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Dec
6
Written by:
news editor
12/6/2010 1:00 AM
Project Learning Tree, has seen much growth over the last 30 years, and its benefits have been far reaching.
More than 20,000 Ohio educators with environmental education training
Columbus, OH– For an Ohio buckeye seed, 30 years of growth produces a young tree with well-established roots and an actively growing crown. Likewise, the Ohio branch of the award-winning environmental education program, Project Learning Tree (PLT), has grown over 30 years. Like the Ohio buckeye tree, its environmental benefits are far reaching.
“Project Learning Tree equips educators of all levels using the framework of trees and forests to teach a wide range of subjects,” said Dr. David Lytle, state forester and chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry, and state sponsor of PLT. “Children in Ohio are more aware of their natural world, and the many environmental and economic benefits of healthy forests, thanks to PLT.”
During the last 30 years, more than 20,000 Ohio educators, natural resource professionals and others have attended one-day PLT sessions or multiple day facilitator leadership workshops. PLT activity lessons have recently been correlated to state teaching standards for science and social studies. For workshop, as well as PLT program information and state correlations, visit http://ohiodnr.com/tabid/5119/Default.aspx.
International in scope, Project Learning Tree was developed and is continuously improved by educators, foresters and other environmental professionals. Recent additions to the traditional kindergarten through high school lessons include an early childhood learning strategy and the Forests of the World high school module. Ohio educators were instrumental in the development and initial use of both programs launched this year.
“PLT gives young people of all ages a whole new way to understand their world,” said Michael Stewart who was recognized as the 2010 PLT Ohio Outstanding Educator. Stewart spent 10 years as an environmental educator with the Miami County Park District and retired after 30 years teaching in the city of Springfield school district. According to Stewart, the students thrive on PLT because it is hands-on, interesting and encourages them to think at a higher level.
PLT is used by 15 Ohio colleges and universities as part of their teaching methods classes or in special workshop courses. An on-line graduate-level leadership workshop for facilitators is offered through the Miami University iDiscovery program.
Ohio grows more acres of trees than corn and soybeans combined. The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, as well as Project Learning Tree – Ohio, visit the Division of Forestry’s Web site at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
(Editor’s Note – The complete list of award winners follows below.)
For further information, contact:
Sue Wintering, ODNR Division of Forestry
614. 265. 6657
Debby Todd, Slate Hill Elementary, Delaware
614. 883. 3200
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
Project Learning Tree – Ohio 2010 Award Recognitions
John Hug Legacy Award
Dan Kincaid, Assistant Chief, West Virginia Division of Forestry
Bill Schultz Natural Resources Award
Jen Dennison, Education Coordinator, Ohio Division of Wildlife, Columbus
Outstanding Educator Award
Michael Stewart, Environmental Educator, Miami County Park District and retired Springfield School District
New Facilitator Recognition
Valerie Cook, Head Start, Greenfield
Certificate of Appreciation and Special Recognition
Dr. David Lytle, Chief and State Forester, Ohio Division of Forestry, Columbus
Kathy McGlauflin, Senior Vice President, Education, American Forest Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Dr. Joanne Rebbeck, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, Delaware Lab, Delaware
John Dorka, Executive Director, Ohio Forestry Association, Columbus
Janet Sweigart, Chair, Ohio Tree Farm Committee, Ada
SusanCox, USDA Forest Service NE Area Conservation and Education Coordinator, Durham, NH
Wayne National Forest, Athens Ranger District, Athens
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