What's been happening for LEP?

It's been another great year for LEP. While overall workshop numbers were down, we were very busy tending to other GREAT accomplishments this year in the state of Michigan:

1. I think the biggest accomplishment of the year is the addition of Liz Roxberry to our Michigan Team as the first Regional Education Specialist for PF! It was such an honor to be part of the selection team in bringing her on board, and I am thrilled to be working with her.
2. 6 workshops training nearly 90 educators across the state
   Ø LEP workshop presentation at the DNR's new Academy of Natural Resources for Educators
   Ø First ever LEP workshop (known to me at least!) in the U.P.
   Ø 2 new facilitators trained to lead workshops
   Worked with Woodbridge Elementary in Zeeland to train their teachers how to use their new outdoor classroom prairie and vernal pond.
   Ø Teacher inservice for 30 teachers on pond ecosystems
   Ø Worked with 8 different classes, modeling for the teachers how to lead activities outdoors (direct contact with over 250 kids).
   Ø Wrote a grant to provide GPS units and GPS curriculum teacher training to the district. Unfortunately, the grant was denied at this time due to funding, but they are very interested and have encouraged us to re-apply!
   Ø Helped the school plan, plant and use a new sensory garden.
3. The LEP curriculum was re-aligned to the new Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCE) for Michigan. This will allow teachers to better use the curriculum and see how the lessons directly support the various GLCE's.

1. PF's new Global Positioning System Curriculum, designed for classroom use, is using the technology that kids love to entice them outdoors, engaging them in the natural world around them. After helping to review this curriculum, I am so excited to see it come to print very soon. Michigan already has our first set of GPS units, so as soon as a few of us are up and fully trained, we are ready to roll with this new training option!
2. Also soon to be available, a new set LEP style of outdoor activities designed for use in zoos, nature centers and other non-traditional education sights. I had the privilege of pilot testing several of these activities with six classes in our local elementary school's outdoor classroom, and they loved them!
3. PF has designed a new look for the LEP website! We just had a state coordinator's conference call in February to learn all the ins and outs of how to update and navigate through it - it's really a great tool! Check it out at www.lep.org.

• 7 Mar 09 - Ann Arbor
• 23 Jul 09 - Roscommon Summer 2009 - Milford
• 9 May 09 - Hastings
• 19 Sept 09 - Bath
• Summer 2009 - Presque Isle 8 July 09 - Lowell
• 29 Sept 09 - Newago
• TBD - Milford

Keep Striving! wcheek@allcom.net * 616-688-5172

Mike Parker
Regional Wildlife Biologist

Pheasants Forever, Inc.
2681 Tapestry Drive
Okemos, MI 48864

Office: (517) 333-1272
Mobile: (517) 896-4178
Fax: (517) 333-1272 mparker@pheasantsforever.org
www.pheasantsforever.org

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever are the only national conservation organizations that empower local chapters with 100% control of their fundraising dollars. This model has made us the most efficient organization in conservation. We need your help to continue our habitat and youth education efforts in the face of rising land prices, urban sprawl, and a society increasingly detached from nature.
To join us in these efforts, visit us TODAY at www.PheasantsForever.org or www.QuailForever.org.