Hands-on interactive activities await students and educators at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Touch of Nature Environmental Center’s environmental learning conference March 10-12 in Makanda.
The three-day Student Experiential Environmental Education Conference (SEEEC) hands-on workshop is designed to be an interactive and practical environmental learning experience. Representatives from area research centers; forestry, botanical and waterway experts; government agencies; and astronomers will offer their insights.
Speakers are also scheduled from Morton Arboretum, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, the U.S. Forest Service, Illinois’ Department of Natural Resources and Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois.
Keynote speaker, Adler Planetarium’s Michelle Nichols will discuss an upcoming Aug. 21 total solar eclipse. Southern Illinois University happens to be situated in an advantageous location for that eclipse, with near totality and long duration; SEEEC plans future events centered on the phenomenon in partnership with NASA.
For the March workshop, the SIU environmental center offers participants ways to integrate the natural environment into everyday learning in guided activities from paddling on a creek to identifying trees and birds.
The $100 registration fee includes all sessions and meals for the three-day event, with various certification options available as well as discounts on lodging. SEEEC attendees should register by March 3. For more information and online registration, visit www.ton.siu.edu/events/seeec.php, call (618) 453-1121 or email tonec@siu.edu.
The Touch of Nature Environmental Center is at 1206 Touch of Nature Road in Makanda.
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