Map of all mini-grant awardees to date, with orange pins representing the 2024 awardees. It's the best time of year – the time when we set our mini-grant awardees loose to go make an impact on environmental education in their communities with the help of our funding! This year, EENC proudly awarded seven members with mini-grants. The EENC Mini-Grant Program, now in its sixth year, is an equity-driven initiative offering direct, supplementary funding to member educators, schools, and organizations to support their environmental education efforts by allowing them to implement new projects, build infrastructure, purchase needed supplies, pursue professional development, and more. With the addition of our 2024 awardees, EENC has now allocated over $12,000 in mini-grant funding over the lifetime of the program, supporting 42 educators across 29 NC counties (read the five-year program anniversary article here for more mini-grant stats and highlights). This year’s mini-grant program is sponsored in part by the National Parks Conservation Association, a nationwide conservation-oriented nonprofit working to protect and enhance America’s National Park System for present and future generations. We thank them for their generous Ally-level support! Our mini-grant awardees will be hard at work through the year carrying out their funded projects – read about their plans below, then check back in December to see what they accomplished! Awardees Listed alphabetically by last name. Marissa Blackburn Environmental Education Manager, Cape Fear River Watch Professional Member, EENC Eastern Section Project Title: Stocking the Shelves: Enhancing EE at the Cape Fear River Watch’s Nature Camp “The Cape Fear River Watch’s Summer Nature Camp will get Wilmington area youth outside, learning about their local environment, connecting to nature, and exploring how they can be strong environmental stewards. They will gain skills in identifying flora and fauna, nature journaling and making observations, carrying out steps of the scientific method, and more. Nature Camp will provide high-quality environmental education opportunities to youth ages 8-12. Providing equitable access to EE is important because not all children are afforded the opportunity to explore their local environment & spend time outside due to a variety of factors (time, money, comfort level being outdoors, etc.). Offering a free, day-long camp, with lunch/snacks included helps to create these opportunities for more families. Purchasing new supplies will help make camp more fun, more memorable, and more impactful for all participating youth. It’s important to me that camp not just be babysitting, but instead be enriching and educational during their time off from school.” Kayla M. McCoy Natural Resource Conservationist, Wilkes County Soil & Water Conservation District Silver Organizational Member, EENC Western Section Project Title: Soil Probes for High School Soils Field Day “Students will use soil probes to explore the soil hands-on! This hands-on learning fosters curiosity, reveals the wonders of soil, and empowers them to understand its vital role in life. It's a seed planted for environmental awareness and future generations of responsible stewards. Digging into soil benefits student learning in powerful ways, textbooks can't replicate the feel of crumbly loam or the wriggle of earthworms. Hands-on exploration lets students connect with soil on a deeper level. Students become scientists, observing the hidden world teeming in healthy soil. From busy beetles to microscopic fungi, they witness the vital roles each plays. By getting their hands dirty, students develop a profound appreciation for soil's crucial role in plant growth, food production, and ecosystem health. This fosters a sense of environmental responsibility.” Meridith Mitchell Upper School Science Teacher, IC Imagine Public Charter School Professional Member, EENC Western Section Project Title: Horticulture Start-up! “Our project will promote excellence in environmental education by inspiring our students to grow their own food, realize where food comes from, and have direct hands-on sustainability lessons that they could replicate at home. We also hope to promote knowledge around future careers in horticulture. Additionally, school gardens teach students about sustainable models like our water harvesting, recycling, composting, the interconnection between humans, animals and the environment, and the importance of local food production. I am passionate about gardening with kids because of the amazing benefits it has had on my own life. Anyone can garden and grow things with some basic knowledge. I love helping kids see the physical and mental benefits to gardening. As a high school teacher I have come to realize that not all students are college-bound and are in need of finding their own passion or career path. Showing kids how to make a career out of something they enjoy doing is powerful.” Kristin Owens-White Environmental Connections Teacher, Stanly County Schools New to EE Member, EENC Piedmont Section Project Title: Native Bee Habitat “This project is a student-led project. They were given the native bees as their topic and they began the research to see why native bees are important, issues native bees are facing, and what the bees need for a healthy habitat. The students are 100% invested in this project and they have presented their research to their parents and community members. Now, the students want to execute their plans to create a native bee habitat on our school grounds. This project promotes excellence in EE by allowing students to educate others. I am passionate about having my students outdoors and invested in our environment. These students are our future and this project allows them an opportunity to make a positive impact. This project also gives my students meaningful outdoor experiences.  My class is a brand new course for our district and the only one in the county. I need to have successful projects to ensure we can continue with the Environmental Connections course in the future.” Keshi Satterwhite Managing Partner, LJS A Plan Ahead, LLC New to EE Member, EENC Central Section Project Title: Elevating from the Backyard to the Community “We are piloting Elevating from the Backyard to the Community (EBC). EBC promotes excellence in environmental education in North Carolina because it communicates the importance of stewardship and offers volunteer opportunities. EBC provides and encourages opportunities for outdoor experiences that connect individuals with the ecosystem. Through six modules, our program will guide students to focus on preserving and restoring the quality of the natural environment through green job career opportunities. We will explore eighteen green jobs throughout the program in the job readiness exercises. Curiosity about nature and sources of water can start in our backyards. Elevating from the Backyard to the Community project is important to me because I have a chance to enhance the knowledge of marginalized communities and be a resource as they strive as stewards of their neighborhoods. Our project helps build community and develop lasting relationships. Funding from EENC will help us with our program vision.” Sarah Spencer North Carolina Director, Longleaf Learning Collective Bronze Organizational Member, EENC Central Section Project Title: Materials for New Sapling Classes “Longleaf Learning Collective is a nonprofit committed to making the outdoors accessible to all by serving people of all ages and backgrounds through our programs and events. This project will allow us to continue to grow our programs and curriculum by allowing us to purchase needed supplies for our new Saplings class. This class is for children 6-10 years old, the age where most children lose their interest in outdoor free play. We hope to offer materials that reignite that spark, inspire a sense of responsibility, encourage more time outdoors, and further curiosity about the natural world. As a small nonprofit we are often limited by our budget for supplies. We know that we are making a difference in our community and sparking a love for the environment in children and adults by offering these programs. This project is important because we believe that the materials will add depth and understanding to our lessons that students would not otherwise experience. Giving these opportunities to our Saplings students could make a huge difference in a child's life path and that of our planet.” Hannah Steel Environmental Coordinator, Carolina International School New to EE Member, EENC Piedmont Section Project Title: Composting “Our 3-tier school composting project in North Carolina addresses the urgent need for hands-on environmental education. Currently, we have small indoor compost bins that remain unused due to the lack of outdoor systems. By refurbishing our garden and greenhouse, we'll create an outdoor composting infrastructure, supplementing our program.This initiative will positively impact our community by providing students with practical, interdisciplinary learning experiences. They'll actively engage in composting, witnessing the transformation of waste into soil. This hands-on approach instills responsibility and stewardship toward sustainability. Moreover, the project fosters community engagement by involving teachers, parents, and stakeholders. Collaborative efforts will establish a commitment to environmental conservation. The garden and greenhouse will serve as communal learning spaces, strengthening community bonds. Aligned with environmental education fundamentals, our project emphasizes experiential learning and holistic understanding. Composting integrates resource management, recycling, and ecosystem principles, empowering students as environmental advocates. This project is important to me because it aligns with my passion for sustainability and community engagement. By promoting composting and environmental education, I'm able to contribute to a healthier environment and empower others to take action for a more sustainable future. Seeing the positive impact on students and the community inspires me to continue advocating for environmental stewardship.”

Foreword from EENC: "Learning Happens Here" is a new initiative of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) that promotes the educational resources, opportunities, and experiences available through our state's museums, state parks, natural areas, historical sites, zoos, and aquariums. These places, and the educational experiences they provide, are intrinsic to our state's environmental education landscape. EENC proudly champions work aligned with the DNCR's Science and Nature priority areas for K-12 education, and counts two of the department's affiliated properties – the North Carolina Zoo and Chimney Rock State Park – among our Organizational Membership Community, and many more among our network of partners. We're grateful to work in a state so rich in environmental, cultural, and nature-based learning, and we look forward to following the dissemination and impact of the new resources associated with the "Learning Happens Here" initiative. This article was written by Mebane Rash, EdNC.org, and first appeared on EducationNC. It is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Find the original article at https://www.ednc.org/n-c-department-of-natural-and-cultural-resources-launches-learning-happens-here-initiative/. All images provided by EENC. Do you know that North Carolina’s Department of Natural and Cultural Resources manages over 100 places that matter across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program? For more than 50 years, the department has inspired a lifelong love of learning at all of those places North Carolinians cherish. Education has always been a core mission of the department, but a new initiative, “Learning Happens Here,” seeks to connect the department’s educational resources with students, parents, and educators. Support for educators “My top priority is to connect our educational resources to as many North Carolina K-12 teachers and students as possible,” said Secretary Reid Wilson on the department’s website. Classroom resources for educators include standards-aligned lesson plans, activities, and multimedia experiences, which can be found by visiting the hub #GoOpenNC. Online and in person professional development opportunities can be explored through a calendar or by location. A school field trip finder and financial support is available for schools to visit the department’s sites. Additional resources for teachers can be found on the NC Learn website, including a “We love NC” activity. School programs Check out these school outreach opportunities to bring programs to schools across North Carolina. There also are 19 different virtual field trips! These special programs, contests, and clubs “offer additional ways to spark creativity, curiosity, scholarship, and stewardship in your students.” “From A to Z,” says the website, the department “has staff members that can be everything from accountants to zookeepers.” The career exploration program introduces students to professions, and helps them consider “what they like to do, where interests and skills connect, and how they identify themselves within diverse career paths.” The opportunities to learn more includes “Zoo Jobs: More Than You Think,” aquarium job shadowing, internship and volunteer opportunities, and lesson plans. Key priorities for K-12 education “The initiative aims to inspire a love of learning, promote unity through shared history, foster science literacy, encourage environmental responsibility, and instill a lifelong passion for reading,” according to the press release. The department’s priorities focus on key areas in K-12 education: History and Culture: North Carolina has a rich and complex history, with a diverse cultural tapestry that has shaped who we are today. Our department is dedicated to uncovering and sharing an expanded set of stories about the people and events that have influenced our history. We believe that presenting multiple perspectives illuminates a more comprehensive history, even when some aspects are painful and difficult to confront. Understanding our shared past builds unity and guides us toward a brighter future. Our goal is to help students understand where they fit in our state’s journey toward achieving our country’s founding ideals while embracing our wonderfully diverse culture and arts. Science: We strive to increase students’ understanding and appreciation of scientific concepts. Through interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and educational programs, we spark curiosity and foster a love for scientific inquiry, aiming to cultivate the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. Nature: North Carolina boasts a wealth of natural beauty, and we believe in connecting students to the outdoors and encouraging outdoor recreation. Our initiatives provide opportunities for students to explore and appreciate the wonders of nature, fostering environmental awareness and encouraging a sense of responsibility for the conservation of our land, water, air, and wildlife. Literacy and Reading: We are committed to promoting literacy and a lifelong love for reading. Literacy is the foundation of education, and we aim to instill a passion for books and knowledge in every North Carolina student. By nurturing reading skills and fostering a love for literature, we empower students to excel in all areas of their education. Arts: Artists and artistic institutions educate and inspire our youth and improve their quality of life. Connecting students to opportunities beyond school “‘Learning Happens Here’ will help the next generation of North Carolinians to thrive in a knowledge-driven world,” says the press release. “Governor Cooper has declared 2024 as the Year of Public Schools in North Carolina,” said Secretary Reid Wilson. “Our ‘Learning Happens Here’ initiative will complement the governor’s efforts by sharing our department’s substantial educational content and programs.” ###

The EENC team owes every aspect of our success to the support of our donors: financial contributions directly drive our ability to offer professional learning opportunities, advocate for environmental education across North Carolina, host our annual conferences, and implement innovative projects with key partners to strengthen environmental education capacity nationwide. In celebration of our donors, and just in time for the 2023 Annual Campaign, EENC is pleased to announce the development and publication of donor recognition tiers. All donors are added to our donors-only newsletter and listed in our Annual Report; at the below giving levels, donors are also eligible for all listed recognition opportunities. Think of it as a thank you gift: from us, to you. We’re better together. $1-99: Scuppernongs Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report $100-249: Scotch Bonnets Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report Name listed on website $250-499: Eastern Tiger Swallowtails Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report Name listed on website Name listed in Annual Report $500-999: Pine Barrens Tree Frogs Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report Name listed on website Name listed in Annual Report Recognition during fundraising events $1000-$2499: Brook Trout Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report Listed on website Listed in Annual Report Recognition during fundraising events Printed annual report sent to your home $2500-$4999: Marbled Salamanders Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report Listed on website Listed in Annual Report Recognition during fundraising events Printed annual report sent to your home Personal letter of gratitude from Leadership $5000-$9999: Flowering Dogwoods Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report Listed on website Listed in Annual Report Recognition during fundraising events Printed annual report sent to your home Personal letter of gratitude from Leadership Spotlight article on EENC website The Emerald Society $10,000-24,999: Eastern Box Turtles $25,000-49,999: Carolina Lillies $50,000+: Northern Cardinals All Emerald Society donors receive the following: Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report Listed on website Listed in Annual Report Recognition during fundraising events Printed annual report sent to your home Personal letter of gratitude from Leadership Spotlight article on EENC website Custom newsletter Induction during ceremony at annual fundraising event or Conference Additional naming and legacy opportunities available for Northern Cardinal donors With questions about these giving levels and recognition offerings, contact Interim Executive Director Nikki Jones at director@eenc.org. Thank you for supporting EENC!

Re-published with permission from the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs blog, "Teachable Moments." Find the original story here. Margot is a Professional Member of EENC. Marguerite Bishop, an instructor at Gaston College recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. Marguerite teaches general biology to science majors and non-majors. She also volunteers with local elementary schools to provide STEM-themed outreach. Marguerite says that her favorite part of the certification program was visiting state parks with her family. “My kids were often tagging along when I was completing field experiences for my outdoor hours. We all have developed a greater love for salamanders, plants, the iNaturalist App, and exploring through this process.” When asked about an experience that stood out to her, she says it’s difficult to choose one. “All of the different experiences had value and have added to my knowledge of the natural world and how to introduce, teach, and engage others with the world that surrounds them.” For her community partnership project, she designed and installed a learning garden and outdoor classroom at Nashville Elementary School in Nash County. “I learned how to build a retaining wall and install fencing. I also gained an appreciation for a tractor and an auger so that postholes don't have to be hand dug. I think what made this project even more special is that it was accomplished during the beginning of COVID when everyone was so nervous and scared. It was great to have an outlet during this time that my kids could also help with to get us through a period of real uncertainty and feel like we were doing something good while living through this dark period.” Marguerite says that participating in the program changed her approach to teaching. “As a biology instructor I often take my students outside and have them interact with the natural world to observe, question and analyze. Through this process I have learned about barriers that people might have to the outdoors and how to help guide students through these interactions to help make these experiences easier.” She also says the certification changed the way she views environmental issues. “Through the EE certification program, I think about environmental issues with more hope. The program opened my eyes to a lot of people and programs that are trying to raise awareness of and mitigate the impact of environmental issues. I didn't know the community was so big before the certification program.” ###

Sam Eubanks (far right) with colleagues during the ground breaking ceremony. Photo via The Standard. Big things are underway at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences Contentnea Creek location, and EENC Member Sam Eubanks is at the center of it all. The NC Museum of Natural Sciences at Contentnea Creek, located near Ayden in Pitt County, has provided over 20,000 visitors a year with astronomy education, environmental education programming, and recreation opportunities since 2020 as an official branch of the NC Museum of the Natural Sciences (NCMNS), and for many years before that while operated independently by A Time for Science. Contentnea Creek boasts almost 400 acres of conserved land for guests to paddle, hike, and explore, as well as a planetarium and public observatory. But to date, the only classroom space on site has been the Green Resource Center, a modified construction trailer used to host programs and events. “The Green Resource Center at Contentnea Creek has served us well for many years,” notes the NCMNS Contentnea Creek team. “But now it is time for a change.” This year, with the help of public and private funding totaling over $1 million, that change is coming: in the form of a brand new environmental education center. In late May, in a ceremony attended by Jeff Michael, Deputy Secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; Mike Sagar, Interim Director for NCMNS; and Nancy and John Bray, founders of A Time for Science; the NCMNS team broke ground on the Nancy and John Bray Environmental Education and Visitor Center, a 6,000 square foot space that will house classrooms and exhibits designed specifically for use by Contentnea Creek educators and visitors. “What Contentnea Creek does so well is putting young people and even adults out into nature for that experiential learning opportunity,” noted Michael during the ceremony. “You know science in a classroom is great – it’s the foundation we need to understand science – but until you actually get out in nature, see it live, and see the connections, particularly in an integrated ecosystem like here, I think it just has that added something that brings it alive for young people…I think expanding the opportunities here at Contentnea Creek is just going to be a great thing for not just Pitt County, but all of eastern North Carolina” (The Standard). Also at the ceremony, breaking ground alongside her colleagues, was EENC Professional Member Sam Eubanks, Education Coordinator for NCMNS Greenville and Contentnea Creek. She’s been involved in the new environmental education center’s planning from its earliest stages, including making contributions to the building’s design. “The planning process has been a coordination between all our full-time staff and the architects, engineers and builders,” Eubanks told us. “As education coordinator, I was able to offer input about an ideal space for storing materials and activity kits, what the ideal classroom set-up would entail, and which exhibits we want to feature at this location. We all talked about features we've noticed and loved in other education centers and brainstormed ways to set ourselves up for success with the design of this building.” Left: Eubanks teaches in the Green Resource Center. Photo courtesy of Sam Eubanks. Now that construction is underway on the new center, set to open in time for fall programming (Public Radio East), all that’s left to do is wait – and get excited for what’s to come. Eubanks, and the rest of the Contentnea Creek and NCMNS team, are particularly looking forward to the increased capacity and programmatic opportunities that the new center will offer. “This building has been designed with our needs in mind from the very beginning, and I can't wait to see how it helps improve the ease of hosting large groups and running field trips and camps,” Eubanks says. “It will give us more flexibility for trips in the heat of the summer months and will eliminate a need to preemptively cancel trips because of weather…As education coordinator, this means I will need to turn away fewer groups hoping to visit us in the summer months without interfering with camps. We will have more to offer visitors with physical limitations and waiting in line for the bathroom will no longer be a concern for large groups or the youngest visitors. We hope the new EE center will make people feel more comfortable enjoying the Contentnea Creek location on their own or as a family…In addition to camps, field trips and walk-on visitors, we hope this new site can serve as a hosting site for various environmental education gatherings, trainings and celebrations.” And don’t forget about the exhibits. “The exhibition space will give students an opportunity to see some of our native wildlife up close and personal, which we can't always guarantee on a trail hike,” says Eubanks. “We hope to highlight the value of some of our native swamp dwellers with our ‘What Lies Beneath’ aquarium exhibition. Our exhibits at this location will primarily focus on the wildlife in our backyard, which can often be overlooked in favor of more exotic wildlife. We hope this connection helps visitors feel pride and a sense of place here in Eastern NC.” The NCMNS Contentnea Creek and Greenville locations have always sought to “reflect the relevant needs of audiences in northeastern North Carolina” (NCMNS), and a central aim of the new Contentnea Creek environmental education center is to add to, and further, those efforts by increasing access to environmental education for northeastern counties. It’s important work, especially so because recent results from the Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance’s nine-state landscape analysis of the environmental education field found significant service gaps “in rural areas, areas with the highest social vulnerability index, and areas with the lowest income,” including in northeastern North Carolina. The forthcoming environmental education center stands to help fill that gap, and strengthen environmental education’s presence in one of our state’s historically underserved regions. The center’s namesakes, Nancy and John Bray, have a driving purpose that has guided all their work with A Time for Science and NCMNS: to help people explore nature, do science, and have fun. And thanks to the leadership and dedication of EENC Member and Educator Coordinator Sam Eubanks, visitors will soon have a new space to do just that. Eubanks leads an outdoor lesson. Photo courtesy of Sam Eubanks. __ Look forward to the grand opening of Nancy and John Bray Environmental Education and Visitor Center at Contentnea Creek this fall – and in the meantime, enjoy the onsite hiking trails, open daily from dawn to dusk, and visit the NCMNS Greenville location, open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-5pm.

I am EENC is a new series of quarterly guest-written blog posts where members share their journeys, passions, and accomplishments as environmental educators in their own words. By EENC members, for EENC members. Greetings, I’m Battista Bennett. I was born and raised in Clinton, North Carolina which is in Sampson County. I currently work as an Afterschool Counselor at Sampson County YMCA. My EENC Membership level is Professional. My passion for the outdoors began at a young age, with the encouragement of my parents and three older siblings. Growing up we would spend hours outdoors hiking, playing, and relaxing. I developed a love of tree identification and gardening from my mom. I inherited my love for outdoor exploration and parks from my dad. In Winter 2017, after listening to an intriguing monthly NC State Parks podcast, it gave me insight, knowledge, and hope. I discovered myself. I knew it was time to take action and pursue my true passion to fulfill my desire for outdoor recreation. With my appreciation for the outdoors and education, in 2018, I decided to enroll in the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification Program. While in the program I attended workshops and experiences throughout the state, to meet the requirements. In 2021, while interning at Jones Lake State Park in Elizabethtown, NC, I put my knowledge and skills to practice for my teaching hours. I gained the confidence to prepare and conduct educational programs and outreach popups. I also provided hands on activities for a Girl Scouts troop. I completed my NC EE Certification in Winter 2021. Environmental education is exciting and very important to me because of my passion and enthusiasm. I feel strongly about educating others and trying to make a difference. While in high school I begged my teachers to have class outside to utilize the outdoor spaces. As an adult, I understand the benefits of outdoor learning experiences and have access to resources. Sampson County wasn’t listed in the environmental education landscape survey. I feel there’s a need for EE providers. Environmental Justice leaders in my community have been bringing awareness about environmental education. EJCAN (Environmental Justice Community Action Network) informs, educates, and empowers communities to confront environmental injustice by advocating for change. They believe all communities in NC deserve clean and safe air, water, and soil. Improving the indoor and outdoor air quality, testing the water quality in Sampson County, and providing tours throughout the county of toxic areas and the landfill is their mission. I first learned about EENC in the Summer of 2018. I was answering questions for the Basics of EE (NC EE Certification Program). On one section you had to match the organization with the logo. I was motivated to get involved and become a member for the connection with others, the professional development, and discounted registration prices for professional development courses. My EENC membership has been beneficial for my professional and personal journeys. The EENC website has provided endless resources for me, especially webinar recordings and membership community calls. The social media posts share valuable news and spark engagement with interest. I'm grateful for the online courses and in-person workshops that’s been offered, and I highly recommend them. It has provided wonderful learning opportunities. It’s nice to have support from other professionals and be able to network and share ideas with those from my Eastern section and from other sections as well. One time the Eastern section had a hike at Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest, Elizabethtown, NC. It was a good hike meeting new people with a common interest! Through EENC I met incredible people at workshops and conferences. My membership helped me with my current Afterschool Counselor position at Sampson County YMCA. I utilize the new user friendly EENC website for resources. I’ve been able to implement EE educational programs for students K-5 such as activities from PLT, Project WET, Project WILD etc. It’s also fun to incorporate learning by doing to increase participation and social skills such as making nature journals and learning about turkey vultures (NC Museum of Natural Sciences). As a nonformal educator it’s great to provide hands on learning experiences while exploring the natural world, when possible. With the support from other EE professionals, I was able reach out to outside organizations such as Becky Savage with NC Wildlife Resource Commission, Sampson County Beekeepers, EcoEXPLORE, etc. to bring new programs to the Sampson County YMCA. I am Battista Bennett, and I am EENC because... I care about helping people connect with nature.

EENC’s Central Section recently hosted an ephemeral pond exploration and hike event at the Agape Center for Environmental Education in Fuquay-Varina! Led by EENC Life Member Mir Youngquist-Thurow and EENC Board President and Life Member Kyra Thurow Bartow, the group braved rainy conditions to hike the beautiful on-site Laurel and Parker’s Creek trails in search of macroinvertebrates, salamander larvae, and amphibians, and their efforts yielded observations of an incredible seventeen different species! Experience the fun vicariously through the photo gallery below, then check out our upcoming events for members so you never miss another membership social gathering!

Press Release Via DEQ A new education program by NC Stream Watch offers information on water resource management, as well as a North Carolina science standards-aligned curriculum for teaching about water quality, quantity and the importance of conservation. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Division of Water Resources announces an exciting new chapter for the NC Stream Watch education program. The new effort, which includes an inaugural class of Stream Watch educators, is in partnership with the North Carolina Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI), North Carolina Sea Grant and the nonprofit Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC). The class is the first in a new education-oriented program by NC Stream Watch, a program that began in 1989 to increase public awareness of water resource management and support volunteers. The 2024 cohort consists of 10 formal and informal educators, representing 10 cities across North Carolina and various grade levels from kindergarten through eighth grade. “There’s no better way to learn about the value of water than by engaging directly with it,” said Lauren Daniel, coordinator for NC Stream Watch and water education program coordinator for DEQ’s Division of Water Resources. “We hope the place-based activities we’ve designed will make the learning process directly relevant and more meaningful for teachers and their students, and will increase their understanding of water resources, the hydrosphere and ecosystems.” In the six-month program, cohort members will attend monthly webinars that bolster their understanding of water resource management. They will also be provided with a North Carolina science standards-aligned curriculum for teaching about water quality, quantity and the importance of conservation. They will also become familiar with the NC Stream Watch online mapping tool, which can be used to help students understand stream health. “Each of the lessons we’ve developed can be taught in the classroom, outside, or stream-side,” said Michelle Pearce, the programming lead for EENC. “Each educator in our cohort will receive a printed curriculum guide, as well as materials for their students to conduct their own hands-on investigations in a creek or water body near their school.” As part of their participation, cohort members will provide feedback on the alignment of the K-8 Stream Watch lesson plans to the new state science standards. Participants will also be encouraged to use their training and experiences as credit for the NC Environmental Education Certification program, which is managed by the DEQ Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs. NC Stream Watch began in 1989 as a free, self-guided educational program with three key goals: to encourage volunteer groups to adopt streams to protect; increase public awareness of and involvement in water resources management; and promote cooperative activities among volunteer groups. “For over 30 years, NC Stream Watch has sought to educate community members of all ages about the value of the water around them,” said Christy Perrin, WRRI and NC Sea Grant sustainable waters and communities coordinator. “We hope the addition of the educator cohort will give teachers the confidence and understanding to cultivate the next generation of water stewards.” ###

Re-published with permission from the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs blog, "Teachable Moments." Find the original story here. Margot is a New to EE Member of EENC and winner of our 2023 Outstanding Partner award for her contributions to the SEEA Equitable Pay and Hiring in Environmental Education publication. Margot Lester, CEO and owner of The Word Factory marketing agency, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. The Word Factory has been in operation for more than 30 years and provides messaging and strategy consulting and brand journalism services, corporate and individual writing training, and advocacy work for national brands, universities and nonprofits. Margot is an avid woods walker and beach lover, stormwater geek, interpretative signage nerd and nature writer. “My vocation and avocation came together when I discovered I could teach what I know about communications, writing and advocacy in the context of nature, the environment and climate action. It's still kind of hard to believe how well they dovetail.” When asked about her favorite part of the program, Margot says she has met terrific people through the program and has made many friends. She also “really loved getting to visit parks and other facilities around the state, like Singletary State Park and Gorges State Park. It not only fed my interest in education and interpretation, but it deepened my connection to my home state and its incredible natural resources.” Margot notes that one of the certification experiences that stood out for her was the workshop on frog calls with Becky Savage and Karen Clark of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. “Because I was driving all over North Carolina to get my site visits in, I could identify the herps in those areas. My visit to Gorges just happened to coincide with mountain chorus frog season. These little frogs have a seriously limited range in Clay and Cherokee Counties, and I was lucky enough to be staying with a friend right in the middle of their prime habitat. It was so cool to identify what we were hearing and to understand how rare the experience is for most people in the state.” For her community partnership project, Margot created two nature journaling posters and a set of prompts for the Triangle Land Conservancy’s Williamson Preserve. One poster briefly reviews the benefits of being in nature and invites visitors to refocus their eyes, tune their ears and look for repeating patterns in nature. The other introduces visitors to Project Pando, a volunteer-driven farm that grows native trees that will be given for free to the public. “The project benefits public health by guiding visitors to slow down and immerse themselves further into nature, which enhances the mental and physical health benefits of being outside. The guided observations also create a connection to the preserve, explaining its role in native tree restoration. The posters inspire hikers who are curious about nature connection and journaling and may even motivate people to hit the trail to explore these activities and discover a new way to engage with the natural world.” Margot says the certification program changed her approach to teaching. She says that the workshops provided by Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) on inclusion, cultural sensitivity and accessibility really influenced her teaching. “I now do a people and place acknowledgment before my programs and include resources from a much more diverse group of experts. I plan my outdoor sessions with mobility in mind and try to optimize my materials for accessibility readers. I'm also exploring the possibility of translating my advocacy, climate action and nature journaling content into Spanish.” The certification had an impact on the way she views environmental issues, too. “Interacting with people at events and trainings made me realize the need for empathy and hope in our communications about environmental and climate issues. Not toxic optimism or glossing over the real issues but sharing the hard parts and then showing tangible acts -- big and small -- that have impact. That's where the hope comes in. Doing my own work on these two topics helped me see the vital role of storytelling and personal narrative to break down barriers, bridge gaps and move people to action.” ###

Re-published with permission from the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs blog, "Teachable Moments." Find the original story here. Dana is a Professional Member of EENC and served as our 2023 Western Section Board Chair. Dana Miller, a Haywood County middle school teacher recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. She says the program enriched her learning, made her a better educator and provided invaluable networking opportunities. Dana is currently the STEM teacher for grades 6 through 8 at Canton Middle School. “I provide students with hands-on challenges that enrich their understanding of applied science and mathematics while sharpening their problem-solving and teamwork skills. I also serve as the Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Specialist for our students by working with core teachers to differentiate instruction for gifted learners and teaching an elective course specifically for gifted learners. In my free time, I love cooking a good meal, reading in my hammock, hiking for a great view, listening to live music, and being with my loved ones, including my two pups, Montana and Cooper.” When asked about her favorite part of earning her certification, Dana says it was getting access to all sorts of great lessons she can do with her students and meeting a network of dedicated, talented environmental educators that inspires her to continue growing as a teacher. As far as an experience in the program that really stood out for her, Dana says, “Seeing wolves in Yellowstone on the NC Museum of Natural Sciences Educators of Excellence Institute trip is hard to beat, but I think my community project was a turning point for me professionally. I needed to complete my project during the pandemic, so it offered me a unique experience to serve my community during a time of need. It pushed my creativity in a way that was both challenging and rewarding.” For her community partnership project, Dana created an At-Home Adventure Kit program for upper elementary and middle school students in her community. The program provided participants with free boxes filled with instructions and materials for five to eight environmental education activities each month. The boxes helped serve students who were learning remotely during the pandemic and may not otherwise have had those hands-on learning experiences. Dana said the program changed her approach to teaching. “I think participating in this program has equipped me with activities, lessons, and resources that I can use with learners of all abilities and ages. It has taught me that simple experiences in nature are where environmental literacy begins, so don't be afraid to take learners outside and to indulge their natural curiosity. Some of my favorite workshops were the NC Museum of Natural Sciences virtual programs. I learned so much about my own backyard and it made me realize how rich those experiences can be.” The program changed the way she views environmental issues. “I have a better understanding of local environmental issues than I did before participating in the program. This program required some travel, which meant I got to experience different parts of the state and participate in place-based environmental education experiences.” ###

The EENC Staff team and Board President Kyra Thurow Bartow are pleased to announce the EENC 2024 Board of Directors, a dedicated team of educators, science communicators, community engagement experts, and leaders who are volunteering their time to guide EENC's operations this year. 2024 marks an exciting change in Board structure driven by our organizational commitment to equitable, shared leadership: for the first time, EENC will define our Board as a Governing, rather than Working, Board of Directors. This shift to a Governing structure includes the introduction of At-Large Board positions in place of some named Chair roles, increased Staff facilitation and participation in Board efforts, and the expansion of committee-based project management. We are excited to make this transition to a fresh, values-based Board structure, designed to maximize all of our Board Members’ unique knowledge, skills, and expertise and amplify our collective impact. Below, get to know all sixteen 2024 Board Members – including seven incoming Members! – and join us in thanking six outgoing Board Members, who completed their terms with the 2023 year, for their commitment and service. Incoming Board Members The following Board Members are beginning their terms in 2024 – welcome! Erin Carroll – Member-At-Large erin@eenc.org Outdoor Learning Specialist, Durham Public Schools Hillary Harrison – Member-At-Large hillary@eenc.org Director of Education and Outreach, Eno River Association LaKyla Hodges – Member-At-Large lakyla@eenc.org Equity and Education Manager, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Alexandria (Ali) Huber-Disla – Member-At-Large alexandria@eenc.org Online Course Instructor, T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies Cynthia Peedin – Piedmont Section Chair cynthia@eenc.org Education Manager, Muddy Sneakers Noah Upchurch – Member-At-Large noah@eenc.org Sustainability Coordinator, Catawba College Center for the Environment Nicole Warren – Member-At-Large nicole@eenc.org Outreach Coordinator, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Returning Board Members Sammy Bauer – Member-At-Large sammy@eenc.org Community Engagement Coordinator, Town of Chapel Hill Stormwater Division Krista Brinchek – Central Section Chair krista@eenc.org Environmental Science Specialist, Wake County Public Schools Will Freund – President-Elect will@eenc.org Community Engagement Specialist, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Emily Hurd – Secretary emily@eenc.org Sustainability Director, Christmount Assembly Amy Juliana – Past-President amy@eenc.org Manager of Science and Technology, Society of American Foresters Jessica (Jess) Stitt – Eastern Section Chair jessica@eenc.org Program Coordinator, New Hanover County Soil and Water Conservation District Kyra Thurow Bartow – President kyra@eenc.org Educator, Agape Center for Environmental Education Breanna Walker – Treasurer breanna@eenc.org Education Specialist, Union County Soil and Water Conservation District Brian Wuertz – Western Section Chair brian@eenc.org Education Specialist, Friends of the WNC Nature Center Outgoing Board Members The following Board Members completed their terms in 2023. We thank them for their service! Lindsey Baker – 2023 Membership Chair Park Ranger, Raven Rock State Park What did you enjoy about your service? From Lindsey: "I enjoyed the camaraderie. I tend to get anxious around new people/places/regions; but I had so much fun at the board retreat. I enjoyed the conversations, the working groups, and the opportunity to sit down and strategically talk about things with like-minded people. The space and people were very welcoming." Tatiana (Tots) Height – 2023 Education Chair Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, American Forest Foundation How would you describe our organizational culture? From Tots: "Kind, flexible, organized, communicative, and open-minded." Lauren Lampley – 2023 Treasurer Adult Programming Educator, North Carolina Arboretum From Lauren: “I am grateful for the time and friendships I have formed while on the Board, so I can’t wait to see where the organization goes in the future.” Dana Miller – 2023 Western Section Chair STEM Teacher, Haywood County Schools What efforts are you most proud of? From Dana: “I am proud of the changes we were able to make- growing staff, advocacy work, shared leadership model, equitable hiring and pay, ELP changes, Standards revisions… the list goes on!” Cassandra (Cassie) Payne – 2023 Conference Chair Lead Instructor, Fauna Forest Earth School From Cassie: “I really enjoyed becoming a larger part of the EENC community. The EENC community is so strong and passionate, and I felt honored to be a part of it.  Connecting with community members that I would otherwise not have connected with was a really powerful experience. I also enjoyed all of the Board Members, and their drive to create E.E. programs throughout North Carolina.” Elise Tellez – 2023 Past-President Director of Horizons Unlimited and Science Curriculum, Rowan-Salisbury Schools From Elise: "To all our members, partners, volunteers, and supporters, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication and belief in the power of environmental education. Together, we are transforming lives and shaping a brighter future."

EENC Membership, Our Board and Staff has recently completed a extensive review and analysis of our Individual and Organizational Membership pricing, benefits, and offerings, to help guide our planning processes and work to support our Member community to the fullest extent possible in 2024 and beyond. After thorough consideration during this analysis regarding our own organization’s values, future goals, and financial stability, EENC’s Board of Directors approved an increase to all membership annual rates during their January meeting that goes into effect today, February 1st. No immediate action is needed by our Members; updated rates will be reflected in annual membership renewal notices. The EENC team is proud and grateful for the membership community we’ve built together – please know that your annual membership fee continues to reflect a direct commitment to the advancement of environmental education across North Carolina. With these updates come exciting new expansions to our slate of Membership benefits, including Community Calls for all Members and a Community of Practice for Organizational Members, exclusive eligibility for the Let’s Grow Together Campaign, and a Member-specific monthly email blast sharing sneak peeks and early registration access to EENC initiatives and signature events. From EENC’s Interim Executive Director, Nikki Jones: “As EENC continues to expand the scope of our programs, the depth of professional development courses, the impact of community advocacy, and the reach of our membership across the state, it is time to ask our members for this modest increase in support. In 2024, you will see new individual benefits at all member levels, new events and resources, an ever-expanding catalog of learning opportunities, early registration access, additional networking calls, and further perks. We're grateful for your investment and participation in the success of our remarkable state-wide network.” Today also marks the start of another update for Organizational Memberships – new level names! In the interest of clarity and accessibility, our Board of Directors also approved updated titles for all Organizational Membership levels during their January meeting. Again, no action is needed; the new titles will take effect across EENC’s website and membership accounts automatically. Core Membership > Bronze Membership Ally Membership > Silver Membership Supporter Membership > Gold Membership Leader Membership > Platinum Membership Guardian Membership > Titanium Membership Champion Membership > Diamond Membership Below and on the Become A Member page of the EENC website, find updated rates and at-a-glance charts detailing benefits for Individual and Organizational Memberships, as well as complete lists of all available membership benefits. Thank you for being part of our community! Individual Membership Benefits: Benefits marked with an asterisk (*) are limited to paid membership levels at this time. Discounted registration prices for all EENC professional learning courses and workshops, including those that are eligible for Criteria I, Criteria III, and Continuing Education credit for the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs’ Environmental Educator Certification Program. Access to our directory of 500+ members across North Carolina. Invitations to periodic Member Community Calls, a facilitated community of practice offering resource sharing, networking opportunities, and discussions of current trends and best practices in the field of environmental education. Access to EENC's resource database, featuring a growing collection of 40+ webinar recordings, downloadable templates and infographics, summaries of relevant policies and standards, and more – including many recordings that are eligible for Criteria III and Continuing Education credit for the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs’ Environmental Educator Certification Program. Eligibility to apply for EENC’s annual Mini-Grant funding.* Early access to the request for session proposals, award nomination, and registration and lodging forms for EENC’s annual conference;* discounted registration prices for EENC’s annual conference. Eligibility to apply for fiscal sponsorship by EENC.* Inclusion on the “Member Memo” monthly email list in addition to EENC’s public monthly newsletter.* Member-only voting rights on annual Board of Directors nominations and other key motions guiding EENC’s operations, planning, and visioning processes; eligibility to run for a seat on the Board of Directors.* Eligibility for key Awards within EENC’s annual awards recognition program: Outstanding Newcomer, Outstanding Practitioner, Outstanding Service, and the Melva Fager Okun Life Achievement Award.* The intangibles: find community and make connections with your peers; show your support and commitment to the advancement of environmental education in North Carolina; build your resume and skill set; and help ensure that this professional society for environmental educators in NC is available into perpetuity! Organizational Membership Benefits: See the at-a-glance chart for benefit eligibility by membership level. Invitation to Annual Organizational Membership Meeting, a private gathering featuring updates on EENC projects and accomplishments and opportunities to network with other Organizational Members. Named in EENC’s Annual Report. Printed Certificate of Membership and window cling for display at Organization’s physical location; EENC logo stickers for all included staff. Invitations to Bi-Monthly Organizational Member Calls, a facilitated community of practice featuring organizational-specific resource sharing and networking opportunities among organizational members. One organizational highlight on EENC’s social media platforms annually. Inclusion in EENC annual Organizational Membership appreciation social media post. Eligibility to participate in EENC’s annual spring collaborative crowdfunding campaign, Let’s Grow Together – includes access to personalized fundraising mentorship and promotion of organization’s mission through EENC channels. Digital badge of Membership for display on Organization’s online platforms. Organization name, logo, and link displayed on EENC’s website. Eligibility to request a letter of support from EENC for grant proposals. Eligibility to request EENC presence (speaker and/or printed promotional materials) at organizational events. Site preference for EENC-hosted workshops and networking events in your area. Eligibility for collaborative marketing at EENC exhibits and tabling events (maximum of 5 events per year). Free ($300 value!) exhibit space at EENC’s annual conference. Individual Membership benefits (listed above) for all Included Staff. The intangibles: find community and make connections with other NC environmental education organizations; show your support and commitment to the advancement of environmental education in North Carolina; advance your staff's professional skill sets; and help ensure that this professional society for environmental educators in NC is available into perpetuity!