Quint Newcomer talks to participants about University of Georgia’s Costa Rica projects

The Conference was geared towards kicking off GCSN’s new year and new momentum. The session topics included energy usage amongst campus facilities, curriculum, funding and green fees, and student engagement. In each of these sessions, presentations were made by participants with significant success and experience in these areas. They were able to highlight how they went about executing their projects and how others could do the same. Additionally, there was a presentation from executive board members of the student network, Georgia Youth for Environmental Solutions (GA YES!)

Dennis Kreech, Co-Founder of Southface gives the keynote address at this year’s GCSN conference

Everyone left the conference with new ideas and contacts on how to drive their sustainable agenda on campus such as GA Yes’s invite to students to be part of their action teams promoting sustainable change across GA’s public institutions and resources to do internal campus energy assessments. The steering committee was especially pleased with the great turn-out of students that attended. That has been a struggle of GCSN; to engage students to the point they are not only inspired to change the carbon footprint of their campus, but also impact public campaigns regarding environmental matters state and nationwide.

Na'Taki (Photo by Bryan Meltz)

This was big news in its own right, but it has added importance for NWF. Our very own Na’Taki Osborne Jelks was appointed to the 21CSC Advisory Committee.  Congratulations Na’Taki!!!

Na’Taki is NWF’s Manager for Education and Advocacy Programs in the Southeast Region, based in Atlanta, GA.  She works with individuals and community organizations to restore the communities in which they live, work, play, worship and learn through NWF’s youth environmental education and leadership development program for teens of color, Earth Tomorrow, and many adult civic engagement and advocacy initiatives.

In addition to her role at NWF, Na’Taki is a part-time lecturer in the Environmental Science and Studies Program at Spelman College and is Chair of the Board of the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA), an organization committed to ensuring environmental justice in Southwest and Northwest Atlanta’s African American neighborhoods.  She’s been honored by a wide range of groups–from the Georgia House of Representatives to Turner Broadcasting Services (TBS).  Na’Taki is an alumna of Spelman College.  She earned her Master’s of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health from Emory University and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Environmental Public Health at Georgia State University.

Here’s what Interior Secretary Ken Salazar had to say about 21CSC:

“The 21st Century Conservation Service Corps will be a way for our nation’s young people to work on conservation initiatives that drive America’s economy and to find new ways to connect to their communities and build their careers. The conservation-service movement is steeped in rich history dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. I am confident that this committee of dedicated individuals with vast experience in conservation and outdoor recreation will help shape a sustainable structure to train and employ the next generation of conservationists.”

(Read the full press release here.)

Water Conservation and Reuse Panel

We began our day with light refreshments, introductions, and a round of “speed-networking” to help participants get to know each other one-on-one.  The networking session was followed by presentations on campus water conservation and reuse initiatives from representatives of the Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, Agnes Scott College, Emory University, and Georgia Southern University.  Common themes of the presentations included rainwater harvesting for irrigation, native and drought-tolerant landscapes, grey water capture and reuse for flushing toilets, low-flow water fixtures, green roofs, permeable surfaces for recharging underground aquifers, and other storm water management best practices.  Presentations were followed by a question and answer session with all the presenters.

Georgia Southern University's Bioswales

After lunch, workshop participants enjoyed a tour of Georgia Southern’s campus that highlighted water conservation efforts by the campus.  Our first stop on the tour was the new bioswales on campus.  This low-lying area had plagued the campus grounds crew for years, since water would collect there and make mowing nearly impossible.  By incorporating native wetlands plant species into the drainage area, mowing has been eliminated, the appearance of the landscape has improved, and this very beautiful part of campus is actually serving as a filter, helping to clean the water coming from the nearby parking lot.

Permeable Surfaces on Campus

The tour continued, featuring several examples of permeable surfaces on campus, drought-tolerant landscaping, and ponds surrounded by wetlands vegetation to treat and capture storm water runoff.  Our workshop concluded with a quick walk around the wetlands preserve at Georgia Southern University’s Center for Wildlife Education.  It was amazing to see how Georgia Southern and many of the colleges that presented have approached water conservation as an opportunity to not only save money and resources, but also as a way to enhance the beauty, function and appeal of their campus.

Storm Water Retention Ponds with Wetlands Vegetation

All in all, the event was a great success!  With new connections made, practical initiatives and advice shared, and a better understanding of how to implement water conservation and reuse initiatives on campus, participants left feeling inspired and empowered to improve water management practices on their own campuses.  Many expressed interest in following up with each other and staying connected through the Georgia Campus Sustainability Network.  We look forward to continuing to build campus to campus relationships, share best practices and resources, and foster collaboration for water and resource conservation across the state!

The Southeast Regional Center of the National Wildlife Federation, community partners, graduates, and current participants of the Atlanta Earth Tomorrow® (ET) Program kicked off the countdown to the ten year anniversary of the program at its recent 10^th Annual Earth Tomorrow® Summer Institute at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

(photo by Na'Taki Osborne Jelks)

As in past years, the Summer Institute was action-packed and included team building exercises; leadership training; interactions with dynamic community leaders rooted in the environmental justice movement at the local and national levels; environmental service learning projects; “pioneer” camping and other outdoor experiences like fishing and canoeing; an environmental college and career fair; and opportunities to make lifelong connections with current and emerging environmental leaders.

This year was extra special with the introduction of an entire day dedicated to local food security and sustainability—making the Institute a seven day, six night experience; a first for the program.

I left this year’s Summer Institute feeling rejuvenated and motivated to step up and do more to protect our environment. The Institute always gives me a boost because of all of the new things I learn, and because the enthusiasm of the student leaders is intoxicating! Each year that Atlanta teens come to the Institute, they leave as better leaders who more educated about their local ecosystem and excited to share their experience with others. Over the course of ten years, the Earth Tomorrow® Program has produced over 1,500 environmental leaders who have been directly impacted by the program.

(photo by Na'Taki Osborne Jelks)

As a graduate of the program, and now as the Earth Tomorrow® Program Assistant, ET has a special place in my heart.  I’ve have always had a unique and comfortable relationship with nature, but it wasn’t until I discovered the Earth Tomorrow® Club, at Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Georgia, that I understood that I need to protect this beautiful, extraordinary earth that we have taken for granted. Being with people who had similar connections to the environment and a sponsor who was passionate about educating

a new crop of environmental leaders was awesome. I have never felt more “at home” or that I could accomplish so much than I have in the midst of my peers in Earth Tomorrow® meetings as a high school student, during the Earth Tomorrow® Summer Institute, and finally as a ET graduate who has been fortunate enough to give back to the program as both a volunteer and staff member.

Earth Tomorrow® has impacted me in so many ways that it would be impossible to describe it all in detail. I am more informed and more aware of the challenges that face our earth and our communities, and I feel armed with the skills and tools I need to help be a part of the solution.

Because of Earth Tomorrow® I don’t want my little brother, my children, or their children to live in a world where they can’t enjoy the outdoors. I’m concerned about them living in cities because of the negative impacts that pollution and climate change can bring to both wildlife and human communities. I don’t want them to not know what a polar bear is because they are all extinct.

(photo by Na'Taki Osborne Jelks)

I want my generation and all of those following mine to enjoy the enormous beauty and opportunities that the natural world has given to my mother’s, father’s, and grandmother’s generations. We deserve it, and the generation after us deserves it more because they are unknowingly being born into a world that has so many challenges.

Earth Tomorrow® provides an opportunity for youth to create and implement solutions to these and other issues in their communities. A group of students can impact their community, and once the neighboring communities start catching on, there is a domino effect that can captivate the state, the entire United States, and the even world.

But, it has to start somewhere. I am living proof that Earth Tomorrow® is that start for so many youth in the Atlanta area. From my own experience, I know that ET can create a new breed of powerful, informed conservation leaders who will indeed change and save the world! I’m honored to be one in the number.

Click here to see a video from Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters about  the Atlanta Earth Tomorrow Program.

Until a couple of weekends ago, I had never seen so many dedicated, multi-faceted, and inspirational people in one room in my life! The energy for the whole weekend at Clark Atlanta University for the first-ever Outdoor Nation Southeast Regional Summit in Atlanta was electric, and it remained at an amazing high for the entire event!

Outdoor Nation was founded by a group of “Outsiders” who have a passion for the outdoors that they use to fuel and inspire others, especially youth and young adults between the ages of 18-26, to care about and engage with America’s “Great Outdoors.” This summer they have been hosting summits all across America, awarding grant funds to youth to implement awesome outdoor projects, leading outdoor fun days for youth attending the summits, and working to connect with youth in an effort to create a new “outdoor culture” that is fun, meaningful, and impactful for all despite geographic location, race and ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

Photo by Jessica Rios

These Outdoor Nation Summits are being hosted by the Outdoor Foundation, in partnership with The North Face, the Conservation Fund, the REI Foundation and tons of other groups interested in getting youth outside. The way this group sees it, the world would be a better place if everyone spent less time inside and more time outdoors. One community at a time, they are inspiring a revolution to make that happen.

I attended the Outdoor Nation with a group of fellow graduates from the National Wildlife Federation’s Atlanta Earth Tomorrow Program. From the beginning of this three-day experience, we were all committed to finding solutions to help get more youth outside. We all had different experiences, customs, and backgrounds, but wanting to find a solution to this nationwide epidemic gave us common ground, and kept us engaged and hopeful that we can make a difference. A large portion of our dialogue was focused on overcoming barriers to getting people of color more involved in the outdoors as well as past experiences and success stories about our involvement in conservation and environmental groups. Later that night we were introduced to the New Wilderness Project, an awesome performance that used poetry and music to share experiences about the great outdoors.

A key part of the summit was the Summer Fun Day held at Sweetwater Creek State Park, which is 20 minutes outside of the city of Atlanta. There we participated in rock climbing, kayaking, paddle boating, hiking, swimming, pitching a tent, and a sleeping bag “stuffing” contest.  Our “fun in the sun” proved to be a great motivation to identify ways to ensure that all youth can experience fun days at their state parks and other local outdoor spaces all year round.

Photo by Melissa Vega

We topped off our day with a good old fashioned hay ride to a nearby campfire where we listened to some of Outdoor Nation’s sponsors from The North Face who shared their amazing journeys in the outdoors which included trips to Belize and climbing Mount Everest. With each outdoor experience shared, the speakers told us how those experiences inspired them to get involved with conservation and advocacy efforts to protect our environment. Their stories resonated with each of us and showed us that there is not one path or experience that can lead you to an appreciation for the outdoors and nature; the journey is as diverse and multi-faceted as we all are.

As the Summit closed we were sent forth to do great things in our own communities! Everyone left pumped and ready to tackle the issues and barriers discussed so that we can implement solutions in our respective states to get more youth outdoors! The Southeast Outdoor Nation Regional Summit was a blast—I left with new friends, new interests, new activities to try, and new strategies to GTFO (Get the Fun Outside) for youth!

Growing up in a rural town in southeast Missouri, I never realized children could be disconnected from nature. I spent time camping and fishing in nearby rivers and lakes. Even though I lived “in town” there was a field with trees in the turn-rows across the street.

Now living in Atlanta and studying Environmental Studies at Emory University, I have become aware of how children’s understanding of and experience in nature has changed. As Richard Louv states in his book, Last Child in the Woods, “Today, kids are aware of the global threats to the environment – but their physical contact, their intimacy with nature, is fading.”

Jessica Deere

I remember talking to new friends at college about our childhoods; I was amazed at how little time some of them spent outside in nature. I began to feel fortunate that I grew up in an environment that allowed the opportunity to experience nature. Through my internship with Na’Taki Osborne Jelks, Manager of Education and Advocacy Programs at NWF’s Southeast Regional Office in Atlanta, I feel privileged to have been able to participate in efforts to encourage the importance of children developing and maintaining a relationship with nature. One such example was the 5th Annual Urban Forestry Festival at the Atlanta Outdoor Activity Center on last month, where children were made aware of how they can experience nature within their own communities.

When I got to college I decided to expand my love for nature (and Jane Goodall I must add) and volunteered with Roots & Shoots, a program of the Jane Goodall Institute that inspires youth through community service and service learning. For three semesters now, I have gone to Mary Lin Elementary School in Atlanta twice a month to teach a third grade classroom an environmental lesson. The joy expressed in their faces as they learn about the environment and participate in the interactive activities is evidence that children should be connected to nature, even if only for their own pleasure.  The kids love telling about their own experiences in nature and we love to hear about them going home and teaching what they learned to a parent, family member, or friend. We do not force the children to enjoy the lesson, go home and try it out, or ask us not to leave because they want to participate in another nature activity. They do all of this on their own. Nature makes them happy.

In my work at NWF I have had the opportunity to participate in a number of great things – from a GA NCLI Summit on Children and the Outdoors to the previously mentioned Urban Forestry Festival. Throughout my education, volunteer work, and involvement with NWF, I am continuously made aware of the importance of connecting children to nature.

For more information on how to connect kids to nature, visit our Be Out There page.

Savannah Country Day School (Laura Hickey)

After a wonderful lunch with the Eco-Action Team dressed up with a vegetable arrangement from their garden, the Team, comprised of 1st through 5th graders and led by a 2nd grade Team educator, Carrie Stubbs-Vetrovsky, gave us a guided tour through the amazing LEED Silver certified Lower School.  The tour included extensive time outdoors, viewing the school’s certified NWF Schoolyard Habitat, vegetable and herb gardens, water catchment and composting areas. The students showed us how they measure the water in their cistern, and explained that they use this water for the gardens as well as the fountains. The Team also told us that their favorite part of the school day is the classes that they have outdoors.  As part of their addressing the Green Hour pathway, at least an hour each week is spent in the outdoor classrooms, and every teacher utilizes this for each grade.

Inside the school was just as impressive – every classroom and every hallway had an Eco bulletin board, many displayed with the school’s Eco-Code, “L.E.E.D.ing the way to a Greener Generation.” Other bulletin boards include information on composting, recycling, and energy, as well as using natural items (leaves, feathers, rocks, etc.) to decorate the boards. Every week, one of the Action Team members has a public announcement broadcast to each classroom with an Eco-Tip of the week.

A bulletin board displays Savannah Country Day School's Eco-Code (Laura Hickey)

The highlight of the day was, of course, the awarding of the Green Flag. The Lower School principal, Gayle Putnal, arranged for a whole school assembly – all 400 students were gathered in the main area, seated by grade.  The faculty had kept the awarding of the Green Flag a secret but the students were hopeful that they would achieve that status.

Ms. Putnal addressed the students – thanking them for their whole school support of the Eco-Schools USA program, and highlighting the many things that they have done to improve the sustainability of the school.  Carrie Stubbs-Vetrovsky acknowledged each member of the Eco-Action Team, which does include a student representative from each grade as well as teachers, parents, and community members.  NaTaki and I were introduced to the school with loud applause.

Awarding of Eco-Schools USA 'Green Flag' at Savannah Country Day School (Laura Hickey)

I asked the assemblage if Savannah Country Day School was an Eco-School.  The students screamed and clapped and said a resounding, “Yes!” I told them about the Eco-Schools program, and how SCDS is part of the largest green school program in the world.  I also told them that we were thrilled to be there in person to award SCDS with the very first Green Flag Award in the United States.  There was so much excitement, noise, clapping, and cheering, we could hardly hear ourselves think!! I also told them that achieving the Green Flag isn’t easy – that there are only 12,900 Green Flags in 51 countries, and now they have joined the ranks of these highly regarded sustainable schools.

Also in attendance for this historic event were the City of Savannah’s Mayor Pro Tem, Ms. Edna Jackson, as well as the City’s Environmental Affairs Officer, Ms. Laura Walker.  Ms. Jackson congratulated the school and thanked them for helping to make Savannah a “Green City.”

I think what made this so very special for me was that I have been fortunate to see Green Flag Eco-Schools in China, Scotland, and Norway, and to realize that America’s first Green Flag school, Savannah Country Day School, is incredibly similar.

Student assembly at Savannah Country Day School (Laura Hickey)

Student engagement, involvement, and leadership, increased environmental literacy, green school buildings, grounds, integration of environmental concepts into curriculum, and the support of the school faculty and administrators – all affirmation that the Eco-Schools USA program works, that it is effective, and that schools here in the US can achieve these levels of sustainability. Most of all, it was clear that these students care deeply about the environment and that they will, indeed, become the next generation of the Earth’s stewards.

Congratulations, Savannah Country Day School – we are so proud of your achievements!

To learn more about the work NWF is doing in the Southeast, click here.

Register for the Summit >>

Studies document that children who engage in outdoor activities are healthier, perform better in school, have better social skills and self-image, and lead more fulfilled lives. This summit is a “must attend” event for parents, decision makers, those representing health, education, parks and recreation, and various other related organizations.

Parents are also strongly encouraged to bring their aged 7-12 youth along for a special day of “Connecting to Nature and the Outdoors” through educational and fun-filled outdoor discovery activities on the 115-acre Alcovy Conservation Center property. The Center, located in Covington, serves as Georgia Wildlife Federation’s headquarters and is a training ground for environmental activists and educators. Scenic wildlife areas include woodland, wetland, and meadows habitats, as well as demonstration wildlife habitat gardens. All wildlife areas are at the disposal of the general public.

Registration deadline for the State Summit is October 22, 2010.

Download the agenda and register online >>

For more information, contact Na’Taki Osborne Jelks at 404-876-8733 x 230.

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Fifty-two participants from 24 different campuses and five organizations across the state of Georgia attended this meeting to network, learn and share best practices for campus sustainability with their peers.  The group was a diverse mix of faculty, administrators, sustainability coordinators, facilities directors, environmental health and safety staff and students.  Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to converse with representatives from other campuses who approach sustainability from a variety of different backgrounds and perspectives.

The following campuses and organizations were represented: Agnes Scott College, Albany State University, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, Clark-Atlanta University, Clayton State University, Emory University, Georgia College & State University, Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA), Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, Gordon College, Kennesaw State University, Life University, Macon State College, MarionEco, Mercer University, Middle Georgia College, Morehouse College, National Wildlife Federation (NWF), North Georgia College and State University, Savannah State University, Save Our Rivers, Inc., South Georgia College, Spelman College, Southern Polytechnic State University, University of Georgia, University of West Georgia and Valdosta State University.

Overall, the meeting went very well and participants found the practical information, sharing of ideas and networking to be most valuable.  While everyone seemed very attentive and interested in the variety of presentations offered, several individuals did express a desire for more discussion, socializing and Q&A time at future gatherings.  Most of the attendees stayed for the entire meeting and it seemed that everyone who remained at the end was in favor of continuing to network with each other, as well as organizing and attending future gatherings.

Already, seven individuals have express interest in forming a steering committee to establish a more formal network for campus sustainability in Georgia. Representatives from several different campuses have also expressed interest in hosting a workshop or other event in the future.  Further, some of the meeting co-hosts have indicated that they would like to also form a regional Southeast network in addition to the newly formed state network.  I will be exploring this possibility, along with many opportunities to continue engaging and supporting the Georgia Campus Sustainability Network (official name TBD).

Needs identified at this meeting: Website, Communication channels, Contacts list, Examples of local sustainability solutions and Future gatherings (proposed 1 annual state-wide gathering with multiple smaller, more-focused workshops, webinars and other events throughout the state over the course of the year).

Quotes from the meeting:

“This is the most important thing to happen in campus sustainability in the five years I’ve been in my position.” – Dr. Doug Oetter, Biology Professor and Chair of the Environmental Committee, Georgia College and State University

“I am so encouraged by the interaction of the group
and the number of sustainability best practices I see being applied by the attendees. Thank you for the opportunity to attend and to present.” – Greg Adams, Director of Management and Operations, Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia

“I thought the first-ever Georgia Sustainability Network meeting was a huge success.  Thanks for your organizational skills and tireless efforts!” – Kevin Kirsche, Director of Sustainability, University of Georgia

Physorg.com reports:

The newly discovered salamander, which is the second-smallest salamander species in the U.S. and one of the smallest in the world at just two inches long, is now under study by a diverse group of researchers from several U.S. colleges. The team is searching for more of the salamanders, which are detailed in a new paper appearing in the Journal of Zoology.

See full article.