Outdoor Education Commons^™

Nebline, November/December 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Middle School Youth on a “Nutrition Mission”
Roasts – Easy to Make for the Holidays and Any Other Time, Too!
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ Notes—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Get a Handle on Holiday Cleaning
Radon—A Health Hazard
Computer Cleaning—Hotspots for Germs
Flexible Cash Lease Provisions
Thistle Control Still Possible This Fall — but Hurry
Use Season-Long Records to Assess Pumping Plant Performance
Diversity is the Key to Attracting Wildlife
Provide Basic Needs to Attract Birds
Relocating Problem Wild Animals: Not as Humane as Most People Think
Evergreen Colors for Winter
Fall Vegetable Garden …

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 the time of publication. Some items highlighted include: "Outdoor adventure pursuits: Foundations, models, and theories" and "Investigating adventure experiences: An experiential sampling approach".

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 "New Publication: The Hiking Deck by Rick Curtis" and a "Green Charter School Network."

Professional Organizations, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section includes numerous professional organizations for those working in outdoor education and environmental or conservation education at the time of publication. Some of the options included "EEAA" (the Environmental Education Association of Alabama) and "NYSOEA" (the New York State Outdoor Education Association).

Review Of Never Finished Just Begun, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

As the complete title indicates, this book is “A Narrative History of L.B. Sharp and Outdoor Education.” The review that follows is anything but unbiased. How could it be otherwise when the subject matter involves the originator of the very term, “outdoor education” and its fiercest proponent for nearly forty years? And, like many heroic tales, it is the story of one man’s passion, struggles, setbacks, personal sacrifices, and successes.

From The Editor, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

It is tempting to begin by using the “old saw” about the dangers of ignoring history. Reading about the teaching philosophies of outdoor education pioneers Joseph Cogswell, Frederick Gunn, and L.B. Sharp causes one to wonder how we have allowed young people to become so disconnected from the natural world. A case can be made to indict today’s teachers. But then, we modern parents also would have to “face the music.”

Review Of Champions Of The Wilderness, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Like its present companion in the Earth Heroes series, Champions of the Wilderness is well written and illustrated. Again, it too is aimed at young readers but will interest even seasoned outdoor educators hoping to learn a little more about one of their personal heroes. Heroes included in this edition are: Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Aldo Leopold, Richard St. Barbe Baker, Margaret Murie, David Suzuki, and Wangari Maathai.

Frederick Gunn: Pioneer In Outdoor Education, Paula G. Krimsky

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

“In 1850, Frederick William Gunn, educator, prominent abolitionist, and outdoorsman, along with his wife, Abigail Brinsmade Gunn, founded The Gunnery in Washington, Connecticut.”

The founder’s name alone alerts the unfamiliar to the fact that The Gunnery is not a military school, but an eponymous reflection of a man and his vision.

He was a unique individual with a decidedly different view of education in the Victorian era, but he was not an egotist. The school was simply inseparable from the man, and to some extent, it still is. He left a lasting legacy to the institution, its students, the town …

Noba Awards For Historical-Biography Books, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

This section contains a listing of award winning historical and biographical books that can be used in the field of outdoor education. Some books listed include: "A River Running West: The Life of John Wesley Powell" by By Donald Worster and "The Last Season" by Eric Blehm.

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 items include: "US Play Coalition" and "Report maps out solutions to child obesity."

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 "Four Corners School of Outdoor Education" and the "Institute of Theology and Ecology at the Orthodox Academy of Crete."

Review Of Champions Of The Ocean, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Champions of the Oceans is the first, alphabetically, of two books published by Dawn Publications in their Earth Heroes series. Written for young readers, these books profile people who have devoted their lives to understand and protect the natural world.

Lloyd Burgess Sharp, Julie A. Carlson

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Lloyd Burgess Sharp first coined the term outdoor education in the 1943 issue of Extending Education (Knapp, 2002), a publication of the honor society, Kappa Delta Pi.

That year, however, did not mark the beginning of the field as it is known today. His work in sparking and shaping the outdoor education movement began years earlier as a graduate student at Columbia University in New York. During his master’s and doctorate programs in physical education, he studied under William Heard Kilpatrick, John Dewey, and other renowned professors at the time who were experimenting with combining leadership, camping, and educational philosophies …

Review Of Interpreting Our Heritage, Angelique Bovee

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

I arrived complete with my Smokey Bear hat in hand as a new seasonal Park Ranger for the Saratoga National Historical Park. I was worried that since I did not have a history background I would find myself constantly fumbling through the people, places and dates that surrounded the park’s historic events. In the weeks leading up to my official interpretive training, I consumed as much information as I could about the “turning point of the revolutionary war,” desperately wishing I paid more attention in Mrs. Roberts seventh grade American History class.

Joseph Green Cogswell, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

No history of outdoor education could have a proper beginning without recognition of Joseph Cogswell and his Round Hill School for boys. Cogswell’s reliance on the outdoors as a context for learning is undeniable as was his premise that active indoor and outdoor pursuits are key to physical and mental health. Advocates of today’s “No Child Left Inside” movement would do well to read Cogswell’s complete prescription for raising healthy children.

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.

Nebline, October 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Extension Helps Establish a Garden at City Mission
Nutrition Classes Focus on Produce from Garden
How to Reduce Energy Cost for Grain Drying
Tree Planting for Success
Successful Composting
$tretch Your Food Dollar by Making Your Own Mixes
Slow Cookers and Food Safety
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: End-of-Summer Cleanup
10 Tips for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Drying Gourds
Growing American Bittersweet
Storing Vegetables
Praying Mantids: Garden Carnivores
Problem Squirrels in Buildings
October's Heart of 4-H Award Winner: Jennifer Cusick-Rawlinson
Nebraska State Fair 4-H Results
Free Speech: UNL Speakers Bureau in 15th …

Nebline, September 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

September is Preparedness Month
Overseeding Lawns
Water Young Trees to Prevent Winter Damage
Winterizing Your Home
Propagating Plants from Cuttings
Just Like Kids, Head Lice are Back in School
When a Bat Gets Indoors
Eating Locally Grown Foods in the Fall
Get Your Grains
Laundry Tips for Back-to-School Garments and Stains
Parent-Teacher Communication
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Recognize Symptoms of Stress
Ten Tips for Welcoming Wildlife into Your Landscape
Weedy Vines: Identification and Control
Winter Annual Weeds in Lawn
Fall is a Good Time to Control Weeds
September's Heart …

Nebline, August 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Landscape Water Saving Methods
Natural Sources of Nitrogen for Plant Growth
Commercial Nitrogen Fertilizer Sources
Pumping Water For Ponds
Canning Fruits and Vegetables
Heating With Wood
Fall Prairie Seeding Site Preparation
Handling Food Safely on the Road $tretch Your Food Dollar by Packing Your Lunch Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints
Financial Security: Consumer Credit
Running Out of Time for Bagworm Control
Harvesting and Preserving Herbs
Summertime Bug Bites
Taking Insect Photos at Spring Creek Prairie
4-H’ers Test Animal Science Skills at PASE
4-H’ers Test Family and Consumer Sciences Skills at …

Nebline, July 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Lancaster Rural Water District: Providing Water to Acreages and Villages for 35 Years
Watch for Blister Beetles in Alfalfa
Use of Copper Compounds to Control Algae in Farm Ponds
Two-Spotted Spider Mites
Water Conservation at Home Begins in the Bathroom, Laundry Room
Harvesting Rainwater Helps Conserve Water and Save Money
What to Do with Zucchini!
Fruits Are Good Source of Nutrients
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Environmental and Energy Saving Tips When Washing Dishes
Learn the Signs/Act Early Autism Awareness
Summer Safety Tips
There is Still Time to Control Bagworms …

Nebline, June 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Proper Timing Crucial for Bagworm Control
Enjoy Eating Locally Grown Foods!
Drink Your “D” with Dairy
Resurgence in Farmers’ Markets is Good News
Follow Guidelines when Selling Crops Directly to Consumers
Ten Lawn Irrigation Tips
Determining and Sharing Irrigation Costs
When to Harvest Bromegrass Hay
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Air Conditioner Maintenance
June — National Safety Month
Ten Tips for Fertilizing Your Lawn
Bagworms on a Variety of Plants
Bed Bug Bites
Bed Bug Interceptors
4-H Life Challenge Contests
Lancaster County 4-H Horse VIPS Pre-Districts Format Clinic/Show/Fundraiser
4-H Clover …

Nebline, May 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Bed Bugs Come Back with a Vengeance: Controlling Them Quickly is Key to Slowing Their Spread
Bird Watching: A Little Backyard Therapy
May is Time to Control Leafy Spurge
Recognize/Control Phragmites
Getting the Most Out of CRP
Gluten-Free Sorghum Recipes
Eat a Variety of Vegetables
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ View—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Removing Pollen Stains
May is Clean Air Month: Important Asthma Triggers
Encourage Communication Within the Family
Hand Picking Bagworms an Effective Control
ReTree Nebraska: Important to Diversify When Replanting
Managing Aquatic Plant Life
Using Animal Manure in the Garden
Control …

The Healing Power Of Nature, Denise Mitten

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Outdoor education practitioners share the wonders of the outdoors and help participants receive the health benefits of being in nature. However, in our technology and activity centered culture the intrinsic value of being in nature has been overlooked and undervalued. As people spend less and less time outside and more people become obese and develop diabetes, spending time in nature and having healthy natural areas available to them is more important than ever. Many disciplines have growing bodies of research demonstrating the developmental and health benefits of spending time in nature and having natural areas close to living areas. In …

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.

From The Editor, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

There are many who believe Wendell Berry is the best living thinker in America. Author of more than thirty books of poetry, essays and novels, this Kentucky farmer has long advocated slowing down and living close to the land. One of his insights tells us “When going back makes sense, you are going ahead.” Motivated, in part, by Berry’s wisdom we have dedicated this issue of Taproot to the theme of “Getting Back to Basics.” Those familiar with Berry’s work will recognize his influence in our selection of articles. Those new to Berry’s writing may find his advice, Word and …

Good Morning World, This Is Your Wake-Up Call, Michael Shapiro

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Peter Russell, a Cambridge-trained physicist and futurist who has written about consciousness for four decades, should have been at a high point in his life. Fifteen years ago, Russell’s book, The White Hole in Time, had just been published; he was a popular teacher and corporate consultant, his work lauded by leading thinkers.

Spotlight On Sustainability: E4s, Michael A Anderson

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Let’s talk trash for a minute. Are you aware of the monthly cost for the disposal of your household waste? Well, take that amount and multiply it a hundred-fold for a small business… Now imagine learning that as a business leader you could save a large percentage of the money you spend on waste disposal and possibly even make money selling it. As the saying goes, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure”. To illustrate a variation of this concept scientifically the organization, Entrepreneurs for Sustainability (E4S), uses the term industrial ecology. In nature there is no concept of waste; …

Review Of Eco Barons, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Are you dutifully, but with a degree of tiredness, still reading about the seemingly endless woes of environmental degradation? If so, get a copy of Edward Humes’ Eco Barons… and experience a true tale about people making significant contributions to the health of the planet. Eco Barons…will acquaint you with individuals possessing the intellectual and financial wherewithal to challenge the unsustainable ways of living to which we have become accustomed. Their identities and stories may surprise you.

Review Of Teaching The Trees, Charles Yaple

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

Wallace Stegner is credited with authoring the statement, “Trees are the geography of hope.” Joan Maloof appears to have taken Stegner’s words to heart and testifies as to their validity in a delightful collection of essays about local trees in Maryland – Oaks, Beech, Pine, Red Maple, Black Locust, Cherry, Walnut and others. Teaching the trees… beautifully combines science, philosophy, and spirituality to make the case for preserving treed landscapes at all costs. Thoreau, Leopold and others who wrote about the importance of trees would give Maloof a standing ovation.

Review Of Flow: For Love Of Water, James B. Macadam

Taproot: A Journal of Outdoor Education

In the community where I live - Tucson, Arizona - about a third of our drinking water supply is pumped 300 miles uphill from the Colorado River, by a system of canals and pumps that consume 400,000 homes’ worth of energy every year. The rest is pumped out of local underground aquifers faster than they can be replenished. To say the least, water’s a hot topic around here. So when our nonprofit showed Flow - director Irena Salina’s 2008 documentary on the world water crisis - at the local independent theater, we expected that folks would be interested. When we …