Challenges
All high schools have started working on their challenges and are now working toward their action plans!
Belfast is focusing on ecological restoration on the high school campus. They are working to increase biodiversity in a few different ways and are working to identify and removing a handful of invasive species from the groups.
Schenck is working on increasing awareness of outdoor recreation both for students at their school and for tourists that visit the area. They are working closely with Dan Rogan from Outdoor Sports Institute to publicize a variety of outdoor recreation activities and locations.
Tri-County Technical Center natural resources students are working on finding ways to better utilize the school's 40ish forested acres. Their primary goal this year will be to develop a trail and map for TCTC students and teachers to use at the property beginning with obtaining permission from the school board.
Telstar is working on the challenge of inland flooding for their project as Bethel was struck hard by the storm last December. They are working with Roberta Hill of the Center for an Ecology Based Economy to adapt Gulf of Maine Research Institute Coastal Flooding Data Sheet to an Inland Flooding Data Sheet. They are starting to gather historical data and recent anecdotal stories about the importance of preparing for flooding disasters from local people as well.
Next steps are for students to begin to work on their action plans and meet with design team members.
Middle School
Greenville and Tremont are getting ready for their first cohort day next week at UMaine where they will engage in rapid prototyping, visit the Process Development Center, share about their own place, and learn about natural resource challenges affecting the state.
Padlet
High schoolers have engaged with at least one other school on our MFC Poster Padlet about their Map of Place Poster in a discussion about similarities and differences as well as questions each school had for their "pen-pal" school. Check out what these students had to say about their own school, and questions they had about the others!
In the News
The Maine roots of modern environmental policy
How two Maine senators shaped U.S. protections against pollution.
Millinocket evolution on national monument shows we're not as divided as we think
Since the monument was established in 2016, access has been a key challenge to fully realizing its potential.
Rise of a new jet age: Air NZ to power flights with wood waste?
A new study reveals that forestry waste could hold the key to a NZ $430 million a year sustainable aviation fuel market.->>> Full article
Engagement Opportunities
Versant Power Astronomy Center
The Versant Power Astronomy Center has some scholarship funds to offset field trip visits that take place before the end of this calendar year. They have over 70 offerings for k-12 schools in a variety of astronomy, space and STEAM areas. You can request a date and time by scrolling down and filling in your information on our reservation request.
Northern Forest Center Webinar
On November 13th, from 12:00-1:30pm, Northern Forest Center will be hosting a webinar on Outdoors for Everyone: Engaging More People in the Outdoors. The outdoors are one of our greatest resources for physical and emotional health, however, the demographics of folks that engage in outdoor recreational activities often do not mirror that of the general population. In our webinar, we will learn from leaders in the field of creating opportunities for all people to get outside!The conversation will be with non-profit leaders from around the region who are pursuing their missions to welcome more people into outdoor spaces. We will learn from their successes in serving traditionally underrepresented segments of the population and explore opportunities for people to bring to their communities. Panelists will discuss why their programs are important for inclusive and vibrant outdoor recreation in our region. Register here to get the link or access to the recording later.
Wild Seed Project's Seeds for Teachers Request Open Now!
Wild Seed Project's Seeds for Teachers program provides free Northeast native seed packets to public school educators, a barrier-free initiative intended to support teachers in integrating native plants into their existing pollinator and plant units across grade levels. Packets include bulk seeds for 3-4 easy-to-sow, pollinator-friendly species, as well as a set of four lessons focused on seeds that can be adapted for all grade levels. Click here to request seeds!
For Teachers
Climate Education Policy Toolkit
Regardless of your role, the resources within this Toolkit are designed to help you navigate the dynamic nature of state and local climate education policy, instigating change in a way that is tailored to suit your specific political landscape. The Toolkit is designed to support your initiatives with essential resources across four key areas: coalition building, communications and messaging, policy formulation, and advocacy.
The Climate Initiative Educator Climate Action Hub
The Hub is accessible by an account name/password login and features up-to-date climate action resources and educator support opportunities to make Learning Lab more than just something that you bring into the classroom; the Hub brings Learning Lab to life as a community for YOU.
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