Environmental Education Resources Directory

General environmental education

Awards

• Conservation Teacher of the Year Award
  John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District
  This award recognizes an educator in Fauquier County who has demonstrated exceptional effort in teaching students about conservation-related topics. All grade levels are eligible. Fauquier County only. Contact JMSWCD for information on what types of projects are eligible.

• Prince William County Litter Control Council Awards
  Prince William County Litter Control Council
  Awards for Youth of the Year, Ecology Club of the Year, and Environmental Educator of the Year honor excellence in environmental education in Prince William County. Call PWCLCC for information.

• Excellence in Environmental Education Awards
  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III
  This award recognizes outstanding contributions to environmental education in EPA Region III. Contact EPA for information.

• Earthwatcher Award
  Virginia Living Museum
  Selected middle and secondary teachers in each of four regions of Virginia are awarded $1,000 each. Winners will have completed or have ongoing class projects that help protect the environment, human health or species. Call VLM for an application.

• Conservation Awards Program
  Virginia Wildlife Federation
  Individuals and groups are eligible for awards for accomplishments in conservation in Virginia. There are 14 categories of awards, including Youth Conservationist of the Year. Annual program information and nomination forms are available from VWF in July of each year.

Classes/workshops

• Experimental Research and Design
  Appalachian Power Company
  Program designed for teachers, students and PTA groups to teach basic principles necessary for designing and implementing scientific research and experiments. Geared toward preparation for science fairs. Programs are available to school groups in Southwest Virginia. Call APCO to schedule or for list of current programs.

• Children's Environmental Workshops
  Audubon Naturalist Society
  Classes and workshops (one hour to one day) for elementary age students and teachers involve hands-on, outdoor, child-centered experiences. Contact ANS for list of programs available and scheduling information.

• Environmental Education Program
  Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp
  CFLC provides programs in four curricular areas and many subjects; single day and residential programs are available. Charges vary with length of program; contact CFLC to schedule.

• Environmental Education Program
  Jamestown 4-H Center
  A variety of opportunities for environmental education programs are available at J4HC. Programs can be arranged for most grade levels on a wide variety of topics, including marine science, forest ecology, habitats, and food cycles.Overnight programs can be arranged for groups of up to 150. Contact J4HC for details on specific programs and to schedule a visit.

• Community Education Program
  Living Education Center for Ecology and the Arts
  LECEA, an innovative alternative high school, coordinates community education projects. community/high school Charlottesville and surrounding counties Contact LECEA for information about their in-school and community programs.

• Maymont Park Nature Center and Children's Farm
  Maymont Foundation
  These hands-on programs use Maymont's animals and grounds. Program concepts include senses, seasons, food chains, water quality, aquatic life, endangered species, plants, trees, and insects. Programs vary in length from 30 minutes to two hours. Contact MF; cost for programs varies from $8 to $30.

• Teacher Workshops
  National Aquarium in Baltimore
  Schools or school districts can arrange half-day or full-day workshops for groups of 10 to 30 teachers. All workshops have conservation as part of the program; groups may choose from a list of established topics or arrange for a special topic. Contact NAIB; fees are $125 (half day) or $200 (full day), plus travel expenses.

• NatureQuest
  National Wildlife Federation
  This program provides participants with training, resources, and a model to develop an individualized nature program. The three-day workshop trains camp program directors, outdoor and environmental educators, naturalists, and nature and science counselors. Sessions are available throughout the year. Contact NWF for brochure and registration information.

• Washington Action Workshop
  National Wildlife Federation
  This week-long conference, hosted by the Washington Action Workshop, is for citizens to learn about environmental issues and supporting environmental legislation. Contact NWF for information.

• EARTHDAY Everyday Program
  Science Museum of Western Virginia
  A program for fifth- and-sixth graders that uses hands-on activities to discover some of the causes of pollution and how to stop it. Western to central va Call SMWV to schedule the program.

• Environmental Explorers
  The Mariners' Museum
  A variety of environmental programs for young people are available. Contact MM for a complete list of programs available and registration information.

• Environmental Programs
  The Mariners' Museum
  A variety of short programs are available for school groups. Titles include: "Camouflage and Survival," "All the Same, But Different," and "Warm Water=Pollution?" Contact MM for scheduling information. Charges are $2.25 to $3.00 per student.

• Educator In-Service Workshops
  The Wildlife Center of Virginia
  These workshops provide teachers with practical techniques and ideas for incorporating environmental studies into their lesson plans. All participants receive a packet of information that includes activities and resource ideas. Call WCV. A three-hour workshop costs $350, plus travel expenses.

• Educator's Environmental Institute
  Union Camp/Paul D. Camp Community College
  A three-week environmental studies course designed for area educators. The course provides classroom materials, field trips, awards and credits for recertification.Contact UC/PDCCC for course dates and application information.

• Teacher/Adult Leader Training
  Virginia Cooperative Extension Service
  Two- to six-hour workshops are available on a variety of environmental and nature education topics. Workshops can be designed to meet the needs of the group. Central Virginia Contact local extension office or VCES. Travel reimbursement may be required from for-profit organizations. A minimum of 20 participants is required.

• Teacher Training
  Virginia Living Museum
  Offered in cooperation with Hampton University, this intensive two-week course for elementary and middle school teachers is a hands-on lab and field exploration of the natural world. Call VLM for dates.

• Natural Resource Workshops
  Virginia Resource-Use Education Council
  These workshops offer training in environmental education teaching methods using curriculum supplements such as Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, Project WET, and Virginia's State Parks. Your Backyard Classrooms. Contact VRUEC for scheduling information. Workshops must be scheduled at least four weeks in advance; with more notice a workshop can be designed to meet specific needs.

• Outdoor Classroom
  Wilderness Conservancy at Mountain Lake
  This environmental cross-curriculum program for teachers and students of all ages offers several programs on a variety of topics. Contact WCML for program details and scheduling information.

Curriculum materials

• National Wildlife Week Kits
  Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
  During Wildlife Week, kits are distributed to elementary and middle schools. The kits are produced by the National Wildlife Federation and contain an educators' guide, a theme poster, a 12-picture poster, Wildlife Stamps, and a form for educators to request information about NWF's educational programs. Kits are mailed in March to all Virginia public and private school libraries. For information or additional kits please send a written request to DGIF.

• Aquarium School Program Booklets
  National Aquarium in Baltimore
  These booklets complement current Aquarium school programs such as Sharks, Marshland Mysteries, and Coral Reefs. Contact NAIB for a complete listing of available titles and order form.

• NatureScope
  National Wildlife Federation
  This activity series is designed to help K - 8 educators incorporate science and environmental education into their teaching. There are 18 topics in the series; each issue includes background information, hands-on activities, ready-to-copy activity sheets, a glossary, and a bibliography. Contact NWF to order. Each title may be purchased for $7.95, plus shipping, or the entire set is available for $99.

• Environmental Activity Boxes
  Prince William County Litter Control Council
  This set of eight boxes contains information and materials for hands-on lessons about litter and other environmental topics. Available for loan to Prince William County teachers only. Contact PWCLCC to reserve.

• Audubon Adventures
  Richmond Audubon Society
  Subscribers receive a monthly package of classroom materials for elementary students (with teacher's guide) on a variey of nature topics. An annual subscription is $30; contact RAS for ordering information.

• Teacher Assistance Kits
  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III
  Kits are available to assist in environmental education promotional activities for K - 12 classrooms. Contact EPA for information.

• Center for Economic Education
  Virginia Tech -- Center for Economic Education
  Workshops, graduate course and curriculum materials for K-12 educators on environmental economics are provided. Free as available. Contact VATECH/CEE.

• Naturalist Activities
  Virginia's Explore Park
  This set of 25 short activities for elementary and middle school students is designed to heighten the learner's awareness of the world outside a classroom. The activities are hands-on and use an interdisciplinary approach to learning. (Note: This is currently out of print, but was scheduled to be reprinted Fall 1995.) Contact VEP; the set costs $1.25.

Education grants

• Student Conservation Association Grants
  Richmond Audubon Society
  RAS provides educational grants to university Student Conservation Association groups nationwide. Contact RAS for information.

• Environmental Education Grants
  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III
  The grants program assists local or tribal education agencies, colleges or universities, state education or environmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and non-commercial educational broadcasters to develop environmental education projects or programs. Contact EPA for information on submission of proposals.

• Virginia Mini-Grant Program
  Virginia Environmental Endowment
  Elementary and secondary schools and nonprofit, non-governmental organizations are eligible to apply for mini-grant awards of $1,000 to $5,000 for projects that protect Virginia streams, rivers, wetlands, and waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Contact VEE for application guidelines. Deadlines for submissions are January 15, May 15 and September 15 each year.

• Environmental Issues Projects Grants
  Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and Public Policy
  Grants are awarded for a variety of projects that consider environmental issues from the perspective of the humanities. Contact VFHPP for guidelines and application materials.

Events

• Arborfest
  State Arboretum of Virginia
  This annual (October) environmental event for adults and children has a different theme every year. all groups all ages Contact SAV for this year's date and theme.

• Virginia Natural History Symposium
  Wintergreen Nature Foundation
  This annual conference, held in mid-September, is co-sponsored by the Virginia Museum of Natural History. It is designed to give students, teachers, and amateur naturalists access to new discoveries and insight into Virginia's native flora and fauna. Contact WNF for an event brochure.

Exhibits

• Wildlife Exhibit
  Virginia Wildlife Federation
  These displays depict activities and services provided by VWF; they are suitable for events such as county fairs, Earth Day celebrations, and National Hunting and Fishing Day. Contact VWF to schedule.

Field trips/site tours

• Long-distance Environmental Tours
  Audubon Naturalist Society
  ANS naturalists lead tours to sites of interest in the United States, Canada, and Central America. Cost varies with trip; contact ANS for information.

• Environmental Field Trips
  Audubon Naturalist Society
  Field trips (one hour to one day) for adults to local and regional sites of environmental interest are available year-round. Cost varies with program; contact ANS for list of programs and dates.

• Rappahannock River Views
  Friends of the Rappahannock
  A variety of field trips are available including seasonal wildflower walks, historic walks, and tours of the Rappahannock canal system. Call FR for calendar of events; special program requests must be submitted one month in advance. Fees vary. Weekend and evening programs are available throughout the year; weekday programs are only available during the summer months.

• Friendship Environmental Education
  Friendship Environmental Education
  One- to five-day programs for students and educators are available at a 700-acre "classroom" for ecology studies along the Rivanna River. Call (800) 873-3223. Rates are variable, depending on length of stay, accommodations, and programming. A typical three-day program costs approximately $65 per student. Teacher workshops are free.

• Maymont Foundation Field Trips
  Maymont Foundation
  Maymont is a 100-acre Victorian estate in Richmond with a museum, formal gardens, native wildlife exhibits, nature center, carriage collection, and children's farm. Tours can be scheduled Tuesday through Friday. Length of tour and price per person varies with type of tour requested. Contact MF for details.

• Conservation Summits
  National Wildlife Federation
  These week-long summer adventures for all ages and groups include guided field trips, wildlife workshops, environmental issues classes, and outdoor activities. Contact NWF for brochure.

• The Mountain Laurel Trail
  National Wildlife Federation
  The Mountain Laurel Trail is located at NWF's Laurel Ridge Conservation Education Center in northern Virginia. The self-guiding trail provides an opportunity to study the plants and animals of northern Virginia in their natural environments. The handicapped-accessible trail is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Contact NWF for information on scheduled activities.

• Educational Programs
  Roanoke County Parks and Recreation Outdoor Education
  RCPR provides a variety of adventure and educational programs and trips to groups of all ages in the Roanoke Valley and the surrounding area. Contact RCPR for a brochure describing complete program offerings.

• Natural History Field Trips
  Virginia Museum of Natural History
  Museum staff conduct field trips to places of natural history interest around Virginia. Fees vary. Contact VMNH for a list of current programs and registration information.

• Interdisciplinary Field Trips
  Virginia's Explore Park
  Interpretive programs are offered on a variety of subjects, including historic building construction methods, Appalachian music, homesteading in western Virginia, Virginia wildlife, forestry practices, and Native American culture of Southwest Virginia. Because programs are designed to fit the needs of visiting groups, call VEP at least two weeks in advance of visit. Visitors are charged $1.50 per person.

Networking/referral services

• Greater Rappahannock Environmental Education Network
  Friends of the Rappahannock
  GREEN is a regional resource and advisory council for the development, planning, and implementation of environmental education programs and projects for teachers. Teachers in the city of Fredericksburg and Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline counties may call FR for a schedule of workshops and information on regional resources.

• Resource Clearinghouse
  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III
  EPA is a clearinghouse for national environmental education resources. Contact EPA for information.

• Legislative Hotline
  Virginia Conservation Network
  During sessions of the General Assembly, a three-minute recorded message is updated daily about the status of bills concerned with environmental issues. The hotline phone number changes annually; contact VEN for the current number.

Newsletters/magazines

• The Potomac Flier
  Fairfax Audubon Society
  This newsletter is published eight times during the year about the activities of FAS and regional environmental news. Contact FAS; non-members are charged an annual subscription fee of $10.

• News and Views
  National Association of Biology Teachers
  This publication of NABT is issued five times a year, with news of awards, grants, resources, opportunities, programs, and events of interest to biology educators. Distributed to members of NABT (dues $40 per year). Will exchange newsletter at no cost with other appropriate organizations.

• ECO
  Prince William County Litter Control Council
  This monthly newsletter for Prince William County Ecology Clubs contains environmental information, activities, and ideas for clubs. Contact PWCLCC; an annual subscription costs $5.

• Virginia Explorer
  Virginia Museum of Natural History
  This quarterly natural history magazine is written for the general public. Free to VMNH members (call for membership information). Organizations may subscribe for $12 annually.

• Au Naturel
  Virginia Museum of Natural History
  This quarterly newsletter lists museum exhibits and educational programs. Free to VMNH members; call for membership information.

• The Federation Record
  Virginia Wildlife Federation
  This newsletter of the Virginia Wildlife Federation is published bimonthly. The newsletter is provided to members of VWF (annual membership $25); contact VWF for membership information. Bulk distribution is available on a one-time basis to educational groups.

• Explorations
  Virginia's Explore Park
  This quarterly newsletter describes events and programs at VEP. The newsletter also updates the general public on the process of construction, programming, workshops, and seminars. Contact VEP to be placed on the mailing list.

Outreach programs/speakers

• Environmental Education Program
  Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
  This folder of educational literature describes practices that promote sound land use and encourage wildlife habitat restoration. The materials are useful for landowners, homeowners, or civic groups. general public adult statewide Contact DGIF for folder.

• Group Presentations
  John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District
  A limited number of presentations for school and community groups are available. Priority is given to topics related to water quality, agricultural conservation and urban erosion oncerns. Equipment demonstrations may be available (converting yard debris to mulch with a chipper-shredder, covering old newspapers to animal bedding with a bedding chopper). Fauquier County residents only. No charge; schedule at least three months in advance.

• Arboretum Speakers Bureau
  State Arboretum of Virginia
  Staff are available to speak on a variety of environmental topics. Call early for reservations. Travel reimbursement may be required for long distances.

• Speakers Bureau
  Versar Inc.
  Speakers are available in northern Virginia on a variety of environmental topics. Versar is an environmental consulting firm in northern Virginia. Contact VI for a list of available topics and scheduling information.

• Speakers Bureau
  Virginia Commonwealth University - Office of Environmental Studies
  Speakers are available for presentations on a variety of environmental topics for high school groups in the Richmond metropolitan area. Contact VCU - OES for scheduling information; several weeks advance notice is required.

• The Bay Team
  Virginia Institute of Marine Science
  Two experienced classroom teachers travel throughout Virginia demonstrating exemplary environmental education teaching methods. The lessons are appropriate for all grade levels. Contact VIMS to request a brochure and registration form.

• Speakers Bureau
  Virginia's Explore Park
  Speakers are available for presentations to groups of all ages on a variety of topics including endangered species, historic issues, land use, and biodiversity. Contact VEP; groups must pay travel expenses of speaker.

Publications

• Blue Ridge Environmental Network
  Blue Ridge Environmental Network
  This 27-page directory of environmentally active organizations in Roanoke and the surrounding area includes descriptions of groups as well as a listing of current activities of each group. Contact BREN. No charge, but donations are appreciated.

• John Marshall SWCD Annual Report
  John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District
  This annual report booklet details all programs that the district has assisted with or conducted throughout the year and provides insight into the workings of an SWCD. Fauquier County residents may contact JMSWCD to receive a copy.

• Earth Day Guide: How to Plan, Publicize and Produce an Earth Day celebration
  Maymont Foundation
  This resource guide is complete with sample letters, activities, and photographs designed to help individuals plan, produce, and publicize an Earth Day celebration. No charge; call MF.

• Conservation Directory
  National Wildlife Federation
  This annual publication of NWF is an up-to-date, detailed resource for information on environmental conservation, education, legislation, and natural resource management. Available for $18 plus shipping from NWF.

• Environmental Educator's Resource Guide
  Prince William County Litter Control Council
  The guide is a binder of resources, activities and information for use in teaching about the environment. Contact PWCLCC for ordering information; cost is $50. All Prince William County schools and public libraries have a copy.

• Virginia Environmental Voting Summary
  Virginia Conservation Network
  This publication lists General Assembly members' votes on key environmental bills; two editions (1991, 1992) are available. No charge; contact VEN for a copy.

Slide shows/films

• Earth Day Every Day - You Can Make a Difference!
  National Wildlife Federation
  This 15-minute filmstrip for elementary and middle school students shows how to celebrate Earth Day every day by making wise environmental choices. Available for $5 from NWF. Also available as a slide set.

Videos

• Public Service Announcements on Pollution Prevention
  Versar Inc.
  Seven PSAs are available which are suitable for television use. Subjects include environmental data, educating kids, windpower and pesticide-free farming. No charge; contact VI to order.

• In Partnership With Earth
  Versar Inc.
  A 58-minute video featuring John Denver and former EPA Administrator Bill Reilly that discusses pollution prevention and recycling, and how different groups are responding to this challenge. Can be purchased from VI for $40 plus $4 postage, or rented for $20.

• A/V Library
  Virginia Cooperative Extension Service

  Videos and slide/tape sets are available on a variety of nature and environmental topics. Contact local extension office. Requests must be made at least three weeks in advance, and materials can be borrowed for one week. No charge for use of the materials, although borrower must pay return postage.

• A Planning Guide to Field Study Programs
  Virginia Cooperative Extension Service
  This video and companion teacher's guide will help with planning, organizing and conducting an outdoor field study program for youths. Contact local extension service or VCES. Videos may be borrowed at no charge (borrowers must pay return postage); single copies of manual are free.

• Voices of Vision: The Future of Virginia's Environment
  Virginia Water Resources Research Center
  This 17-minute video focuses on some of Virginia's greatest environmental challenges: water use, land use, waste management and protecting the Chesapeake Bay. May be borrowed from VWRRC for a 15-day period; no charge.

Youth camp/projects

• Boy Scout Field Day
  Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District
  The annual Boy Scout Field Day at Camp Chickahominy is an environmental event where Scouts learn the importance of soil and water conservation. They can continue on their own to obtain their Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge. Boy Scouts and Scoutmasters Peninsula Council of BSA Contact CSWCD; charge is $2.50 per person.

• Summer Discovery Series
  Maymont Foundation
  This children's nature camp uses Maymont's grounds, animals, and exhibits as a living laboratory. The program includes live animal study, aquatic collecting, and nature hikes. Sessions are mornings from June through August; length of sessions vary. Call MF for details; cost is $10 to $75, depending on length of session.

• Wildlife Camp
  National Wildlife Federation
  This program is an opportunity for kids ages 9 through 13 to gain environmental knowledge and skills for living in the out-of-doors through a blend of nature study, games, hiking, swimming, and exploring. Contact NWF for brochure.

• Teen Adventure
  National Wildlife Federation
  This program allows kids ages 14 through 17 to discover nature by hiking and backpacking in wilderness areas and participating in daily nature awareness activities. Contact NWF for brochure.

• Youth and Family Programs
  Virginia Living Museum
  A wide variety of programs are available for children and families after school, on weekends and in the summer. Topics vary seasonally and include nature study, science expeditions, activities and field trips to interesting sites. Call the VLM for a current copy of program guide, Adventurer. Fees vary. Members receive early notices of program offerings and discounts.

• EnviroAdventures
  Virginia Wildlife Federation
  These environmental summer camp programs for students ages 15 through 17 provide outdoor educational activities that involve the participants in exploring and learning about the natural world and the value of its resources. students high school Contact VWF for information and an application.

• Environmental Education Program
  Westview on the James
  Hands-on learning takes place in a 780-acre outdoor laboratory setting. Topics for study include aquatic ecology, limnology, biology, ecology and chemistry. Programs are geared for groups of 30. Contact WJ for scheduling information. A four-hour program costs $5 per participant plus a $60 instructor fee.

Education directory table of contents

Updated 10/7/98