Friday EELE's  

"On the Way" to the West: These EELEs are more or less on the way to Lutheridge for folks coming from the East.  Stop off at your EELE on Friday, then continue on to the conference.

All EELE's quality for Criteria I credit for EE Certification.

Mt. Mitchell EELE
Survey a series of hands-on activities for the classroom and the outdoor setting.  Activities are designed for grades 3-6, but can be easily adapted for other grade levels.  Suitable for classroom teachers as well as nonformal educators, this EELEfocuses on awareness of changes in our environment- many of these being due to human impact.  The session is very hands-on and interactive.
* Note:  Mt. Mitchell closes for the season this weekend, and road conditions and other factors will determine whether or not we are able to conduct this EELE at Mt. Mitchell.  The State Park Service will make a determination in the days leading up to the conference.  Thus, this EELE may be a Friday field trip, or it may be a workshop on-site at Lutheridge, including both indoor and outdoor activities.  Sorry we can’t tell you for sure.  Embrace surprise!  Either way, you’ll learn all about the unique alpine ecosystem and receive 6 hours of criteria I credit toward EE Certification.

 
South Mountains EELE - Wild, Wonderful, Water - Friday, 10:00 – 4:00
This curriculum packet was developed to provide environmental education through a series of hands-on activities for the classroom and the outdoor setting of South Mountains State Park, NC.  Targeted for grades 4 through 7, this packet meets the established curriculum objectives of the NC Department of Public Instruction.  Topics include water quality, indicator species, stewardship of natural resources, watersheds, natural resource management, the Jacob's Fork River, river basins, riparian areas, and water pollution (point and nonpoint sources).  Enjoy the South Mountains while gaining great place-based EE resources.
6 hours, Criteria I credit toward EE Certification

 
New River EELE - Friday, 10:00 – 4:00
This activity guide, developed to provide hands-on environmental education activities geared to New River State Park, is targeted for grades 7 and 8 and meets curriculum objectives of the standard course of study established by the NC Department of Public Instruction.  On-site activities are conducted at the park, while pre- and post-visit activities are designed for the classroom.  Topics include: water quality, biotic index, indicator species, metamorphosis, native aquatic species, stewardship of natural resources, watersheds, and natural resource management. 
6 hours, Criteria I credit toward EE Certification

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Friday Field Trips

All field trips qualify for Criteria II or III credit for EE Certification, unless otherwise stated. Details for field trips will be sent with conference confirmation.

Geological raft trip through time on the French Broad River 
The Hot Springs Window in Madison County, NC, is a unique feature offering a glimpse into the geologic history of this portion of the Southern Appalachians.  The best view of these ancient rock outcroppings can be seen along the banks of the beautiful French Broad River.  Join our local geologist/ educator from the Colburn Museum as we paddle through rapids, stopping in between to look at features in the rocks.  We’ll examine the evidence of the half billion year history seen in the well-preserved layers originally formed at the bottom of an ancient sea bed.  Nantahala Outdoor Center handles rafting logistics, making this a safe and enjoyable way to see the mountain and river scenery while learning about its natural history.
All-day trip.  EXTRA FEE:  $50 ($10 refund if we have 6 or more participants.  Limit:  12 participants; first come, first served, based on post-mark date on your registration).

Evergreen Community Charter School 
Evergreen School’s mission includes preparing students for environmental responsibility and service. Community partnerships, an integrated, experiential curriculum, and an active service learning ethic enable students to practice what teachers preach. This exciting tour includes Evergreen students doing much of the presenting, including an “Eco-Friendly” snack prepared and presented by the Kindergarten class. Evergreen’s Environmental Education coordinator will lead a “walking discussion” of campus environmental projects created through community partnerships, including solar panels, a wetlands, a rain-garden water run-off system, a greenhouse, a recycling center, a biodiesel bus fleet, and a walking trail. Through dialogue with teacher leaders and students, participants will identify elements of educational practice that enable a school community to be a force for environmental awareness and change.
1/2 day, morning -- 9:30 - 12:00  Combine this trip with Riverbend Farm to create a full, fun-filled day.

Riverbend Farm - Exploring Sustainable Living on Biltmore Estate
Before building Biltmore Estate, the largest home in America, George Vanderbilt understood that the estate would have to become a sustainable farm to support his dream home.  The River Bend Farm was the center of this self-sufficient farming during the first half of the twentieth century, and now allows visitors and students to step into the shoes of the people who lived, learned, and worked on the estate.  In this tour you’ll learn about Biltmore’s grade-based programs in which students explore the unique technological features of the barn, interact with animals in the Farmyard or experience the science and sensory delights of Biltmore’s Kitchen Garden.  You’ll also learn about current efforts the estate is taking toward ever increasing sustainability.
LIMIT 20 Participants, first come, first served, based on post-mark date on your registration).  Thanks to generous sponsorship from Biltmore Company, there is no extra charge for this trip. 
½ day trip--Combine this trip with Evergreen Charter School or the Arboretum to create a full, fun-filled day, or go early to tour the famous Biltmore House on your own before the Farm Tour (no extra charge).
1/2 day, afternoon -- 1:00 - 5:00  

NC Arboretum 
A walking tour of the sustainability practices of the gardens and facilities of the NC Arboretum including permeable paving, rain gardens, a green roof and other green technologies.  We will also discuss how this information is delivered in our youth programming.  Tour will spotlight green technologies used in the heritage garden, Baker Exhibit Center and Operations Center as well as stream restoration efforts on Bent Creek.
1/2 day morning -- 9:00 - 12:00  Combine this trip with Riverbend Farm to create a full, fun-filled day.

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Sunday Field Trips

All field trips qualify for Criteria II or III credit for EE Certification, unless otherwise stated. Bring a Form B with you for your leader to sign. Field Trips depart from Lutheridge at ~ 12:00 noon. Details for field trips will be sent with conference confirmation.

Animal Haven & WNC Nature Center - 2 trips in 1
The staff at the WNC Nature Center will provide a 1-hour tour of the Nature Center's facilities, including a behind the scenes tour of our main exhibit building, raptor mews, and the predator habitats.
   Animal Haven rescues animals from bad situations and provides a safe place for them to live. They specialize in providing homes for farm animals in particular. They also provide pet food for the local meals-on-wheels program and provide educational activities for local schools. This tour will allow us to explore what is being done by locally inspired and committed individuals to provide a better life for these animals.
20 min. drive; approx. 1 hr. programming each - concludes ~ 3:00.

Cradle of Forestry in America Historic Site & Pisgah Wildlife Center
An introductory movie, two interpretive trails and an interactive exhibit hall tell the story of America's first forestry school, forest practices in the late 1800's to early 1900's, and forest management today. Wayside exhibits along the Biltmore Campus Trail interpret life in the Biltmore Forest School from 1898 to 1909, including a one-room schoolhouse, commissary, 1882 cabin, a unique preserved cabin, a blacksmith shop, garden, and wash place. On most Sundays, living history interpreters bring traditional Blue Ridge culture to life. The Forest Festival Trail focuses on forest management and activities past and present, including a seedling nursery, ozone garden, scenic pond, conifer plantation, antique portable sawmill, 1915 Climax logging locomotive, and the first fish hatchery in this part of the Pisgah National Forest. This trip includes a
special guided tour for EENC participants with a Center interpreter.
30 min. drive; approx. 2-3 hr. programming -- concludes ~ 2:00 or 3:00.
Self-guided tours qualify for Criteria III credit for Certification.

Mountain Bike Exploration of Bent Creek
In addition to being a focal point of forest research for over 80 years, the Bent Creek Experimental Forest it is one of the most popular places to mountain bike in the Asheville area. Employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will highlight elements of research and environmental health from the seat of a mountain bike.
Must have your own bike, but several places in the Asheville area rent bikes for in the range of $35.00 to $65.00 dollars a day -- depending upon the bike. If you are interested in renting, go ahead and register for the tour and contact us for a list of rental companies.
20 min. drive; approx. 2-3 hr. programming -- concludes ~ 2:00 or 3:00.

Waterfall Tour through Dupont State Forest
Learn about the flora, fauna, and geology of Transylvania County while hiking to three of western NC's magnificent waterfalls with Dr. Jennifer Frick-Ruppert of the Pisgah Forest Institute and Brevard College. DuPont State Forest is among the newest state forests in NC and already one of the most heavily visited. Come see why, while also learning about the animals and plants that call it home.
1 hr drive; approx. 2 hr. programming -- concludes ~ 3:00.
Moderate to strenuous hiking.

Warren Wilson College Green Campus Walkabout
The Green Walkabout tour of Warren Wilson College provides participants with an opportunity to experience the many aspects of the College's sustainability initiatives: initiatives that are environmentally, socially and economically responsible. WWC's Triad -- a unique educational methodology of academic learning, work and service -- fosters a set of shared environmental and cultural values among the college community. Participants will learn how these values translate into action by examining the way we build green, farm sustainability, garden organically, landscape natively, manage forests appropriately, and handle our waste stream properly. The tour will examine both the successes and challenges experienced along the journey.
This tour is experiential, outdoors, and involves a fair amount of walking. Please come prepared, rain or shine. 
20 mins. drive; approx. 4 hr. programming -- concludes ~ 4:30.
Counts for Criteria III for NC-EE Certification.

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) Visit PARI in the Pisgah National Forest just west of Brevard and learn how this site of a former NASA tracking station brings radio astronomy to K12 classrooms and the public.  We will tour this unique, 200 acre site, learn some radio astronomy basics and collect data using Smiley, our remote operated (via the Internet), 4.6 m  radio telescope that is used by teachers and students in classrooms around the state.
Fee: $20

Service Project - French Broad River Clean-up
Join us for an afternoon of giving back to the French Broad basin on a river clean-up on the French Broad or one of its tributaries.
20 mins. drive; approx. 3 hr. programming -- concludes ~ 3:30. Counts for Criteria III for NC-EE Certification.

East of the West, Field Trips Stops on the Way Home

The following field trips are "on the way home," or just a short detour off track, for folks returning to the Central or Eastern parts of the state:

Charlotte Nature Museum
Join Nature Museum staff in the field to gather data using handheld sensors to measure light intensity, relative humidity, temperature, and wind speed, to see how they correlate with biodiversity. Participants will use the quadrat method to survey and compare plant and animal populations at three different sites at the museum, estimating the richness and abundance of animal and plant life and how it correlates to these abiotic factors.
2 hr. drive; 90 mins. programming -- concludes ~ 3:30.
Criteria II or III Credit

Discovery Place (Charlotte)
One of the most effective yet most underutilized educational tools is the "Literature Circle." This is simply a classroom adaptation of a "Book Club.” The same approach can be used in the classroom with film -- a "Movie Circle." The format allows students to gather different -- and often opposing -- impressions and insights, and is accessible to students with lower reading, critical-thinking, or presentation skills. In this field trip, you’ll get to view An Inconvenient Truth on the big screen in the Wachovia Theatre and then participate in a Movie Circle discussion. Gain more in-depth understanding as you delve the topic of global warming, while experiencing this learning technique.
2 hr. drive; 2.5 hrs. programming -- concludes ~ 4:30.
Criteria II or III Credit

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