Greenversations

By Sandra O’Neill

It’s March 16, 2006. I’m in the back of a pick-up truck riding down a slick mixture of mud and clay. The truck’s wheels search for traction in places where the road has split into child-sized crevasses. It’s the rainy season in Madagascar, and water has transformed a savannah into a veritable rainforest in the span of one week. This is the road to the village where I will live for two years and it is in very poor condition. But for me, this is the first day of life in a village that promises work in environmental education. I’ve never seen the village before and my Malagasy language competence is equivalent to that of a 3 year old child. I am a Peace Corps Volunteer.

When I reach the center of my village, I am overwhelmed. The house I will live in is comprised of a styrofoam-like material that neither block views of my neighbors from me or views of me from my neighbors. Nailed tin sheets serve as a roof for my hut and I learn that my water supply for washing dishes, cooking, and cleaning are in a neighbor’s salt-water well. And yet, I am better positioned in this village than the majority of its population.

Over 200,000 Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) have served in countries like Madagascar since 1961. PCVs spend 27 months working with host country nationals on a wide array of issues relating to health, income generation, and the environment. Peace Corps provides an engaging atmosphere where volunteers are challenged to address serious issues in non-conventional contexts. During their two years abroad, PCVs learn to value American government agencies that take their mission’s seriously; they especially learn to value the environmental benefits the EPA provides in a very personal and direct way (appreciation for limits on vehicle emissions goes through the roof!)

This year, the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) at EPA are organizing to celebrate the Peace Corps’ 50th anniversary with a special celebration on November 29, 2011. We welcome you to join our celebration! RPCVs will share unique insights on global issues based on their Peace Corps experience and be available to discuss how their on-the-ground experiences have informed their careers at the EPA. For me, coordinating environmental projects in Madagascar helped me to realize that I wanted to work to protect human health and the environment. Five years later, I’m working at the EPA.

About the author: Sandra O’Neill joined the EPA in 2009 and works in the Office of Environmental Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia and and enjoys promoting the combined mission statements of both the Peace Corps and the EPA: world peace, friendship, and protection of human health and the environment.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

By Jeanethe Falvey

There are of course some clear differences. After watching “Touching the Void” last night, I have zero inclination to find my way to the top of anything that steep, or that cold. While I thoroughly enjoy the outdoors, clinging to survival while climbing further UP doesn’t do it for me. A great deal of my respect goes to those that do though.

Watching from the couch, peeping through my hands that have long since covered my face in shock and fear is a much cozier place to be. Documentaries like that, and Planet Earth, remind us of the power and force that our environment has – when we more often experience milder elements such as rain, fog, sunshine or partly cloudy skies going to and from our homes and work.

Fragile, is probably the last word that comes to mind when you see snow capped mountains. I struggle to think what looks more sturdy and imposing. It is hard to imagine that our environment as it exists today is a fragile balance of elements. It’s vast, it’s big, it’s far away (right?). So then, where does it all begin and end? Where are those boundaries where it stops being our backyard and becomes the wild, and the untouched?

It is modern human nature to work with such concepts as lines and boundaries. It helps us manage things by separating and compartmentalizing. Unless we’re reminded by commercials for car insurance it’s rather impossible, and comedic, to envision ourselves as anything but the highly intelligent and evolved human beings we’ve become since we lived in caves and took down mammoths. We gained an improved posture, the ability to harness fire for energy, the wheel and sliced bread, but I think somewhere along the line something else seems to have gone quite far off course.

Back then, there was no separation between life, survival and our environment. It was a part of everything our ancient ancestors did and no choice they made could be without consideration of their surroundings. Somewhere our perception of that connection changed. Our environment is everything around us. There hasn’t been a single photo submitted to State of the Environment that isn’t part of that picture.

About the author: Jeanethe Falvey, State of the Environment project lead for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Boston, Massachusetts.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

By Andrea Bolks

The big yellow bus pulls up with heads looking in every direction, excited students ready for a morning in the Indiana Dunes with us. They are Julian Middle School 6th graders, from a suburb of Chicago. I am an ORISE fellow, here with some EPA staff along with my mentor, who has been such an amazing teacher to me.  Watching from a bit of a distance as they unload I wonder, will we be able to get across the seemingly complex ideas of stream evolution, health and monitoring to them?

When I was a senior in high school, I switched to an environmental magnet school. I felt like my world opened as I was exposed to important, complex, even life changing environmental concepts. I was touched then; today, it has made me a huge believer in environmental education. This learning process not only fosters positive environmental attitudes, it also motivates and engrains a feeling of commitment to make informed decisions and take responsible action. I really wanted these children to walk away having learned concepts that they could share and that would stick with them as they grew. I hoped today would be more than just a pretty day in the park.

The children’s big smiles and energy filled the air as each of us from EPA went to our stations to teach them about dune formation, the daylighting restoration project, and many types of monitoring including macroinvertebrate, chemistry and habitat. I was absolutely amazed when they connected the eroding stream bank to the beginnings of the formations of an oxbow, when they understood why the winding of the stream slowed its flow and helped create a healthier system, or when they could piece together the linkages between the macroinvertebrate communities they had just learned about and habitat quality.  And they were in awe when they looked along this beautiful stream as we told them a few short years ago this land was a parking lot.

These children were sponges; they took what they had learned in the classroom and what they saw and their wheels started turning.  They didn’t just memorize some facts, they understood concepts, and these concepts might just stick with them, like they did with me.  Stick with them enough so that they too can pass the winding stream forward.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

About the author: Andrea Bolks is a fellow from the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Postgraduate Research Participation Program working in the Water Division at Region 5 in Chicago, IL.

By Leon Carter

Recently, EPA staffed an information booth at the first of what promises to be an annual event: Urban Resolutions for Bridging African Americans to Natural Environments. The purpose of the U.R.B.A.A.N.E. Conference 2011 was to discuss, develop and possibly deliver resources related to the conference’s themes: environmental education/ justice, the creation of green jobs, green industry/development and urban agriculture. All relate to EPA’s mission.

The conference combined informative classes and workshops corresponding with one or more of the of conference’s themes. Absent were scientific jargon and circuitous thoughts. Discussions were in “plain English”. Getting the word out is important. We must convey our mission or message to those we serve for it to serve its purpose. The conference was good at this and I plan to replicate that skill myself.

As an African American who grew up in the inner city, I relate to the difficulties faced by the urban community for whom venturing into the “great outdoors” or the “natural environment” was an adventure unto itself which was rarely great and very far from natural. The everyday existence within many communities of color is often marred by violence and blight, which is further exacerbated by environmental injustices that are easily hidden due to a lack of public interest, attention, or both. There were times in my childhood when the term “open space” referred to “vacant lots” that had become the target of fly dumpers. “Fresh air” meant you were upwind of the smoke stacks. So, I applaud those within the community who are fighting for change through the creation of public forums where social and environmental issues are openly addressed. This is no easy task, but a necessary one if communities hope to further their transition from “quiet resistance” into “stakeholder” and accept accountability and ownership for the direction of the community

As the event wound down, I spoke with many who came by my booth to voice thanks for EPA’s efforts and the job we’ve done. I was doubly proud: to have been the face of the EPA at this event and to be well represented and have our issues recognized by others outside of our community.

About the author: Leon Carter is an intern in EPA’s Chicago office in the Energy Star Program. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Urban Planning-Land Use and Policy at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

By Wendy Dew

Well we did! I recently attended an outreach event at Elitch Gardens in Denver, Colorado. The event was meant to reach out to kids, teachers and parents about outdoor and environmental education opportunities. Our booth was a huge hit. We had our climate change quiz and recycled pencils as prizes for those who got most the questions right and for those who only got a few right! We also had educational outreach materials and coloring books for the kids.

Folks who came by the table had fun testing their knowledge and learning more about climate change and environmental education. I learned that we have a long way to go for kids and adults to understand the basics of climate change science. It is so important for EPA to reach out to folks in many different venues to help get the message out.

We will be back next year to reach out to more thrill seeking adventurers! I may try to get a spot not so close to the roller coaster next time, however.
To learn more visit EPA’s new Climate for Students website

About the author: Wendy Dew is the Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator for Region 8 in Denver, Colorado.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

By Megan Gavin

I was fortunate enough to be part on the review panel for the Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award sponsored by the National Environmental Education Foundation. While I didn’t know who Richard Bartlett was, I did know that the award is given to a teacher who successfully integrates environmental education into their curriculum and engages students in interdisciplinary solutions to environmental challenges. The application requires a letter from the nominee’s students. Here are some things students said about their teachers: ‘[our teacher is] a very passionate person about helping the environment’; ‘learning various science facts has become so fun thanks to my teacher’; ‘[our teacher] is every school’s dream science teacher’; ‘[our] classroom mimics a university lab, filled with stuffed specimens, pictures of local insects and high grade microscopes’; and lastly, ‘lessons in the environmental learning center were always my favorite’.

John Schmeid, a 7th grade science teacher from Bothell, Washington, is this year’s Bartlett winner. He frequently collaborates with math, art, literacy, social studies and history teachers to integrate their programming into environmental learning. As part of his class, each student develops her/his own action project to improve the environment; it’s called ‘my present to the environment’.

Dozens of John Schmeid’s students have gone on to pursue science and engineering degrees citing his class as the spark. I tried to recall what impact a teacher had on my career. While I got a taste of environmental studies in my high school chemistry class, I didn’t take an environmental science class until I was in college. But, because of that course and the teacher, I decided I wanted to go into the environmental field. And that led me to EPA. Now, I wonder how many of John Schmeid’s students will end up working at EPA?

About the author: Megan Gavin currently works as the environmental education coordinator in the Chicago office of EPA.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

By Wendy Dew

Way more than you think! EPA Region 8 recently invited students to participate in the 2011 Earth Day “What Makes a School Green Art Challenge.”

The contest asked students to draw or design “what makes their school green or what could make their school green”. Students could design a green school, draw green school activities or draw what makes their school green already. Example green activities included: recycling, planting trees, changing light bulbs, etc.

The purpose of the contest was to see what school children think will make their school green or greener! The drawings were very educational for EPA, teachers and parents as they showed us what our children think about environmental protection and environmental health and safety in the school environment.

The winning entry was from Linford Elementary School in Wyoming.

See some of the entries

About the author: Wendy Dew is the Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator for Region 8 in Denver, Colorado.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

CU-Boulder Professor Jeff Mitton

By Wendy Dew

Here in Colorado we have an abundance of environmental education opportunities with a diversity of flora and fauna. You can even see prairie dogs from the side of the road at a shopping center!

Unfortunately, one the best educational examples we have right now is Pine Beetle. Rocky Mountain kids can see firsthand the effects of climate change and drought on our local forests with the pine beetle epidemic. The 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. In Colorado alone, more than 3 million acres of forests have already been affected.

The University of Colorado – Boulder recently released a new film on mountain pine beetle and its effects in Colorado. They have also created a lesson on mountain pine beetle appropriate for high school but adaptable to middle school. They have a variety of other lesson plans and videos and resources for teaching about local climate change.

Every student has the opportunity to learn about the environment. Whether it be the pine beetle, the Chesapeake Bay or in your own backyard. Look to your local environment to find out what issues are happening and what you can do about them.

For more information

About the author: Wendy Dew is the Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator for Region 8 in Denver, Colorado.

By Yvette Chenaux

I teach environmental education at Oshki Ogimaag, a charter school on the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Reservation where the students are Anishinaabe, also known as Ojibwe, or Chippewa. At school, the students have varied lesson plans, including language lessons in Ojibwe and environmental lessons from the Environmental Department staff.

I believe and know first-hand that young people care about the Earth. The students I work with have a strong connection to the environment. The students and their families collect wild rice in the fall, collect berries in the summer and fish and hunt throughout the year.

Last year students participated in a community clean-up for Earth Day. They split into groups and went all over the community to collect trash. When asked about the clean-up, they agreed that there was too much trash. Thomas said that what he disliked most about the clean-up was that “the Earth was so dirty, and no one cared about it. We had to go two feet underground to get a big bag of trash.” This year, in celebration of Earth Day, they participated in another community clean-up and they made beautiful posters and a banner to put up around town. Their hopes were high that they would find less trash and that more people would join them.

Jayson said that his favorite memory about the clean-up was that he was able to be “outside when it was a nice day out.” Shylan saw a fox while picking up some trash. When asked what Earth Day means to him, Jayden replied that it is “a day to help the Earth, which we should do everyday.” Sarah said that her family regularly turns down the heat when they leave the house, and Shylan said that she plans to ride her bike more. Sam said that she walks often and she picks up trash when she is out walking. Cleaning up the community is not just about picking up trash, but it is also about being outside and learning how to make everyday Earth Day. Miigwech! (Thank you)

About the author: Yvette Chenaux is the Air Quality Specialist for the Grand Portage Band. She monitors haze and particulate matter and performs indoor air assessments.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.

By Wendy Dew

Many children today have a disconnect with nature. Many children have not had the opportunities we had growing up to freely and creatively play outside – running in a field, or tromping through the woods or wading in a stream…

Programs all over the country are popping up to take the lead in getting kids outside in an unstructured, creative play format. One such program in Florida was funded by two Edge of Excellence grants obtained by a local teacher. Funding from the Education Foundation of Sarasota County provided the teacher with the tools to develop interactive nature-based programs for her students. The money covered the cost of binoculars for each student and field guides to watch Florida birds, trees, flowers and butterflies. Thanks to these grants, the teacher was able to obtain additional books for the classroom as well as transportation to local parks. The students truly experienced nature. Their learning experience did not end once they left the parks. The students documented each flower, plant and bird they spotted after identifying them with their field guides.

I remember spending my childhood in the woods watching nature, playing with my friends, and roaming the neighborhood on my bike. I feel kids today are truly missing out on creative play in nature. I think every child should have the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. I think every child should be allowed to develop a sense of place. I think every child should grow up appreciating nature and strive to protect it.

About the author: Wendy Dew is the Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator for Region 8 in Denver, Colorado.

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.