SHARE:  

Pennsylvania State Parks

🌎 May 2024 E-Blast 🌎

Happy 🌼May and Happy International Migratory Bird 🐦 Day! May is National Mental Health Awareness Month As we try to manage our busy lives and make peace in the world, we often do not take time for ourselves or try to slow down. Sometime this month, try to visit a green space near you for a bit of down time. Check out 6 Reasons Why Parks Matter for Health.


Below we have shared a choice list of easy & fun, nature-based activities, a plethora of awesome PD, free resources, & so much more! Enjoy!


We also have to share this fun video from Travis McEnery reminding us how to ID Brown Recluse Spiders 🕷! It's Not Loxosceles - The Music Video (Brown Recluse ID Aid)

Check out the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Job Fair

Monday, May 13th, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center - Cameron Street Lobby

Explore diverse career opportunities within All State Agencies Register Now!

E-Blast Contents -

  • Section 1: Teaching Ideas - FREE Stuff!
  • Section 2: In-Person Educator Professional Development Workshops
  • Section 3: Teacher Webinars & Conferences
  • Section 4: Explore the Outdoors - LNT Series Part 5 & the Outdoor Rec Survey!
  • Section 5: Striving Towards Inclusion - Int. Migratory Bird Day!!
  • Capstone: PA State Park Info. & Updates

Section 1: May Teaching Ideas - FREE!



  • FREE! Forest Health Monitoring Activity from Project Learning Tree (PLT) - inspire future forest 🌲 professionals & nurture STEM identities! Students assess the health of a forested area and explore the roles of soil scientists, wildlife biologists, & more.  



Take the 2024 Pennsylvania Statewide Environmental Education (EE) Survey! ✍

  • Who Should Respond: Please submit ONE RESPONSE from EACH non-formal EE Provider Organization.
  • Classroom teachers are encouraged to respond individually.
  • Time to complete survey: ~15 minutes
  • Due by: Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Survey Purpose: To gather comprehensive insights into the current landscape & future needs of EE across Pennsylvania. Your input will directly influence the development and capacity enhancement of EE programs, particularly in addressing professional development & watershed education practices.

Section 2:

In-Person Educator Professional Development Workshops

See ALL of the Upcoming Educator Workshops on the DCNR Calendar

May 2024 Educator Workshops

Get Outdoors: 🧭 Recreation 102 Workshop

Tuesday May 21,  9:00 am – 3:00 pm

In-Person at Kings Gap Environmental Edu. Center, 500 Kings Gap Road, Carlisle PA 17015

Act 48: 5.5 hrs.

Fee: $10.00

Do you work with youth in the summer or during the year? Learn skills to get them outdoors in this recreation workshop that builds upon the Rec 101 Workshop. Participants will learn:

Compass use & Map Reading; 🧭 Orienteering & Shelter Building; 🔥 Fire & Safety; Campfire Cooking; Outdoor Games & Teambuilding; and Wildlife: Catching Critters Safely. This workshop is open to formal & non-formal educators. It will be helpful for: Classroom teachers working with summer youth, Scout Leaders, Camp Counselors, Youth Program Leaders &, Homeschool Leaders.

Includes: Campfire 🔥 Lunch + Additional Resources - You may attend this workshop even if you didn’t attend Rec 101. Pre-registration required by May 10, 2024. Contact 717-486-5031 to register.

June 2024 Educator Workshops

WILD About Bears🐻Educator Workshop 

Thursday, June 6, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

In-Person at the Charles Brightbill Education Center, 4881 Ft. Loudon Rd, Mercersburg, PA 17236

Act 48: 7 hrs.

Fee: $10! Pre-registration is required.

Join PA Game Commission (PGC) educators and biologists for an in-depth & up-close educational experience with Black Bears! You will receive your own copy of the award-winning Project WILD K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide as well as lessons & activities to integrate bear🐻 lessons into your teaching. You'll learn about black bear biology, research trapping efforts, & management practices, as well as how the PGC handles nuisance bears. Although not guaranteed, all efforts will be made to have at least one live black bear on site to be safely processed and tagged. This workshop is targeted to grade levels 3-12. Register NOW by contacting Jordan Sanford, Wildlife Outreach Coordinator at jorsanford@pa.gov or 717-787-4250 ext. 73337. Registration closes 5/24/2024.


WILD about Elk🦌Educator Workshop

Monday, June 11, 1:00 pm - 7:30 pm (optional Elk calf capture afterwards)

In-Person at Elk Country Visitor Center, 950 Winslow Hill Rd Benezette, PA 15821

Fee: $10.00 Snacks & drinks included (dinner on your own).

Act 48: 6 hrs.

This hands-on workshop will explore the natural history and habitat needs of Pennsylvania Elk, historical & current management strategies, & research techniques. Staff from PA Game Commission (PGC), Keystone Elk Country Alliance, & DCNR - PA State Parks will guide participants through hands-on educational activities which can easily be integrated into science, language arts, math, art, & social studies curricula. Agenda includes both indoor & outdoor K-12 activities, including an optional attempted elk calf capture research activity with the PGC. Optional calf capture requires off-trail hiking (i.e. hiking up & down steep hills, on uneven surfaces, through fields & forests w/limited ground visibility). Pre-registration is required by June 5th. To Register, call 814-787-5173 or ConEdSp@KECAUS.com


Watershed💦Education One-Day Workshop

Friday, June 14; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

This one-day workshop format is made up of two parts (11.5 total training hours):

1.     Homework Assignments (3 hrs. to be completed before field day) &

2.     One in-park Field Day (8.5 hours) In-Person at the PA Lumber Museum (Potter County), 5660 US-6 West, Ulysses, PA, 16948

Act 48: 11.5 hrs.

Fee: $20.00

Looking for a thoughtful curriculum that engages students and connects them to their local communities and environment? Join the professionals as we explore the Oil Creek Watershed. This workshop is open to educators teaching grades 6 – 12. Topics included cover ecological health, cultural history, industry, land use, hydrology, & more!

Watershed Education (WE) is an inquiry-based, interdisciplinary curriculum for students in grades 6 -12. Developed by the DCNR - Bureau of State Parks, WE helps educators utilize local natural resources as a valuable teaching tool. By blending hands-on classroom and field investigations modeled on professional research methodologies, students participate in data collection & analysis, community networking & partnerships, and stewardship & service-learning activities. WE promotes in-depth, multi-modal learning & understanding of water resources while encouraging students to examine their watershed holistically.

Participants will:

·        Receive a copy of the award-winning DCNR Watershed Ed Curriculum

·        Conduct a biological survey, Measure physical stream parameters, Perform chemical water testing

·        Tour the PA Lumber Museum

REGISTER NOWFor more information, contact Bob Edkin redkin@pa.gov or call Leonard Harrison State Park Office at 570-724-3061.


Growing Up 🦊 WILD Educator Workshop

Saturday, June 22, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

In-Person at Carbon County EE Center, 151 East White Bear Drive, Summit Hill, PA 18250

Act 48: 3.5 hrs. 

Fee: $20.00 payable the day of the workshop in cash or check; payment is also available through Paypal via CCEEC's website (click on the donate button).

Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children is an early childhood education activity guide for ages 2-7 that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. This guide offers activities & opportunities to develop and encourage a positive connection to our natural world while also facilitating lifelong social & cognitive skills.

During this hands-on workshop, participants will be introduced to the curriculum, guided in its use, & shown the resources available through Growing Up WILD, Project WILD, Bureau of State Parks, CCEEC's lending library, and other educational materials. CCEEC Ambassador educational animals will also be part of the day. To Register or Questions, contact Jeannie Carl, CCEEC Naturalist at naturalist_eec@yahoo.com or 570-645-8597.


Project Learning Tree Explore Your Environment: K-8 Educator Workshop🌳

Tuesday, June 25, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

In-Person at Moraine State Park, State Park Region 2 Conference Room, 195 Park Road, Prospect, PA 16052

Act 48: 6hrs.

Fee: $20.00 payable in advance; fee can be paid over the phone via credit card - call the park office at 724-368-8811.

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning environmental education program designed for educators working with students from pre-K to 8th grade. This workshop is open to all educators, from formal teachers to naturalists, scout leaders, and others! It will be very hands-on with activities such as Tree ID guided hike, paper making, and Living with Fire. Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of summer through engaging hands-on activities near the shore of Lake Arthur. Participants will explore and receive the NEW PLT Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide. Registration is required. To Register, contact EES Mike Shaffer at mishaffer@pa.gov or call the Moraine State Park office at 724-368-8811.   


WILD About Black Bears 🐻 Educator Workshop!

Thursday, June 27, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm AND

Friday, June 28th, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm (Must Attend Both Days)

In-Person at Hickory Run State Park, 4 Family Camp Road, White Haven, PA 18661 

Act 48: 8 hrs. 

Workshop Fee: $20.00 Pre-Registration & Pre-Payment are required

Welcome to black bear 🐻 country! Hickory Run State Park is hosting an immersive 2-day Project WILD professional development opportunity to blend education with adventure! Both formal & non-formal educators (K-12) are invited to participate and receive a copy of the award-winning Project WILD K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide which offers wildlife & conservation-themed lesson plans with 3-dimensional learning activities.

This workshop will include a presentation from a Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) Biologist to discuss bear physiology, biology, & management efforts in PA. Although not guaranteed, efforts will be made to have a live Black Bear on site to be temporarily (& safely) tranquilized, evaluated for health, & receive its own unique ear tag. 

Register NOW! (by 6/9/2024). Questions? Contact Jake Smith, EES @ smjaco@pa.gov or 272-808-6191. Once registered, pay via credit card over the phone or make checks out to Commonwealth of PA & send to Hickory Run State Park (4 Family Camp Road, White Haven, PA 18661). Consider staying the night (or the weekend) at Hickory Run State Park. Make a reservation through the DCNR Reservation Website.


Project Learning Tree Explore Your Environment: K-8 Educator Workshop🌳

Friday, June 28, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

In-Person at Frances Slocum State Park, 565 Mount Olivet Road, Wyoming, PA 18644

Act 48: 5.5 hrs.

Fee: $15.00 payable in advance; fee can be paid over the phone via credit card - call the park office at 724-368-8811.

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an award-winning national curriculum developed to help educators teach the importance of forests. This workshop is open to all educators who work with students from Pre-K to 8th grade from formal teachers to naturalists, scout leaders, and others! Earn 5.5 Act 48 hours while experiencing hands-on activities. Participants will receive the NEW PLT Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide & other relevant resources. Register NOW (by June 14th). Questions? Contact Kathy Kelchner, EES at kkelchner@pa.gov or 570-696-9105.

July 2024 Educator Workshops

Aquatic💦WILD Teacher Workshop

Friday, July 12, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

In-Person at Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470

Act 48: 6 hrs.

Fee: $15.00 payable in advance

Formal educators can join us for this day-long teacher workshop. Participants will receive a copy of the new Aquatic WILD curriculum. During this interactive teacher workshop educators will explore lessons and determine how it can be used in their classrooms. Register NOW! Questions? Contact Barb Wallace, EES at bawallace@pa.gov.


Growing 🦊 Up WILD + Project Learning Tree - Nature for Little Learners Educator Workshop🌳

Friday, July 26, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

In-Person at Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 state Route 487, Benton, PA 17814

Act 48: 5.5 hrs.

Fee: $20.00 payable in advance; fee can be paid over the phone via credit card - call the park office at 570-477-7780.

Growing Up WILD and Project Learning Tree's (PLT) Trees & Me are environmental education curricula developed for use with young children. This workshop is open to all educators who work with students from Pre-K to 1st Grade, from formal teachers to naturalists, scout leaders, & others! Earn 5.5 Act 48 hours while experiencing hands-on activities related to forests and wildlife. Participants will receive BOTH the NEW Growing Up WILD and PLT Trees & Me Activity Guides and other relevant resources. Registration required by 7/19/2024. For more information, contact Rhiannon Summers, EES at rhsummers@pa.gov or 570-477-7780.


Project Learning Tree Explore Your Environment: K-8 Educator Workshop🌳

Monday, July 29, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

In-Person at Lackawanna State Park, 1839 Abington Rd., North Abington Twp., PA 18414

Act 48: 4.5 hrs.

Fee: $15.00 payable in advance; fee can be paid over the phone via credit card - call the park office at570-945-7110.

Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers & other educators working with youth from K - grade 8. Focused on trees and forests, this curriculum provides engaging, hands-on activities to connect students to our woods & nature.

This workshop will introduce you to Project Learning Tree and it's resources through indoor & outdoor activities and networking opportunities. It is open to classroom teachers and non-formal educators, including pre-service teachers, homeschool parents, naturalists, & scout leaders. All participants will receive Project Learning Tree's Explore Your Environment K-8 Activity Guide.

Registration is required. Register NOW! Questions? Contact Tony DeSantis, EES at 570-945-7110 or antdesanti@pa.gov.

More Educator Professional Development Trainings are scheduled.

Visit the DCNR Events Calendar- Teacher Workshops to find additional training opportunities! Click the arrows to see upcoming months.

Section 3:

Webinars & Conferences

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) via the Night Matters Webinar

FREE! on Zoom

Wednesday, May 15, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET

Register NOW!

Learn about the impact of light pollution on migratory birds with Kyle G. Horton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Colorado State University. 


5th Annual Mid-Atlantic Climate Change Education Conference - Virtual

June 25, 26, & 27, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Fee: $20.00 Registration is currently open - Register NOW!

The goal of this conference is to gather formal & non-formal educators from across the Mid-Atlantic to share ideas, resources, & inspiration for advancing education for climate action.

Section 4:

Explore the Outdoors!

Share Your Opinion About Outdoor Recreation in Pennsylvania ✍

Help guide future outdoor recreation investments, policies, and facilities by sharing your thoughts in an online Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Survey! Responses will help develop the next Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Responses are due by Wednesday, May 22.

Complete the quick survey in English - https://bit.ly/3vWICFx or Spanish

Leave No Trace Series -

Principle 5: Minimize Campfire 🔥Impacts

According to Leave No Trace (LNT), the 5th principle of Leave No Trace recommends to... Minimize Campfire Impacts. As the weather warms up and camping season approaches, fire safety should be at the forefront. Historically fires were necessary for warmth and cooking, but current day camping experiences have advanced & individuals have become more aware of the long-term impacts of fire. If you are heading out this camping season consider campfire alternatives & minimize campfire impacts. To learn more about Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts, visit here!

Additionally, here's Campfire Safety tips from our friend Smokey Bear 🐻! To learn more about forest fire prevention visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation's Bureau of Forestry and US Forest Service's Smokey Bear webpages.

Section 5: Striving for Inclusion

- Learn more about DCNR's DEIB efforts-

Visit the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) Resource Library for FREE digital download resources available in multiple languages 🐦💻


Celebrate WMBD - May 11, 2024 in the US & Canada - October 12, 2024 in Mexico, Central, South America, & the Caribbean! Want the above WMBD poster? Buy it for only $1.00!

PA State Parks are YOURS!

Book your virtual, in-person programs, and field experiences with PA State Park Educators! Find a PA State Park. Need help connecting to a PA State Park with an Educator on staff? Reach out to Carissa Longo acalongo@pa.gov.


DCNR facilities and Programs are OPEN to ALL👐

  • Many Environmental Education programs require pre-registration. Explore the DCNR events calendar for details & to register.
  • Plan your outing before you leave. Learn about facilities, download a park map on your phone or print it, and review regulations here: Find A Park
  • Take care of & respect the resource. Park, picnic, hike, hunt, & more only in designated areas.
  • Check the weather before you depart, wear proper footwear, and bring water. Wear orange if hiking in designated hunting areas. Please clean up after pets 🐕.
  • Do not litter 🚮.
  • Alcohol is not allowed in PA State Parks.
  • Make a Reservation (up to 11-months in advance) at a PA State Park Campground, Camping Cottage, Cabin, Yurt, or Pavilion.

 

You can help keep state parks safe for all by following these practices:

  • Use the restroom before you leave your house 🏡
  • Bring a bag and either carry out your trash or dispose of it properly
  • Continue to practice social distancing, take hand sanitizer with you & use it
  • If you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick, stay home

We are Thankful for You! Thank you for loving ❤ us back!



Carissa Longo, Natural Resource Program Specialist

(Coordinating Project WILD & Pennsylvania Songbirds Curricula for all of PA)

&

Christine Ticehurst, Natural Resource Program Specialist

(Coordinating PLT & DCNR's GO Teach Curricula for PA State Parks)

&

Kim Lott, Natural Resource Program Specialist

(Coordinating Project WET, DCNR's Watershed Education, & DCNR's PA Land Choices Curricula for PA State Parks)

Visit the DCNR Events Calendar- Teacher Workshops to find additional training opportunities! Click the arrows to see upcoming months.

Sign Up To Receive This E-Blast