HARRISBURG – The Department of Environmental Protection has announced it will host a free outdoor learning center workshop for educators Thursday, June 16, at Mechanicsburg Middle School in Cumberland County.
The workshop, co-sponsored by Mechanicsburg School District and the Mechanicsburg Area Parks & Recreation Department, will offer local educators the chance to learn about creating, funding and maintaining outdoor learning areas on school grounds.
“Research demonstrates that environmental education improves student learning,” DEP Director of Environmental Education Jack Farster said. “But students need not travel far from the classroom to learn how their local environment affects them on a daily basis.”
The workshop, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will include presentations, hands-on activities and a field trip to the Trails and Trees Environmental Center. The center is located on school grounds and allows students to learn about the flora and fauna of nearby forests, meadows and streams.
Participants will be eligible for five Act 48 credit hours for attending the workshop, which is geared toward K-12 teachers and non-formal educators. Attendees will also learn about funding opportunities, such as DEP’s Environmental Education grant program, that would allow them to develop an outdoor learning area at their school.
Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVP by June 1 to Ann Devine in DEP’s Environmental Education Center at 717-772-1644 or adevine@state.pa.us.