
Workshops for Educators
Gail Doyle, Natural Resources Specialist, and
Katie Nainiger, Conservation Education Coordinator, are certified to lead workshops for the following environmental educational
curriculums; Project WILD, Project WET, Project Learning Tree, Science and
Civics: Sustaining Wildlife, Wonders of Wetlands, The Leopold Education
Project , Flying Wild, and Food Land and People.
Wonders
of Watersheds Workshop The Geauga and Portage SWCDs
partner to host a week-long educator workshop,
named "Wonders of Watersheds". During the very busy week,
participants receive training and guides for the following curriculums;
Project Wet, Project Wild/ Aquatic Wild, Science and Civics, Wonders of Wetlands
and Project Learning Tree. Along with all of the great information, the
participants have the opportunity to go on many interesting field trips throughout Geauga and
Portage counties! A number of resource specialists including the
Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Division of Natural Areas
and Preserves, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and The Nature Conservancy
devote their time to assist with this wonderful workshop. All
participants receive the guide books for Project Wet, Project Wild/ Aquatic Wild,
and Project Learning Tree. Graduate credits are offered through Ashland University.
Click
here for more information.
Advanced Wonders Of
Watersheds (WOW) Workshop For the second year, the Geauga and
Portage SWCDs will host this once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity for
area High School teachers. The Advanced WOW workshop is designed
to give teachers an in-depth look at the natural resources of the Great
Lakes region and how these resources can be used to create lasting
educational experiences for students. Throughout the 3-day event,
teachers will engage in numerous hands-on environmental science and
biology activities, lead by many local resource professionals.
Watershed impacts and protection strategies are investigated as we study
freshwater inhabitants, watch butterflies hatch, band migratory birds,
and explore many new ecosystems! In addition, all participants
will receive Wonders of Wetlands, Flying WILD, and Healthy Water,
Healthy People curriculum guides. Graduate credits are offered through
Ashland University.
Click
here for more information.
Agricultural Awareness in the Classroom This is a 2-day workshop which will expose educators to the curriculum of Food,
Land and People. Day 1 will focus on the Food, Land and People 700+page
curriculum guide of hands-on, interdisciplinary lessons. Educators will become
more familiar with the guide as they participate in several hands-on,
cooperative learning lessons. Project Food, Land and People lessons correlate
with state proficiency test learning outcomes and is in the process of being
correlated to the Ohio Academic Content Standards. On day 2, we will visit
several local agricultural establishments, such as a large dairy farm, orchard,
and an organic farm.

Workshops for Contractors and Decision Makers
BMP Standards for Construction Sites This workshop is designed for developers, contactors, engineers,
township/village officials, and zoning inspectors. Workshop attendees gain
a working knowledge BMP's required on construction sites and how to determine is
they are properly functioning. Attendees also become familiar with the
Geauga County Water Management and Sediment Control Regulations in addition to
the Ohio EPA NPDES Phase II Program and General Permit Requirements.

Workshops for Residents
LEAP and EEAP Geauga SWCD offers Livestock Environmental Assurance Program (LEAP) and
Equine Environmental Assurance (EEAP) training sessions, livestock producers
meet eligibility requirements for cost share available through local Soil and
Water Conservation Districts. Attendees also earn valuable points used in
determining qualifiers for the EQIP program administered by USDA/NRCS.
Topics covered include: