Training Opportunities: Week of July 29, 2024

 Interpretative Naturalist Section Workshop

Climate Change Leads to Meaningful Interpretation

Wednesday, August 7 and Thursday, August 8

Virtual Conference

$100 for Professional membership. $80 for Students, Seasonals, Volunteers, and Retired members.

A 2-day to meet and network with other members with no travel involved and low “early bird” registration rate of $100 for regular members, $80 for students, seasonal interpreters, volunteers, and retired interpreters. Opportunity to view all presentations, virtual field trips, handouts, photos and community rooms for 90 days after the conference ends. Two inspirational Keynote Speakers and interaction with NAI staff & NAI Board

Register Here: https://nai-us.org/nai/_events/Registration_Folder/comm_display.aspx?EventKey=IN_2024

American Trails Webinar

Barn to Trail: Managing Sustainability on Equine Properties

Thursday, August 1

1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Virtual

Hosted in partnership with the Equine Land Conservation Resource, this webinar aims to introduce you to the fundamentals of managing a sustainable horse farm. This is part one of a two-part series related to sustainability. Learn more about the webinar including the learning objectives and presenter(s) here.

Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZtPipxLrRPmoqzu8uJgO7w?blm_aid=5356811938#/registration

Natural History Society of Maryland Programs

Wild Edibles: Chanterelle Hunt with Nick Spero

Sunday, August 11

9:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT

$35 for NHSM Members, $45 for Non Members

Learn to identify the specific tree types and growing conditions that chanterelles prefer with our master forager, Nick Spero.  We’ll look for other wild edibles that grow in August, too. Let’s see how many tasty and nutritious wild plants can we find in this easy-to-moderate, low-intensity hike. Nibble along the way to learn valuable foraging tips and techniques.

Register Here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/events/event/wild-edibles-chanterelle-hunt-with-nick-spero-field-trip/

Stratford Cliffs Fossil Hunt

Saturday, August 24

9:00am - 3:30pm EDT

$30 for NHSM Member, $40 for Non Members

Stratford Cliffs are a part of the Calvert Formation, a rare geological phenomenon along the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. Among the most important fossil research sites in the Mid-Atlantic region, the cliffs were formed when land replaced an ancient sea. This field trip is moderately strenuous, involving hiking, cold water, and uncertain weather. Depending on what storms may have impacted the river, there could be washed-up trees and debris on the beach, as well as broken glass. There could be a few scramble spots. However, if you do not want to climb over obstacles, you can remain on the beach that is accessible to you. This is a rain-or-shine event.

Register Here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/events/event/stratford-cliffs-fossil-hunt-open-to-the-public-august/

NEI Professional Workshops for 2024/2025 are now open for registration

Professional Animal Training and Management Workshop  November 16-21, 2024 February 8-13, 2025 Professional Bird of Prey Training and Management Workshop October 19-24, 2024 January 4-9, 2025 Immersion Workshop March 1-6, 2025

Our mission is to help you reach your professional goals and realize your full potential in every aspect of animal training and educational programming. These are intensive workshops designed for Professional Zookeepers, Trainers, and Wildlife Educators.

Workshops will be held at our new Training and Education Center in Winter Haven, Florida at our 34-acre facility that is home to over 70 species of animals. Attending a workshop at the NEI training facility is the best way to learn the art and science of animal training.  Each attendee receives personalized attention from our staff of experts, as well as note guides and files that they can take home to share with their co-workers.

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

People, Oysters, and the Bay: A Deep Dive on the Eastern Oyster

August 7 - 9

9:00am - 3:30pm

Join SERC educators for a three-day workshop centered on the plight of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) in the Chesapeake Bay. We'll learn about the ecological importance of oysters, and how their significant decline in abundance has influenced the Bay region's economy and culture. We'll also discuss the many restoration efforts being undertaken throughout the Bay to bring back their abundance, and hear from SERC scientists who are helping us understand more about these important bivalves. The workshop will also include hands-on activities and datasets that can be brought back to your classroom, as well as a local field trip.
Workshop Details:

• Designed for middle and high school educators from the Chesapeake Bay region
• Breakfast and lunch included
• Lodging available at no cost for out-of-town participants

Register Here: https://serc.si.edu/education/professional-development/enlet

Disability Park Awareness Panel

Wednesday, August 7

2:00pm - 3:15pm EDT

During the session, a panel of individuals with disabilities and professionals who support persons with disabilities will discuss features that can “make or break” play and recreational opportunities for individuals with autism, people with developmental disabilities, people with various sensory or communication needs, or individuals who are neurodivergent.

Learning Objectives: 

• Develop a statement of understanding that demonstrates the features that make a park or play area inclusive for everyone.
• Summarize the features and elements people with disabilities look for when choosing their recreational experiences.
• Evaluate existing park and play areas, and identify barriers that may restrict people with disabilities from being able to fully participate in the provided recreational opportunities.
• List two (2) helpful resources to obtain additional information or to utilize when evaluating new and existing park and play areas for inclusion.

Register Here: 

https://education.playcore.com/products/live-beyond-the-minimums-accessibility-webinar-series-part-3-disability-park-awareness-panel?utm_campaign=2024%20PlayCore%20Webinars&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--IEo-WuOFNVYg2RHcqycDiR7GzeDqIUAWqF8iD2WSxUmfgoH2NXN6-3fPBrrcCH7j-PxFBsGx8erSUed8BjcIq4Z-14Q&_hsmi=316457044&utm_content=316457044&utm_source=hs_email (code: gametime)

Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals An Integrated Approach to Recreation and Fire Resiliency and Recovery Wednesday, August 7 3:00pm EDT Northern California’s Mendocino National Forest includes thousands of acres of mixed conifer forests, oak woodlands, and chaparral and has recently experienced unusually severe and devastating fire seasons. It is also home to outstanding recreation opportunities. This session will explore how the USFS is working with partners to use recreation infrastructure such as trails to manage wildfires and rehabilitate recreation areas impacted by wildfire to improve access and resilience.

Register Here: https://www.recpro.org/professional-development/event-description?CalendarEventKey=63275e1c-1a8c-4c3d-afb6-0190610a9f3b&Home=%2fprofessional-development%2fwebinars

Designing Recreation and Trails to Support Climate Resilience

Wednesday, August 14
3:00pm EDT

Recent enhancements to the Prison Hill Recreation Area in Carson City, NV, included many features designed to increase recreation value and resource sustainability. The Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department worked with community members and partners to design and implement projects to increase accessibility, and develop both a non-motorized trail system and an OHV riding area that is resilient to weather events and reduces wildfire risks. This session will highlight the results of turning an unsustainable resource into one that provides benefits to both people and the land.

Register Here: https://www.recpro.org/professional-development/event-description?CalendarEventKey=7fe80607-923c-4552-af59-019061d40097&Home=%2fprofessional-development%2fwebinars