Outdoor Education Commons^™

News Briefs, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains multiple brief news items related to conservation, environment or outdoor education. Some titles include: "Moon Mining: Investing in the Final Frontier" and "Woodpeckers Evacuated".

Professional Opportunities, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section included numerous opportunities for professional development related to outdoor education and environmental or conservation education. Some of the options included: The Orion Institute (hosted three institutes in 2002) and lnterlocken Experiential Education in New Hampshire.

Review Of Wholeness: On Education, Buckminster Fuller, And Tao, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Author, and visionary, Alex Gerber Jr. has masterfully crafted a treatise that clearly illustrates, for most readers, theories of renowned architect, inventor, author, poet Buckminster Fuller with principles of spirituality found in Tao. In doing so he arrives at a means (education) of achieving harmony (wholeness) with ourselves and the planet. Gerber believes:

Awakening to wholeness may be the single most important event in anyone's life. This fundamental evolution refers to experiencing and valuing the interconnectedness of creation, the oneness of being. The whole, which ecompasses all subjects, experiences, and perceptions, is the arena in which everything occurs, the essential …

Conference Calendar, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section provides a list of conferences in the field of outdoor education including the Soil and Water Conservation Society and the Wilderness Risk Managers Committee.

From The Editor, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Welcome to this special issue of Taproot devoted to art and outdoor education. We begin with the second part of Marie Bernardy's article on "A Case for the Place of Music in the Outdoor Education Program." Part I appeared in the Fall/Winter 2000 issue of Taproot (Volume 12, Number 3).

Teaching Nature Journaling And Observation, Clare Walker Leslie

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Nature journaling is hands-on learning at its best. The students are not punching keyboards, responding to questions in a book, or answering questions made up by someone else. They are outdoors, looking at grasses, weeds, ants, earthworms, blue jays, sugar maples, poison ivy, and seeing for themselves connections they never noticed before. The proof of their observation is their own journal page.

Review Of Balance Point: Searching For A Missing Spiritual Link, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

It seems most appropriate that review of a novel is included in this special issue of Taproot devoted to "art" and environmental and outdoor education. As environmental novels go, they probably don't come much better than Balance Point! The book's back cover succinctly conveys this reviewer's assessment:

Rich with a non-religious mysticism and drawing from the astute observations of the world's leading ecological visionaries, Balance Point imparts a disturbing, yet hopeful awareness of the world around us and the universe within us, revealing what may be the route to our planet's, and our own, long-term survival.

Environmental Education Update, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

A recent information brief, Environmental Education: Moving into the Educational Mainstream, from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) bears good news for environmental and outdoor educators. According to Marcia P. Sward, of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, "current evidence" suggests that, "compared to traditional educational approaches, environmental based education improves academic performance across the curriculum." Citing a study of 40 schools using "Environment as an Integrating Context for Leaming," the ASCD report indicates that educators found significant improvement in student Standardized test scores (77% ), Student engagement and enthusiasm (98% ), Ability and willingness to stay …

Resources, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains a listing of teaching resources of all types for those who work in outdoor education field at time of publication. Some items highlighted include: "A Weaver's Garden" (which describes Growing Plants for Natural Dyes and Fibers, a complete guide to practical and holistic plant use, by Buchanan) and "Cloning: How and Why?" (a video on cloning).

Contents, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

The Coalition for Education in the Outdoors is a non-profit network of outdoor and environmental education centers, nature centers, conservation and recreation organizations, outdoor education and experiential education associations, institutions of higher learning, public and private schools, fish and wildlife agencies, and businesses that share a mission the support and furtherance of outdoor education and its goals.

A Case For The Place Of Music In The Outdoor Education Program - Part Ii, Marie Bernardy

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Part I of this article discussed the importance of music in education, the history of music in outdoor education, and briefly described the role of nature in music. This second part suggests a rationale for inclusion and considerations for implementation of music in the outdoor education program. Quotes from interviews with music educators and outdoor educators, cites from relevant literature and personal experience provide the basis for the suggestions. Educators' quotes remain anonymous, as the interviews were part of another study.

Nebline, December 2001

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Bioterrorism and the Biosecurity Measures We Can Use to Reduce our Risks
Biosecurity Related NebGuides and NebFacts
Deicing Salts Harmful to Plants
Houseplant Problems
Horticulture information center
Growing Cacti and Succulents
How Do Honey Bees Survive the Winter?
Nothing Brightens up a Winter Day Like the Song of a Bird
Looking for a New Hobby? Learn to Manage Bees and Produce Honey!
Extension Resources on Feeding Birds and Wildlife Habitat
Fungus Gnats Are Nuisance Often Found in Soil of Houseplants
Producer Question — Should I Aerate my Pasture?
Management Pays Better than Labor
Biosolids Improves Soil and Cuts Production Costs …

Nebline, November 2001

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Celebrate Family Connections!
Take Time to be Thankful
Hints for Fruit Storage
Harvesting Popcorn
Winter Care For Strawberry Plants
Aloes, Easy and Fun to Grow
Horticulture information center
Pine Cones For Decoration
Combing: a Safe, Non-Toxic Method of Lice Control
Celebrate America Recycles Day
Head Lice Resources Available from the Extension Office
Asthma and Indoor Air Contaminants
Extension Record-Keeping Workshop Receives Award
Year End Financial Analysis and Planning
Beware of Entrapment in Moving Grain
Winterize Equipment Before Storing
Storing Leftover Pesticides
Heavy Water Use May Harm Septic Systems
Reduce Orchard Woes
Beware of Wood Heating Dangers]
T-U-R-K-E-Y Tips
Healthy Eating: …

Nebline, October 2001

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Character Education Counts
Teaching Character by Example
Answers to Composting Questions
Growing Hardy Bulbs
Garden Cleanup
Fall Storage of Tender Bulbs, Corms and Tubers
Horticulture information center
My Child Was Sent Home With Head Lice — Now What Do I Do?
Eeek! There’s a Mouse in the House
Why Don’t Lice Treatments Seem to Work?
Insect Quiz
Facts and Myths of Hedge Apples
Sobering Farm Safety Statistics
Website Features Diverse Agricultural Opportunities
Most Grain Needs Aeration for Safe Storage
Moving Hay Bales Can be Dangerous
Corn Ethanol and By-Products Add Value to Nebraska
Keep Hay Bales Dry This Winter
Watch …

Nebline, September 2001

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

4-H Centennial–1902-2002
4-H Centennial Quiz
Poison Ivy
Seasonal Needle Drop on Evergreens
Horticulture information center
Norfolk Island Pine
Tiny Flies in the House? Find the Source
Simple Fruit Fly Trap
The Kids are Back in School – So are Head Lice...
New Home? New Bugs!
Fall Household Hazardous Waste Collections
New Home? New Bugs!
Fall Is a Good Time to Control Problem Weeds
Prepare Grain Bins and Equipment Before Harvest
Nitrogen Fertilizer Sources
Crop Residues: An Economical Source of Feed
Nebraska Forest Service Ends Tree Distribution Program
Fall Dandelion Treatment
Livestock Buildings
Water Quickies for September
Fall Fertilizing is Best …

Nebline, August 2001

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Science – It’s For Everyone!
Indoor Trees
Horticulture information center
Perennials with Colorful Foliage
Harvesting Guide for Fruits and Vegetables
Storing Extra Seeds
Cicadas: Mid-Summer Night’s Screamers
Leaving it to Beaver May Not be the Best Solution
Cicada Killers and Steel-Blue Cricket Killers
Are You Looking for the Latest Wheat Variety Test Results?
Sprayer Nozzle Tip Selection Fact Sheet Available
Nutrient Management Guide for Crops Published
Safety Should Always Come First
Terminating Farm Leases
Some Words on Water
The 2001 Acreage Owners Expo
Controlling Pocket Gophers
Drinking Water Q&A
Steps To Maintaining a Healthy Pasture
Home Canning Concerns
Healthy Eating: …

Nebline, July 2001

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Making A Difference The County Fair Way
Vegetable Gardening in the Fall
Start Avocados Seeds
Blue Flowers for the Garden
Viburnums in the Landscape
Horticulture information center
Add a Touch of Fragrance
Explore Spring Creek Prairie
Hey Acreage Owners!
Dispelling The Daddy Longlegs Myth
August Household Hazardous Waste Collections
The Origin of an Acre and Other Land Measures
Calibrating Farm Sprayers
Pesticide Container Recycling Dates Set
Tips for Late Summer Alfalfa Planting
The Acreage Owners Expo
Simplify Lawn Care During Drought
Mulching Can Make Gardening Easier
Healthy Eating: Enjoy Nebraska Foods
The Well-Dressed Salad
Is That Whole Wheat Bread Really …

Resources, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains a listing of teaching resources of all types for those who work in the outdoor education field at time of publication. Some items highlighted include: the Underwater Wheelchair and Intergenerational Activities (a book of activities to integrate youth and seniors).

National Center On Accessibility: Putting Research Into Practice, Jennifer K. Bowerman And Gary Robb

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Some 10 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and three decades after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was enacted, park and recreation professionals still struggle with removing barriers to their facilities and programs in order to provide inclusive opportunities and full participation to people with disabilities. For many, compliance means meeting the minimum standards, "What is the least I have to do to get by?" For others, many of the struggles with barrier removal and ADA compliance can be attributed to lack of understanding of the needs and preferences of people with disabilities accessing recreation …

From The Guest Editor, Lynn Anderson

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

The Coalition for Education in the Outdoors exists to support the broad purpose of education in, for, and about the outdoors for ALL people. This special issue of Taproot, "Accessible Outdoors," looks closely at the regulations, current issues, and best practices in ensuring that all people have the opportunity to play and learn in the out of doors. Research has consistently shown that people with disabilities want the same experiences in the outdoors that all people want, from a pristine wilderness experience to a day in the park to a guided nature walk at the local nature center. Today, we …

Contents, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

The Coalition for Education in the Outdoors is a non-profit network of outdoor and environmental education centers, nature centers, conservation and recreation organizations, outdoor education and experiential education associations, institutions of higher learning, public and private schools, fish and wildlife agencies, and businesses that share a mission the support and furtherance of outdoor education and its goals.

Inclusive Outdoor Education And Environmental Interpretation, Leo H. Mcavoy And Stuart J. Schleien

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Traditional outdoor education and environmental interpretive facilities and programs rarely include persons with physical and cognitive disabilities and therefore do not serve a major segment of the population. This is significant when one considers that there are approximately 43 million Americans who have some form of disability (National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitative Research, 1998). Most people with disabilities attend educational and recreational programs, including interpretive programs, with family and friends (Mactavish & Schleien, 2000). If a person with a disability is discouraged from attending outdoor education and interpretive programs because of perceived lack of access or accommodation, then that …

A Work In Progress: Accessible Trails, Campsites, And Other Outdoor Recreation Areas, John N. Mcgovern

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

The Americans with Disabilities Act has been in effect since January 26, 1992. During that time, a tremendous change has occurred in the field of parks and recreation. The federal government has developed and issued regulations governing the design and construction of new recreation facilities and areas and continues to work in this area. Courts and administrative decisions have balanced the right to leisure and recreation opportunities for persons with disabilities, with the fundamental nature of certain leisure experiences. And through it all, states, counties, cities, and special purpose districts that do provide park and recreation experiences, and yes, private …

Review Of Including People With Disabilities In Camp Programs, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Including People with Disabilities in Camp Programs is the result of a project by the National Camp Executives Group in conjunction with camp directors and administrators affiliated with the National Easter Seal Society, an organization that has a longstanding history of providing quality camping experiences for campers of all abilities. This 144 page book is divided into an introductory section that provides information about the historical background and legal context of the "inclusion movement," an activity section in which eleven camp activities are profiled for their adaptability to include all campers, and a resource section that provides contact information for …

News Briefs, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains multiple brief news items related to conservation, environment, or outdoor education. Some titles include: "Appalachian Mountain Club Works on Universal Access to Trails" and "Federal Study On Improving Access To Outdoor Recreation Released".

Professional Opportunities, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section included numerous opportunities for professional development related to outdoor education and environmental or conservation education. Some of the options included the National Institute on Recreation Inclusion and the World Congress and Exposition on Disabilities.

Accessible Adventure: Leadership Techniques That Facilitate Full Participation By All, Greg Lais

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Although it is by no means exhaustive, this article provides a framework for outdoor adventure program staff in developing and using certain techniques toward the goal of integrating people with widely varying physical, cognitive, and emotional needs in outdoor adventures, while protecting and preserving the wilderness environment. Most of the content is based upon the experiences and methods employed by Wilderness Inquiry, which have also been documented in the book, "Integrated Outdoor Education and Adventure Programs" (Schleien, McAvoy, Lais, & Rynders, 1993).

Camping Programs - Critical Success Factors In Accessible Programs, Margarita Solis

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

According to Havens (1992), the last two decades alone have brought legal action and legislation which mandate inclusion of people with disabilities in educational, recreational and vocational settings, including camping programs. The process of deinstitutionalization has placed many individuals with disabilities back in the community to live, work, and play. Moreover, the barriers to participation by persons with disabilities in programs are no longer insurmountable. As camps continue to progress and offer an expansion of opportunities, camps are experiencing the necessity to provide programs and develop facilities that are available to persons with all ability levels.

Conference Calendar, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section provides a list of conferences in the field of outdoor education including WEA (Wilderness Education Association) and Terrene Institute.

Nebline, June 2001

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Grilling It Safely
Handling Food Safely on the Road
Watch for Squash Vine Borer
Zoo Garden
Days Between Flowering and Harvest of Vegetables
Horticulture information center
Night Blooming Flowers Offer Evening Enjoyment
Hey Kids! Out of School and Already Bored? Try Rearing Butterflies and Moths
Latex Paint Exchange: June 23
“Itchy Chiggers”
Some Common Butterfly Larval Host Plants
What Bio-Security Issues Should You Take on Your Livestock Operation?
Pesticide Container Recycling Program
Prepare Equipment for Storage
EPA Starts Phasing Out Diazinon This Spring
Manure Handling
Shock Chlorination of Domestic Water Supplies
2001 Plants of the Year Winners Recommended for Nebraska …