DRBA's Environmental Education Changes Lives of Youth
April 23, 2019
For over a decade, DRBA has educated thousands of students about environmental education. Environmental Education (EE) engages youth of all demographics to think critically and creatively about environmental issues and nature. EE enhances appreciation for the environment, resulting in a positive environmental behavioral change.
To celebrate national environmental education (EE) week 2019, DRBA shares some of the testimonials from teachers and parents over the years.
“Most students don’t like to write, but they WANTED to write about their trout’s life in their Trout in the Classroom book.” - Mrs. Ruth Robertson, 5th Grade Teacher, Williamsburg Elementary
"The substitute teacher who watched my classes while we were at the Reservoir came by my room this week and told me that the little boy she babysits was at the planting day, and he was showing her his bottle and talking all about planting the trees and what he did and learned. She said he is autistic and very quiet, and he just talked on and on about everything he did, which is absolutely unheard of for him :)" - Mr. Joel Bunn, Teacher at Magna Vista High School
“Several of my students don’t even like animals, but they WANTED to touch and hold the crayfish!” - Ms. Mandy Foster, 3rd Grade Teacher, Patrick Henry Elementary
“The program is great! The students need more time outside of the classroom and real word experiences and STIC grants them that.” - Ms. Belton, 4th Grade Teacher, Patrick Henry Elementary
“The program impacted the students in a much more tangible way – about our responsibility to protect water and how to do so. Connects nicely to SOLs.” - Franklin County Teacher
"If it wasn't for this program (Forest School), our family would have never done anything like this." - Parent at Forest School
Special reflection from a student after a field trip -
“Jamison Mill Park is an awesome place to go! At Jamison Mill Park there is this big lake called Philpott Lake. It was clean and beautiful and had pretty trees around it. One of the trees is Lily’s, Emila’s, and mine. I can’t wait until they grow big and animals uses them for shelter. I had a great time seeing Jamison Mill Park. I help I come back.” - Rocky Mount Elementary Student
To learn more about DRBA's environmental education programs, visit https://www.danriver.org/programs/environmental-education/for-educators.
The Dan River Basin Association serves 16 counties in Virginia and North Carolina - 3,300 square miles! Funding for DRBA's EE programs primarily comes from grants and donations, with more than 50% from donations. To help sustain DRBA's environmental education programs, visit https://www.danriver.org/support-drba/join-donate/donations-and-sustainer-gifts.
