March/April 2022
MARCH/APRIL 2022 MAEOE NEWSLETTER
Updates and information on the Maryland Green Schools Program, MAEOE events and much more!
We cannot believe it is March already and that spring is right around the corner! Make sure to take some time outside to experience the changing season. It has been a challenging school year in many ways and it is important to take time to enjoy some fresh air and observe the growth sprouting up all around us.
We’ve been busy in the past two months. We welcomed 200+ attendees during our second virtual MAEOE Conference, “Environmental Education for the Future – Educate, Engage and Empower” and our Month of MAEOE.
Our planning continues as we prepare for Green Schools and Center submissions, our second DEIJ symposium, professional development opportunities in the spring and summer, as well as an in-person Youth Summit.
On March 17, Green Schools and Centers will submit their applications for the nationally recognized Maryland Green Schools Program. Through this program, schools and centers empower youth to make changes to reduce environmental impact, encourage sustainability and foster environmental literacy. Volunteer reviews are needed to score the 200+ applications we anticipate receiving.
Make sure you are connected to us on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram to get updates. We are also available via email, and we love your feedback and ideas. Your participation in events and/or membership in MAEOE helps us to support you and your work more effectively.
Camille, Carolyn, Laura and Mary
MAEOE Staff
GREEN SCHOOL/CENTER INFORMATION
Application Submission Deadline
Green Schools and Green Center Applications are due on March 17, 2022! For application requirements, please visit the MAEOE website.
Schools and Centers will be notified about their application status on Earth Day, Friday, April 22, 2022.
To submit your application, email applications@maeoe.org. Email questions to info@greenschools.org.
We Need Volunteer to Reviewers!
This is an exciting time of the year for the Maryland Green Schools program. We are anticipating approximately 200 applications that will need to be reviewed three times each. That’s 600 reviews! Reviews can be completed synchronously, with support from a review team and during scheduled virtual or in-person sessions, or asynchronously on your own time.
Click here for more detailed information.
We are offering Reviewer Training on 3/16 and 3/17. If you are interested in volunteering to assist with this process, we have four training sessions scheduled:
– March 16, 2022: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
– March 16, 2022: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
– March 17, 2022: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
– March 17, 2022: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Click here to volunteer!
We are greatly appreciative of your volunteer time! Your generous donation of times supports the process.
YOUTH SUMMIT – SAVE THE DATE!
The annual MAEOE Youth Summit will be held in-person on Thursday, May 26 at Sandy Point State Park.
The annual Youth Summit brings students, teachers, administrators, and environmental education providers together to celebrate the hard work and successes of the many Maryland Green Schools across the state.
Look for more information in the coming weeks on this page.
GRANTS & FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Green Team Teacher Stipend applications are being accepted on a rolling basis! Each stipend is for $250, and there are 80 available (one stipend per school). The project submission deadline is April 1, 2022. Funds will be awarded by May 31, 2022. CLICK HERE for more info
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR
Check out the MAEOE Professional Development Calendar for information on PD happening across the state. Many opportunities are free! This calendar is updated on a regular basis so check back often.
Here are some highlights:
Environmental Educator Certification – 8 Virtual Sessions
Tuesdays, March 21 – May 14, 2022
5:00 – 9:00 PM
More Info Here!
Environmental Economics Course – 1 In-Person Day
May 21, 2022
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
More Info Here!
Forest Literacy Workshop Series – 6 Virtual Sessions
Mondays, February 28 – April 4, 2022
More Info Here!
YOUTH LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Natural Resources Careers Camp (NRCC)
Sun, July 24 – Sat, July 30, 2022
Applications for NRCC 2022 will be accepted starting 12/01/21. Once a student is accepted into NRCC 2022, families will be kept updated throughout the Spring and Summer as to any COVID-related protective measures that may still need to be implemented at camp. Last year’s COVID precautions can be found here. Click here for application info.
The National Council for Geographic Education
Esri’s ArcGIS Online Mapping Competition is for Maryland students in grades 4-12. Click here for more information
PROJECT LEARNING TREE
Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through Grade 12.
MAEOE is the State Coordinator for PLT and offers training to help you support integration of PLT into your program and classroom curriculum. We have virtual and in-person professional development opportunities.
Contact Mary Westlund at greenschools@maeoe.org to learn more about PLT Workshops. For more information about Project Learning Tree, click here!
RESOURCE LIBRARY
Have you visited the Resource Library on our website lately? There, you will find excellent information, references, and training to support environmental literacy and using the outdoors as a classroom. There are also resources that support teachers and parents at home, DEIJ materials, and grant information.
MAEOE MEMBERSHIP
Learn more about becoming a member of MAEOE here!
JOBS BOARD
Check out our Jobs Board for some great, environmental jobs in Maryland!
WHAT ARE YOU READING?
This is a new section of the newsletter. MAEOE staff members are sharing books or articles they have read. Do you have something you think other should be reading? Email Carolyn Carr at info@maeoe.org with the title and author.
The Heartbeat of Trees, by Peter Wohleben
Seeds of Change: Wangari’s Gift to the World, by Jen Cullerton Johnson
Black Food Geographies: Race, Self-Reliance, and Food Access in Washington, D.C., byDr. Ashanté Reese
Seasonal Therapeutic Encounters with Nature Journal – Experiences for Baltimoreans, by Dr. Nyasha Grayman