Upload
nysoea
View
216
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
1/19
www.nysoea.org 60 7. 59 1. 64 22 photo courtesy of Eileen Beare
PATHWAYSOfficial Publication of the New York State Outdoor Education Association Fall 2014
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
2/19
2 Pathways Fall 2014
In an effort to build momentum moving forward, the NYSOEARegional Directors have committed to have regional events
such as environmental speakers, tree plantings, citizen
science projects, and park clean-ups leading up to Earth Day
and Environmental Education week. They will need the
support and assistance of our growing affiliate network and
membership to launch these events. Spread the word and
invite potential new members. If you have an idea or want
to be involved, simply contact your Regional Director. As a
NYSOEA member, each of you is represented by a great cast
of regional educators and you do want to know them! How do
you contact them? Its easy
(your region)[email protected].
Spring will also feature our annual appeal, conveniently
moved from the financial pressures of holiday season to the
tax-return season. It is our hope that the membership and
supporters of EE and OE will rise up and be more generous
However, the holidays are still a perfect time to give a Gif
Membership to a deserving teacher, student, family member
or friend.
Now is the time to collect the acorns, bring in the firewood
catch up on our rest, and recollect ourselves for an exciting
busy year within our personal and professional lives.
2
A Note from the President
Volunteers with a Vision
Nature puts on her best colors in the autumn, as if her exit to
slumber is a grand goodbye to all who take a moment to notice.
She produces an abundance of food to provision those that
must endure the famine of winter, and provides the shelter
needed to bring life forward to a new spring. Late autumn is
a time of sleep and inward reflection. Our natural world is
an inspiration and I take time on a cold and frosty morning
to reflect on the accomplishments of our organization. I am
most proud of what can be accomplished by volunteers with
a vision.
Our 2014 Conference, assisted by the natural beauty of the
Adirondacks, really brought us back to the heart of outdoor
education; one only had to take in a deep breath and let go
to experience the power of the outdoors. This well-attended
conference inspired members with new ideas and new
knowledge while rekindling the flame of passion to share
the outdoors with others. The hard working conference
committee, led by Fred Von Mechow, Laura Carey, and
Marsha Guzewich, brought a team of educators together that
reminded us of the NYSOEA motto that we are all life-long
learners. Surrounded by new and old friends, we were invited
to once again explore the boundless wonders outside the door
and take the excitement of discovery back home.
Our newly formed Development Committee worked diligently
to expand the pool of donations for the annual auctions which
raise money for the Endowment Fund. This year the silent
and live auctions raised $3,500; that exceeded our initial goal
and surpassed auctions of previous years. Of course, this is
only the beginning and members need to save a little money
for bidding in this worthy event next year! Our goal is a $100K
endowment by our 50thanniversary in 2018 so that NYSOEA
will be in a place to consistently fund future initiatives. We
are nearly halfway there!
Timothy F. Stanley
President, NYSOEA
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
3/19
3Pathways Fall 2014
Written by Jessica Kratz [email protected]
Climate change. Predator/prey relationships. Habitat loss.
Endangered and extirpated species. Bioaccumulation Extreme
weather events. Poison Ivy. Tick bites. Mass extinctions.
Hopefully, this list didnt get you down. No profession is
without its share of challenges, and as fun as environmental
education can be [and generally is], EE professionals constantlyencounter risks, uncertainties, hazards, and challenges.
Fortunately, we are well-equipped to counter stress, conflict,
and more by cultivating a sense of humor.
What exactly is a sense of humor? According to Wikipedia,
humor is the tendency of particular cognitive experiences to
provoke laughter and provide amusement. Being funny is the
ability to express humor in some way, whether it be a joke,
a pun, or some sort of physical comedy. A sense of humor is
being able to laugh at or at least find the humor in the
absurdities of life1. A sense of humor is a tangible asset that
can be learned, taught, or acquired, and, if we already haveone, we can each work to make our sense of humor better.
What is the first step? Learning to laugh at yourself is a grea
way to improve your sense of humor. In a workplace filled
with mud, rocks, water, scat, and more, there is plenty of
opportunity for physical embarrassment. The secret is turn
your own fear and embarrassment into amusing stories to be
shared. For instance, when I trip on a rock or tree root when
leading a class trip on a hike, I tell the class, I must not havebeen following my own rule: I was dragging my feet. Then
I remind everyone to lift up their feet and revert back to a
mini-march so this doesnt happen to anyone else.
Whats next? Treat humor like exercise. For best results
seek out humor and commit to a schedule. Laughter itself
is exercise: a hearty laugh can engage all 43 of your facial
muscles, along with your abdominal muscles and your
cardiovascular system.2 The best approach is to seek out
something humorous every day: watch funny television
shows or movies, play with a pet and/or children, share funny
stories or jokes, spend time with funny people, engage in funactivities [i.e., bowling, karaoke, miniature golf], host a game
night with friends3, draw cartoons, wear costumes or
other fun articles of clothing, or otherwise seek out the funny
or the absurdin your life.
Editors Corner:Laughing Matters!
1. wikiHow to Improve Your Sense of Humor. http://www.
wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Sense-of-Humor. Accessed 22
October 2014.
2. 6 Simple Ways to Enhance Your Sense of Humor: Actively Look
for a Laugh Every Day. http://www.rd.com/slideshows/sense-
of-humor/#slideshow=slide5. Accessed 22 October 2014.
3. Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Laughter is
the Best Medicine: The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/
laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm . Accessed 22 October 2014
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
4/19
4 Pathways Fall 2014
My favorite comedic character of all time is Mork, an alien
spun off of Happy Days onto his very own sitcom, Mork and
Mindy, which aired on ABC from 1978 to 1982 and then re-
broadcast in syndication. Played by the legendary actor Robin
Williams, Mork is brilliantly funny and relatable. He could
also be considered an honorary environmental educator. His
brightly colored shirts and long khaki pants are great for
teaching in the field and offer good protection against ticks.
His ability to improvise, incredible child-like sense of wonder,
and position working in a childrens day care center would
also certainly prepare him well for a career in environmental
education.
Like Mork, I tend to favor bright colors and khaki pants. My
tendency is to take the fashion choice [and tick protection] one
step further by adding fun socks that I can tuck my pants into,
taking some style inspiration from another comedic icon, Mr.
Steve Urkel. Whether argyle pattern, bird print, or superhero
character, I enjoy adding this fun and humorous element
to safety. Additionally, my approach to insect repellent is a
cross between gas station attendant, sommelier, and perfumetester. I enjoy providing staff and patrons with background
information about their options, from the fragrant and
natural lemon eucalyptus and botanical blends to high test
[DEET and permethrin]. Also, nothing quite covers a cut or
scrape or calms down a child quite like a seemingly infinite
pool of character bandages.
At the annual NYSOEA conference in the Adirondacks,
master of ceremonies Brian DeGroat and his staff, the Pok-O-
Macready Players provided an informative and entertaining
variety show demonstrating the principles of humor. From a
slide show poking fun at the lack of cell phone service and thefour seasons of Adirondack weather (ice, mud, black fly, and
fall foliage) to improvisational skits to guessing which food
allergy or medical condition was made up, Brian and his team
demonstrated quick wit, the ability to laugh at themselves,
an understanding of context, and smatterings of the element
of the unexpected, which worked in concert to provide great
comedy. From wearing a headlamp on his thigh as part of a
costume made from clothing borrowed from the audience to
skits mixing in screams, squeals, and Bazinga-s, the Pok-o-
Players ran the gamut of humor in the variety show. Laura
Careys Scat Rap and Fred vonMechows chocolate rap added
some additional flavor, while George Steeles Rabbit addedsome physical comedy and audience participation.
In an entertaining and close-to-home homage to David
Letterman, Brian came up with his own Top Ten list: 10
Reasons You Know Youre an Environmental Educator (While,
as a social media savvy Communications Committee member, @
ModernThoreau, I disagree with #6, but should let the rest of the list
speak for itself).
Youre really good at making circles
You could probably teach at least three lessons
using the contents of your car
You have more footwear than
Imelda Marcos.
Youre probably over smores.
Whats Twitter?
Your friends think they know what you do, but
they have no idea.You cant figure out how the rest of the
population stays hydrated without their
Nalgene (water bottle).
You get really excited about scat.
Over 50% of your wardrobe is various shades of
green.
Your wallet is not.
References
The Connection between Laughter, Humor, and Good
Health. Publication HSW-CAW.807. UK Cooperative
Extension Service: University of Kentucky- College of
Agriculture. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/factshts/
hsw-caw-807.pdf. Accessed 22 October 2014.
Humour. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humour.
Accessed 22 October 2014.
6 Simple Ways to Enhance Your Sense of Humor. http://www.rd.com/slideshows/sense-of-humor/#slideshow.
Accessed 22 October 2014.
Smith, M. M.A., and Segal, J. Ph.D. Laughter is the Best
Medicine: The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/
laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm.
Accessed 22 October 2014.
wikiHow to Improve Your Sense of Humor. http://www.
wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Sense-of-Humor
NYSOEAReasons You
Know Youre an
Environmental
Educator
By Brian [email protected]
10.
9.
8.
7.
6.
5.
4.
3.
2.
1.
Well, I hope you learned a few tips and had a few laughs as
you read through this article. Nanu Nanu.
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
5/19
5Pathways Fall 2014
4:40 AM:The alarm clock robot starts squawking his persistentyet cheerful wonkawonkaWonkAAA, wonka wonk, over and
over again until I move to silence his cheerful chirruping.
Then, I sit straight up. NYSOEA today, I say to my dog, as she
sleepily rolls over, stretches, and promptly ignores me.
Stumbling through the briefest of morning rituals, I am soon
on the road with a travel buddy, and we are wending our
way through the farm country of Northwestern NJ and up,
up, up to the NYS Thruway. Watching the sunrise is one of
my favorite activities, and we both get to watch it out of the
windshield as the miles between the Silver Bay YMCA and us
shrink by the hour.
9:00 AM: Im checking in, re-evaluating my workshop choices,and getting the new-faces-new-places jitters on a small scale.
OK, maybe not SO small a scale.
10:30 AM: The welcome and invocation address makes me feelat peace with the conference and with all around me. Toh! I
affirmatively exclaim at each earthly blessing and refrain of
Do we agree that this is important, and deserves our thought
and attention? David Arquette has succeeded in erasing my
jitters, and guiding my focus to the present moment as we
all prepare to do the inevitable icebreaker sessionright after
I scarf down that tasty chocolate. After a Spartan banana
breakfast on the road, the sugar rush was dearly relished.
Written by Maren V. Morsch
Perspective of a NYSOEA Newcomer
Photos courtesy of Eileen Beare, Jessica R. Kratz, Maren V. Morsch, and Tim Stanley
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
6/19
6 Pathways Fall 2014
What feels like moments later, Ive been whisked off into the
sunshine of a warming Adirondack morning, to shout and run
simultaneously, to meet new friends awkwardly with nose
jousting, silly state-based handshakes, and the birthday ring-
string game. My jaw muscles hurt from grinning as we move
on from the sunny circle to the days next workshop. Oh, hi,Oh! I cant help but repeat as I unpack the car before heading
to the next, all-important piece of the agenda
LUNCH:I repose with unfamiliar faces, until.I then sheepishlyfind myself volunteering for things. I proceed to enjoy the
meal surrounded by cheerful and productive conversation
of many of the NYSOEA Executive Board, and ready myself
for Mr. Yaples storytelling seminar. I cant yet decide if being
in the darkened auditorium after lunch will be a blessing or
a curse.
1:00 PM: Back in the auditorium, I quickly realize that Immuch too involved to even consider a siesta, as the journeyfrom myth to fable to a real-life story seeking journey takes
shape before us (with only one costume change and one
equally epic moustache)with me sitting on the edge of my
fold-down seat the whole time.
Man, I really wish I knew what happened next! I lamented,
as the legend of Foxy Brown ran around in my head like some
kind of half-crazed mountain creature readying before a long
winters nap.
2:15 PM: I leave the auditorium with Mr. Brown still bouncingaround in my brain, until all thoughts except the presentmoment are whisked away, in the same way I am whisked
away by the Lake George Associations captain on the
floating classroom. I relish Environmental Education-focused
conversation, bask in the sunshine, and try to get a good Secchi
disk reading before studying some plankton and working on
my hydrologic vocabulary. Im already running ideas through
my head for what to do with the much smaller bodies of water
we study at my park as we disembark (much too soon!) and
disperse, setting off on our way to the next workshops.
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
7/19
7Pathways Fall 2014
3:30 PM: I am tossed in different directions by all theinformation and emotional contexts of learning and teaching
about something as serious as climate change. While the
workshop itself was a little heavy after the beauty and light on
the lake, the conversations and discourse are productive, and
I stay long after the session ends talking about all matters in
our shared field with newfound kindred spirits.
4:?? PM: I wend my way through the Artists and Authorsofferings, with a singular purpose and mission: find FoxeyBrown so I may indulge in scratching the itch to know wha
comes next in the historic saga. As the hour is winding down
by the time I make it there, Im lucky to browse the auction
items before securing Mr. Yaples novel (yes! I will eventually
get to know what happens!). Although I missed the wine, the
spirit of the hour is still alive and well as everyone wraps up
and heads for the dining hall again.
5:30 PM:I again enjoy sharing a meal with a table of all-newfaces, where I happen to take a seat next to someone who
worked at my current (and fabulous) place of employmentHigh Rock Park on Staten Island. -many years before. We laugh
and swap stories and myriad questions during the dinner hou
while watching the dynamic and legendary NYSOEA evening
auction, then happily get to work transforming my superviso
into a (rather convincing, I might add) version of the iconic
comedic genius Mork. And of course, this was accomplished
using, as outdoor educators are apt, only that which can be
reused, repurposed, and scavenged from the kitchen and the
pockets of the others at the table.
7:00 PM: With Morks transformation complete, our table
continues our work together to put up the moth attractorsheet with the enthusiastic and well-prepared George Steele
all the while watching some of the variety show participants
rehearsing their acts just behind the auditoriums side doors
8:00 PM: As someone who is a relatively youthful person, am ashamed to admit that a short nights sleep compounded
by the long drive and new experiences of the day thoroughly
exhausted all of my available physical and mental resources
and, knowing I faced a long drive after another early- morning
wake up (because I couldnt stand to miss the first-ligh
morning bird walk) the next day, opted to skip the variety
show in favor of a few minutes with my new Foxey Brownbook, followed by a long episode of Eyelids. I sank into sleep
thinking about all I had learned, laughed over, accomplished
and the many new places and people I had met and wha
a shame it was that I hadnt opted to register for the whole
weekend. (Lesson learned!)
Thanks to all who made my first NYSOEA conference an
awesome, entertaining, and informative one.
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
8/19
8 Pathways Fall 2014
The Conclusion of a College Degreein the Wildest Clasroom
Written by Katie Grace Leung, SUNY-ESF August 2014 graduate,
When it was time to review my transcript to see if I met all
the requirements for my Conservation Biology degree at
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF),
I was disappointed to learn that I was an elective short of
fulfilling my requirements. This disappointment quickly
changed to excitement when I was about to embark on an
educational adventure that would take me beyond New York,
immersing me in the natural world more than ever before.
The opportunity to study wildlife corridors in and aroundBanff National Park in Alberta, Canada, was a short but most
rewarding experience, unlike any adventure I had taken
during my college career. There was a list of field projects
offered by Wildlands Studies, an associate of California State
University Monterey Bay Extended Education. Along with 11
other students, I chose to study in Banff, the worlds third
established national park. The project analyzed the efficiency
and efficacy of corridors as a conservation strategy against
habitat loss, deforestation, and species loss.
Traversing through the Wildlife Corridors of Banff National Park:
Upon arrival, my team and I made our base camp at a public
campground close to the town of Banff. We pitched our tents
under the towering lodgepole pines and near the lake where
we had a great view of the mountains. Base camp was where
we made our breakfast every morning before setting off on our
excursions and where we completed our reading assignments
and field journal entries every night.
After packing necessary materials in our day packs everymorning, our instructor and teaching assistant drove us to the
locations where they planned for us to explore and evaluate
wildlife corridors. Wildlife corridors are large tracts of land that
maintain connectivity between habitat patches to facilitate
animal movement in the midst of human development and
habitat depletion. We conducted our studies by transecting
and bushwhacking while doing our best to leave no trace
through the corridors, which made hiking strenuous as we
climbed up slopes and over logs, crossed streams, and fought
Purple field of fireweed in the subalpine zone of the Lake Louise trail
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
9/19
9Pathways Fall 2014
an onslaught of mosquitoes. We evaluated a total of four
corridors based on their size, vegetation hiding cover, animal
occurrence and evidence, negative human disturbance,
and slope topography. Our results showed that certain
characteristics of the corridors were inadequate and required
adjustment.
Large mammals were our primary focus because on a regional
scale they have the most extensive home ranges and travel
the longest distances. We found evidence of deer, elk, bear,
and cougar, seeing the prey species, but not the predators, as
they generally avoid humans to prevent any conflict.
In addition to conducting transects, we took two backpacking
trips where we carefully observed ecosystem change and
species diversity. During the entire course, we identified
species using Ben Gadds Handbook of the Canadian Rockies
and recorded them into our journals. I saw many wildflower,
bird, lichen, moss, and mammal species that I had never seen
before but noticed the most diversity during the backpacking
trips as we ascended from the densely vegetated montane
region all the way up to the rocky alpine region above tree line.
Erosion caused by flooding events, affecting the structure
of the Cougar Creek corridor
Analyzing part of an elk vertebra in the Rundle corridor Elk footprint in a mudflat
A view from my base campsite on the lakeside
Despite carrying a quarter of my body weight up a mountain
which was the most physically demanding challenge for me
I was still able to hold a deep appreciation for the vast variety
of life within the Canadian Rockies. I learned we need to look
at life on a broader spectrum from species level to landscape
scale. If we only consider one part of the spectrum, we wil
have a more difficult time finding solutions to protect and
restore some of the worlds last natural treasures. I have taken
away many things from this journey, which is the real reward
-- not the credit I received from participating in this course.
If you are a student who has a passion for the outdoors, andare looking to gain field experience, I highly recommend
joining a project team with Wildlands Studies at http://www
wildlandsstudies.com/.
Editors Note: Katie Leung received her B.S. Conservation Biology
degree from SUNY-ESF in August 2014. She spent Summer 2013 as
a camp counselor and intern in the Staten Island Greenbelt and spen
Summer 2012 as an intern for the Wolf Conservation Center, South
Salem. She has a passion for large carnivorous mammals. I wish
her luck as she begins her environmental career.
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
10/19
10 Pathways Fall 2014
RAMBLINGS
FROM
REDH
ILL
bySnapperPetta
ContentmentThomas Jeffersons was a feat of science and
engineering. Archie Bunker had one too. In fact,
his is in the Smithsonian Institute. Mine is off to
one side, located in our living room. The fact of the
matter is each one of you probably has one as well.
So what do many of us have in common with one of
our founding fathers and Americas most famous
bigot? A chair.
In todays world, most of us spend too much time
sitting at a desk. With our societys proclivity to
being overweight, sedentary days at work have
become the norm. This only exacerbates the
problem. That being said, quiet personal time in a
chair can be a rare commodity; one that many of us
would benefit from if given the chance. While my
wife jokingly tells me I appear content while sitting
in my chair, her thinly veiled look is code that says,
stop being lazy and get some work done. Yet its
while in this spot that I have the time to observe,reflect, and take a break from lifes hectic pace. My
heart rate slows and I become more open to whats
going on around me. The end result is my own
indoor version of a Seton Watch where the natural
world unfolds right before my eyes.
From the vantage point of my chair, I can look out
on three of the four cardinal points of direction.
Even with a limited northerly viewpoint, the late
summer months entice me with waves of golden
black-eyed susans as they gently sway in the
breeze, caressing my wifes garden. Our barn stands
in the background, a silent sentinel keeping vigi
over the landscape. To the east and south, Im able
to observe the suns arc as it travels throughout
the day, dancing between shadow and light while
altering the mood outside. At least once a month
the gentle glow of a full moon kisses the interiorof our home, softly illuminating our persona
living space. In spite of the heavily forested land
just outside our door, cloudless evenings allow for
the full radiance of the heavens to burst into our
consciousness. Stars passing slowly overhead create
a new attraction every time we look through clear
glass panes. Autumns arrival heralds the first frost
and falling foliage, exposing more of the night sky
opening an extended view of natures firmament
Each successive turning of the years wheel opens
another chapter in the book of life. As these stories
unfold outside the sanctuary of our home, I am
privileged to witness this unending story from my
chair. It is what adds true contentment to my life
and is my wish for you in the days ahead. Find
your chair. Visually explore the wonders that exist
outside your window. Its a gift youve earned and
deserve. Enjoy it.
Until next time, may all your rambles lead you to
new and exciting places.
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
11/19
11Pathways Fall 2014
With the falling leaves of autumn, my attention is drawn
inward... into the forest where hidden treasures are revealed,
inviting the life-long learner on an outdoor odyssey. One such
treasure that has captured my imagination: the corbelled
stone chambers of Putnam County. It has long been said thatthese stone chambers, reminiscent of a hobbit house, were
built for root cellars, but perhaps a few are actually part of a
greater antiquity, and upon their discovery by newly-arrived
colonists had actually been repurposed as root cellars.
On a cold February weekend, a group of adventurous
NYSOEA outdoor educators, attending the annual Winter
Weekend at Taconic Outdoor Education Center, made their
way on snowshoes to explore one such chamber. These
curious mortar-less stone structures with giant 14-foot long
granite slabs laid side-to-side forming the ceilings must have
been a feat of engineering in their day. While exploring thestructure the group began to hypothesize and theorize (with
no definitive conclusion) the intended purpose of this curious
enigma of history. And to this day, though they do make good
root cellars, nobody knows beyond a shadow of a doubt the
true origin or purpose of these relics.
Root cellars are built and used as a place to store the bounty
of a harvest . Yet curiously, Putnam County, a region sparsely
settled until the mid-1700s and most unsuited to farming
Written by Tim Stanley [email protected]
A Root Cellar to Unravel the World:
An Outdoor Odysseydue its very rocky topography, has the highest density of these
structures than anywhere else. With over 100 of these stone
chambers dotting the county, one could speculate that an
entrepreneurial group of men with beastly oxen, an array o
sturdy tools and strong backs made a successful professionof building these structures for struggling farmers. Many
certainly were built in colonial times as evidenced by drill
hole marks -- even though there is little documentation o
their construction. Others of these stone chambers have no
discernible tool marks and some of the stones are still in their
natural state. This scant evidence and other clues indicate
some of the chambers may be more ancient in origin, perhaps
a prototype to imitate.
A number of theories abound as to their origins. Maybe they
were built by Native Americans and used as winter burial
chambers or for ceremonial purposes. Another theory saysthey were built by an ancient European settlement of Celts
who used them to honor their sun god, Bel, during seasonal
solstices and equinoxes. Yet another theory suggests they
were constructed by the Vikings and used as religious
observatories. Of course, we cant dismiss the popular idea
that they were built by colonists for root cellars. Speculations
are as endless as the imagination can wander. But the fac
remains that very few academic studies have been done on
the stone chambers of Putnam County.
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
12/19
12 Pathways Fall 2014
A case study in local history, these stone chambers
encompass history, archeology, literature, architecture,
engineering, environmental science, and a wide discipline
of subject matter that only outdoor education can fully
embrace. Education in the outdoors awakens our powers
of observation to speculate, surmise, and theorize, to
seek out answers to questions. An entire high schoolcurriculum could revolve around this oddity in the
outdoors, or a college thesis could delve into this errant
mystery of humanity. All this from simple stone structures
that have left scant clues of their origins or their makers.
Quite simply dismissed as root cellars, they may have
much more history to teach. Not knowing is where the
excitement abounds... the thrill to solve the riddle which
so far has no definitive answer.
The stone chambers bring alive the imagination and Im
reminded of a childhood story by Dr. Seuss called McElligots
Pool. It tells the story of a young boy fishing in a smallpool with no hopes of catching a fish, yet his imagination
leads him on an adventure filled with possibilities, because
all water in nature connects with other water. Indeed,
in nature, there are endless connections... natural and
historical, archeological, anthropological and geological.
Each and every time we step outside, our imaginations are
free to wander through our own personal outdoor odyssey
to seek answers to questions, questions if answered, could
unravel mysteries and reveal new information, changing
what we thought we knew of the world.
References
Cook, Thaddeus and Doyle, Barbara. Stone Chambers in
Putnam Valley. Putnam Valley: Putnam Valley Historical
Society, 1990.
Maxson, Thomas. Highlands Preservation, The Corbelled
Stone Chambers of Kent, Putnam County, New York, Kent, NY,
2006-2010
Kilgannon, Corey. Putnams Mysterious Chambers of Stone.
New York Times, April 22nd2001.
NYSOEAs WinterWeekend
at theTACONIC OUTDOOR
EDUCATION CENTER
Cold Spring, NY
Camp for Grown-ups
February 20th22nd, 2015
Come enjoy hikes, crafts, nature programs,campre sing along, good food, comfy lodging,
and great company!
- Student discounts; weekend and daily rates -
For more informationor to sign up to lead a workshop,
email Kate Brill:[email protected]
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
13/19
13Pathways Fall 2014
In a climate of changing academic priorities and budget
cuts, field trips to parks, forests, beaches, and zoos have
been reduced or eliminated by many school districts. Based
on two decades of research, Gerald Lieberman provides the
context, evidence, and imperative to re-integrate the local
environment into interdisciplinary academic instruction to
create more meaningful, authentic experiences to engage
students.
Following a brief introduction by Richard Louv that sets the
books hopeful tone, Lieberman provides a succinct summary
of the current environmental issues facing us. Then, using
examples from Pennsylvania and California, the only two
states to adopt environment-based standards prior to the
Next Generation Science Standards, he showed how the local
environment can be connected to human and natural systems
thinking. For instance, sixth grade students in Californiaconnected information about early civilizations such as
Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Kush to agriculture in Californias
Great Central Valley. This is followed by a clear two-page
table tracing the journey of environment-focused learning
programs from Nature Study (late 1800s) to Environment-
based Education (1997).
Extensively researched and thoroughly indexed, Education
and the Environment provides the evidence of how the
environment as integrating context process works as well
Seasonal Book Review
Education and the Environment:
Creating Standards-Based Programs
in Schools and DistrictsBy Gerald A. Lieberman
Paperback: 250 pages
ISBN-13: 9781612506296
Publisher: Harvard Education
Publishing Group (H E P G)
Publication date: November 2013
This book is available from various
online retailers as a paperback and
is also available as a Nook eBook.
Reviewed by Jessica R. Kratz [email protected]
as a blueprint for how other schools and districts
can implement projects and engage community
stakeholders. Touting three key benefits: increased
academic achievement, improved engagement and
behavior, and better college and career preparation
Lieberman goes on to walk the reader through
many amazing examples of successful student
engagement in environmental service learningsuch as the Armunchee Elementary School in
Rome, GA, whose students, following a trip to the
Arrowhead EE Center, successfully persuaded the
state legislature to name the green tree frog the
states official amphibian. Another example is the
Concrete Middle School in Washington State, where students
applied math to measuring trail distance and coming up with
itemized supplies and materials costs integral to securing
grant funding to build a nature trail adjacent to the school.
Liebermans book is a dense but swift read that clearly
demonstrates his thesis that standards- based instruction
and learning about the environment need not be mutually
exclusive. Education and the Environment is a must read for
both formal and non-formal educators and administrators
It is fresh, contemporary, and fills a void that once existed
among EE resources. It will inspire classroom teachers to
embrace the outdoors as a delightful setting for standards-
based learning and will give them the references and the
imperative to justify such explorations to their higher-
ups. Administrators will find the resource insightful and
enlightening and may find projects and community partners
that are replicable and fundable. Non-formal educators andadministrators will be delighted by the bridge that Education
and the Environment helps re-establish and can use the
books examples and imperative to bring greater numbers of
eager learners back to learning outdoors.
Note: A 13-minute webcast, Learning Outside the Box, featuring
Gerald A. Lieberman discussing Education and the Environment
is produced by the Harvard Graduate School, and is available at
http://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/13/12/harvard-edcast
learning-outside-box
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
14/19
14 Pathways Fall 2014
SNAPSHOT OF OUR2014 CONFERENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS
For consistent workshops throughout the years at annual conferences
and Winter Weekend celebrations, generosity of spirit, years of
mentoring others, and serving as a 2014 Keynote Speaker, MaryLynne
Malone nominated Andy Angstrom, a Founding Member of NYSOEA
and Educator of Outdoor Educators, for the Outdoor Educator Award.
The Champlain Area Trails [CATS], led by Executive
Director Chris Maron, was founded in 2009 with the goal of
connecting communities, in a literal and figurative sense,
by conserving land and creating and maintaining a network
of multi-use trails throughout the Champlain Valley in
Essex County, NY. In that short time, CATS has developed
35 miles of trails that when added to existing trails, gets it
halfway toward the long-envisioned goal of a 30-mile trail
loop between Westport and Essex. CATS will extend its
trails to neighboring towns and eventually connect them to
trails in the Adirondack Mountains, Vermont, and Quebec.
For tremendous vision and energy in promoting outdoor
recreation, community partnership, and economic vitality in
the northern region, Brian DeGroat nominated Chris Maron
and CATS for the Environmental Impact Award.
Outdoor Educator Award
Andy Angstrom
Environmental Impact Award
Chris Maron
From left: Chris Maron, Executive Director, CATS; Brian DeGroat,
Northern Region Representative; Tim Stanley, NYSOEA President;
Marty Strong, Awards Committee.
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
15/19
15Pathways Fall 2014
Mel Morris shakes hands with NYSOEA President Tim Stanley
Tim Grant and Gail Littlejohn launched Green Teacher magazine in 1991, and since that time, have provided a platform that
enabled more than 1000 youth educators from across the United States and Canada to share their expertise with a much
larger audience. They also co-edited 6 popular books that have sold over 60,000 copies. Additionally, Green Teacher will
be providing digital subscriptions to each affiliate member of NYSOEA, helping to further share the wealth of knowledge
and experience gathered in each publication. Since 2010, Tim has continued as Green Teachers editor and Gail now edits
conference materials for a health sciences institute. For over two decades of consistent content, leadership, and support of
the environmental education community, Tim Stanley nominated Tim Grant and Gail Littlejohn of GreenTeacher magazine
for the Art and Literary Award.
Mel Morris is highly deserving of the Leadership Award for his creation of the Open Space Stewardship Program, which
has provided a countless number of teachers and students with opportunities to create and participate in environmental
research projects on undeveloped land on Long Island. Founded in 2006, the OSSP currently has approximately 35
schools, and more than 3000 students, are actively participating in the OSSP, with even more students having been given
opportunities for hands-on scientific exploration in their backyard, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and respect for
open space, while providing them with the knowledge and skills to be successful in future careers in science and technology.
Mels vision to connect teachers and students to their community, deep concern for the Pine Barrens, and his passion and
determination to keep the OSSP program thriving is why Jolene Thompson nominated him for the Leadership Award.
Art & Literary Award
Tim Grant &Gail LittlejohnGreen Teacher Magazine
Leadership Award
Melvyn Morris
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
16/19
16 Pathways Fall 2014
Mark Your Calendars!
In a speech invoking the eponymous Dolly Parton song, the question was begged, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene oh where do
we begin? Enthusiastic, upbeat, and easy to work with, she has done many little things that have made NYSOEA a whole
lot better. From capturing much of the annual conference paperwork into Dropbox and other formats that can be readily
shared with each subsequent conference committee to building an organized and cohesive framework for the Development
committee to increase the profitability and excitement of auctions, Jolene keeps NYSOEA moving forward. With her keen
attention to detail, Jolene has worked with subsequent conference committees to make sure things move forward smoothly.She advocates for activities that add value to conferences, such as evening entertainment and Authors and Artists corner,
and strives to provide the best NYSOEA experience for all members. For these reasons, Jessica Kratz nominated Jolene
Thompson for the NYSOEA Service Award.
Service Award
Jolene ThompsonFrom left: MaryLynne Malone, Past President and AwardsCommittee Chair; Tim Stanley, NYSOEA President; Jolene
Thompson, VP Program; Marty Strong, Awards Committee
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
17/19
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
18/19
18 Pathways Fall 2014
Advertising in PathwaysPATHWAYS welcomes advertisements which
will be of interest to the membership of
NYSOEA. If you have a product, service,
equipment, resource, program, etc. that you
would like to share with our membership via
an advertisement, we can receive it through
any of the following ways.
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (607) 753-5982
Mail: Darleen M. Lieber
Ref: Pathways Advertisement / Article
SUNY Cortland RPLS Dept.
PO Box 2000, Cortland, NY 13045
Invitation for Articles and NewsThe PATHWAYS team is always eager to hear from members
and publish the articles that they have authored or news
or event announcements that they would like to share with
fellow members. We invite you to send your submission for
our next issue. Simply send us the text with any supporting
material -- pictures, newspaper clippings, and more. We can
receive it in any of the ways listed below.
NYSOEA Executive BoardPresident Tim Stanley
VP Administration Nicki Bogie
VP Communication Eric Powers
VP Human Resources Jessica Kratz
VP Program - Jolene Thompson
Secretary - Loren Smith
Treasurer - Elizabeth Van Acker
Office - Darleen Lieber
Regional DirectorsEastern - Kate Brill
Metro - Sunny Corrao
Northern - Brian DeGroat
Western - Kimberly May &
Caryn Corriere
Central - Josh Teeter
2014 Annual NYSOEA ConferenceLaura Carey
Marsha Guzewich
Fred vonMechow
Materials should be typed. Please include a
short biographical section about the author
of the article. References cited in the article
should be listed at the end of the article, APA
style.
(ISSN 1077-5100) PATHWAYS is published
four times a year by the New York State
Outdoor Education Association and is emailed
to NYSOEA members. Opinions expressed
by contributors are theirs solely and not
necessarily those of the Editorial Board of
PATHWAYS or of NYSOEA. Advertisements
included in PATHWAYS should not be
interpreted as endorsement of the product(s)
by NYSOEA.
Kate was born in the Finger Lakes region and grew up in
the Hudson Valley. She attended Binghamton University,
where she received a B.S. in Environmental Science. After
completing an SCA internship at Scenic Hudson she
moved to Portland, Oregon where she attended Lewisand Clark College for a Masters in the Art of Teaching
for 7-12 Integrated Science. After teaching Biology and IB
Environmental Science for a year, Kate moved back to New
York to be closer to family and begin her career at Scenic
Hudson as the Education Outreach Coordinator. She is
thrilled to be back hiking in the Hudson Valley with her dog,
Jozy, spending time by the Hudson River, and working with a
great network of outdoor educators.
Kate Brill, Eastern Region [email protected]
New Regional Director:
PathwaysIssue Editors
Jessica Kratz
Maren V. Morsch
Graphic Designer
Matthew Fraher
Content Editors
Sarah Conley
Darleen Lieber
Jill EisensteinRichard Parisio
Benette Whitmore, Ph. D.
Online Content/
Marketing Manager
Jonathan Duda
Contributing Past Editors
Frank Knight
Snapper Petta
8/10/2019 Pathways Fall 2014
19/19
On November 5, 2015, the Paul F-Brandwein Institute will convene a three-day Summit, NorthAmerican Actions to Inspire a New Generation, at the National Conservation Training Center, Shep-
erdstown, West Virginia. Over 200 key stakeholders will participate in the task of designing an action
plan to build life-long relationships with nature for current
and future generations. The World Parks Congress, to be
held in 2014 in Sydney, Australia, will set the stage for the
Summit by focusing a major strand on Inspiring a New Gen-
eration. The 2015 Brandwein Summit will build on the is-
sues identified by the Congress and determine specific
strategies to address them.
The major objectives of the 2015 Summit are
Convene key North American stakeholders to embrace
the Inspiring a New Generation Movement.
Develop a North American Action Agenda that defines
the opportunities for various stakeholders to contribute
to this movement and communicate the agenda to a
wide audience.
Share innovative best practices in connecting people with nature, including engaging new partners
and sectors of society that have been underrepresented in nature conservation fields.
Identify barriers to be overcome and motivators to build lasting connections with people to nature.
Engage young people to share knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, build capacity, take leader-
ship, and inspire others to connect with nature through international and intergenerational partner-
ships.
Naonal Conservaon Training Center, Sheperd-
stown, West Virginia, site of the 2005 Conservaon
Summit and the upcoming Summit in 2015.
The 2015 Summit will mark the ten-year anniver-
sary of the Brandwein Institutes Conservation
Learning Summit: A Re-Commitment to the Future
that brought together representatives from govern-
ment and public agencies, business, academia, and
philanthropy to form partnerships to re-connect
youth with nature and prepare a future work force
to take care of the nations natural resources. Also
held at the National Conservation Training Center,
the 2005 Summit established the groundwork and
identified the audience for the upcoming Summit.Parcipants at the 2005 Conservaon Learning Summit.