Environmental Education . . . for Teachers! One critical aspect
to educating children about conservation and natural resources
is making sure their teachers have that education first. The
Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter (Virginia) partnered with a local
community college to do just that. “All teachers take money out
of their pockets for specialized supplies that are not available
from the schools’ supply rooms,” explains chapter president H.J.
Miller. “For the past five years, the Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter
has partnered with Paul D. Camp Community College, Franklin
Campus, to offset the expenses of teachers from Suffolk who take
the environmental course that International Paper sponsors each
year. Through this program, teachers enjoy field trips to
municipal utilities, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife
Refuge, the Zuni Pine Barrens, a salt marsh, and other
locations. Through these trips and supporting classwork,
teachers learn how to take a hands-on approach to teaching their
students about nature conservati