Parker Dam Continuing to Accept Registrations for Educators Interested in Watershed Education

PENFIELD – Parker Dam State Park is continuing to accept registrations for teachers and other educators interested in participating in a hands-on workshop covering the Bureau of State Park’s Watershed Education curriculum.  This two-day workshop will introduce and train educators in the Watershed Education curriculum, a comprehensive, watershed-based program for grades 6-12. 

Watershed Education is a long-term interdisciplinary education program encourages students to explore all aspects of their watershed, including history, culture, economics, ecology, and human impact.  Watershed Education involves students in classroom and field research, hands-on investigations, mapping, networking, partnerships, stewardship and community service.  The program provides a Web site and database for students to share information about their watershed research and data, generate reports, and enhance their own data interpretation.  Students will develop classroom and personal watershed portfolios and have an opportunity to participate in student leadership conferences. 

The workshop will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 5 and 6 at the park’s Environmental Education Classroom, and 15 Act 48 continuing education hours will be available.  Participation in this program provides the educators with an opportunity to meet several of the Pennsylvania standards in environment and ecology, math, and social studies from the Department of Education.  Educators will participate in outdoor hands-on and in-stream activities, and receive the Watershed Education teacher manual.

If you need more information, have questions, or would like to register, please contact the park’s Environmental Education Specialist at (814) 765-0630 or by email at cahuber@state.pa.us.  Space will be limited to 20 participants.  Upon registering, participants will be instructed on how to pay the workshop fee of $35.00, what to bring along, and other details regarding the workshop.  If overnight accommodations are needed, Parker Dam State Park has campsites that are reservable by calling 1-888-PA-PARKS or visiting www.visitPAparks.com.  The Clearfield County Recreation and Tourism Authority can give you information on local hotels by calling 1-866-GO-WILDS (1-866-469-4537).