A Legacy of Outdoor Experiences
Established in 1999, the Center’s education program has served over 19,000 students with interactive, science-based environmental education programs at the James Farm Ecological Preserve. Students learn through outdoor education, conservation, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities including a fish seining survey and an engineering activity using sand to construct ecologically friendly “developments.” This day-long program is often the first opportunity that students have to experience the estuary, despite living so close to the beaches and bays.
The benefits of time spent outdoors are a basic human right- one that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience- it opens the door for new awareness and action. An increase in environmental literacy through environmental education promotes a sense of place and connection through community involvement. When students are provided with opportunities to learn more or take action to improve their environment, they reach out to community members, experts, and local facilities to help bring the community together to understand and address environmental issues impacting their local area.