Hands on the Land

The final destination in my research was Washington DC to complete my final study of environmental projects in the USA. Here I was hosted by Patti Pride who had organised an itinerary which provided a fantastic opportunity to meet with those who are instrumental in managing the programs across America. Patti’s wonderful contact network as the program manager National Environment Education Week, gave me the opportunity to gain an in depth insight into the very hub of Washington’s national programs for environmental education.

At the USDA Forest Service, I was privileged to meet the director, Safiya Samman, from whom I learned about the vast array of services and resources available from Forestry for environmental education programs. A meeting with Victoria Arthur, ‘Conservation Education Specialist’, created the opportunity for me to participate in two webinars, a very valuable experience in which I was able to share our work in establishing a ‘Children’s Forest’ in Western Australia and the environmental education programs occurring in Australian Schools. From the webinars I learned so much about the excellent projects in schools and forests in the USA and marvelled at the support being given by the USDA Forest Service.

Another highlight of the visit to the USDA Forest Service was to hear a presentation by Chris Fanning, the director of Outdoor Nation, who gave a report in which she showed a video of the 2010 Summit Conference which showcased youth as pioneers of the Outdoor Revolution. What was impressive was the diversity and numbers of participating young adults, their enthusiasm and commitment to make a difference and opportunity for young people to transfer their energy into action, creating training opportunities and ultimately careers. This left a profound impression, as this is an international theme for young people seeking employment: how do you turn your passion into your purpose?

A second experience organised by Patti, was to meet with Al Stenstrup, Director of the American Forest Foundation and Cathy McGlaflin, Senior Vice President of Education of Project Learning Tree. It was very impressive to see the huge environmental education resource this organization has developed for schools across the USA. From this meeting I learned of the work of over 1000 schools across the country which had signed to become 'Green Schools', each working towards reducing their environmental footprint. Each school was encouraged to take the Green School philosophy beyond the school site to the wider community, involving homes and building on to the environmental policies of local government and business to have a far-reaching effect.

Two arranged luncheons were planned by Patti to assist my research, the first gave me another excellent opportunity to meet the Directors and Program Managers of the National Environmental Education Foundation. Patti’s as role the coordinator in Partners of Resource Education, made it possible to hear of the comprehensive level of environmental education programs that run in partnership with schools. The range of interactive websites and school ‘hands-on’ projects bolstered by the availability of student grants and internships demonstrated the positive partnerships available for schools, students and young adults in the US.

The second luncheon meeting with the Smithsonian’s, Brigitte Blachere, gave yet another insight into the environmental and natural science education programs of the Smithsonian Institute. The very successful Smithsonian summer camps and sleepovers and the excellent programs developed by the Smithsonian Institute for schools and environmental organization catering for children and families were impressive in their diversity and detail. What was very interesting was the volunteer program at the Smithsonian, with each museum utilizing a vast number of the Institute’s trained volunteers to present their wonderful displays to the millions of visitors that flock to its seventeen museums.

My Heartfelt Thanks

The Washington visit was the final stage of my USA research into the Environmental Education Programs for young people. From Alaska to San Diego and across to Washington I have been over whelmed by the interest shown in my research and particularly I have been grateful for the generosity with which the people have made themselves available to share their experience and projects with me. To Jane and Dan Teague, homesteaders in Tok, Kat Haber, WILD Foundation in Homer, Alaska, the National Parks and Wildlife Refuges, One Cool Earth with its origins in a canyon in Santa Margarita, the World Forestry Center and Alder Creek Children’s Forest, the USDA Forest Service and the American Forest Foundation, the Smithsonian Institute and the National Environmental Education Foundation, and especially to Hands on the Land who made possible such a comprehensive research experience THANK YOU!

I take with me a better understanding of the excellent work that is happening in the USA to share with our Australian organisations and schools, but most importantly the exciting prospect that links can be forged between our young people working towards such an important common goal.

In gratitude,

Judith Hill (an Aussie observer)

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