1.7.08
DNR Offers Volunteer Training Workshop on July 11
ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking enthusiastic adults to become TEAM (Teaching Environmental Awareness in Maryland) volunteers. TEAM DNR is a volunteer program committed to educating elementary and middle school students about the Chesapeake Bay and other Maryland environmental issues through hands on presentations in classrooms around the state.
“TEAM volunteers are helping to create the next generation of environmental stewards,” said Amy Henry, Conservation Education Specialist at DNR. “Volunteers help students understand the importance of conservation and restoration through hands-on activities and presentations.”
TEAM Volunteers provide an important link between DNR, schools, and students. Since 1998, TEAM DNR volunteers have delivered 1000 classroom programs and inspired more than 30,000 students in Maryland. Currently, TEAM offers schools-free classroom programs on the Chesapeake Bay watershed, streams, oyster reefs, horseshoe crabs, and Chesapeake watermen.
The next volunteer workshop will be held on Friday, July 11, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the first floor conference room of the Tawes State Office Building (580 Taylor Ave. in Annapolis). Participants will be trained on three of the four classroom programs. DNR will provide snacks and beverages, but participants are asked to bring their own lunch.
To register for this workshop, contact Amy Henry at 410-260-8828 or ahenry@dnr.state.md.us.
Volunteers should have an outgoing personality and a strong desire to protect the Chesapeake Bay. While no prior teaching experience is necessary, volunteers should enjoy working with children. For more information, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/education/teamdnr.
To help ensure that all Maryland children have an opportunity to experience and connect with nature, Governor O’Malley recently signed an Executive Order establishing the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature. This coalition of state, local, private and non-profit partners is charged with promoting the well-being of youth by accelerating environmental learning, connecting communities to parks and public lands and expanding opportunities for structured and unstructured outdoor time in nature for both play and learning.
Labels: Annapolis, chesapeake bay, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, environment, martin o'malley, Maryland, oysters, Tawes State Office Building, Team, watermen, watersheds, wildlife
30.6.08
DNR Encourages Holiday Travelers To Get Their ‘Bay Game’ On
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Independence Day is drawing near and for many Marylanders, the Fourth of July holiday weekend means the beach, family barbeques, fireworks, and – to the dismay of children everywhere – long car rides. To direct restless energy during summer travel, parents are invited to pick up a free copy of the 2008 Maryland Bay Game, available at public libraries and visitor’s centers across the state.
“The Bay Game is a great summer tradition for Maryland kids and families,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “It’s educational, fun and interactive, making it the perfect preface to the outdoor activities of the long holiday weekend.”
Accompanied by a group of Kent County children and counselors from Echo Hill Outdoor School, Governor O’Malley unveiled the 2008 game at the Capital for a Day celebration in Chestertown on June 17. The annual publication is filled with interesting facts and interactive games and puzzles, covering a variety of topics such as watersheds, wildlife, trees and forests, geology and agriculture.
“This year’s edition is themed Celebrating Children in Our Natural World, and is designed to inspire children to get outside and enjoy the outdoors — whether on vacation or at home,” added the Governor.
The Bay Game is one of many state efforts to help Maryland young people connect with nature – a critical connection if they are to grow into healthy, environmentally responsible adults. In April, Governor O’Malley created the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, a coalition of state, local, private and non-profit partners charged with promoting the well-being of youth by accelerating environmental learning and expanding opportunities for outdoor experiences.
Created in 1998 to educate children on the basics of conservation biology and the importance of Maryland’s natural resources throughout the mid-Atlantic region, Maryland’s Bay Game was the first of its kind in the nation. While the game initially focused on the drive from the Bay Bridge along Maryland Routes 50 and 404 to the beaches of Ocean City, it has since been expanded to encompass natural resources across the state. The Maryland Bay Game reaches nearly one million travelers of all ages annually through print and online editions.
A downloadable version of the 2008 Maryland Bay Game is also available online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/baygame.
Labels: Annapolis, chestertown, echo hill, independance day, kent county, Maryland, nature, o'malley, watersheds, wildlife
