Environment Education Conference

Auburn, January 30--"Hooray for Herps." "Plants in the Pantry." "Roughin' It on Rufner." "Canoeing the Cahaba." Interested? You can go on these field trips and participate in workshops ranging from grant writing to Alabama's biodiversity to snacks that enhance environmental lessons.

The Environmental Education Association of Alabama recently announced plans to hold its annual science and environmental education conference March 7 to 9 at Camp Kanawahala in Chelsea, (near Birmingham). This year's theme is "Weaving Environmental Education into the Classroom" and should interest science teachers, nature center employees, 4-H and scout leaders, as well as other environmental educators.

The conference keynote speaker will be John Seyjagat, director of the Lubee Foundation. But Seyjagat won't be coming alone. He will be joined by Kuri (a speckled flying fox), Violet (an island flying fox), and Boris and Gizmo (big brown bats). The Lubee Foundation is the only research foundation dedicated to the conservation and study of old world fruit bats. It houses more than 600 bats.

Lodging at Camp Kanawahala is a dorm-style, rustic camp with four bunkbeds in a room and community bathrooms and showers. Hotel accommodations are approximately 10 miles from camp.

The total conference package (two nights and three meals) costs $75, while registration without camp lodging is $50.

Early birds, who register before February 15, will receive a free CD on Alabama's water environment--"Ribbit's Big Splash." Teachers can receive more than 10 hours of continuing education contact hours by attending the entire session.

For more information and a registration application, contact Emily Kling, Extension Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, 210 Duncan Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849-5620, PH: (334) 844-2226, FX: (334) 844-2252 or email: ekling@aces.auburn.edu.