The NOAA chesapeake BAY watershed education and training (b-wet) program will be providing a 3-year, $254,991 grant to the old dominion university research foundation to support the b-wet: swamp to…

The NOAA chesapeake BAY watershed education and training (b-wet) program will be providing a 3-year, $254,991 grant to the old dominion university research foundation to support the b-wet: swamp to school: collaborative efforts in environmental stewardship. This project aims to enhance environmental education in suffolk (virginia) public schools by providing comprehensive professional development to 4TH-grade teachers, engaging students in experiential learning activities focused on their local watershed, and fostering collaboration between teachers, school leaders, university faculty, teacher candidates, and environmental educators. Through professional development workshops totaling 40 hours for each of the 36 teachers and 11 school leaders and on-site facilitation support from the great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge and friends of the great dismal swamp national wildlife refuge, educators will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach meaningful watershed environmental concepts and facilitate hands-on learning experiences to students. Approximately 2,126 4TH-grade students will participate in mwee learning activities, deepening their understanding of environmental issues and fostering stewardship toward the great dismal swamp and their natural surroundings. Collaborations with old dominion university and virginia wesleyan university will provide mwee training to approximately 180 teacher candidates, preparing them to integrate meaningful watershed education into their future teaching practices. By establishing a sustainable professional learning community, the project aims to ensure the continued integration of watershed education into the school curriculum, ultimately empowering teachers, students, and future educators to become informed and engaged stewards of their local environment.