Become a Birder and You’ll Never Look Back – unless there’s something calling over your shoulder

Here is another entry from Jamey (Graham) Emmert, our resident bird nerd and Wildlife District Three's Wildlife Communication Specialist.

Eastern phoebe

“Fee-bee!” I walked out the front door of my office in Akron on March 26 to hear the sweet sound of an Eastern phoebe calling his heart out. Spring has finally arrived!  My much-needed and more frequent jaunts outdoors to enjoy what the vernal equinox has to offer brought with them many gifts. I served as witness to nesting red-shouldered hawks, an influx of yellow-bellied sapsuckers, and a chubby little winter wren bouncing about the brush, all in just one week!

As you may have noticed, I’m a birder or as my friends warmly refer to me, a bird nerd. There is seldom an excursion, whether it’s hiking or shopping, when I don’t have my binoculars within reach. It’s an incurable, contagious, and wonderful state of mind with which you must associate yourself if you haven’t already and now is the time. Males are currently dressing into breeding colors making them readily identifiable with the proper guidebook or guide-person, the weather is gorgeous even on a rainy day, and many of the birds here now will likely stay throughout the summer and into early fall at least. This gives you plenty of time to get to know these feathered gems.

For a good look, grab a good pair of binoculars (graduate to the next level of birder by calling them “bins”) and by good, something along the lines of 8x40 will do well. Read more about choosing binoculars on page 22 of the Wild Ohio magazine Spring Issue.

Start watching around your house or local park or better yet, if you’re a teacher, your school grounds. If watching bird feeders near a house, nature center, or school building (which you should), you’ll likely encounter cardinals, blue jays, house and song sparrows, house and gold finches, black-capped chickadees, tufted titmice, red-bellied and downy woodpeckers, and white-breasted nuthatches. (side note: the Ohio Division of Wildlife administers the WILD Schools Sites program which encourages school communities to attract and learn about wildlife; funding is available. Read more at ohioprojectwild.org).

Red-bellied woodpecker

A simple field guide to watching Ohio’s backyard birds is something to have in your pocket to get started with field identification and to make notes so you can journal your experience. Once your comfort level with feeder visitors peaks, head out to different habitat like a woodlot or marsh to gain some new species.

A mix of wet and forested habitat is always a good birding spot.

 

Have fun, enjoy the fresh air, and be amazed at how many wonderful creatures are flitting about that you might have otherwise missed! You’re sure to see other wildlife like deer, coyotes, snakes, and frogs which keeps things very entertaining.

While flying solo (pun intended) can be great for the mind, so too can sharing the joy of birding with friends, family members, and students in your life, so please pass it forward when you can.

To read more about birding in Ohio, visit wildohio.com and click on ‘Experience Wildlife.’

For educational resources on birds in Ohio visit www.ohioprojectwild.org

WILD School Sites Part 4--Stepping Stones, Animal Tracks Plot, and Maintenance

This is the fourth article in a series on WILD School Sites, or outdoor classrooms. WILD School Sites are locations that can be used by students, teachers, and the school community as places to learn about wildlife and the environment. The first thing to do when developing a site is to formulate a plan. You can contact your district Wildlife Communication Specialist, who can walk you through the process to help ensure success.

So what type of project should you do?

Remember, no two sites are the same, so each site will consist of different projects. Available resources, such as time, money, space, and labor, will also play a role in what projects are chosen. Last month’s article focused on brush piles, perching wires, and viewing blinds as an inexpensive and quick way to get your site up and running. This month we will look at a few more projects which can be completed as well as some important thoughts for those who already have sites.

Cementing your legacy

www.whitbyschool.org
 

Stepping stones help provide a visual and functional walking path through your site. This can be especially important in the early stages of a project when young plants are still frail. Stepping stones can also help with established sites by leading participants from one project to the next.

There are numerous kits available, or you can build your own with old plastic planter saucers or cake pans. Directions can be found on various sites online. After the mold is filled, wait for 30-60 minutes before proceeding. Once the cement has started to set, the students can proceed with decorating the stepping stones. Virtually anything can be used to decorate the steps. Leaves, animal tracks, insect replicas, or any other outdoor learning device can be incorporated into the stepping stones.

Sneaky visitors

Many species of animals are wary of humans and can be quite elusive. Creating an animal track plot is an inexpensive and fun way to learn what types of animals pass through your site. Students and educators are often amazed at the species that live around them.

Begin by clearing an area at least 3ft. by 3ft. of all grass and vegetation. A raised bed can also be constructed using landscape timbers. The area should then be filled with clay soil 2-3 inches deep. Be sure to rake the soil smooth and moisten the soil so it is soft enough for animals to leave impressions.

To increase the number and types of animals that visit your plot, try using various types of bait to lure wildlife in. For additional learning opportunities, keep records of what animals visit the site. Students can also create molds of the animal tracks using plaster of Paris.

Don’t walk away

Whether you are just starting out, or a seasoned veteran, WILD School Sites need to be maintained or they will become an overgrown patch of weeds. Maintenance really depends on what projects have been included in the site. This time of year, many species of bushes, including butterfly bushes, can be trimmed. Consult a garden book or website for other species. Warm season grasses can also be trimmed. Now is also a great time to start placing orders for perennials. Stick with native species if possible. Native plants will benefit more wildlife than non-native plants. Also, some non-native plants can become invasive. Native plants are also better adapted to local weather and pests so they require less water and chemicals.

If your site has nest boxes for birds, now is an excellent time to clean those boxes and remove any old nesting material, insect nests, and repair any damage that may have occurred over the winter. Nesting birds such as bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, house wrens, and tree swallows are beginning to look for nesting sites. So be sure to be ready for them.

A Final Thought

Although most WILD School Sites contain multiple projects that can take years to develop from start to finish, stepping stones and animal track plots offer an opportunity to start educating youth about Ohio’s wildlife at any time of the year. They are relatively inexpensive, easily constructed, and can be used at virtually any site. As the weather begins to warm, don’t forget to take students outside and perform some general maintenance on your site. For more information about these projects or other WILD School Site projects, contact your district’s Wildlife Communications Specialist.

WILD School Sites-Part 3--Brush Piles, Birds on a Wire, and Blinds

This is the third article in a series on WILD School Sites, or outdoor classrooms. WILD School Sites are locations that can be used by students, teachers, and the school community as places to learn about wildlife and the environment. The first thing to do when developing a site is to formulate a plan. You can contact your district Wildlife Communication Specialist, who can walk you through the process to help ensure success.

So what type of project should you do?

Remember, no two sites are the same, so each site will consist of different projects. Available resources, such as time, money, space, and labor, will also play a role in what projects are chosen. Last month’s article focused on bird feeders as an inexpensive and quick way to get your site up and running. This month we will look at a few more projects which can be completed at any time of the year and at very little expense.

Brush Piles or an Unkempt Mess?

Constructing brush piles is another low cost way of adding habitat to almost any site. Properly constructed brush piles are a great source of cover and protection for a myriad of wildlife species, including rabbits and songbirds. However, the line between a habitat project and a pile of yard waste is sometimes in the eye of the beholder. A little neighborly courtesy can go a long way toward preventing complaints. Before constructing brush piles, have the students write cards or letters to the neighbors explaining what you are doing, and how it will benefit local wildlife.

Legget Street Elementary, Wauseon, OH

When constructing a brush pile, begin by building a foundation by crisscrossing logs in a log cabin fashion. This frame will support limbs and branches which will provide protection from predators, and still maintain useful cavities for wildlife to hide in. If no logs are available, an artificial base can be constructed using cement blocks. Continue to add branches and limbs until the pile is 5-10 feet high. Brush piles will usually last 3 to 5 years, before they will need to be rebuilt.

Birds on a Wire

Perching wires are a great low cost project for your WILD School Site. They are cheap to construct, can be done at any time of the year, and provide a lot of learning opportunities for kids. Have you ever discovered an errant plant growing in an unexpected spot? Ever wonder how all those trees get started along fencerows? The answer: birds. Many species of plants have adapted a unique way to spread their seeds. They provide birds with a tasty fruit which contains seeds. Those seeds, however, cannot be digested by the bird. When the seeds pass through the birds, they get deposited in new locations, fertilizer included.

To construct a perching wire, simply stretch a cable or wire between posts that are around 10 feet apart. Sometimes old cable or wire can be found lying around and reused. Care should be taken to ensure that the cable is in an area where kids won’t unknowingly run into it. Another option is to place the wire high enough off the ground so kids can’t become entangled. Next, simply clear a strip of vegetation three feet wide underneath the length of the wire. A rototiller works great, but isn’t necessary. Have the students keep records on what species of birds they see on the wire. Then have them record what types of plants begin growing underneath the wire to learn what foods those birds prefer.

Observation Blinds

Cloverleaf Elem. School, Lodi, Ohio

Observation blinds, or bird blinds, are a way for kids to become “invisible” to the wildlife using your site. Blinds can be more costly than the other projects we have discussed so far, but can easily be constructed at any time of the year and during any phase of the plan. Observation blinds are more crucial for sites that are located in wide open areas far from classrooms. Also, let’s face it, sometimes kids can have a little trouble keeping still for longer periods of time. Blinds offer a solution for kids to observe and record wildlife.



Blinds can be located anywhere wildlife frequent: bird feeders, brush piles, around ponds, and gardens. Observation blinds can be temporary or permanent, large or small, cheap or expensive. For a blind that younger kids can help construct, first erect a wooden frame and cover it with chicken wire. Have the kids help attach leaves, sticks, and grasses to the wire. More elaborate blinds can be constructed using lumber for the side. Whatever type of blind you choose to construct be sure to leave a small open area for observation. A small bench or chairs add a nice finishing touch. 

A Final Thought

Although most WILD School Sites contain multiple projects that can take years to develop from start to finish, brush piles, perching wires, and observation blinds offer an opportunity to start educating youth about Ohio’s wildlife at any time of the year. They are relatively inexpensive, easily constructed, and can be used at virtually any site. For more information about these projects or other WILD School Site projects, contact your district’s Wildlife Communications Specialist.

So You Spot A Coyote. What Should You Do?

Ohio wildlife biologists are frequently contacted by concerned residents who spot coyotes. Yes, frequently, but this is not cause for alarm. Coyotes are highly adaptable animals that are regularly viewed by humans throughout the state. Here are a few steps to keep in mind when you encounter a coyote in the Buckeye State.

1. Understand that coyotes are common throughout Ohio’s 88 counties and are even regularly seen within city limits. Read more about coyotes at www.wildohio.com
2. There are no wolves living in the wild in Ohio.
3. If you spot a coyote on your property, make sure to remove all “attractants” to deter the coyote from returning. This includes removing garbage and pet food before nightfall and cleaning up around the grill.
4. Coyotes prey primarily on small mammals such as rabbits and mice. However, interactions with domestic pets do occur sometimes.  Keep small dogs and cats inside or leash them when outside.
5. Occasionally, an inquisitive coyote will stay put and watch you curiously. Clap your hands and shout; the coyote will likely move on at this point. 
6. If the coyote visiting your yard does not respond to harassment techniques such as loud noises or is presenting a conflict even after removing attractants from your yard, contact a nuisance trapper. You can locate a trapper on our website at www.wildohio.com  For a fee, these nuisance trappers use highly regulated techniques to reduce urban wildlife conflicts. Coyote populations in rural areas can be managed through legal hunting and trapping methods. Consult the yearly Ohio Hunting andTrapping Regulations digest for more information.

 

coyote

Thank you to Jamey Emmert for this post. Jamey is the Wildlife Communications Specialist in our District Three office.

For the Love of Skunks!

Skunk love is in the air on this Valentine's Day. Literally! Have you noticed an increase in these odiferous creatures this time of year? That's because it's breeding season for skunks in Ohio in late February.


The common Striped Skunk

The striped skunk is the only native skunk found in Ohio. Found throughout most of North America, it is one of four species of skunks on this continent. They include the more southern spotted skunk, and the southwestern hooded and hog-nosed skunks.  All are members of the Mephitidae family, which is Latin for "stench."  All skunks have a gland around their anus that is capable of projecting a foul-smelling secretion up to 15 feet.  This defense mechanism, while rarely used, is what makes the skunk an unlikely prey for most predators.  Animals remember the bold black and white stripes and learn from experience to stay away.  The exception is the great horned owl.  Since owls have little to no sense of smell, they could care less about getting sprayed.  Just ask the unfortunate grad student who has to conduct nest surveys on great horned owls.

Skunks are not true hibernators.  They do, however, take a lot of really long naps.  They will store up body fat for the winter and, when the weather is bad, will take to their dens for weeks to a month at a time.  By the time February rolls around, they are ready to roam about looking for love.  Skunks are omnivores and will eat just about anything they come across.  However, they have pretty poor eyesight.  You might notice an increase in road kill skunks this time of year as they are out wandering around looking for food and a mate. And, like our friend Pepe Le Pew, the males are promiscuous, mating with several females during the season.  Gestation is approximately two months and the females give birth to litters of 2-10 young.  They are born hairless and with eyes closed and remain in the den for about 6 weeks.  They are weaned at 6 weeks and begin to join their mother on her nightly ramblings.



This famous "Looney Tunes" skunk was always looking for love in all the wrong places.

Striped skunks are very adaptable and can become habituated to humans and their trash, pet food, and other sources of food.  In particular, they love our nicely manicured lawns, which tend to be full of grubs in the spring.  If you notice some morning that your lawn looks like someone went over it with a spade, you've probably had a visit from a family of skunks in the night.  They use their long claws and heavily padded feet to tear up your sod and eat the grubs of Japanese beetles and other yard bugs.  While you can probably appreciate the reduction of the grubs, it doesn't look pretty.  There's not much we can do about it except to let them pass on by.  After all, would you want to try to persuade a skunk to leave?

For more information about Ohio's striped skunk, and other Ohio mammals, check out our A to Z Species Guide.  And Happy Valentine's Day!

WILD School Sites, Part Two

This is Part Two of John Windau's series on the development of a WILD School Site.

 Bird Houses and Feeders, Not Just for the Birds

Last month we introduced a series on WILD School Sites, or outdoor classrooms. WILD School Sites are locations that can be used by students, teachers, and the school community as places to learn about wildlife and the environment. The first thing to do when developing a site is to formulate a plan. You can contact your district WildlifeCommunication Specialist, who can walk you through the process to help ensure success.

But what type of project should you do?

No two sites are the same. So each site will consist of different projects. Available resources, such as time, money, space, and labor, will certainly play a role in what projects are chosen. Perhaps the easiest project, and one that can be done anywhere, is to install bird feeders and bird houses. Bird feeders and houses are relatively cheep, err I mean cheap, can be put up in a few minutes, and can be installed any time of the year. Bird feeders are also one of the quickest ways to attract wildlife to your facility. Because of this, they are a great first step while the rest of the site is still in the planning or developmental stages.

How do you use bird feeders and houses for education?

The number of lessons that can be done with bird feeders and bird houses is staggering. Lesson plans can easily be developed from early childhood all the way up through high school. Some examples include keeping track of the number of birds or species that visit the bird feeder, or tracking the number of birds or species through different seasons. Install multiple feeders, and fill them with different types of food. Determine what types of birds use the different feeders and analyze the different beak adaptations for the different food types.

To buy, or not to buy? That is the question.

Obviously, the quickest way to install both bird houses and feeders is to purchase them. There are numerous styles and sizes available to fit into almost any budget. There are a few key areas to pay attention to. First, what species of birds are you interested in attracting? Birds use different types of houses, eat different types of food, and prefer different types of feeders. Generally you will have better success trying to attract birds that already frequent your area. For an interactive guide about birds in Ohio and their habitats, visit the Division of Wildlife’s webpage at wildohio.com. The Division also has a great guide available on how to attract birds in Ohio.

Next is size. For bird feeders, there are several bird feeders on the market that are quite small and dainty. In order to keep your birds’ interest, it is important to keep the feeder filled. Although kids enjoy filling bird feeders, one that is too small may need filled too frequently to be practical. In contrast, when a feeder is too large, food can become wet and may begin to spoil.

Purchasing bird houses and feeders is not the only option, though. Many educators prefer to have their feeders and houses constructed, either by the students themselves, or in cooperation with local 4H clubs or scout troops. In fact, one great way to involve the whole school community is to have the shop class build the boxes and feeders. Plans for bird houses and feeders can be found throughout the internet, or on the Division of Wildlife’s webpage. Younger students can also construct feeders and houses for birds. There are several “kid friendly” designs available. Better yet, have students utilize recycled materials to construct bird houses or feeders for use at school or home. Houses and feeders can be constructed from margarine tubs, milk cartons, coffee cans, and even soda bottles. Plans are available from a variety of sources on the web.

A bird in hand…

Although most WILD School Sites contain multiple projects that can take years to develop from start to finish, birds feeders and houses offer an opportunity to start educating youth about Ohio’s wildlife right now. They are relatively inexpensive, easily obtained or constructed, and can be placed in virtually any location. The Division of Wildlife’s guide Attracting Birds in Ohio contains additional information on placement, maintenance, and care of your feeders and houses. For more information about this project or other WILD School Site projects, contact your district’s WildlifeCommunications Specialist.

Photos taken from the Ohio Division of Wildlife's online Photo Gallery at www.wildohio.com

WILD School Sites

 

Another guest author, John Windau, Wildlife Communications Specialist in District Two, writes about the appeal, benefits and process of creating a WILD School Site in Ohio.  Look for more upcoming articles from John on this topic.

If you ask someone to describe the world around them, most will describe buildings, streets, bridges, and other structures of human endeavor. Beyond that, fewer and fewer people remember that nature and wildlife still exist in and around the world we have constructed. WILD School Sites, land labs, outdoor classrooms; whatever name you use, these programs remind students and educators that nature exists everywhere. In addition, these sites offer a location for educators to enhance their curriculum by allowing students to apply new styles of learning. The new state standards call for project based learning. WILD School Sites offer one way educators can incorporate project based learning into their teaching.

So what are WILD School Sites and how are they used?

Although learning has always occurred outdoors, most formal education takes place inside a building. WILD School Sites offer a location near the school that can be used by students, teachers, and the school community as a place to learn about and benefit from wildlife and the environment. Every school, regardless of size or location, can provide outdoor educational opportunities that can and should be part of any integrated education program.

The WILD School Site program believes educators should incorporate students in the planning, design, and construction stages of the site. This provides an avenue for cooperative learning, hands-on activities, problem solving, and communication: all 21st century skills students will need.

In addition, outdoor areas provide a setting where the goals of different learning disciplines can be met. This is not just a science program. Math, social studies, language, visual art, as well as science, can all benefit from incorporating outdoor learning into the syllabus. These benefits continue beyond the construction phase. Educators and students continue to use the site to meet education objectives throughout the school year.

So, how do people get started?

Over the next several months, we will feature a series of articles highlighting a few projects which may work in your setting. It is important to remember that no two sites are the same, so each site will face different challenges; however, outdoor education is possible anywhere! There are no size restrictions either. Some sites are quite small, while others can encompass a large area. What is important is that students use the site to become more aware of the environment around them so, as adults, they are better able to make informed decisions.

The Division of Wildlife offers are variety of resources for educators interested in WILD School Sites including training, on-site consultations, start-up grants, and school certification. More information on WILD School Sites can be found at wildohio.com or contact your district’s Wildlife Communications Specialist.

Winter Adventures to Come

Another blog entry by our Outdoor Education Intern, Hannah George, about the many winter activities available across Ohio.  Enjoy!

                Well, it is officially the first day of winter and, since the world hasn’t come to an end, it is time to start thinking about what fun things you can do now that the weather has turned a bit cooler. While the normal happenings of winter consist of mostly indoor activities, there are still many opportunities to enjoy nature and all it has to offer.



Bobcat

One of my favorite things to do during the winter is to go for a hike at one of Ohio’s many wonderful state parks. There are so many great things to see during the winter, especially when there is snow on the ground. Animal tracks are much easier to spot, as is wildlife in general… well, the ones that aren’t hibernating anyway. I  think the snow-covered trees and shrubs are some of the prettiest sights to see, and they photograph very well. Waterfalls, which are great places to visit during the summer months, can also be amazing destinations during the winter. Some will even freeze solid, which is an impressive sight! Just make sure you dress for the weather with plenty of layers and wear a warm coat, hat, boots and gloves. You can always take off layers if you get too warm.

Northern cardinal

 

If wildlife is what you’re interested in, I would suggest visiting a park with a water source, like a lake or large river, that is not frozen over. These locations are magnets for birds, including waterfowl, as well as mammals. During the winter, water is often harder to find then food, especially for birds. (This is also a helpful hint for attracting birds to your own backyard during the winter. Try a heated bird bath this year and see the difference it makes.)

            If you are looking for some fun, free events for your kids, I would strongly suggest the Kids Christmas Bird Count on January 12^th at Magee Marsh in Northwest Ohio. This is a great opportunity for kids aged 8-12 to get outside and look for birds with an experienced birder. A lunch is provided, but make sure you pre-register.

           Another fun activity just for kids is the Kids in the Snow event at the Great Blue Heron Lodge in Northeast Ohio on January 13^th. This is a free event for kids where they will build Wood duck nest boxes to be placed in the preserved wetland areas. After building the nest boxes, the kids go on a hike to learn how to track different animals in the woods. Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided at the end to wrap up a very fun day.

          For additional information about the above listed events and for a full list of outdoor-related events, visit the ODNR Division of Wildlife web page and click on the “Calendar of Events” link at the bottom of the page.  To see a list of additional events at specific parks in Ohio, visit the ODNR Parks web page and click on the “What’s Going On” link on the right-hand side of the page.         

         Hopefully you have a few fun ideas for outdoor winter activities this year and, if you don’t find something that interests you here, there are plenty of other activities to be found on either the Parks or Wildlife web pages. Lastly, I just want to wish you all safe, Happy Holidays this year! Have a great time with family and friends and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Best Wishes!
Hannah

NAAEE 2012--Friday

Friday of the 2012 NAAEE conference were spent mostly learning about outdoor classrooms.

The most helpful sessions were put on by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  They have, or are involved in two excellent habitat education programs.

The first is the Pacific Region's Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide.  You can download a copy of the guide here.  This fantastic guide lays out the following 9 steps to a successful habitat project:

Step 1--Form a Team.  This is a critical first step that, if skipped, can really jeopardize the future of your site.  Many of these projects are championed by one enthusiastic teacher, typically the science teacher in the school.  But, if there is no formal committee or team to delegate projects and responsibilities to, to keep informed, to keep momentum, what happens when that teacher leaves the building or retires?  The project falls by the wayside.  I've seen this happen dozens of times and it's quite frustrating.  So, if you are interested in starting a habitat improvement project at your school, form a team or committee FIRST!

Step 2--Develop a Master Plan.  This can also make or break your plans.  I always like to say "Think BIG, Start small."  Having a Master Plan doesn't mean that once a project or idea is in the plan, you can't take it out or alter it.  Master Plans just help you stay focused and thoughtful in your efforts so that you're not wasting your time or energy going after "the next big idea."  Try to draft everything in a thoughtful, timeline oriented plan at the beginning.  You can always modify the plan as needed, but this way you'll have set goals and it won't be so overwhelming to you and your team.

Step 3--Assess Your Project Site.  You don't know where you can go until you know where you are.  This is also a great way to involve your students from the beginning.  You need to know what you have already, how you can use what you have already, then start planning on any modifications, additions, changes, etc.  Conduct soil testing, runoff calculations, plant and animal inventories, temperature variations from various parts of the site, sunlight exposure, water sources, accessibility issues, conflicts in use, and more.  You really need to get to know your site.  This can almost be done before your Master Plan, depending on what you're hoping to do.  At the very least, you can conduct your site assessment at the same time as your developing your Master Plan.

Step 4--Design Your Project.  This is the meat of the plan.  Create a map of your site, based on your site assessments of course.  Once you're map is done, start laying out the first few parts of your Master Plan.  Where are you going to put a butterfly garden?  Where can you put the frog pond? Do you need a foot bridge over that seasonal wet area behind the soccer field in order to get to the woods? Add it to the map!

Step 5--Decide Your Money Matters.  How much is it going to cost to do this?  This part can be overwhelming to your team.  But don't forget, Think BIG, Start small.  Break your plan into manageable, fundable parts.  Don't try to complete it all in one year.  You'll burn yourself out for sure.  Or worse, you'll burn out your team.  Settle on what parts of the plan you want to start with and find funding for those first.

Step 6--Install Project.  Do what you said you wanted to do! Have the students help as much as possible with this part too.  The more you involve your students, the more they will take ownership of the projects and the less likely you'll have vandalism issues, etc.  And it allows them to see the fruits of their labor.

Step 7--Create a Maintenance Plan.  One thing that is critical is to involve your maintenance staff as early in the process as possible.  If your maintenance staff doesn't know what's going on, or worse, doesn't approve or care about your project, it's going to be hard to keep your project maintained.  You and your students can only do so much.  Make sure you involve your maintenance crew in decisions about project placement as well as maintenance schedules.

Step 8--Use the Project.  Get outside with those students and use these wonderful sites! And their not just for science.  Art, writing, history, phys ed can all be taught using outdoor habitats.  Get creative, don't think of it as an extra thing you have to do with your students.  Just think of it as a different way of teaching. 

Step 9--Share Your Story.  For goodness sakes, show off your hard work!!  Tell people what you're doing, the benefits, the fun, the excitement of new and creative opportunities that you're creating for your students.  Have the students tell what their learning!  Create press releases, newspaper articles, conduct dedications of the site, make signs, invite the community to participate, toot your own horn!

These are all critical steps to a successful schoolyard habitat project.  The Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide provides helpful tips and tricks for conducting surveys of the schoolyard, field notes from experienced planners, and suggestions for projects on both urban and more rural sites that can utilize woodland, wetlands and meadows.  This guide is an invaluable tool for anyone planning an outdoor learning area.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife has a program called WILD School Sites that follows these same philosophies about outdoor areas, just a different name.  If you'd like to be involved in Ohio's program, contact us at 1-800-WILDLIFE or outdoor.education@dnr.state.oh.us  You can find more on our website at www.ohioprojectwild.org 



The second program I sat in on was a program called Nature Explore, which was actually developed by the National Arbor Day Foundation and has been championed by the USFWS in the form of several certified Nature Explore preschools at their facilities.  We heard about one at fish hatchery in Montana and the newest site at the National Conservation Training Center in West Virginia. 

These Nature Explore classrooms are fantastic for providing outdoor learning space for little ones.  They contain areas where kids can build things with natural materials, play in the dirt and mud, look at leaves, climb and explore logs and rocks, and generally enjoy themselves in unstructured play outside. 

If you're interested in learning more on how to become a certified Nature Explore classroom, check out their website at www.natureexplore.org

More on the local sites tomorrow.  Enjoy!

NAAEE 2012 EE--Certfication presentations

The primary reason for my attendance at this conference was to help present about Ohio's Environmental Education Certification program.  I was fortunate to be a part of the development of this program from the beginning and Jen Bucheit and I came out to sit in on two panel discussions to help other states that are interested in starting their own EE Certification program. They were called EE Certification 101 and 102.

If you're not familiar with the EE Certification program, it is a professional certification process that is guided and accredited by NAAEE across the country.  NAAEE provides the guidelines, standards, and general policies for an EE Certification program and it's the state affiliates' job to follow those guidelines and standards as they develop their programs in order to gain that accreditation. 

Ohio's program has been in development since 2006.  Our first pilot year was 2009 and we actually conducted two pilot years.  Our first full year was 2011 and we've just began our 2nd full year this past month.

The premise of the EE Certification program is to provide a professional certification to those working in the EE field.  Most professions have some sort of certification that provides consistency, best practices, and a general base knowledge that helps ensure that those in the field are all on the same page.  It lends credibility to the profession and it looks good on a resume'. 

Jen and I basically gave this information in our two sessions. We had fellow panel members from Kentucky, Utah, Maryland, Colorado and Pennsylvania to help with the presentation. There were a few states that had some questions, either because their state's programs were in disrepair or they didn't have a program at all. There were a lot of good discussions and it's always interesting to see how other states run their programs. Ours is fairly young and we "stole" ideas from several states, especially Kentucky. Collaboration is a great thing!

If you are someone who is new to the field of EE, would like to increase your own knowledge, boost your resume', are in need of professional development or graduate credit, and want to give yourself a competitive edge in the field, you can check out Ohio's EE Certification Program online at www.eeco-online.org   The fee is $500 and that includes your meals, lodging and materials for three in-person meetings with instructors and your cohort throughout the school year.  The syllabus and application are on the website.