Hello, I'm new to the forum and am hoping to learn if there are others here who share my interest in environmental education. I have a current professional and research interest in what I perceive is a disconnect between environmental education and environmental design at youth camps, outdoor and environmental education centers. In practice, I've visited many facilities that provide high quality educational programming, but yet often fail to practice environmental stewardship in the design and development of their structures and site. I believe that through an intentional and thoughtful design process, these centers can develop outdoor education facilities and programming that instill a deeper, more meaningful connection with nature.
If you share this interest or perhaps know of other similar studies, papers or projects, I welcome the opportunity to discuss those with you. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Thanks for considering my request!
Tom Neppl
Landscape Architect, Lecturer
Iowa State University
United States
Disconnect? Environmental Education & Design
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Hi Tom,
I have observed the same thing many times, not only in facility design, but in simple operational practices. For instance I have seen a lack of organic separation infrastructure at government departments which have banned organic disposal and forced all other organizations to separate organics. I also attended a meeting where a government department was laying down the law to a restaurant association about required recycling and compost bins for customers, and the coffee was served in styrofoam cups.
Consistency in message, facilities and operation is very important for organizations that are educating people about environmental issues. One NGO that does this all very well is the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. They can be found at http://www.ecologyaction.ca/. Incidentally, they are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.
I hope this helps!
Ken Donnelly
Vice President, Atlantic Canada
Lura Consulting
Canada
www.beyondattitude.com