Connections Spring 2011.indd
Transcription
Connections Spring 2011.indd
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: wildlife.projectwild@state.co.us 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 wildlife.projectwild@state.co.us 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 Colorado Connections Spring 2011 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 cassy.bohnet@rmbo.org 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 Colorado Connections Spring 2011 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 Colorado Connections Spring 2011 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 info@caee.org or call 303-273-9527. www.caee.org/quality/certification Page 6 Colorado Connections Spring 2011 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 mary.mccormac@state.co.us 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, tamkunmm@peakpeak.com 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 Colorado Connections Spring 2011 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 Steve.Lucero@state.co.us 303-377-4433, kmaharg@cfwe.org June 6-10 June 13-15 Lamar Teaching Environmental Project Learning Tree: Fire Ecology Science Naturally (T.E.N) nstitute for Educators I See May 24-26 for description Durango Contact: Linda Groat, 719-336-6608 Field trips to the Missionary Ridge linda.groat@state.co.us 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: info@caee.org 303-202-4662 303-273-9527. scrocker@colostate.edu www.coloradoplt.org June 11 Project Learning Tree: June 13-17 Environmental Experiences for Pikes Peak Teaching Environmental Early Childhood Science Naturally (T.E.N) 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, breannag@cmdenver.org Colorado Springs See May 24-26 for description Contact: Steve Lucero, 719-227-5203 Steve.Lucero@state.co.us 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 bblinde@growingyourfuture.com June 14 Project WILD: Growing UP WILD Butterfly Pavilion, Broomfield Cost: $40 Credit: ½ credit for an additional fee Audience: ECE – 2nd grade teachers Contact: Nicole Bickford, 720-974-1863 nbickford@butterflies.org June 15 Project Learning Tree: Global Connections: Forests of the World Butterfly Pavilion, Broomfield Cost: $30 Credit: ½ credit for an additional fee Audience: 9th-12th grade teachers 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 Butterfly Pavilion, Broomfield 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, nbickford@butterflies.org 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 See May 24-26 for description Cost: $50 Credits: 2 credits for additional fee Audience: K–12th grade teachers Contact: Kathleen Tadvick 970-255-6181 kathleen.tadvick@state.co.us 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 casey@cherry-creek.org 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 bblinde@growingyourfuture.com July 12 Insect Investigations: Science Notebooks and Bugs in the Classroom Butterfly Pavilion, Broomfield Cost: $45 Credit: ½ credit for an additional fee Audience: K – 12th grade teachers Contact: Nicole Bickford, 720-974-1863, nbickford@butterflies.org Colorado Connections Spring 2011 Even More Summer Educator Workshops... July 13 - 15 High Plains Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (T.E.N), Limon See May 24-26 for description Contact: Linda Groat, 719-336-6608 Linda.groat@state.co.us July 14 Growing Up WILD Denver See June 14th description Cost: $20 Credit: ½ credit for an additional fee Audience: ECE – 2nd grade teachers Contact: Tabbi Kinion, 303-291-7165 Tabbi.kinion@state.co.us July 18-22 Pueblo Teaching Environmental Science Naturally (T.E.N) Pueblo See May 24-26 for description Contact: Steve Lucero, 719-227-5203 Steve.Lucero@state.co.us 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 Credit: ½ credit for an additional fee Audience: K – 6th grade teachers Contact: Nicole Bickford, 720-974-1863, nbickford@butterflies.org 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 Credit: ½ credit for an additional fee Audience: K – 8th grade teachers Contact: Nicole Bickford, 720-974-1863, nbickford@butterflies.org Butterfly Pavilion, Broomfield 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 Credit: ½ credit for an additional fee Audience: K – 5th grade teachers Contact: Nicole Bickford, 720-974-1863, nbickford@butterflies.org www.woodbinecenter.org Cost: $75 Credit: 1 credit for an additional fee Audience: K-12th grade teachers Contact: Pavlos Stavropoulos 303-380-7984 Butterfly Pavilion, Broomfield Woodbine Ecology Center, Sedalia Butterfly Pavilion, Broomfield 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 Credit: ½ credit for an additional fee Audience: 9th-12th grade teachers Contact: Shawna Crocker, 303-202-4662 scrocker@colostate.edu 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 Colorado Connections Spring 2011 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 bblinde@growingyourfuture.com Page 10 Colorado Connections Spring 2011 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. Colorado Connections Spring 2011 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 Mitton@colorado.edu 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 Connections Spring 2011 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 castlewood.canyon@state.co.us parks.state.co.us/Parks/CastlewoodCanyon Colorado Connections Spring 2011 Page 13 Page 14 Colorado Connections Spring 2011 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 steve.lucero@state.co.us linda.groat@state.co.us mary.mccormac@state.co.us kathleen.tadvick@state.co.us leigh.gillette@state.co.us tabbi.kinion@state.co.us scrocker@lamar.colostate.edu Colorado Foundation for Agriculture, Project Food, Land & People Bette Blinde 970-881-2902 bblinde@growingyourfuture.com Colorado Connections Spring 2011 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