Creating Successful Environmental Education During the Time of COVID-19

A panel of Conservation Educators discuss their experiences, opportunities, challenges and achievements pivoting to meet the needs of our ever-changing educational and watershed communities.

MODERATOR: Keren Bromberg, Credit Valley Conservation

PANELISTS:
Melissa Levi - St. Clair Region Conservation Authority
The SCRCA delved into the virtual world this spring with online curriculum connected Field Trips for students from Kindergarten through to the Secondary level. Melissa Levi will discuss the development process, including management approval, self-promotion, key teacher/student partnerships and platforms, Apps and editing adventures!

Nicole Hamley, OCT, BScH, Manager of Education - Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Nicole Hamley will describe new revenue opportunities created over the summer, including online teacher PD courses and DIY hike opportunities at a Conservation Area. She will also describe how a new Facebook initiative has attracted more than 1,000 followers.

Kristin Ives, Curator/Education Coordinator - Essex Region Conservation Authority
Kristin will discuss the development of a new PD program to support classroom teachers in embracing nearby greenspaces in cross-curricular education experiences. ERCA is also offering a ½ day outdoor education program for students (COVID protocols permitting) led by Environmental Educators (B. Ed), at/near the school to demonstrate the potential of outdoor education.

Will Sorley - Toronto Region Conservation Authority
Will is an educator/coordinator at the TRCA who has helped innovate and produce virtual/online opportunities for the people in their watershed and beyond. TRCA will discuss the live streaming and online blended learning opportunities they have explored and executed to date.

Shauna Hasselman - Conservation Halton
Conservation Halton staff will outline their Bubble Programs - day camp programs, and community programs, that are designed for groups of kids who are in the same "bubble", (family, small group of friends). This approach has allowed Conservation Halton to offer fee-based, in-person programs which are expanding in subject area as the fall progresses. Shauna will also discuss Conservation Halton's innovative Interactive Virtual Tours.

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