Last Update:
18 June 2007
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Last Update:
18 June 2007
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Education Outreach Committee:
The Outreach Committee is gearing up for a spring filled with presentations and projects. Although the outreach program is relatively young (our first presentation was last spring), we have high expectations for the coming year. We’ve recently recruited some new members and are expanding our contacts with schools in the Columbia area. After a successful pilot presentation on box turtles earlier this year, we plan to initiate more programs with science clubs at several local schools in 2006. These programs are designed to enrich students’ science education, increase awareness of local plants and animals, and introduce concepts of conservation biology. In addition, we will be working with an urban conservationist for the Hinkson Creek watershed to help students build rain gardens at their schools. Although the committee’s primary focus is on local students, we are also interested in building ties with the community. This fall, several MOSCB Outreach members played important roles in Columbia’s first annual BioBlitz event. The BioBlitz was a 24-hour “race against time” to identify as many species as possible in the Flatbranch Creek watershed. People of all ages set out on expeditions to find amphibians and reptiles, birds, native plants, insects, and mammals. Outreach committee members assisted in organization and promotion of the event, and also led teams. Over 800 species were identified during the 24-hour BioBlitz, and we look forward to supporting this event in the future. So far, the programs we’ve planned for the spring focus on the Columbia, MO area. However, it has always been our vision to expand MOSCB education and outreach efforts across the state. Any MOSCB members who are interested in joining the Education Outreach Committee can send an email to moscb@conbio.org or contact the committee chair, Bethany Williams (BKWilliams@mizzou.edu). |
Outreach committee member showing off a box turtle found during the 2005 BioBlitz  |
Links for Teachers and Educators Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) Ducks Unlimited Education Resources The Wonders of Wetlands (WOW!) National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF) - Classroom Earth Earth 911 - Recycling Information North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Kansas School Naturalist |
The Missouri Chapter of the Society
for Conservation Biology (MOSCB):
http://www.conbio.org/Chapters/Missouri/Index.cfm
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