Introducing The State of EE

So I've been hinting at a big project that I've been working on and I am pleased to announce that it is finally ready to be released for your listening pleasure! I've been busy working on a new podcast series, The State of EE, which will feature some of the cool environmental education that is happening across the nation. There is so many great environmental education things going on and this is a chance for me to highlight some of the cool things that I've found. Each episode will consist of a few segments highlighting things such as a nature center, residential nature center, a state park, and much much more. There is a lot to explore so the best way is to dive right in!

Still working on a bit more original cover...

The first episode features Delaware and is already posted for your listening pleasure. I will be making a post about this specific episode soon which will include timestamps, sources and some extra cool bonuses that I may have stumbled upon. These state posts will also be sporadically updated with other opportunities and information that I find regarding that particular state. It's going to be a blast and hopefully turn into a great future resource as well!

The eventual goal is to get the series up on iTunes though it will take me some time to figure out RSS. Any tips on that would be really appreciated! For now the series will continue to be posted on Soundcloud until a solution appears. Also, bear with me as I figure out how podcasting works. I am still figuring out the best setup and format so I expect that there will be a bit of variance in the first few episodes as I sort that out. The good news is that I am planning on getting a better microphone soon which I am really excited about!

If you or your nature center would like to be highlighted in an upcoming episode, let me know. So far Twitter and comments below are the best ways to let me know. I'm always looking for ideas or help so contact me and we can work something out.

Episode 1-Delaware: https://soundcloud.com/eenatureguy/the-state-of-ee-delaware

The hero you've been looking for...

"I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior but every day I hear people crying for one." -Superman

I deserve a medal. I have undertaking a treacherous journey for you readers so you will not have to suffer the same hardships I have had to. In that spirit, I have volunteered myself as tribute to wade through the murky land of: 

Yep, Pinterest...

Actually, I haven't had too much trouble with Pinterest so far, especially when compared to trying to find crafts from other sources. That being said, there are a lot of crafts that are out of that just don't work at a nature center. Whether the craft is too expensive to make on a large-scale or too complicated to do with young learners, it can be really difficult to find good ideas to use in programs. Therefore, I have decided to create a Pinterest page for the greater good to help create a resource to help find affordable, doable crafts for naturalists such as myself. It is a tough, possibly thankless job, but I will take it upon myself to carry the yoke for young naturalists everywhere.

As an added bonus, if you have a request for a craft, I will find it for you. I will take requests for the boards I should pin to such as age-based or specific animals. It's really up to you guys what direction this board takes. I will do my best to update my page as often as I can, as well as add new categories. So friend me up on Pinterest and hopefully I can be some help!

My Pinterest Page: Here

QH: New Year's Resolution

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." -Abraham Lincoln 

As we start off 2015 I want to challenge each and every one of you to make a New Year's Resolution that will help you become a better naturalist. Whether it is a goal to improve an aspect of your teaching, become an expert in a topic, or just get outside more during the winter time I believe that it's important to set the bar early. Too often it can be easy to fall into a rut that is created by following the same routine day in and day out. By making a New Year's Resolution, you can use it to serve as motivation to push past the norm. Make the goal achievable and set smaller goals that will help you reach your goal. Stick with it and you be surprised by the results when the end of the year comes around.

One of the best ways to follow through with a goal is to tell someone what your resolution is so they can be supportive and help keep you accountable. Let me know what your New Year's Resolution is going to either in the comment section below or on Twitter. I will do my best to help keep you on track!

2014: My Year In Review

 "Celebrate what you want to see more of." -Tom Peters

2014 has come to a close and it is the perfect time to reflect on how the past year went. Personally, I had a year that challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone to become a better naturalist. Here are some of the things I did in 2014 in regards to EE:

 -Completed an unpaid internship at an area nature center
 -Graduated from college to earn my B.S.
 -Got First Aid and CPR certified
 -Spent the summer working as a naturalist at the nature center I interned at
 -Worked as a naturalist at a residential ELC

 -Took classes towards my Graduate Certificate in Environmental Education

 -Attended a state naturalist conference
 -Started this blog

I would like to think that I had a pretty successful year. At the very least, it certainly kept me busy! From what I've learned during my adventures of 2014 is that gaining practical experience is key. Make it a priority going into the New Year to try new things and to put yourself in situations that are going to allow you to grow both personally and professionally. Don't be afraid to network and make those important personal connections with fellow naturalists. Who knows, those connections could come in handy and help you land the position you are looking for down the road!

In all, 2014 was one heck of a year. I am really proud of all that I have accomplished so far and I am even more excited what's left to come (including some awesome ideas for this blog!). I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and I look forward to the adventures that are to be had in 2015!

The Best,
eeNatureGuy