Hello Everyone! This is the first post from MHC C&NN! I would like to take this opportunity to explain to you what we have done the past couple of months.
VEEC: MHC C&NN helped to organize the Virginia Environmental Education Conference (VEEC) held September 17-18 at the Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) in Martinsville, Virginia. This conference brought in over 160 educators to Martinsville. The conference contained a wide variety of sessions and field trips. Our guest speakers included Secretary of Natural Resources Preston Bryant, and author of “A Natural Sense of Wonder: Connecting Kids Nature through the Seasons,” Rick Van Noy.
Take A Child Outside Week: The MHC C&NN participated in the international week “Take a Child Outside,” by adding programs for the public to participate in that involved going outside and being at VMNH during September 24-30 2008.
MHC C&NN Tree Planting: In order to kick-off the initiative we organized a tree planting ceremony and invited members of the community to help us plant a dogwood in front of VMNH. Over 76 people attended in addition to the VMNH staff. Attendance included; the advance environmental science class from a Henry County School, a fifth grade class from Martinsville City school, a third grade class from Carlisle, Senator Roscoe Reynolds, Council Member Mark Stroud, and City Manager Clarence Monday. The purpose of this tree planting was to educate the community about the importance of trees and how trees give communities a sense of place and in planting the tree at the museum we hope that the community will find a sense of place at VMNH and will always feel welcomed in Martinsville.
Fairy Stone State Park: MHC C&NN conducted an educational hike at Fairy Stone State Park for Gretna Middle School.
Frank Wilson Park Ecological Inventory: MHC C&NN is helping conduct an ecological survey for the Frank Wilson Park located in Martinsville, Virginia. By clicking on the link you can view our blog which documents our progress.
Earth Force: Currently MHC C&NN is working with Earth Force to organize an environmental training session for educators and adult youth leaders in the community. More information coming soon.
