We hope you had a rejuvenating summer break! Can you believe it's Back-to-School time? Whew! Because July was so busy, we're combining July & August into one E-blast edition. 🎇

As you begin to get back into the swing of things, we are delighted to share a selection of wonderful environmental education and back-to-school resources, webinars, & PD!

See Section 2 below for upcoming educator PD. 



• Hopefully, you had a chance to have some peaceful time outdoors this summer. Try this video to imagine yourself Falling Asleep by a Campfire Beside a Quiet Forest River (3+ hrs.).
• Also check out this video of Beautiful Autumn Colors ~ Amazing Nature Scenery + The Best Relaxing Music (3 hrs.) - great for use in your classroom too!
• Add in some Celtic vibes with this Autumn in the Medieval Forest – Celtic Medieval Music for Relaxation (3+ hrs.) ⛺🥾🔥💧

PA State Parks Educator E-Blast Contents ⬇️

• Section 1: Back-to-School & End-of-Summer Teaching Ideas
• Section 2: Low Cost, In-Person Educator Professional Development (PD) Trainings
• Section 3: Webinars & Conferences for Educators
• Section 3: Explore the Outdoors! PA State Parks Challenge & Adventure Badges!
• Section 4: Striving Towards Inclusion
• Capstone: PA State Park Info. & Updates

Thank you for celebrating America's 250^th Birthday with DCNR - Pennsylvania State Parks!

We hope you were able to attend a few AM250-themed programs at PA State Parks. If you didn't get a chance or are interested in learning more, the party didn't stop on July 4^th! There are still lots of history-focused programs scheduled in PA State Parks & Forests!

• Browse all upcoming events on DCNR's America250PA calendar 🎇
• 🆕Watch Ohiopyle State Parks amazing film “A River Between Empires”  
• Check out the DCNR America250PA GeoTrail!Use Geocaching.com to log your finds! If you complete all 25 locations, you'll get a special commemorative coin 🪙!

DCNR partnered with America250PA to celebrate the role of Pennsylvania’s public outdoor spaces & their impact on the Commonwealth.

Section 1:

Back-to-School and End-of-Summer 🌞Teaching Ideas

• Use Pine Cones to make a beautiful brown botanical dye. Learn how (other natural dye sources are included) - from ChildsPlayABC

• Warbler Paint-By-Numbers Art: Celebrate their yellow colors with this FREE original paint-by-numbers. Download & Create! - from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

• A Closer Look at Some Exceptional Owls 🦉! View the species diversity of owls in this fun video from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Wonderful World of Owls online course.

• Investigate the Night Sky - Make Your Own Star🌟Wheels! Star Wheels (Planispheres) provide a star map for any month & any time of night. - from The Lawrence Hall of Science

• Go back to school as Plastic-Free 🥤as you can - https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/

• ELA - Climate & Meteorology Vocabulary Module - Driving Question: What vocabulary do we need to talk about climate change? This resource guides students through engaging activities to build their vocabulary, including a word game, trivia, & Mad Libs that makes new terms approachable & fun. Build the language students need. - from SubjectToClimate

STEELS in Action - FREE! 🆓

1. What is Scientific Observation? Module - This 3-lesson module introduces students to the practice of careful scientific observation as a way to notice & investigate the natural world around them. Great for a science opener for students at any level. - from SubjectToClimate
2. Investigate Local Phenomena - Flies! These insects are all around us (even inside), but we typically ignore them. - from ChildsPlayABC
3. 16 Weather Experiment Ieas - Experiment with Density, Demonstrate Evaporation, Condensation, & Precipitation, Observe Humidity via Pine Cones, & more! - from ChildsPlayABC

Study Nitrate Pollution This Fall!

Nitrate pollution is one of the most widespread—yet invisible—threats facing our drinking water and local ecosystems today. Because Nitrate is odorless, colorless, & tasteless, high levels can flow through our taps & streams unnoticed.  

Claim Your FREE Nitrate Watch Monitoring Kit through The Izaak Walton League.  

• Learn more about Nitrate pollution by watching one of their recorded webinars
• Facilitate a MWEE on Nitrate Pollution with your students! They can utilize these Nitrate Watch fact sheets.

Section 2: In-Person Educator Professional Development (PD) Trainings

View ALL of the Upcoming Educator PD on the DCNR Calendar

Project 💧WET: Foundations of Water Education Teacher PD

Thursday, September 17, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

In-Person at Prince Gallitzin State Park, 966 Marina Road, Patton, PA 16668

Act 48: 5.5 hrs.

Fee: $20.00 pre-registration required

A fun & engaging training that will provide educators with science-based activities to help students learn about water & the environment using lessons from Project WET's Foundations of Water Education Guide. Designed to complement existing curricula, this new guide from Project WET is filled with hands-on, interdisciplinary lessons that address PA academic standards, including Common Core & STEELS. Register NOW! Questions? Contact princegallitzinsp@pa.gov or 814-674-1000.

Stream to Classroom Educator PD 💦

Thursday, October 1, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

In-Person at Kings Gap EE Center, Edu. Building, 500 Kings Gap Rd., Carlisle, PA 17015

Act 48: 4.5 hrs. 

Fee: $25.00 pre-registration required; lunch provided in the Kings Gap mansion

Learn how to bring aquatic life to your classroom! In this workshop, we will cover how to catch & transport critters, how to manage live critters in your classroom, and aquatic invertebrate ID. We will also feature lessons from professionals in aquatic education such as Stroud Water Research Center & Project WET. All participants will receive a Project WET 2.0 book and an air bubbler. Formal & non-formal educators teaching grades 3rd – adult are welcome. Be ready to go in the stream! To register, call 717-486-3799. Please register by 9/17/26. Questions? Contact Kim Schubert, EES at kischubert@pa.gov or 717-486-3799.

Dive Into Your Watershed💧Project Wet Educator PD

Friday, October 2, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 

In-Person at Raymond B. Winter State Park, 17215 Buffalo Rd., Mifflinburg, PA 17844

Act 48: 5.5 hrs. 

Fee: $15.00 pre-registration required 

Explore the connections between land, water, & your community at this Project WET PD! Learn how to educate & inspire water literacy through science-based activities while collaborating with fellow educators. Lessons will focus on how to help your students connect and care about their local waterways. All participants will receive a copy of the new Foundations of Water Education curriculum, containing 12 popular Project WET activities addressing PA’s academic standards. This PD is for K-12 classroom teachers & nonformal-educators. Registration required by 9/25/26. Register NOW! Questions? Contact Rebecca Harner, EES at rebharner@pa.gov or 570-966-1455. 

Aquatic WILD Educator PD 🦆

October 3, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

In-Person at Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Rd, Norristown, PA 19403

Act 48: 5 hrs. 

Fee: $15.00 pre-registration required 

The award-winning Project WILD Aquatic K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide utilizes a simple, science-based format to cover concepts, principles, & issues related to aquatic wildlife, aquatic habitats & ecosystems, & actions for them. Each activity contains all the info. needed - from objectives to extended learning. The Aquatic WILD activities are interdisciplinary covering Science, ELA, Math, Social Studies, & more. The guide includes Field Investigations, In Step with STEM activity extensions, WILD Work careers, & a focus on learning outdoors. This PD is for any educator who is interested in teaching about aquatic wildlife & ecology such as classroom teachers, non-formal educators, school administrators, youth leaders, homeschoolers, & more. Register NOW. Questions? Contact Rebecca at rebecca.blacketter@montgomerycountypa.gov or 610-270-0215 ext. 5. 

Pennsylvania Songbirds 🐦 Educator PD

Monday, October 12, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

In-Person at Presque Isle State Park, Rotary Pavilion, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505

Act 48: 6 hrs.

Fee: $20.00 pre-registration required

PA Songbirds is a hands-on activity guide designed for K-8 classroom teachers, homeschool educators, scout leaders, & any adult who wishes to engage children in hands-on science & environmental learning through the world of birds. This newly revised, curriculum includes 40+ activities. Participants will receive the 475 pg. PA Songbirds: A K-8 Teachers Guide. Register NOW (by 10/2/26). Questions? Contact the Presque Isle State Park Office at 814-833-7424 or presqueislesp@pa.gov.

Aquatic WILD Educator PD 🦆

Monday, October 12, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

In-Person at Presque Isle State Park, Tom Ridge Envi. Center (TREC), 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505

Act 48: 5.5 hrs. 

Fee: $15.00 pre-registration required 

The award-winning Project WILD Aquatic K-12Curriculum & Activity Guide utilizes a simple, science-based format to cover concepts, principles, & issues related to aquatic wildlife, aquatic habitats & ecosystems, & actions for sustaining aquatic species & habitats. Each activity contains all the info. needed - from objectives to extended learning. The Aquatic WILD activities are interdisciplinary covering Science, ELA, Math, Social Studies, & more. Participants will explore aquatic ecosystems and gain practical lesson plans, fieldwork experience, & strategies aligned with PA STEELS standards. This PD is for any educator who is interested in teaching about aquatic wildlife & ecology such as classroom teachers, non-formal educators, school administrators, youth leaders, homeschoolers, & more. Register NOW. Questions? Contact the Presque Isle State Park Office at 814-833-7424 or presqueislesp@pa.gov.

Project Learning Tree (PLT) 🌳 Explore Your Environment Educator PD

Tuesday, October 13, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

In-Person at Jacobsburg EE Center, 400 Belfast Rd, Nazareth, PA 18064

Act 48: 4.5 hrs. 

Fee: $25.00 pre-registration required 

Are you a college student, pre-service teacher, classroom teacher, environmental educator, or homeschool provider seeking lessons and skill-building to engage students (K-8) in nature? Dive into EE activities, receive a PLT Explore Your Environment K-8 Activity Guide with 50 field-tested lessons, experience a sampling of activities from the guide, & learn tips & tricks for working with students outdoors. Register NOW. Questions? Contact jacobsburgsp@pa.gov or 610-746-2801.

Project Learning Tree🌲Explore Your Environment Educator PD 

Saturday, October 24, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

In-person at Carbon County EE Center, 151 E White Bear Drive, Summit Hill, PA 18250

Act 48: 5 hrs.

Fee: $20.00; pre-registration required

This PD is a collaboration of Hickory Run State Park & Carbon County EE Center (CCEEC). Project Learning Tree® (PLT) is an award-winning, EE program committed to advancing forest literacy & green career pathways, using trees & forests as windows on the world. During this workshop for formal & non-formal educators, learn about forests & their resources through hands-on activities that can be shared with students. Participants will receive the PLT Explore Your Environment: K-8 Project Learning Tree Curricula Guide & other supporting materials. Register NOW & then mail $20 check made out to CCEEC, 151 E White Bear Dr., Summit Hill, PA 18250 or call 570-645-8597. Questions? Contact CCEEC at 570-645-8597 or cceec@ptd.net.

Project WILD Aquatic Educator PD 🦆

Thursday, October 29, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

In-Person at Susquehannock State Park, 1880 Park Dr., Drumore PA 17518

Act 48: 5.5 hrs.

Fee: $15.00; pre-registration required

The award-winning Project WILD Aquatic K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide utilizes a simple, science-based format to cover concepts, principles, & issues relating to aquatic wildlife, aquatic habitats & ecosystems, & actions for sustaining aquatic species & habitats. Each activity contains all the info. needed - from objectives to extended learning. This PD will align Aquatic Wild activities with STEELS standards & focus on local water quality issues. It is for any educator who is interested in teaching about aquatic wildlife & ecology such as classroom teachers, non-formal educators, college students studying to be teachers (pre-service), school administrators, youth leaders, homeschoolers, & more. Aquatic WILD K–12 Curriculum & Activity Guide will be provided to all attendees. Register NOW.

Kelly Ford, EES at Kelford@pa.gov or 717-252-1134.

MWEE in Your Schoolyard Teacher PD

Thursday, November 5, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

In-person at Carbon County EE Center, 151 E. White Bear Drive, Summit Hill, PA 18250

Act 48: up to 15 hrs.

Fee: FREE! 🆓 pre-registration required

Are you a Pennsylvania K-12 teacher or non-formal educator who is passionate about bringing local environmental education (EE) into your classroom or schoolyard? Learn how to implement the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) Framework to address the Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (ELS) standards while increasing student achievement! MWEEs are learner-centered experiences in which students investigate local environmental issues & complete informed, place-based action projects. It’s an awesome way to connect with the new PA STEELS & get outside!

Experience field work & network with potential EE providers in your region while advancing your MWEE Certifications. To earn your MWEE Ambassador Certification & 8 additional Act 48 hours, the asynchronous MWEE 101 course must also be completed. Register NOW! Questions? Contact Monica Pangaio, IU #21 STEELS Facilitator at pangaiom@cliu.org or 610-769-4111. This PD training is a partnership between Carbon-Leigh IU (IU #21), DCNR - PA State Parks, & Carbon County EE Center.

Project WET Climate, Water & Resilience Educator PD 💧

Saturday, November 7, 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

In-person at Lackawanna State Park, 1839 Abington Rd., N. Abington Township, PA 18414

Act 48: 5 hrs.

Fee: $15.00; pre-registration required

Project WET's Climate, Water, & Resilience Module provides the tools for educators to teach middle & high school students about climate, climate change, & sustainability utilizing interactive, objective, science-based activities that are student-centered.​ This PD training is open to all educators who work with students in grades 6-12.​ All participants will receive Project WET's Climate, Water & Resilience Educator Module, plus other take-home materials. Register NOW. Questions? Contact Tony DeSantis, EES at antdesanti@pa.gov or (570) 945-7110

Section 3: Webinars & Conferences for Educators

Our favorite time of year is coming! Join Project WILD and Bat Conservation International for a Teach about Bats 🦇 Webinar!

• Date: Thursday, September 10^th       
• Fee: Free! 🆓
• Time: 4 – 5 PM Eastern Time
• Target Audience: Ideal for formal & nonformal educators who teach grades 3-8. 
• Description: Join staff from Project WILD, Bat Conservation International (BCI), & CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife to learn about the importance of bats, stewardship efforts that students & teachers can take to help bats, & resources for teaching about them.
• Registration: Registration on Zoom required to attend. An on-demand recording of webinar will be available through October 2026 to anyone who registers. CLICK TO REGISTER

We highly recommend this excellent training!

Effective Climate Communications Training for Educators

September 10^th, 1:00 - 2:00 PM Eastern on Zoom

Register NOW! Regular Registration: $55, NAI Pro Member Registration: Free, Discounted NAI Member Registration: $40

Trying to talk about climate change, but finding that facts alone don’t always land? Learn how the National Network for Ocean & Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI) utilizes social science to promote hopeful, community-minded, solutions-focused climate communications. Kait Birghenthal, President of NNOCCI will share NNOCCI tools & tips to help increase your confidence in communicating climate. Questions? Email learn@nai-us.org. This training is presented by the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) & NNOCCI.

📅 Back to School with PAEE: STEELS Support & Resources for PA Educators Webinar

Thursday, September 24^th | 4:00 PM ET | FREE | 👉 Register NOW!

Get ready for back to school with PAEE! Join PAEE's PD Director, Amanda Jeane, for a free, interactive webinar designed to help PA educators feel confident heading into the school year with the PA STEELS standards. Whether you’re a classroom teacher or a nonformal educator, we’ll break down what STEELS are, why it matters for environmental education, & more.

Submit Your Session Proposal for the 2027 Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Education (PAEE) Conference -

The theme of this year’s conference – Golden Year, Greener Future commemorates their 50^th anniversary & honors the joy & dedication that educators in EE have demonstrated throughout PAEE's history.

Submit a session to highlight experiences & initiatives from community events, school/nonformal programs, advocacy efforts, & PD.  Get more conference info. & submit your session proposal here! DEADLINE: OCTOBER 16^th!

Section 4:

Explore the Outdoors!

Did you know that Pennsylvania Department of Education is updating the Health & Physical Education Academic Standards? Review the Recommendations for PA Academic Standards for Health, Safety, & Physical Education.

Public input is being accepted through September 20, 2026. Written comments may be emailed to: ra-stateboardofed@pa.gov or mailed to The State Board of Education, 607 South Dr., Harrisburg, PA 17120. You can also attend one of the 3 scheduled Public Hearings (in-person or virtually). Learn more - Upcoming Meeting Agenda | PA State Board of Education

Summer may be wrapping up but you can still fit a little more outdoor fun into the schedule! Consider heading out to one upcoming archery programs.

Here are a few options to get you started:

🎯Friday, August 21 @ Nockamixon State Park

🎯Saturday, August 22 @ Hickory Run State Park

🎯Sunday, September 6 @ Kinzua Bridge State Park

Check out the DCNR Calendar of Events to discover more archery programs near you! 🎯

Section 5: Striving for Inclusion

- Learn more about DCNR's DEIB efforts-

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) partnered with local & statewide outdoor recreation partners this summer in an effort to ensure everyone has access to welcoming & meaningful connections to the outdoors in our state.

Learn more about the 2026 Outdoors for ALL Days:

• June 27-Philadelphia Event
• July 25 -Lancaster Event
• August 8-Harrisburg Event
• August 15-Pittsburgh Event

Did you make it to one of the Outdoors for ALL Days? If not, look for more in 2027!

PA State Parks are YOURS!

Book your virtual, in-person programs, and field experiences with PA State Park Educators! Find a PA State Park. Need help connecting to a PA State Park with an Educator on staff? Reach out to Carissa Longo at calongo@pa.gov.

DCNR facilities and Programs are OPEN to ALL👐

• Many Environmental Education programs require pre-registration. Explore the DCNR events calendar for details & to register.
• Plan your outing before you leave. Learn about facilities, download a park map on your phone or print it, & review regulations here: Find A Park
• Take care of & respect the resource. Park, hike, hunt, explore, & more only in designated areas.
• Check the weather before you depart wear proper footwear, & bring water 💦. Wear orange if hiking in designated hunting areas. Please clean up after pets 🐕.
• Do not litter 🚮.
• Alcohol is not allowed in PA State Parks.
• Make a Reservation (up to 11-months in advance) at a PA State Park Campground, Camping Cottage, Cabin, Yurt, or Pavilion.

You can help keep state parks safe for all by following these practices:

• Use the restroom before you leave your house 🏡 Take hand sanitizer with you & use it
• LNT! Bring a bag & either carry out your trash or dispose of it properly
• If you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick, stay home

🚌 Welcome Back to School! 🚸



Carissa Longo, Natural Resource Program Specialist

(Coordinating Project WILD & Pennsylvania Songbirds Curricula for all of PA)

&

Christine Ticehurst, Natural Resource Program Specialist

(Coordinating PLT & DCNR's GO Teach Curricula for PA State Parks)

&

Kim Lott, Natural Resource Program Specialist

(Coordinating DCNR's Watershed Education, PA Land Choices, & Project WET curricula for PA State Parks)

Visit the DCNR Events Calendar- Educator PD to find additional training opportunities!