The Master Naturalist Program is a high-quality, science-based training program designed to teach adults about New York’s natural resources, empowering them to educate others and participate in on-the-ground conservation management projects. If you would like to learn more about New York’s natural environment and get involved with important conservation issues facing our natural resources today, this program is for you.

Course Requirements

You can become a Master Naturalist by taking the mandatory “Certified Naturalist” course (16 credits), supplemented by 14 hours of additional coursework and 30 hours of volunteer work tailored to your personal interests. The mandatory “Certified Naturalist” course is held at Cornell’s Arnot Teaching and Research Forest. Additional courses may be taken through Cornell’s Conservation Education Program at the Arnot Forest, via the internet through regularly held webcasts, or through programs offered by county extension offices and pre-approved by Master Naturalist faculty. A list of qualifying programs will be distributed quarterly to participants. Participants may also submit courses that they find on their own for approval. Courses must be science-based.

Course credits will be granted in 3 categories: ecosystems; conservation issues; and identifying organisms.

Below is a list of credit requirements:

Ecosystems: 6 credits
Conservation Issues: 6 credits
Identifying Organisms 6 credits
Electives from any of the categories above based on individual interest: 12 credits

Total: 30 credits

The “Certified Naturalist Course” fulfills the requirements for 16 of the total 30 credits.

Volunteer Requirements

Volunteer opportunities may include “hands-on” conservation management activities or educational outreach. Examples of possible management activities include working with a local land trust to remove invasive species, working at a local deer check station, inventorying wildflowers at a local park or preserve, or participating in a citizen science project. Potential outreach activities may include leading a “woods walk”, writing articles, giving presentations, or developing educational brochures.

Prior to beginning volunteer work, each Master Naturalist will develop a “Volunteer Activity Plan” tailored to his/her own interests and strengths, which is to be submitted and approved by the Master Naturalist Program faculty. A “volunteer supervisor” from the participating entity needs to sign off on each activity completed.

Program Completion

Upon completion of all coursework and volunteer hours, participants should fill out and submit the “Volunteer Activity Form” as proof of completion of all credit and volunteer hour requirements.

Maintaining Master Naturalist Certification

To maintain certification, participants will complete eight hours of additional advanced training and contribute 20 hours of volunteer service annually.

Master Naturalist Program FAQs

What is the Master Naturalist Program?

The Master Naturalist Program is a high-quality, science-based training program designed to teach adults about New York’s natural resources, empowering them to educate others and participate in on-the-ground conservation management projects.

Who can become a Master Naturalist?

The Master Naturalist is an adult education program designed for educators, land trust personnel, private landowners, land managers, natural resource professionals, and citizens with a passion for our natural environment. No prior experience or training is necessary.

Why become a Master Naturalist?

Have you always wanted to learn more about the ecosystems, habitats, plants, and animals of New York State, as well as important conservation issues facing our natural resources today? Would you like to gain skills needed to participate in management activities that contribute to natural resource conservation, or share your knowledge with others through outreach activities? The Master Naturalist program is designed to help people like you become more involved in hands-on activities that will make a difference in the conservation of our natural resources.

How do I become a Master Naturalist?

You can become a Master Naturalist by taking the 16-hour mandatory “Certified Naturalist” course, supplemented by 14 hours of additional coursework and 30 hours of volunteer work tailored to your personal interests. The mandatory “Certified Naturalist” course is held at Cornell’s Arnot Teaching and Research Forest.

What types of activities will fulfill my 30-hr volunteer requirement?

Volunteer opportunities may include “hands-on” management activities or educational outreach. Examples of possible management activities include working with a local land trust to remove invasive species, working at a local deer check station, inventorying wildflowers at a local park or preserve, or participating in a citizen science project. Potential outreach activities may include leading a “woods walk”, writing articles, giving presentations, or developing educational brochures. Each Master Naturalist will develop her/his own “Activity Plan” tailored to her/his own interests and strengths.

Gardiner, New York, September 2, 2010

Saturday, September 11th, 11am-1:30pm. Mohonk Preserve – Monarchs, Magic, and More!

Enjoy a stroll through our historic fields as you search for butterflies with Maraleen Manos-Jones, butterfly expert and author. Discover monarchs, caterpillars, and perhaps even a chrysalis! Hear stories and myths about butterflies and have your questions answered. Children ages 7 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This program includes an easy, 2-mile hike. There will be an engaging indoor option in case of rain. Reservations are required; sign up begins 8/1. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership). Children 12 and under are free.

Saturday, September 11th, 11am and 1pm (weather permitting). Mohonk Preserve Interpretive Program “How Did the Rope Get Up There? History and Practice of Gunks Rock Climbing” and “Ecology and People of the Shawangunks, Yesterday and Today.”

No reservations required. Meet at the Trapps Bridge. These programs will last approximately 20 minutes and involve a gentle stroll. They will be offered by Mohonk Preserve Rangers who are experienced rock climbers. The interpretive programs are free but participants must either be Mohonk Preserve members or purchase a $10 day pass to access the land. The day pass allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership. Children 12 and under are free. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday, September 11th, 10am-3pm. Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables – Rhodedendron Bridge.

Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center. This is a moderate, 7-mile hike, led by Joe Carbone (457-7073). New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).

Sunday, September 12th, 9:30am-1pm. Mohonk Preserve – Stories of Spring Farm: A Historic Walking Tour.

Did you ever wonder about the origin of the buildings and fields of Spring Farm? Join Bob Larsen, Mohonk Preserve Cultural Historian, and Preserve Volunteer Gardeners and learn about the time when this farm provided milk, maple sugar, vegetables, and beef for the Mohonk Mountain House. The walk will end at the Slingerland Pavilion where homemade refreshments await. All food will be prepared with “old-time” ingredients representing the crops grown by early inhabitants of the area. Children ages 15 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This program includes an easy, 2-mile hike. Reservations are required; sign up begins 8/30. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).

Sunday, September 12th, 9:30am-4pm. Mohonk Preserve – Hudson River Valley Ramble: Millbrook Mountain.

Join John Upton, Mohonk Preserve Volunteer and avid hiker, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Wallkill Valley as you hike along the top of the Ridge. Children ages 15 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This program includes a strenuous, 9-mile hike. Reservations are required; sign up begins 8/30. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).

Sunday, September 12th, 11am and 1pm (weather permitting). Mohonk Preserve Interpretive Program “How Did the Rope Get Up There? History and Practice of Gunks Rock Climbing” and “Ecology and People of the Shawangunks, Yesterday and Today.”

No reservations required. Meet at the Trapps Bridge. These programs will last approximately 20 minutes and involve a gentle stroll. They will be offered by Mohonk Preserve Rangers who are experienced rock climbers. The interpretive programs are free but participants must either be Mohonk Preserve members or purchase a $10 day pass to access the land. The day pass allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership. Children 12 and under are free. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, September 15th, 9:30am-1:30pm. Mohonk Preserve Bob Babb Wednesday Walk – Minnewaska Land and Beacon Hill.

The Bob Babb Wednesday Walks welcome adults of all ages and levels of ability. No reservations are required. Meet at the Minnewaska State Park Preserve Upper Lot. This is a moderate, 3-mile hike. There is a parking fee per car for this program.

Friday, September 17th, 10am-12noon. Mohonk Preserve Toddlers on the Trail – Trees of the Shawangunks.

Join Dana Rudikoff, Volunteer Hike Leader, and explore different forest habitats. The group may look for Monarch Butterflies flying south in the field along the way. Bring water and snacks. Please leave your pets at home. Jogging strollers are not appropriate; little ones in carriers are always welcomed. Children ages 2 to 6 are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This program includes a 1.5-mile hike, and moves at a toddler’s pace. Reservations are required. Call Dana at 845-626-4253 or email her at dana_rudikoff@yahoo.com to reserve a spot. There is a 15 parent limit. Participants should meet at the Mohonk Preserve Spring Farm Trailhead. It is advised to come early to secure a parking spot. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership). Children 12 and under are free.

Saturday, September 18th, 1:30-3pm. Mohonk Preserve – Land Art for Families.

Join Mary Leary, artist and Mohonk Preserve Camp Educator for this unique hands-on program. Inspired by the work of Andy Goldsworthy, “Land Art” has quickly become a favorite component of our popular summer camp programs. Using only natural materials gathered outdoors, create your own inspiring art. Bring a camera to capture your work. Children ages 5 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This program includes an easy, 1-mile hike. Reservations are required; sign up begins 9/1. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership). Children 12 and under are free.

Saturday, September 18th, 11am and 1pm (weather permitting). Mohonk Preserve Interpretive Program “How Did the Rope Get Up There? History and Practice of Gunks Rock Climbing” and “Ecology and People of the Shawangunks, Yesterday and Today.”

No reservations required. Meet at the Trapps Bridge. These programs will last approximately 20 minutes and involve a gentle stroll. They will be offered by Mohonk Preserve Rangers who are experienced rock climbers. The interpretive programs are free but participants must either be Mohonk Preserve members or purchase a $10 day pass to access the land. The day pass allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership. Children 12 and under are free. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday, September 18th, 10am-3pm. Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables – Bonticou Crag.

Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve Spring Farm Trailhead. This is a moderate, 7-mile hike, led by Sherry Runk (687-7679). New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).

Sunday, September 19th, 11am and 1pm (weather permitting). Mohonk Preserve Interpretive Program “How Did the Rope Get Up There? History and Practice of Gunks Rock Climbing” and “Ecology and People of the Shawangunks, Yesterday and Today.”

No reservations required. Meet at the Trapps Bridge. These programs will last approximately 20 minutes and involve a gentle stroll. They will be offered by Mohonk Preserve Rangers who are experienced rock climbers. The interpretive programs are free but participants must either be Mohonk Preserve members or purchase a $10 day pass to access the land. The day pass allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership. Children 12 and under are free. Children must always be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, September 19th, call the hike leader for the time. Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables – Catskill 3 Peaks.

Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required. Call the hike leader for the meeting place and fee. This is a strenuous, 10-mile hike, led by John Kenney (436-6046). New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets.

Wednesday, September 22nd, 9:30am-1:30pm. Mohonk Preserve Bob Babb Wednesday Walk – Cedar Drive and Beyond.

The Bob Babb Wednesday Walks welcome adults of all ages and levels of ability. No reservations are required. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve Spring Farm Trailhead. This is a moderate, 6-mile hike. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).

Saturday, September 25th (Raindate: Sunday September, 26th), 9am-12noon. Mohonk Preserve – Hawk Migration Workshop.

Join Tom Sarro, Mohonk Preserve Research Associate, for an indoor presentation introducing distinguishing characteristics of migrating species in flight. Then, enjoy a short hike to the “Hawk Watch” where experts will help you identify the hawks, ospreys, and other birds that ride the thermal air currents above the Shawangunk Ridge. Children ages 12 and up are welcome. Children must always be accompanied by an adult. This program includes a moderate, 2-mile hike, with a short, steep, uphill scramble. Reservations are required; sign up begins 8/30. Call 845-255-0919 for reservations and meeting location. The program fee per person is $18 for Preserve members and $28 for non-members. (There will be no refunds after September 17th).

Saturday, September 25th, 9am-4pm. Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables – South Taconic Ridge.

Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required. Call the hike leader for the meeting place and fee. This is a strenuous, 9-mile hike, led by Tonda Highley (255-9933). New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets.

Sunday, September 26th, Checkin begins at 8am and the race starts at 9am sharp. Mohonk Preserve – Annual Pfalz Point Trail Challenge Ten Mile Fundraising Run.

This is a once-a-year chance to participate in an organized running event on the Preserve’s scenic footpaths and historic carriage roads. After the race, enjoy a chili lunch at the Slingerland Pavilion. Registration must be postmarked by September 17th. Entry forms are available online at www.mohonkpreserve.org/index.php?pfaltzpoint. Register early. The race is limited to 300 runners. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION. The program fee is $25 for Preserve members and $35 for non-members.

Sunday, September 26th, 10am-1pm. Mohonk Preserve Singles and Sociables – Overcliff/Undercliff.

Singles and Sociables outings welcome all adult hikers, single and non-single, aged 18 and above. No reservations required. Meet at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center. This is an easy, 5-mile hike, led by Ray Greenberg (255-3133). New hikers are strongly encouraged to contact the leader prior to the hike for information on hike levels, what to bring, and other information. Hike leaders determine whether or not to allow pets. This program is free to Mohonk Preserve members and $10 for non-members (includes a day pass which allows hiking access to Preserve lands for a full day, sunrise to sunset, and can be credited for up to two weeks towards a membership).

Located in five Ulster County towns, the Mohonk Preserve is a mountain refuge – for people and nature. It is a haven for wildlife, a living museum, and a sanctuary where visitors can come to reflect and be restored. The Preserve’s mission is to protect the Shawangunk Mountains by inspiring people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world.

Visitors are welcome on Preserve lands and at the Visitor Center, which has exhibits, trails, and a nature shop. Preserve lands are open sunrise to sunset every day, and a current membership or day entry pass is required to access the lands. Admission to the Visitor Center is always free. For more information and Visitor Center hours of operation, visit www.mohonkpreserve.org, or call the Preserve at (845) 255-0919.

Migrate to PEEC:
Family Nature Getaway September 3-6

$190 — Discounts for children 10 and under.  Includes 3 nights lodging and 9 meals.  Early migration starts around Labor Day. We will have programs, food, and lodging for this extended weekend.

Fossil Trail Hike
September 4 — 10:00am-12:00pm
FREE

Music & Rhythm in Nature
September 10-12
Price: Call for Information
Includes 2 nights and 6 meals

Join master drummer Maxwell Kofi Donkor. Additional activities will be offered and led by PEEC staff.   Special package pricing is available if attending the Music and Nature Festival on September 12. Call to Register.

Rhythms of Nature Festival
September 12
10:00am-5:00pm — Free
5:00-9:00pm – Call for Pricing Information

A culturally diverse experience for all members of the family. Enjoy local food, produce, arts and crafts and music during this day-long festival. Stay for dinner and enjoy an eclectic mix of food and music as musicians from the festival jam into the night.

Sunday for Singles
September 12 – 10:00am-12:00pm
FREE – Meet people and enjoy nature. We will hike PEEC trails and learn about the flora and fauna.

Raptor Weekend
September 17-19
$195 – Includes 2 nights lodging and 6 meals

Learn about and view this amazing spectacle of migrating raptors. Bring a folding chair, hat and sunscreen for beautiful days up on the mountain. Also, join us for Raptor Fest on the 18th (Included in weekend price). Call to Register.

Raptor Fest!!
September 18 -3:00-6:00pm
$20/ $10 children under 10

Join PEEC for a celebration of the amazing migration. Celebrate these unique and interesting creatures with a live raptors presentation. Also, watch for migrating warblers around PEEC’s diverse birding habitat. Great day for the entire family, school or scout group.

BioBlitz
September 24-25
FREE – 4:00pm start-24 hrs

Volunteers and scientists join forces to find and identify as many living species as possible in the Park in 24 hours!! Call for overnight rates and additional details. Please pre-register.

Pocono Environmental Education Center
RR2 Box 1010, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328
(570) 828-2319 ~ Fax: (570) 828-9695

PEEC is close to home, where learning comes naturally!

For Further Information:   570/828-2319

http://www.peec.org peec@peec.org

Environmentally Literate NY

October 20-23, 2011

Honor’s Haven Resort
Ellenville, NY

As promised, on Tuesday August 24th at 10 am, there will be a presentation and behind-the-scenes tour of the world-renowned green roof at the 5-Boro Parks complex on Randall’s Island.  The roof currently has 21 uniquely designed landscapes over a whopping 26,000 square feet.  From Hempstead Plains and Rocky Summit grasslands to a vegetable garden, there are a variety of amazing things growing up on this roof.   Please RSVP to jessica.kratz@parks.nyc.gov by August 16th so that I can provide our hosts with an accurate head count.

For photos and more information about the roof, which has recently had visitors from England, France, Ukraine and the Netherlands, check out the following:

• NYC Department of Parks & Recreation – Green Roofs
• Green Roof Expansion at 5-Boro Complex
• Green Roof is coming to a Recreation Center near you

For directions, click here or continue to read below.  Randall’s Island is a short bus ride from the 125th Street NYC transit station, which is only a block or so away from the Metro North station.  The RFK bridge [formerly known as the Triborough Bridge] enables access from Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan.

Getting to Randall’s Island

Subway/Bus

Can walk over to the M35 bus stop from the 125th street Metro North station

The M35 bus runs to the Island from the NW corner of 125th Street and Lexington Ave.
Transfer is available from the Lexington Avenue 4, 5, or 6 trains at 125th Street.

For updated MTA travel information, (718) 330-1234 or www.mta.info.

Pedestrian/Bicycle

The 103rd Street Pedestrian Footbridge connects the southern end of Randall’s Island to Manhattan, linking to the East River esplanade and across the FDR to 103rd Street in East Harlem.  The footbridge is open year round from 6am to midnight.

A new Bronx Shore Footbridge at the Park’s northern end remains closed until construction is complete on the Bronx River Greenway Connector to 132nd Street.

Pedestrian Ramps connect the Park to all three spans of the RFK Bridge.

Manhattan: 125th Street and 2nd Avenue to just behind the Golf Center
Bronx: Cypress Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard to the Bronx Shore Fields
Queens: Hoyt Avenue and 28th Street, adjacent to the Astoria Boulevard N/W station, to mid-Island, adjacent to the Central Fields

Automobile

All automobile access is via the RFK Bridge.

Please note below, there is a new ramp to Randall’s Island off of the RFK Bridge from both the Bronx and Manhattan.

From Manhattan:
If paying with E-ZPass at toll: Stay left at toll plaza for the exit ramp to Randall’s Island, immediately after the toll plaza.

If paying cash at toll: Stay right for the exit to Randall’s Island, about a half-mile past toll plaza.

From Queens: Stay right for the exit to Randall’s Island, immediately after the toll plaza.

From the Bronx: Stay right for the exit to Randall’s Island, about a half-mile past toll plaza.

Saturday, September 4th.
Day event: 11am – 5pm, Dinner 5pm – 7pm, Evening Concert 7pm
The Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Rd., Olivebridge, NY

(OLIVEBRIDGE, NY) On Saturday, September 4th the Ashokan Center is hosting its 3rd Annual Catskill Mountain Eco-Heritage Festival. In a magical setting of 374 acres of streams, fields and forests in the foothills of the Catskills, this festival will feature guided hikes, educational talks, old-time folk, fiddle, and guitar music, square dancing and more.

Bring the whole family and…

• Travel though the Esopus Gorge and geologic time with Dr. Robert Titus

• Experience one of the Catskills’ finest gifts to the outdoor sporting world–flyfishing–during a talk and demonstration by Jeff Graff

• Take a walk with one of the Catskills’ most famous historical figures, John Burroughs lead by Tom Alworth.

• Learn about one of the more prominent industries in the history of the Catskills from Fred Steuding during his bluestone talk and wall-building activity.

• Allow nature to inspire your creativity at Carol Field’s nature art activity.

• Discover what towers above and lies beneath one’s feet in the region’s most common terrain during Violet Snow’s tree walk.

• Allow Ashokan’s natural beauty to inspire literature with Will Nixon and Michael Perkins in “Poetry in Nature”.

• Enjoy kid-friendly outdoor games guided by Ashokan staff throughout the day on the athletic field.

VIEW SCHEDULE

Doors open Saturday at 11am. After picking up a schedule and map, visitors can walk among Ashokan’s 374 acres of forests, streams, and waterfalls, or to stop in on the numerous talks, walks, and activities throughout the day.

The Festival will conclude Saturday evening with a 7pm concert featuring folk singer/songwriters Magpie first Ashokan appearance. Jay Ungar and Molly Mason will then be joined by various invited musicians (the Catskill Serenaders) playing old-time tunes similar to those that flowed among the hills of the Catskills over the years. The concert will conclude with a square dance.

Admission is $5 for 11-5 Saturday, $10 per evening performance. Kids under 5 are free. Freshly cooked food from Ashokan’s kitchen will be available 11am to 3pm with snacks and beverages for sale throughout the day, and dinner served at the outdoor pavilion from 5pm to 7pm. Overnight accommodations are available by reservation. For a full schedule and list of offerings visit www.ashokancenter.org or call 845-657-8333 x12.

About the Communications and Publications Committee:
We are a group of volunteers who collaborate on gathering the content, designing the layout, editing, proof reading and distributing content that is of interest to environmental educators.

There are three principle artifacts produced by this committee:

1. Pathways: Our quarterly newsletter is subscribed by our membership and includes articles submitted by our membership, educators and by thought leaders in the field of environmental and outdoor education.
2. NYSOEA.org: Our website is updated on a very frequent basis with announcements, news and articles gathered from our affiliates and membership. We also have a presence on Facebook.
3. Handouts: This includes membership brochure, survey/election forms, display boards and similar content that is distributed by postal mail or handed out at our events.

As the Editor, you will:

• Be responsible for orchestrating the theme, content and layout of our quarterly publication PATHWAYS.
• Plan the contents of publications according to the publication’s style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.
• Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
• Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
• Leverage your network of thought leaders, educators and students in the field of environmental education to solicit content.
• Develop graphic standards to Board and committees to ensure consistent message and positioning for the association.
• Provide boilerplate press release for organization to provide promotion for events and achievements.
• Attend the committee meetings which are conducted for an hour every two weeks.

You will be assisted by a very dynamic and enthusiastic bunch of committee members in soliciting content, proof reading, design and distribution.  The VP of Communications will partner with you to provide direction and vision for the NYSOEA communications.

For more information contact Nirmal Merchant, VP Communications at nirmal.merchant@gmail.com

Please join senior representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other federal agencies for a public listening session on conservation, recreation and reconnecting people to the outdoors. The session will be held Friday, August 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in the Hudson River Valley—whose magnificent landscapes served as the cradle of American History.

This past April at the White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors, President Obama signed a memorandum establishing the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to develop a conservation agenda worthy of the 21st century and to reconnect Americans with our great outdoors. The President understands that protecting and restoring the lands and waters that we love and reconnecting people to the outdoors must happen at the local level.

Therefore, President Obama directed the principal leaders of the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to travel across the country to listen and learn from people directly involved in finding grassroots solutions to conserving our lands and waters and reconnecting Americans to the outdoors. The President indicated that the sessions should engage the full range of interested groups, including tribal leaders, farmers and ranchers, sportsmen, community park groups, foresters, youth groups, businesspeople, educators, state and local governments, and recreation and conservation groups.

The Hudson Valley has an important place in conservation history and was one of the first regions in the country designated by Congress as a National Heritage Area. Its natural resources and beauty have inspired collaborative conservation initiatives that are helping revitalize urban and town centers and rural communities. A private conservation movement is protecting working farms, safeguarding critical water resources, and supporting a vibrant tourism industry. Public-private partnerships are helping people enjoy, protect and revitalize the river and Valley.

The August 6th public listening session and discussion are an opportunity for leaders of the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to hear from you and other voices in the Hudson Valley about solutions for building a 21st-century conservation and recreation agenda and for reconnecting people with the outdoors.  Here are the details:

Listening Session and Discussion Information
When:   Friday, August 6, 9:00 a.m. – noon
Where:   Marist College Student Center, Poughkeepsie, NY.  DIRECTIONS

Who:   Senior Washington, D.C., and local leadership from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies will be present to hear your thoughts and to participate in a conversation with you about America’s Great Outdoors.

Please: This event is free and open to the public.  For planning purposes it would be helpful if you Register would pre-register by Tuesday, August 3 by sending an email to joseph.heller@ny.usda.gov with your name, the name of the organization with which you are affiliated, if any, and your telephone number. Include in your email your primary area of interest by noting your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice of the Concurrent Breakout Listening Sessions listed below. We will make every effort to accommodate everyone. Please also let us know if you have any special needs.

In the event you are unable to participate in person, please submit your comments and stories via the America’s Great Outdoors website at http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/.

If you have questions, please contact Joseph Heller at (845) 883-7162, Extension 104 or joseph.heller@ny.usda.gov.

We hope you will participate and look forward to hearing from you.

Choice of Concurrent Breakout Listening Sessions:

1. Conservation of working farms, forests, and coastal areas.

2. Reconnecting people with the outdoors through recreation and education.

3. Creating a healthy river: Conserving and restoring important habitat and blueways.

4. General session for those who do not want to designate a specific topic.

Saturday, August 14 will be an exciting day as Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center celebrates their annual Butterfly Festival from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Butterflies, caterpillars and chrysalises will be the focal point at this free public event, during which a screen tent will temporarily house live butterflies for the day. Families can take turns entering the tent to get close to monarchs, eastern tiger swallowtails, spicebush swallowtails and great spangled fritillaries. Maybe a butterfly will walk on your finger! The butterflies will be released during a ceremony at the closing of the event.

Other activities throughout the day include butterfly crafts, nature games and learning about insects, thanks to AmeriCorps members of the Student Conservation Association. Visitors are invited to explore the paths of Stony Kill’s perennial garden to view more butterflies. Volunteers who maintain the gardens will be on hand to share information about gardening for butterflies and other wildlife. Volunteers from the Stony Kill Foundation and the Verplanck Garden Club will have refreshments for sale.

For more information, please call 845-831-8780, ext 300.

Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center is operated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and is located on Route 9D in Wappingers Falls, about 2 miles north of the Beacon-Newburgh bridge (I-84). Visit www.dec.ny.gov/education/1833.html for a listing of scheduled programs and activities at Stony Kill. From the website, you can also join a listserve and be among the first to know about special programs and events at Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center.

Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center is a designated New York State Watchable Wildlife site, where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Visit www.dec.ny.gov to learn more about Watchable Wildlife.

July 27-29, 2010

Thursday 7/29, 1-3pm Environmental Literacy Panel

PAUL HAI, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
YUSUF WASI BURGESS, environmental educator, NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
SUSAN HERETH, education coordinator, Scenic Hudson
TYRELL HUGHES, Natural Leaders Network
JEN KRETSER, The Wild Center
SEAN MAHAR, Audubon NY

Learn about the national movement to leave no child inside, creation of an Environmental Literacy Plan for NYS, strategies for reconnecting children to nature – especially in underserved communities, the role of informal settings in reconnecting children and families with nature, and efforts to convince
federal and state leaders to pay more attention and expend more resources on this issue.

http://www.TeachingtheHudsonValley.org/