Savoring Summer with Environmental Education | | The days are long, the sun is high, and learning doesn’t stop when the school bell rings! In this edition, we’re bringing you sizzling updates, seasonal resources, and sunny opportunities to stay connected with Virginia’s environmental education community. | |
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| | Beat the Heat - Go Underground! | | Skip the sunburn and dive into discovery, June kicked off with National Cave Week! If you missed it, don’t worry, just pencil it in for next year. | | | |
Caves & Karst
In the meantime, explore Virginia’s Cave & Karst Trail, featuring over a dozen wild and wonderful stops where you can learn about the hidden world beneath your feet. From mysterious sinkholes to epic underground formations, these sensitive environments are full of secrets and worth protecting.
Bonus: Check out our new Cave Quest bandanna game! It's educational, wearable, and totally adventure-ready. Find us at an upcoming event and snag yours.
| | Start your summer by diving into these bite-sized videos that pack a punch! Whether you're teaching, learning, or just curious - these short films remind us that environmental education is everywhere. | | |
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Nature’s Witness
As we get ready to launch our first-ever Art in Environmental Education workshop in collaboration with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) through our EnviroLearn Series, we’re reminded that environmental education doesn’t belong in just one box but rather it lives in science, storytelling, and the arts.
In this inspiring short documentary, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) partners with Virginia Beach students to blend science observation with artistic creation. From field journals to large-scale sculpture, these youth voices showcase the power of curiosity, creativity, and conservation.
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What is a Macroinvertebrate?
Tiny creatures, big impact. Get the lowdown on what macroinvertebrates are and why they matter for water health in this super short explainer from The Mariners’ Museum.
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How Do We Test Water Quality?
Ever wonder how scientists know what’s in our streams and rivers? This fast-paced short gives a glimpse into the tools and techniques behind water quality testing.
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Summer Creativity Workshops for Educators
Join the Outdoor Learning School for a series of four hands-on virtual workshops designed to spark creativity, support well-being, and offer new ideas for your teaching practice. No art experience needed. Each 60-minute session includes access to the recording and a Certificate of Completion.
Sessions run Wednesdays in August at 4pm PT / 7pm ET:
- Aug 6: Creative Writing
- Aug 13: Nature Journaling
- Aug 20: Drawing in Nature
- Aug 27: Drumming for Well-being
Learn more and register.
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Virginia Environmental Education Certification Program
Enrollment for the Virginia Environmental Education Certification Program is open August 4–15, 2025. This program welcomes both formal and nonformal educators who want to deepen their environmental and instructional knowledge, explore EE resources, and grow professionally. Accredited by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), the certification is portable across states.
Learn more and apply here.
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New Earth Foundation
The New Earth Foundation is now accepting applications for innovative, solutions-oriented projects that enhance life on Earth and promote peace. This opportunity is ideal for smaller, newer 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those focused on environmental protection, social sustainability, education, and economic opportunity. Projects should be pioneering, replicable, and community-engaged.
🗓️ Deadline: July 1, 2025 Learn More & Apply Here
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Youth Environmental Education Grant Program
The Chesapeake Bay Trust is offering grants (up to $10,000) to support student-led environmental investigations, outdoor learning, and educator professional development across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Projects should follow the MWEE model and can fund transportation, supplies, subs, PD, and more.
🗓️ Deadline: July 10, 2025 Learn More & Apply Here
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With support from a NOAA B-WET grant, Virginia Science Leadership Association (VSELA) kicked off the first of four statewide pre-conferences focused on building Environmental Literacy Strategic Plans; bringing together science leads, VA Department of Education (VDOE), VA Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), Virginia Association for Environmental Education (VAEE), and the Virginia Environmental Literacy Network (VEN)!
Next up: October 27–29, 2024! We're calling all partner orgs to come team up with science leaders and help shape the future of EE in Virginia.
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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. | | | | |
