Community-based environmental learning report released Jan 13

AUGUSTA — The Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance and Maine Environmental Education Association will hold release information from the Census of Community-Based Environmental Learning at on Monday, Jan. 13, at the Hall of Flags, Maine State House, 210 State St.
The event will be from 3 to 4 p.m., and feature remarks from Pender Makin, commissioner of education; Ruth Kermish-Allen, executive director of Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance; and Olivia Griset, president of Maine Environmental Education Association.
The first-of-its-kind report documents the creative and innovative programming that is occurring across the state, both in school and out of school, to connect youth to their environment and communities. The report also sheds light on how this programming can be supported and sustained across the state, providing a pathway for advancement for the whole field. It includes exaples and stories, like a middle school study of invasive green crabs, a school composting program, collaborations with local land trusts and more. The report tells the stories of educators designing innovative solutions and overcoming challenges to generate empowering learning experiences for our young people.
Using this strong research-based foundation, those involved hope the report lays the groundwork for educators, administrators, and organizations to understand how to enhance their current programming and improve the accessibility of Community-Based Environmental Learning experiences for all Maine youth. The report contains data-driven recommendations and potential next steps to advance the field as a whole in Maine.