Earth Force and Chesapeake Bay Foundation educators gathered June 28th through July 1 to participate in the "Take Refuge in the Refuge" program at the Karen Noonan Center (KNC) in Crocheron, Maryland. Set back in the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge with the waves of the Chesapeake Bay lapping on the shore next to the KNC, educators had full days that included both indoor sessions and outdoor explorations each day. Educators had the opportunity to venture out on the CBF vessel under the watchful supervision of Captain Jessie to dredge for oysters and use crab pots to catch Wednesday's lunch - steamed crabs.
The Chesapeake Bay Program's Shelby Laubhan joined the group to provide a presentation on the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement which created the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs).
Additional topics covered included:
- Virginia Government Basics and Its Impact on the Environment
- Grantwriting
- Use of Reflection
- Rain Garden Basics
One of the participants commented, "This was a great experience that will greatly enhance my teaching as well as providing information to fellow teachers." Earth Force and CBF can not wait to see what next year's program will bring!
Thank you to Shelby Laubhan of the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and the Virginia Environmental Endowment for their support of this program.