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| | This spring, we are digging into soil (pun fully intended). Our office hosted the EnviroLearn Soil Session at Claytor Lake State Park and came away with more than muddy boots. We are realizing that soil is not just where things grow, but where environmental literacy can truly take root! | |
Spring-Themed Resources
If you want to ground your work in soil through hands-on tools, immersive experiences and real-time connections to the natural world check out some of these amazing resources:
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Hop Into Soil (Bandana Game): Our newest resource uses movement-based learning to help students explore soil composition, function and its role in larger environmental systems. Email us and we'll come introduce it to your school.
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Underground Classroom Trailer: A mobile, walk-through soil experience from Headwaters SWCD that lets students step inside the underground world and understand how soil connects to ecosystem and water health.
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Virginia Soil Health Coalition Resource Hub: A curated collection of soil-focused lesson plans, videos, and tools to support deeper classroom integration.
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DWR Marsh Cam: Live from Hog Island Wildlife Management Area, this 24/7 stream lets students explore wetland ecosystems in real time, showing how soil and water interact to support wildlife and filter our waterways (it can even be remotely controlled by classrooms across Virginia).
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Lead Environmental Literacy in Virginia
The Virginia Environmental Network (VEN) is seeking Regional Hub Co-Leaders to advance environmental literacy across the state. Open roles include Regions 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8 (educator and community partner stipend positions).
Ideal candidates are collaborative, strong communicators with a passion for equity and environmental education.
Term: June 2026 – May 2027 | Apply by: April 30
Questions? vaelitnetwork@gmail.com
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Virginia Naturally School Recognition (VAN)
Recognize and elevate your school’s commitment to environmental education through the Virginia Naturally School Recognition Program. This program highlights schools providing hands-on, real-world learning and meaningful outdoor experiences connected to classroom instruction.
Ideal for schools integrating environmental literacy, STEM and civic engagement into their programs.
Apply by: June 30 | Learn more and apply here.
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VASWCD Poster Contest 2026
Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation District's (VASWCD) annual Conservation Poster Contest invites K–12 students to explore this year’s theme, “Soil: Where it all Begins,” through art.
Winners advance from local districts to state and national recognition (with cash prizes).
Open to all Virginia students, including public, private, homeschool and scout groups.
District deadlines vary - learn more and access resources here.
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Outdoor Learning
This May, Outdoor Learning is offering two online courses:
- Seasons of Wonder: A Year of Nature Activities
- Seeing Ourselves in Nature: Diversity in Outdoor Learning.
Both run May 6–27 as four, one-hour sessions designed to deepen seasonal awareness and expand inclusive approaches to outdoor education.
(Costs range from free and up.) Learn More
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Mussel Power!
Canoe the Upper James with the James River Association and explore freshwater mussel habitats while learning classroom-ready activities on species life cycles and adaptations.
Free | June 16 | Lynchburg
Check out JRA’s other PD offerings and register here.
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Teaching Trees Field-based PD
Two sessions available for middle and high school science teachers:
- June 24–25 (Augusta County)
- July 8–9 (New Kent)
Includes 14 hours of hands-on instruction, Project Learning Tree® materials, and classroom-ready investigations.
Cost: $25 (meals included; free lodging available for those traveling 45+ minutes).
Register by June 1
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FREE Hands-On PD at Twin Lakes State Park
Three in-person trainings are coming up this June at the Cedar Crest Conference Center at Twin Lakes:
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Camp Woods and Wildlife
This hands-on, overnight camp introduces students to careers in forest and wildlife ecology through field-based learning with natural resource professionals. Open to Virginia students ages 13–16 who have not attended before.
June 15–19 | Appomattox, VA | $95
🗓️ Application Deadline: April 15 | Learn more and apply.
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Youth Conservation Camp (YCC 2026)
The 48th annual Youth Conservation Camp returns this summer, offering students a hands-on experience in natural resource conservation, leadership and outdoor learning.
Applications are now open, and organizers are also seeking counselors to support this immersive program.
July 12–18 | Blacksburg, VA
Funding may be available to cover registration fees.
🗓️ Application Deadline: May 4, 2026 | Learn more and apply.
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Virginia Junior Academy of Science
Experience the next generation of scientists in action at the Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS) Symposium, where middle and high school students present original research across disciplines.
VJAS is currently seeking judges to support student researchers (Email director@vjas.org if interested.)
May 2 | Hampden-Sydney College
Learn more and register by April 24.
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Earth Sangha - Native Plant Grant
Support your restoration project with free native plant kits (55 plants covering ~110 sq. ft.) designed to enhance ecological and community impact. Priority is given to projects in underserved areas and those advancing environmental justice.
🗓️ Deadline: April 29 | Learn more and apply online.
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Keep Virginia Beautiful - Green Grants
Support local environmental projects across Virginia with funding for initiatives focused on litter prevention, recycling, beautification and new for 2026, environmental education.
🗓️ Deadline: April 30 | Learn more and apply online.
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Fairfax Water - Water Supply Stakeholder Grant Program
Support projects that protect water resources and engage communities through education, monitoring and watershed restoration. Funding is available for programs and research across Northern Virginia.
🗓️ Deadline: May 15 | Full details and application.
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Anne & Ryland Brown Teacher Fellowship
Support your teaching with a $3,000 fellowship to explore primary sources and deepen student understanding of American democracy. Selected educators will conduct research using archival materials to examine diverse voices and experiences shaping the nation’s history.
Open to Virginia grades 4–12 history and social science teachers.
🗓️ Deadline: May 17 | Full details and application.
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This Week, We’re Shouting Out… The Earth
No matter where you are across Virginia, Earth Day is being celebrated in communities big and small (Southwest VA, Shenandoah Valley, Tidewater, Northern VA) with events, festivals, and hands-on opportunities to connect with the natural world.
From local gatherings to statewide celebrations, environmental stewardship is happening everywhere at once, so be sure to check out Earth Day events near you and see what’s happening at your local state park.
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Got an event, resource, or funding opportunity you want to share with the EE world? We want to hear about it! Fill out this form and let’s get your info into our next newsletter.
| | Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep inspiring. | | | | |
