LIFE Service Learning Students Participate in Earth Day

On April 22nd, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) celebrated Earth Day at the Capitol in partnership with the Florida Learn and Serve Program. This program brought over 100 students from across the state to Tallahassee to display their service learning projects, including the environmental service learning project from Ft. White Middle School students at the LIFE Program at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Over 1200 people participated in this year's Earth Day at the Capitol celebration.

Jennifer Oetting Moves on and Misty Alderman Joins OEE

Jennifer Oetting took a new position within DEP, but not before introducing her own version of the LIFE program at home: Jennifer gave birth to baby Marin in March.

Misty Alderman started work with the Office of Environmental Education (OEE) and many of you will be meeting her as she makes her way to various LIFE program sites. Misty comes via the St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department where she worked as a biologist for the environmental lands program and prior to that as an educator at the Oxbow Eco-Center.

LIFE Program Partners Present at National Conference

In March, partners from the Savannas Preserve State Park LIFE Program presented a one-hour workshop at the 2008 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference in Boston. Representatives from the Park were Park Services Specialist Jamie Hansen and Volunteer Henry Maursey. Teachers representing the Manatee Academy in St. Lucie County were Judy Nova (team leader) and Richard Maller. We extend special thanks to all for their participation, and also to the Friends of Savannas Preserve State Park for co-sponsoring the participation of Jamie and Henry.

Summer Research Experience for Teachers

The Panhandle Area Education Consortium (PAEC) received a Math and Science Partnership Grant from the FL Department of Education to provide summer research experiences for Panhandle area teachers. Three of these teachers will spend 15 days this summer with the LIFE program helping to develop a water quality monitoring program for Riversprings Middle School. The Sc-iii program provides real-world research experiences for teachers by pairing them with scientists and resource managers.

LIFE Events

• 16 May 2008: Florida Learn and Serve Proposal Deadline: (go to: http://www.fsu.edu/~flserve/)
• 21-24, July, 2008 (Savannah, GA): NMEA (National Marine Educators Association) Conference
• Take a look at our updated website: www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/ed/default.htm