PLEASE NOTE: AGENDA SUBJECT TO CHANGE
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012
Registration: 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors Launch Event – Natural Connections Virtual Conference: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join students from the US and Canada as they share art and experiences from CLL programs across North America.
Join WHC for a web-based learning event to launch its collaboration with partners of the Get to Know Your Wild Neighbours Society. Students from Tennessee, Florida and Maryland will share digital photographs gathered through the dynamic and engaging “Watchable Wildlife”™ curriculum. Teachers will then share how this nature study opportunity linked to lessons in the classroom and the respective outdoor learning centers. Witness how creativity can spark deep learning and how creative arts and technology can support learning goals across academic disciplines, including environmental studies, math, and science—bringing us all closer to nature.
Lunch: 12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
Watchable Wildlife Training: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Join Watchable Wildlife president Jim Mallman for a training session in this unique curriculum and program that addresses the growing need to reconnect our young people with the great natural world. Digital Bridge to Nature© has introduced over 1,000 educators to the concept of merging the popular electronic devices and social media with digital wildlife/nature photography. Watchable Wildlife, Inc. is committed to helping local communities realize the economic potential of nature-related recreation while conserving native plants and animals in their natural habitats. You will also learn how your local resources may be used to build an economic base for supporting habitat conservation in your community by partnering with Watchable Wildlife.
Overview – How Watchable Wildlife Fits into Get to Know: 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Sandy Frost of the U.S. Forest Service will conduct an overview of how the Watchable Wildlife curriculum might be used in conjunction with the Get to Know Your Wild Neighbors art contest and will introduce the audience to Mary Krupa-Clark, Director of Get to Know, Canada. The audience will learn the philosophy of the Get to Know program, receive information on the contest and resources available, and be invited to participate in the Get to Know contest. Discussions will continue throughout the following day on further ways to integrate art, such as Get to Know activities, into existing programs, adding creativity to experiential nature study.
Day One of Conference Adjourns: 4:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012
Registration: 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Welcome and Overview of Process: 8:30 – 8:45 a.m.
WHC Staff & Board representative, as well as a representative from Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
The Next Generation of Scientists & Conservationists: 8:45 – 9:00 a.m.
Case Studies: 9:00 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Members of the Wildlife Habitat Council will present case studies showcasing the various types of site-based education programs offered on corporate habitats, incorporating various types of partnerships to meet both community needs and the goals of the corporate sponsor. Following each presentation, a brief discussion will take place to explore how learning experiences that include the arts (including programs such as Get to Know, Watchable Wildlife and others) can augment experiential learning for that particular audience. Case studies will include:
- Carol Rose, Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Warren Plant BEECH – Standards-based education with a school district partner
- Dennis Johnson, Unimin Corporation, Cleburne Plant – Scouting programs that build community relations & enhance habitat
- Maria Revetta, PPG Industries, Inc., Monroeville Chemicals Center – Informal education that informs and engages all ages through a multifaceted program
- John Regan, Lafarge, Ravena Plant – Teaching through sense of place: linking ecology, history & more for a deeper experience
- Jim Myers, Chevron, Cincinnati Facility – Research-based program with university students
- Daniel Goldfarb, Wildlife Habitat Council – Employee-based education
- Bridget Burnell, General Motors LLC, Lansing Delta Township – Incorporating education into your habitat management plan
Lunch: 12:10 – 1:15 p.m.
Roundtable Discussion: 1:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Wrap-up & Closing Remarks: 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
