 Have you heard? In April, KAEE launched a dynamic monthly webinar series geared toward formal and non-formal environmental educators and enthusiasts. Featuring a wide variety of presenters and topics, the aim of this series is to educate, inspire, and help connect KAEE members and friends with available and relevant environmental education resources and ideas. The programs will typically be hosted on the third Thursday of each month and registration is required. Webinars are free for KAEE members and only $10 for non-members. Sessions are also recorded so members and paid registrants can view at a later date if desired. Last month, the series was off to a great start with a session featuring the important connections between nature and mental health. The presentation was given by one of KAEE’s long time members and supporters, Amanda Patrick, MA. We looked at research and innovative ideas around the value of connecting individuals and communities with the outdoors. On May 20th at 3:00 pm EST, we will host an exciting presentation all about global research and university partnerships that can be useful right here at home! We hope you can join us. Click here to register.  Did you know? Many scientific research groups at universities are in need of organizations like nature centers and schools to help them fulfill their missions of having broader impacts and meaningful outreach opportunities.
Join Nicholas Teets with the University of Kentucky's Department of Entomology, and Deborah Harner, science educator and National Science Foundation grant team member as they guide us on a journey into experiential-based funding opportunities. Take an incredible voyage to the south pole as these educators share examples of how to expand your audience's understanding of environmental science through global exploration and research projects. They will share information about their research abroad and how to make local connections and impact through associated outreach programs. Learn how to inspire your audiences by delving into the possibilities of partnerships between university research groups and your environmental education programs! Free for KAEE members // $10 for non-members REGISTER HERE  Today we celebrate Earth Day and the history of the environmental movement that has empowered citizens to respect, enjoy, and take care of the planet for decades. Since the first Earth Day in 1970 much progress has been made. From changes in policies to development of environmental organizations and advocacy groups. Many sustaining endeavors have taken place as a result of dedicated educators and advocates of our shared environment.
Forty-six years ago, one of the groups of dedicated people that came together was a special group of Kentuckians who shared a passion for environmental education and started KAEE. Since that time KAEE has become one of the most viable state/provincial EE organizations in North America. In fact, it was the first such organization to officially become an affiliate of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), which promotes EE throughout the continent, and has members from over 55 countries worldwide. A lot has been accomplished in those 45 years, but there is still so much to do. As we face the environmental issues of this century, more and more people are seeing education as a key to addressing those issues. We also know that our efforts need to broaden to include not just more individuals and groups, but to include a much broader, diverse, and inclusive network. As we celebrate this special Earth focused day, week, and month, it is imperative that we realize and understand the importance of long term commitment to our environmental goals. At KAEE we believe that an environmentally literate community is an engaged community that takes ownership of and responsibility for the health and well being of our habitat. Our members work to advocate for EE in Kentucky in various ways. Because we have seen how significant advances in EE can be achieved through policies at both the state and federal levels, KAEE stays alert to opportunities to shape EE policy, develop strategies for advancing key initiatives, and build capacity for advocacy within the EE community. KAEE and its members work closely with state government employees; local, regional, and statewide elected officials; and communities around Kentucky to bolster EE around the state. We believe we can expand our impact in the EE field by advocating for policies, legislation, and government resources that affect our members and the greater EE community. Learn how you can get involved in very specific ways on our Advocacy page here!  KAEE recently welcomed new member, Ellen Prusinski. Ellen is the coordinator of engaged and experiential learning and assistant professor of education at Centre College in Danville. Read on to learn more about her interest in integrating EE and community learning and to find a really fun fact at the end!
KAEE: What projects or programs are you working on that particularly inspire you? Ellen: This semester, I’m teaching Global Perspectives on Education, which is one of my favorite classes to teach in part because it is a great excuse for me to engage with new material. KAEE: What goals do you have for your organization or programs within the EE field? Ellen: I hope that we can find new ways of helping Centre students integrate learning about the environment into whatever discipline or field they are studying, whether that is English or Anthropology or Physics. KAEE: What is an area you feel you could use support in from this network of fellow educators? Ellen: I am still really new to this field, so I could probably use support in a lot of different areas! Right now, I am prioritizing a focus on how to help encourage students who feel discouraged and fearful about climate change. KAEE: What is something you feel could be beneficial to share with this network? Ellen: I lived in Asia for four years after college and love to think about how the U.S. could learn from the experiences of other countries that approach issues of environmental education from different angles. If this is of interest to anyone, I’d be glad to chat. KAEE: Share a fun fact or random tidbit about yourself with the group! Ellen: My 4 year old and I learned to ride a tandem bike last spring. If you see us tooling around Lexington, please say hi!  THE GOODS Now is your chance to bid and win an authentic Maker's Mark Bourbon Barrel that has been thoughtfully and purposely converted into a rain barrel. Once used to age bourbon, this white oak barrel has been repurposed into a rain barrel by KAEE Board Member Jason Nally at Maker's Mark. The barrelhead remains intact, therefore providing flexibility in installing the rain barrel and configuring it to any downspout. The barrels have been donated by Maker's Mark and we are so grateful for their support and the opportunity to raise funds for the field of environmental education in Kentucky.  THE AUCTION For this fundraiser, we will be using a sealed-bid style auction. We have 10 bourbon rain barrels available. Minimum bid for each barrel is $75. Bidders may submit one bid using this form. Submitting more than one bid indicates bids for more than one barrel. Bidders will not be able to see the amounts submitted by others. In this style of auction, it is suggested that bidders submit the highest price they'd be willing to pay for an individual barrel. If you want more than one barrel, submit more than one bid. The top 10 bidders will be the winners! KAEE staff will view the bids on closing day and announce the winners thereafter. Bidding closes on Earth Day, April 22nd. Winners will be contacted the week of April 26th. Pick up at Maker's Mark by May 23rd is required (weekdays preferred). THE CAUSE Funds raised in this auction support the work and mission of KAEE. We are thrilled to be able reuse and re-purpose items from one of Kentucky's greatest industries. To learn more about KAEE and the work that we do, click here. Thanks for your support!
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