During the early summer months of the COVID pandemic, community members in my hometown sought refuge in the beautiful gardens at BAYarts, the non-profit arts organization where I work. The gardens provided a welcome relief for weary residents seeking solace in nature and also the opportunity to safely reconnect with others. However, the notion of … Continue reading BAYarts to Create a Sensory Garden
It’s Official! I’m a National Geographic Certified Educator.
From the moment that I heard about the National Geographic Educator Certification course at the Ohio Arts Education Conference in the fall of 2019, I knew that I wanted to become a certified instructor. I have been teaching and blogging about environmental education for many years and wanted to formalize my teaching methods. The online … Continue reading It’s Official! I’m a National Geographic Certified Educator.
An Incredible Journey: The Power of Place in our Daily Lives
A flash of orange caught my eye as I glanced out my office window. I was deep in thought trying to work out the intricacies of our fall schedule when I noticed a lone butterfly wobbling through the air floating from branch to branch, finally landing on a brightly colored stalk of goldenrod. It’s just … Continue reading An Incredible Journey: The Power of Place in our Daily Lives
10 Creative Writing Prompts to Boost Your Nature Journaling Skills
Nature journaling should bring greater joy and creativity to your life. It is liberating to be able to express your inner thoughts and it's fun to experiment with different forms of writing to find your true voice.
Teach Green: Lesson Plan to Create an Illustrated Nature Journal
Illustrated Nature Journals for Kids Summary: Whether writing for scientific purposes or personal satisfaction or to convey personal experiences in the natural world to others, what better place to start a nature journal than on the Huntington Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. Students will explore Huntington Beach, Porter Creek and the flora and fauna of the … Continue reading Teach Green: Lesson Plan to Create an Illustrated Nature Journal
Nature Journaling for Environmental Awareness and a Balanced Life
The natural world is filled with seasons and cycles that provide predictability to life. Plants and animals depend on it. However, sometimes humans forget we are a part of nature too. We believe that the law of the land doesn't apply to us. That somehow we can outsmart Mother Nature, creating a man-made place apart from … Continue reading Nature Journaling for Environmental Awareness and a Balanced Life
Cleveland: Will the Republican National Convention Muddy the Waters of a Green City on a Blue Lake?
Delegates are beginning to arrive in Cleveland and party leaders have been meeting here to establish a platform for the general election. The 15-month $50 million renovation of Public Square is finished. The media has arrived and is broadcasting from the historic Cleveland Mall. Newly painted artwork has been installed along the Red Line tracks … Continue reading Cleveland: Will the Republican National Convention Muddy the Waters of a Green City on a Blue Lake?
Lake Views: Reconnecting with Life’s Essential Resource
Lake Erie was blue this morning, its glassy surface reflecting the clear sky above … one of the many faces of a lake that’s seen many faces. The Great Lakes. Six quadrillion gallons of fresh water. One-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water and 84% of the surface water supply in North America. In fact, … Continue reading Lake Views: Reconnecting with Life’s Essential Resource
(A Review) “Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman” by Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia
With a title like "Let My People Go Surfing" you wouldn't expect to find this book in the business section. However, as the saying goes … don't judge a book by its cover. Dive in and you will find that the unique and common sense business philosophy of Yvon Chouinard, founder and owner of Patagonia, … Continue reading (A Review) “Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman” by Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia
The Home Team Advantage: Beware of the “Summer Slide”
We have reached the time during summer break when kids are bored and many parents struggle to find ways to entertain them until school starts again. This seems counterintuitive to me. It has been well established that American students have slipped in the international education rankings. As a result, the Common Core State Standards were … Continue reading The Home Team Advantage: Beware of the “Summer Slide”
Teach Green Blog: Educate, create, advocate 