Environmental Education College Internship Program Blossoms At Grassy Waters Preserve

West Palm Beach FL

16 September, 2020

11:48 AM

Description

From the City of West Palm Beach: September 15, 2020 Grassy Waters Preserve of West Palm Beach has completed the fourth year of the Environmental Education College Internship Program. This program enables college aged interns to lead summer camp environmental programs for K-8th grade students while becoming certified by Project Wild & Project Learning Tree, an award-winning environmental education program. The 2020 Environmental Education College Intern was Christina Eure, a Junior at St. John's University, who is studying Cultural Anthropology & Environmental Studies. Christina was tasked with developing virtual resources to be used by teachers, camp counselors, and homeschool families to enhance the understanding of the scientific concepts taught during field trip programs. Nearly 50 students participated in the 2020 Summer Virtual Education Programs. Virtual programs are the result of COVID-related protocols. Environmental Education Virtual Education programs include three lessons Video resources to bring the Everglades and scientific concepts to the students at their camp; Virtual field trip via live stream from the marsh to interact with students in real-time; and Project Wild and Project Learning Tree hands-on activities led through a live virtual session. Christina guided students in from West Palm Beach Community Center Camps and West Palm Beach Schools. The Community Center Camps and School Camps included: Gaines Park Camp, Vedado Park Camp, Renaissance Charter of West Palm Beach, and Pine Jog Elementary. "Before this internship, I was undecided of my course of study and future career, but this summer has solidified my interest in environmental studies and introduced an interest in education," said Christina Eure. "My favorite part was teaching the campers all the new Everglades facts I learned while at Grassy Waters Preserve. Getting to wade into the marsh to actually touch the Everglades plants and soil and share this experience with the students through virtual field trips was really special." The program is funded by the Grassy Waters Conservancy and a Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation Grant. Grassy Waters Preserve is the historic Florida Everglades and serves as an integral part of the City of West Palm Beach's water supply. Rains nourish the 24-square mile wetland and sustain countless species of animals and plants that depend on these life-giving waters. For more information on Grassy Waters Preserve Public Programs available under the COVID-19 safety guidelines call (561) 804-4895 (TTY: 800-955-8771). For more information on the Grassy Waters Preserve Environmental Education Internship Program, please contact: [email protected]. For more information about Grassy Waters Preserve Education Programs and virtual resources for your classroom, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/government/public-utilities/grassy-waters-preserve/school-programs/teacher-resources This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.