colorado School of Mines Extended Studies Catalog Online
E
very semester the Colorado Statewide Extended Studies program posts a Resource Directory of courses from
Colorado colleges and universities at
www.coloradoextendedcampus.org/rde
The Summer 2011 classes for educators are listed (including Projects WILD, WET and PLT).
Colorado School of Mines winter classes are posted on their web site at
www.mines.edu/Outreach/Cont_Ed/teacher.shtml
School Groups Welcome at Castlewood Canyon State Park
Located 5 miles south of Franktown on Highway 83/Parker Road
C
astlewood Canyon State Park offers a natural classroom that provides
experiential support for your classroom lectures. It is located on the Palmer Divide
and straddles a 200 ft canyon at the edge of the Black Forest. The species found here
represent four ecosystems in the area. The cutting of the canyon by Cherry Creek
demonstrates the forces of water and nature. Come and enjoy a day of learning fun!
As environmental educator L. B. Sharp said...
“That which can best be learned inside the classroom should be learned there; and that which can best be learned through
direct experience outside the classroom, in contact with native materials and life situations, should there be learned.”
Schedule your field trip today!
Cycles Go Round - PreK-3rd grades, 2½ hours
Students will discover water, minerals and nutrients cycles.
Home Sweet Habitat - 3rd–6th grades, 2½ hours
Students will explore the different types of habitat found in the park.
Rock -n- Roll - 3rd–8th grades, 2½ hours
Become a rock detective and uncover clues about how the canyon formed.
Cherokee Trail - Was it Really the Good Old Days? - 3rd–6th grades, 2½ hours
Webs of Life - 3rd–6th grades, 2½ hours
Examine the building blocks of the four ecosystems and learn how they are interdependent.
Skins & Skulls - All ages, 45 minutes
At the park or Castlewood can bring the Skins & Skulls Program to your school.
Self-Guided Groups
You are welcome to come to the Park and enjoy its wonders. Self-Guided Teacher’s Guides are available.
All school groups must contact the Park and reserve your day in Castlewood’s natural environment.
The trails are narrow and the timing of groups is critical to ensure a rewarding experience for all. Priority is given to
groups with reservations. Reservations are critical in order to allow us to minimize human impacts on our natural
resources and must be made at least one month in advance. If the park has reached capacity, your group may be denied
entry. The Visitor Center, picnic shelters, rest rooms, and the Canyon View Nature Tail are fully accessible. Notify staff if
you have students with special needs.
Contact Park Staff at 303-688-5242 or [email protected]
parks.state.co.us/Parks/CastlewoodCanyon
Page 13
Page 14
Customized Trainings for Your Staff
Engaging and Inexpensive Professional Development at Your School, on Your Schedule
S
chedule any combination of Project WILD, Growing Up WILD, Flying WILD, Project Learning Tree and/or
Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood professional development workshop or workshops for your
organization.
These award winning, educator-tested programs enhance what you are already teaching. We customize
workshops to your audience (early childhood through high school) and show you how these amazing activities
meet your needs while addressing the newly adopted Colorado Model Content Standards.
Workshops are 3-8 hours per program and can be held in one day or over multiple days after school. An
experienced and professional Facilitator guides you through these fun, interactive workshops. During the
workshop you will learn more about local natural resources and receive the newest support materials. The cost
per educator for these custom, high-quality trainings is minimal and recertification credit is available.
Contact Regional or State Coordinators listed below for more information.
Contact your Regional or State Coordinator!
Colorado Division of Wildlife, Project WILD
Southeast - Steve Lucero Southeast Rural - Linda Groat Northeast, incl. Denver - Mary McCormac
Northwest - Kathleen Tadvick
Southwest - Leigh Gillette
Statewide - Tabbi Kinion
719-227-5203 719-336-6608
303-291-7328
970-255-6181 970-375-6709
303-291-7165
Colorado State Forest Service, Project Learning Tree
Shawna Crocker 303-202-4662
CSFS, PO Box 25286-MS306, Denver, CO 80225
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Colorado Foundation for Agriculture, Project Food, Land & People
Bette Blinde
970-881-2902
[email protected]
Page 15
State of Colorado
John Hickenlooper, Governor
Department of Natural Resources
Mike King, Executive Director
Education Section
Colorado Division of Wildlife
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO 80216
Return Service Requested
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Denver, CO
Permit 1533
For the latest updates and workshop listings visit
wildlife.state.co.us/education
In this issue of
Spring 2011
Colorado Connections
Providing Conservation Education Resources for Educators
- LAST Paper issue of Colorado Connections
- Parks and Wildlife Merger
- 30th Anniversary for Black-Footed Ferrets
- Inexpensive Field Trip Options
- Summer Workshop Opportunities
- Opportunities to Get OUT and Explore!
Join our e-mail Colorado Connections:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/education/
Look for the link to Colorado Connections

Connections Spring 2011.indd

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