Extension Report

Baldwin County Extension Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL  36507

Susan Wingard

County Extension Coordinator

June 2, 2009

Would you like to learn some exciting and informative ways to take care of our coastal environment? The Master Environmental Education program is a good way for you to learn and give back to your community. We are searching for volunteers to teach environmental awareness in Baldwin County. No previous teaching experience or knowledge is required.

Emily Kling, with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, developed the Master Environmental Education program in 1995. She wanted Baldwin County residents to have an understanding and appreciation for the environment in their own backyards.

The Master Environmental Education program will have a two-day training session scheduled for volunteers on Aug. 18 and 19 at Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. This intensive two-day training will provide you with the information and resource materials you will need.

Volunteers will receive training on the Water Cycle, Groundwater Pollution, Solid Waste and Recycling, Nonpoint Source Pollution, and Aquatic Nuisance Species. Once trained, the Master Environmental Educators (MEE) are asked to donate 20 hours of time a year to teach one or more of the lessons in the community or participate in exhibits in our county.

If you would like more information about the program or to request a MEE application, contact Leisa Myles at the Baldwin County Extension Office at 251-937-7176 or 251-943-5611/928-0860, extension 2222, or visit our Web site at .

MEE Meeting

The Master Environmental Educators recently participated in an End of the Year Celebration at the “Sea, Sand, and Stars, Science and Nature Center” at Orange Beach Elementary School. Ms. Lisa  Allen provided a tour of the facility. The MEE’s had a fascinating time of learning through observing and interacting with science .  It was amazing to learn how we all benefit from the many contributions of the horseshoe crab. The volunteers enjoyed watching the night sky in the planetarium, visiting the weather station, and walking along the boardwalk over the plant bog.

Our Master Environmental Educators presented 99 lessons and approximately 3,039 students participated in the environmental education programs during the 2008-2009 school year.  Each 2008-2009 volunteer was recognized with a certificate during the celebration.  Sincere thanks to the people who make the Master Environmental Education program a success in Baldwin County! 

Master Environmental Education End of Year Celebration

Alabama in Motion

This year, 33 people participated in the Alabama in Motion (AIM) eight-week fitness program.  A total of 5,167 miles were walked.    An AIM Celebration was held at the Geo. P. Thames Senior Citizens Center in Robertsdale and each participant was recognized with a certificate.  The teams with the most miles included:  Aqua Nuts-1381 miles; Heart Throb-741 miles; Creaketts-693 miles; Turtle Trotters 638-miles; Rocketts-314 miles and Team 3 ½ -300 miles.

In the individual division, the award winners were:  1st place, Margie Malec-202 miles; 2nd place, Clarissa Yelding-Fuller-155 miles; 3rd place Don Wenzel-146 miles; 4th place Sandra Edwards-139 miles and 5th place Sandy Sakwa-131 miles.  The awards for top walkers on a team were Joy Richter – 531 miles, Jerrie Millican-373 miles, Mary Ann Fuglestad-324 miles; Doris Brantley-291 miles; and Theresa Swope-261 miles.  Special thanks to our sponsors for providing awards for the program.  Congratulations to all this year’s participants!

AIM Celebration

Child Care Workshop

An “Art Appreciation 101 for Young Children” workshop is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Baldwin County Extension Office.   This program will provide information for adults to talk with children about art and help children appreciate the work of other children.  Please register to attend by calling 937-7176 or 943-5611/928-0860, ext.2222 by June 15.

Brewton Research Station Tour Features Flowers and Gardens

On June 13th from 9:00 a.m. till noon, the Brewton Research Station will host a tour that will allow home owners to learn more about healthy landscapes and gardens. The program will feature a tour of research being conducted at the station and presentations from USDA researchers, Auburn University Specialists, Experiment Station Personnel, and Extension Agents. The topics will include roses being screened for disease resistance, crape myrtles being tested for disease and insect resistance, small fruit plantings of blueberries, blackberries, and muscadine grapes, as well as, presentations on harvesting and preservation of garden vegetables from a raised bed garden.  The program is free to the public. To register for the tour or for more information, please call the Escambia County Extension Office at (251) 867-7760.

Email address:swingard@aces.edu

Phone: 937-7176 or 943-5611, 928-0860, ext. 2222

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity educator and employer.