pathways

The official publication of the New York State Outdoor Education Association
Spring 2005

Ecology of a Habitat Project by Nicole Benenati,

Living Environment Teacher, Ithaca High School
One of the challenges as an environmental edu- of everything seen, smelled, heard, and felt over a mini-
cator teaching in the classroom is getting students out- mum of ten minutes. The other required entry is a re-
doors. Since fieldtrip budgets are small and natural flection on a ten minute “do nothing – no writing, ex-
areas around the school are limited, I developed the ploring, or sleeping” experience. Throughout the
Ecology of a Habitat Project. The students love the project, students are expected to write comments, ques-
idea of getting credit for being outside! I love reading tions, and hypotheses about what they are experienc-
the students’ experiences and comments when I grade ing outdoors. Out of curiosity, students observed their
their projects. My main objective is to get students habitat during the day and night, dry and wet weather,
experiencing the outdoors, with the hope that experi- and warm and cold days.
ence will lead to appreciation and conservation. The “Why make sap?” “It’s interesting how healthy or-
second objective is to give students context for ganisms are growing next to rotten ones.”
the ecology content we study in class. “Who would’ve guessed that sitting still
(Quotes from student projects are in and observing could be so interest-
italics.) ing.” “How can deer eat pricker
There is a lot of flexibility bushes without hurting their
in the Habitat Project. Students tongues? Is it the same way gi-
are encouraged to find as natu- raffes can eat rough leaves
ral and large of a location as (they have very rough
possible but I work within tongues)?” “I wonder what
each student’s limitations. I salamanders do in winter.
allow students to make many Why do leaves change color?
short visits or several lengthy Why do some needles stay on
visits to their habitat and en- and some turn yellow?”
courage at least six hours of In the habitat inventory,
observation and identification students describe the temperature
time. Many students study an un- location of their site relative to
developed area near home, some study school, water sources, light / shade, shel-
their backyard, others go to nearby waterfalls, ters, space, disturbance, ground cover, and rela-
and some go to a state park. The Ecology of a Habi- tive biodiversity.
tat Project has several components – a log with re- “Does temperature affect smells?” “I never noticed
flections, habitat inventory, organism survey, and in- so much of the habitat I’ve lived in for years.” “What
teraction observations. was that film on the water? Is it a living organism?”
The log includes dates, starting and ending “I wonder what this habitat will be like in 10 years?
times, weather, observations, comments, and ques- Will someone build over it? I wonder what would hap-
tions. There are two required entries. One is a record pen if the world were more involved in the environ-
Continued on page 4
 NYSOEA
Executive Board PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Mary Anna Russo
President Last fall, the NYSOEA board undertook a members’ survey. The
Mary Anna Russo mailing went out to each member including affiliates. The purpose of the
survey was 3-fold: to get a picture of the current demographic of the orga-
VP Administration nization, to poll members on what they would like from the organization and
Kathy Ambrosini to determine what members would like to contribute to the organization.
The form went out to every member who was current at the time of
VP Communication the mailing. Approximately 39% of the total number contacted responded by
MaryLynne Malone the deadline.
Included in this article are the bar charts that synthesize the results of
VP Human Resources this survey. Each graph indicates the question and the possible answers to
Tom Vitti
that question as well as numbers of members responding to each query.
VP Program
Laura Carey Some general trends indicated by the survey questions:
• NYSOEA has a significant number of relatively new members; those
Secretary who are members for less than 5 years
Patricia vonMechow • Favorite activities of those responding seem to be those which in-
volve professional development
Treasurer • There is a diverse pool of skills, talents and expertise that members
Sharon Kennelty-Cohen have to offer the organization and other members

This survey is concluded but it is never too late to send information and
Regional Directors suggestions that you might have or to offer your time and talents. An orga-
Reba Laks, Eastern nization is its members. Contact Mary Anna Russo or any NYSOEA board
Elaine Young, Metro member. See the list of current board members and their contact informa-
Rhonda Jacobs, Northern tion.
Patty Jaeger, Western
Carol Stokes-Cawley, Central Materials Submissions
pathways (ISSN 1077-5110) is published
Anyone interested in contributing to
four times a year by the New York State Out-
2005 Conference pathways is encouraged to submit ma-
door Education Association and is mailed
Committee Chairs terial to the NYSOEA pathways c/o
to NYSOEA members. Opinions expressed
MaryLynne Malone, P.O. Box 39,
Frank Benenati by contributors are theirs solely and not nec-
Southfields, NY 10975 or E-mail:
Drew Hopkins essarily those of the Editorial Board of path-
[email protected]. Materials
ways or of NYSOEA. Advertisements in-
should be typed. Please include a short
cluded in pathways should not be inter-
biographical section about the author of
preted as endorsement of the product(s) by
the article. References cited in the ar-
NYSOEA.
ticle should be listed at
Office Services the end of the ar-
418 Merry Road, Advertising in pathways
ticle, APA style.
Amsterdam, NY 12010 pathways welcomes advertisements which
E-mail: [email protected] will be of interest to the membership of
NYSOEA. If you have a product, service,
equipment, resources, programs, etc. that
you would like to share with our member-
ship via an advertisement, please contact
MaryLynne Malone (845 351-2967.
2
 MILKWEEDS & MONARCHS JUNE: Look now for
common milkweed plants
Part II coming up. They should
2005 Conference Project grow to 4 - 5 feet tall. Their
thick stems and large pointed
Julie Sherlock Fishman,
leaves are downy and filled
If you attended the 2004 NYSOEA Confer- with a sticky white fluid. Fill
ence, you probably received a packet of milkweed out your Conference regis-
seeds so you could participate in a year-long project tration forms and send them
and share the results at the 2005 Conference in Ithaca. in!
Participants were asked to bring home, over-winter JULY : Migrating
then plant the seeds and record methods, observations, monarch butterflies (Danaus
and results regarding germination success and any signs plexippus) should be returning to New York about now.
of Monarch use of the plants. Monarchs lay their eggs almost solely on milkweed
Last month you may have taken some of the plants. They WILL lay eggs on non-flowering first-year
seeds out of the freezer or refrigerator and placed them plants. Milkweeds should produce drooping umbel-like
between two moist paper towels, sealed them in a plas- clusters of pale pink to purple or greenish-white aro-
tic bag, and put them back in cold storage. You should matic flowers in mid-summer by the plant’s second year.
be ready about now to take them out and plant these Monarchs, and other butterflies, will be attracted to feed
stratified seeds as well as the ones you left dry. The on the nectar of the milkweed’s fragrant flowers. Try
month-to month guidelines continue below. looking for the single eggs on the undersides of leaves.
For those of you who are planning to attend The yellowish green eggs are so tiny and widely dis-
this year’s conference and DON’T have seeds to plant, persed that most people cannot find them. It would be
you can still participate in this exciting project! Start great if anyone who finds an egg or more could try to
with the JUNE guidelines below and look for signs of get a photograph! Eggs hatch in 3-12 days (avg.1 week)
monarch butterflies on milkweeds in pre-existing depending on temperature.
patches. Look for common milkweed (Asclepias JULY-AUGUST: After 3-4 weeks, the tiny
syriaca) on roadsides and in fields. larvae have grown large enough to see. These yellow,
Final instructions will appear in the summer black, and white-striped caterpillars with 2 black “horns”
issue of Pathways. on each end feed exclusively on the milkweed plant.
MAY : Once the threat of frost is over (soil The caterpillar will move off the milkweed plant and
70-80 degrees), plant seeds shallowly, about ? inch find other nearby plant species, such as goldenrod or
deep or more, in a location that will receive full sun. ragweed, on which to pupate and form into a chrysalis.
Plant seeds in various soil types and depths. Plant the Look for chrysalides about 3-3 feet off the ground.
stratified seeds apart from the non-stratified seeds and In about a week, adult butterflies will emerge.
mark them so you can note the difference in success. It will take a few hours for an individual butterfly’s wings
To promote monarch lifecycles, plant the seeds to set. They will then fly about, feed on nectar and lays
near goldenrods or similar tall plants because the mon- eggs. There may be 1, 2 or more generations in a sum-
arch caterpillar will not pupate on the milkweed. It mer depending on weather. Again, any photos to share
will move over to other plant species that grow 1-3 will be fantastic! If you haven’t by now, register for
feet tall with lots of leaves to hide under. Keep a record the 2005 Conference and make lodging arrangements!
of your methods and results to share at the 2005 Remember, it is on a holiday weekend, so do it now!
NYSOEA Conference. Conference Registration
materials should have been delivered to you or are on
their way!

3
 Introducing the project takes me almost
an entire forty minute class period. I thoroughly
describe the project and answer questions. I
usually allow at least three weeks – with four
weekends – to complete the project. Students
are excited when I begin with, “I’m going to
give you homework credit for spending time
outdoors.” An important element of the intro-
duction and the project description paperwork
is to warn students about risks – poison ivy, tic
checks, barbed wire, broken glass, and hunting
season. For the poison ivy I made dried and
laminated samples of it and look alikes for stu-
dents to study in the classroom.
As students work on the projects at home
we study ecology and do labs that apply to their
ment and more nature friendly.”
projects. I only occassionally assign class homework
In the organism survey, students picture – by
because I count the project as homework. I took a big
drawing, photographing, providing specimens, or
leap the first year I tried the project and was pleasantly
printing from the internet – at least 20 species found
surprised. As I’ve done the project a few
in their habitat. Students are to find out the common
more times and improved my directions and
and scientific names for at least half of them. (I direct
rubric the projects have gotten better. At
kids to the internet, library, and classroom field guides
the end of the school year many students
for help here.) Students quickly realize that plants
include this project in their portfolios and
are species too and that there are many different kinds!
write very positive comments about the ex-
An important point here is that each picture must be
perience.
cited or I consider it invisible when grading.
“I actually enjoyed this project” “One thing I have
“I also found some broken glass all over my woods,
realized from this whole experience is how much I like
so I went through and picked all of it up.” “I wonder
being outside to do HW or writing of any kind. It makes
if unnatural sounds – mower, blower, weed-wacker
it a lot easier to concentrate and it clears my head. I
affect life in the habitat.” One student interviewed a
think I am going to start doing a lot of HW by myself
fisherman and an ornithologist he met in his habitat.
outside.” “I like this project a lot and am glad it was
For the organism interactions component, stu-
assigned to my class.” “I had a fun time doing it.”
dents observe and write about at least three interac-
Grading the Habitat Projects is a pleasure. Ba-
tions. They describe what they saw and how it started
sically, I look at two things, whether or not the student
and finished if possible. They then classify the inter-
fulfilled all the criteria and whether the student’s work
action as predatory/prey, competition, mutualism, de-
is brief, thorough, or impressive. The best projects are
composition,… Students
filled with insightful observations and questions and go
have observed a fox chasing
beyond the minimum requirements.
a rabbit, hawks chasing and
If you’d like to see the project description and
eating prey, spiders eating
rubric I hand out to my students, e-mail me at
prey, and a snake catch prey.
[email protected], with NYSOEA PROJECT in the
“I’m really realizing that
heading.
there is a whole other world
with animals. I find it fasci-
nating to watch.”

4
 Ramblings from Red Hill
by Snapper Petta
Welcome to “Ramblings from vergence of at least one
Red Hill.” My intent is to share cardinal, blue jay and
with you the seasonal comings evening grosbeak on the
and goings from a small portion same feeder. While it’s
of upstate NY. Living on an old been years since we’ve hit
farm, I’ve been blessed with be- this lottery prize, with win-
ing able to experience the natural ter comes the hope we
world in all its many incarnations. Sometimes my might experience it again.
ramblings will focus on those. Other times I might Winter is also the
ramble in more of a metaphoric manner. Whichever time to be reacquainted with
way I go, I hope you’ll enjoy the journey… old friends. Each evening at 8 PM Annie (our dog)
Winter is my time of year. While some people and I go out for our nightly walk. Looking down at
survive the season through warm thoughts and dreams us from above, Orion’s crisp clean outline glitters in
of sun drenched beaches, I dread the day when it all the blue-black night. We watch throughout the sea-
comes to an end. These are the 3 months each year that son as his silhouette moves east to west along its
keep my mind at full attention; here’s why… southerly arc; his dog Sirius following dutifully along.
Most mornings we awake to a new coating of While gazing at this twosome’s nightly travels we also
snow. This fresh canvas awaits whatever “art- see Taurus the bull, the Pleiades and other constella-
ist” comes along. It’s the perfect pallet for tions that show themselves only during this time of
observing nature’s daily activity calendar. year. Knowing these starlit friends will soon be
Identifiable tracks, traces and more appear gone for another year; there is a sense of mel-
each day. Some times a bit of a mystery pre- ancholy that comes over our brief time out-
sents itself as well. Just a month ago it was side.
obvious that there’d been murder and mayhem at one of With its incredibly strong high pressure sys-
our feeders. Splayed wing prints, spots of blood and a tems, the chance for prolonged deep freezing tem-
flurry of feathers were all that remained from the death peratures and a quietness that is unmatched in other
of a mourning dove. A closer look showed where the seasons, winter forces us to move slowly. In my opin-
killer, most likely the red tail hawk that nests nearby, ion, this is a remarkable gift of nature. It allows us
swooped down from above. Trapping its prey against the opportunity to get up close and truly experience
the soft snow must have been little conciliation to the everything that is going on around us. All we need
hard reality of death this bird experienced. do is look for it.
The starkness of the season also acts to high- Until next time, may all
light its colors. Flights of fancy take a back seat to all your rambles lead you to
the actual flying that comes in and out of new and exciting places…
our feeders. White is the perfect
backdrop for observing black
capped chickadees, goldfinches,
nuthatches, purple finches and
titmice as they dive in, pluck out
and fly away with a black oil sun-
flower seed. If luck is with us
we might even witness our ver-
sion of the color tri-fecta; the con-

5
 Who says people don’t want to play outside anymore?
Marcia Kramer Staff naturalist, Helmer Nature Center

are, who taught Now that everyone knew

them to us ini- how to stay warm and dry in the
tially, and how to woods, we talked about finding di-
construct them, rections without a compass. We
we all trooped made a stick compass, practiced a
outside and into little line of sight walking and ended
the woods. Once with a bit of storylining. For the
we found an area rest of the year, whenever one of
with relatively these children came with their
flat land and lots school class to the nature center, the
of branches and first question would be, “Is my de-
leaves, the class bris hut still there?”
was divided into Naturalists are finding it
Who among us didn’t groups of 4 or 6 and sent off to find
a spot to build. From then on the
more and more frustrating that chil-
dren are not getting experiential
long for a tree fort as a kid? And participants were pretty much on time in the out of doors. This work-
for those of you who were lucky their own and the enthusiasm was shop taught something that children
enough to have one, don’t you impressive. Not surprisingly, the can build in their own back yard
look back on those times with grown-ups were more enthusiastic every fall that has been learned from
fond memories? Unfortunately, than the kids who wanted the de- the native people who lived off the
children today don’t often have bris huts to get built much faster, but land and has been passed down
the opportunity to spend hours in the minute the first hut was built and through the years. Aidless naviga-
the woods, building forts and tree children began crawling inside, they tion can be practiced wherever they
houses, getting muddy, and catch- all raced back to their huts with re- go. It also allowed the young at
ing frogs and salamanders. As newed enthusiasm. As we walked heart to relive their childhood joy
naturalists we go to great lengths out of the woods the conversations of getting down in piles of leaves
to try and encourage children to between parents and children were and playing.
connect with the out of doors; a totally about where in their yards This year’s class already has
place that is too often scary they were going to build their own a waiting list. Who says people
because they haven’t spent hours debris huts. don’t want to play outside anymore?
exploring it the way we oldsters
did. At Helmer Nature Center we
have found a way to tap into the
nostalgia parents feel about those
“good old days” and the desire of
children to go build forts in the
woods.
Last November we offered
a two-hour workshop on building
debris huts. Children had to bring a
parent and we limited the class to
ten parent-child pairs. After a brief
lesson inside on what debris huts

6
 Cooper’s Hawk Receives First Aid
Abby Celso, a fifth grade border open fields. They dine lease him in
student at Iroquois School in West mainly on songbirds, but will also the open field
Irondequoit, was surprised to see a eat small rodents. “It was smart of at the HNC,
group of people gathered in her Mr. Celso to put on those leather because that
front yard one September after- gloves,” said Mrs. Russo. was close to
noon. “I was riding home and I just “Cooper’s Hawks have strong tal- where he was
thought everybody was looking at ons that they use to grab and crush found. At first,
my mom’s garden,” said Abby. their food.” the hawk just stood
“There was this hawk in my yard!” According to Mrs. Russo, there. But then he began to look in
The bird was sitting on the ground, the usual first aid for birds is to put different directions. “It’scalled trian-
barely able to stand. When anyone them in a box and leave them in a gulation,” said Mrs. Russo. “It’s
approached, he would go after quiet place. After they have settled, how birds figure out where they are.
them. He didn’t seem to be able to the box can be opened and the bird They look in three different direc-
fly. Abby’s dad, Dan Celso, put on will fly away. Mrs. Russo tried that, tions to get their bearings.” Finally,
a pair of heavy leather gloves and but the bird didn’t leave the box. the hawk took flight. He seems to
picked the bird up. Friends drove The bird seemed to need a bit more be staying near-by, workers at the na-
him to the Helmer Nature Center help than she could provide, so ture center have seen the hawk sev-
(HNC). “We heard a really loud Mrs. Russo took him to the eral times. “We do wonder if he
banging at the door. When we Eastridge Animal Hospital on might have been hand-raised, said
opened it, there was Mr. Celso with Ridge Rd. E. Workers at the ani- Mrs. Russo. He’s not afraid of
his hands full of hawk!” said Mrs. mal hospital gave the bird fluids and people!” Mrs. Russo offers
Mary Anna Russo, HNC Director. food and, after about three days, these tips for those who come upon
The bird was an immature they felt he was ready to be re- an injured animal:
Cooper’s Hawk. They are found in leased. · In the spring, you may come
wooded areas, especially those that Mrs. Russo wanted to re- upon a small bird, on the ground.
They are often young fledglings
just learning to fly. Let them be.

· If an animal is obviously in-

jured, contact a wildlife rehabili-
tator.
The Helmer Nature Center does
not have any staff who are
rehabilitators, but would be
happy to provide you with a list
of names. “Remember that a bird
of prey is a very formidable ani-
mal,” said Mrs. Russo. “They
can injure you.”

7
 NYSOEA Wins EPA Award
In the picture from the ceremony, Adrian Benepe, Com-
missioner of NYC Department of Parks and Recreation who
was the keynote speaker stands to my right and George Pavlou,
Acting Deputy Regional Administrator, US EPA Region 2,
stands to my left.
We received the Environmental Quality Award in the Envi-
ronmental Education Category. “New York State Outdoor
Education Association (NYSOEA) is the primary state-wide
environmental education association for New York. Divided
into five regions, NYSOEA provides its members and their
audiences with an appreciation of nature and the total envi-
ronment.
Membership
includes
teachers, en-
vironmental
educators, college instructors, naturalists, students and admin-
istrators. The organization helps classroom teachers and youth
leaders use the outdoors to enrich their curricula: it promotes
awareness of the value of outdoor and environmental educa-
tion; acts as a unified voice supporting the fields of environ-
mental education and outdoor education and outdoor recre-
ation; and it fosters a lifelong appreciation of stewardship of
the environment.”
We were recognized. along with 6 other Environmental
Education groups, 10 individuals, 4 businesses, 10 government
agencies, 13 non-profits, and 1 media person. There was also a
presentation of the 2004 President’s Environmental Youth
Award. The whole event took place on the 30th floor of the
Ted Weiss Federal Building at 290 Broadway in lower Man-
hattan. It was a lovely and impressive afternoon.
-SharonKennelty-Cohen

NYSOEA AWARDS
You are cordially invited to nominate a deserving person for one of the many annual
NYSOEA Awards. Year after year we hope that our members take the time to recognize those who
has taken the extra step or in some cases walked the extra mile. The awards categories are as
follows:
Harlan “Gold” Metcalf Award Leadership Award Outdoor Educator Award
Volunteer Educator Award Art/Literary Award Environmental Impact Award
Service Award Julian Smith Student Award
Please consult your Membership Directory for more information and the names of Previous
Award Recipients.

8
 CLEARING: Teaching Resources for Ecology,
Sustainability and Community
This is the kind of resource that vironmental educators in North Association), Clearing is offering a
every environmental educator needs America have written for Clearing, free copy of David Sobel’s new
to have for learning new ideas, ex- including Bill Hammond, Mike book “Place-based Education: Con-
ploring creative teaching strategies, Weilbacher, Tony Angell, Greg necting Classroom and Community”
or discovering the latest in EE books Smith and David Orr. (Orion Society Press, 2004) with
and teaching material. NAAEE past-president Abby each new subscription.
CLEARING is a 48-page quar- Ruskey says that “Clearing Maga- If you are interested in looking
terly magazine for environmental zine is a valuable resource for edu- at a sample issue, visit the CLEAR-
and place-based education that con- cators using the environment as a ING website at http://www.
tains innovative ideas, teaching teaching-learning context. It is rel- clearingmagazine.org.
strategies, perspectives, activities evant to educators across the coun- Subscriptions are $18.00 per
and resources for integrating envi- try and even abroad. We are lucky year (including the free book) with
ronmental education into the K-12 to have such a resource.” a discount rate of $12.00 (no book)
classroom or non-formal education It has been a regular member- for members of state EE associa-
setting. ship benefit for EE associations in tions. For more information, visit
Published since 1979 by a non- Oregon, Washington, British Co- the website or contact CLEARING
profit educational organization, lumbia and Alaska for many years. at PO Box 82954, Portland OR
CLEARING is a highly regarded Now the magazine is seeking to ex- 97282; (503) 238-8571 or
source of information and inspira- tend its circulation throughout the [email protected].
tion for teaching in the classroom U.S. and Canada. As a special in-
and community. Many of the top en- centive to members of the (your EE

NYSOEA Annual Elections

It’s that time of year again when you need to think about all that NYSOEA means to
you and all of the effort that goes into making the Association what it is. NYSOEA is except-
ing nominations for Board positions in the following categories:
President-Elect-This is a three year term, one as President Elect and the remaining as President
VP Administration- Shall act in the place of the President or President Elect, serve on the Fi-
nance and Constitutional Review Committees
VP Communication- Oversee production of pathways, nysoea.org website and it’s webmaster,
promote NYSOEA through press releases and publications.
Secretary- Shall be responsible for the recording and distribution of minutes of meetings
Metro Region Director- Regional Directors serve as a liaison in their Regions for the Associa-
tion. They shall plan regional workshops and events.
Northern Region Director
Western Region Director
Please consult your membership directory for more information regarding these offices. If you
would like to be considered for nomination or you would like to nominate someone else please
contact NYSOEA VP Human Resource Tom L. Vitti at [email protected].

9
 Botanical Society of America,
New England Section What not to do when you are
Torrey Botanical Society outdoors with a group of stu-
Philadelphia Botanical Club dents… The weirdest thing
Annual Field Meetings since 1947 I ever saw… The strangest
Catskill Botany: thing I ever did…. Now this
is a little different… I never
Then and Now
thought I’d do that!.... Every-
18/19th Century Explorations &
one has some strange stories
21st Century Rediscovery
to tell – What’s one of yours.
Memorial Day Weekend
Friday, May 27 until Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Ashokan Field Campus - SUNY New Paltz
Shokan, Rte. 28, Ulster Co., NY
• Explore New York State’s Catskills to discover yourself the
BioBlitz: Wanted
wild places and plants that the Bartrams, Gov. George W. Dead or Alive!
Clinton, John Torrey, State Botanist Charles H. Peck, and May 21-22, 2005 from 12 pm to
their students first saw and cataloged for us more than a 12 pm
century ago. Leeds Pond Preserve,
• Walk with today’s experienced Catskill botanists eager to Nassau County
share their knowledge on all day field trips and enjoy after- BioBlitz is a celebration of the di-
dinner illustrated evening talks. versity of life in our backyards. Liv-
• Meals, bag lunches and evening programs at the Ashokan ing or dead, plant or animal, fugus
Field Campus. or flower... if it is organic WE
• Lodging at Ashokan and nearby Rte. 28 motels. WANT IT!
• Day-trippers welcome On May 21st the Science Museum
Cosponsors: will begin a 24 hour race to count
Olive Natural Heritage Society, every species located on the Leeds
NYS Outdoor Education Association (NYSOEA) Pond Preserve in Nassau County.
Ashokan Field Campus,West Shokan, New York SUNY New Paltz Teams of scientists from or-
Catskill Center for Conservation and Development ganizations like the Explorer’s Club
For more information contact: and National Geographic will lead
Frank Knight, Regional Coordinator the bilological survey assisted by
9 Willowbrook Lane volunteers and program partici-
Cohoes, NY 12047 pants.
518-233-0025 evenings [email protected] This endeavor is a festival
celebrating biodiversity, an educa-
tional event that teaches the com-
Extra! munity environmental awareness,
Extra! and a scientific survey to count all
nysoea.org up the different types of life found at
and running the preserve.
BioBlitz Flyer with more informa-
Please visit us there and send your friends. Feel free to send an-
tion
nouncements for affiliate programs and regional events. This just
in! You can now renew membership online-- check it out!!
10
 at NYSOEA's
2005 Conference

Ithaca, NY
• Located in the Heart of the Finger Lakes. October 6-9, 2005
• Clarion University Hotel and Conference Center

• Within a few miles of Cornell University, Lab of

Ornithology, Ithica College, three “gorges” State • workshops
Parks,Cortland College, Cayuga Lake, two nature • speakers
centers, and “the commons.” • field trips
• exhibits

Enhance your teaching whether you teach indoors, out-

doors, or both. Explore the beautiful sites and experience
the educational opportunities of Ithaca. Enjoy socializing with
other educators-nature center staff, teachers, college profes-
sors, and a variety of other outdoor education enthusiasts.
Workshops, exhibits, speakers, and field trips provide ample
professional development opportunities. Raffles, auctions,
cocktail reception, and meals provide plenty of fun.

For more information, to obtain a workshop proposal, or to assist in any way

contact Frank Benenati at 607-533-3597 or [email protected]

Help us make this conference

fly! Opportunities include:
publications, ads, exhibits, Share your knowledge!
business sponsorship, auction
Share your experience!
and raffle donations,
Present a workshop.
transportation, and more.
Contact Frank for a
workshop proposal form.

11
 Who We Are We assist our members in Many thanks to First
Established in 1968, the As- expanding their knowledge and Impressions of Middletown,
sociation is the leading professional skills in using the environment for N.Y. after an exhaustive
group supporting outdoor educa- responsible education purposes. search for an affordable
tion, environment education and in- We act as a unified voice printer NYSOEA has been
terpretive services in New York supporting the fields of environmen- fortunate enough to have
State. tal education, outdoor education, in- found them they are allowing
Our membership includes terpretation and outdoor recreation. us to produce the type of
classroom teachers, environmental Benefits of Membership newsletter we can be proud of
educators, college professors, natu- Annual Conference at a price we can afford.
ralists, interpreters, youth leaders, Regional Events
administrators, students, parents Publications
and others interested in the out- Awards
doors. Scholarships
Our Goals Membership Fees
We promote public aware- Individual $45.00
ness of the value of outdoor and Family $55.00
environmental education and inter- Retired $35.00
pretation. Student $25.00
We foster a lifelong appre- Affiliate A $60.00
ciation and sense of stewardship to Affiliate B $90.00
enrich curricula and programs. Library $30.00

The New York State Outdoor Education Association, Inc. is a not-for-profit professional organization
dedicated to lifelong learning in and about the outdoors. Outdoor Education is a method which embraces
multiple subject areas, including development of an appreciation of nature and the total environment.
Membership services, in addition to pathways, include the annual conference which provides opportunities
to share and learn, regional activities, annual award presentations and scholarships.

New York State Outdoor Education Association, Inc.

418 Merry Road
Amsterdam, NY 12012
E-mail: [email protected]

Address Correction Requested