Maryland Assoc For Environmental & Outdoor Education Inc

The Maryland Environmental Literacy Advisory Network (MELAN) launched with the hiring of a part-time coordinator to lead the program. This initiative aims to establish regional networks that support a statewide strategy for environmental literacy. The regional networks include the Eastern Shore, Western Maryland and Southern Maryland along with two topic-specific networks: Higher Education and Latinx. Additionally, work began on a national landscape analysis ensuring that Maryland providers will be included in the national directory.

Annual Conference: In February 2024, MAEOE held its 39th Annual Conference with the theme Healing Ourselves as We Heal the Earth. The keynote speaker was Dr Stephanie Schollaert Uz, Applied Sciences Manager at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. She connects Earth Sciences Division researchers with end users, develops external partnerships, and promotes innovative uses of Earth obesrvations for societal benefit. Approximately 400 participants from Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia took part in three days of workshops, sessions and networking. The conference provided more than 50 sessions.

MAEOE supported a state-funded composting grant aimed at expanding composting initiatives in schools and communities. We managed the grant process by promoting opportunities and reviewing applications.

MAEOE continues to participate in the Anacostia Watershed Society Treating and Teaching program funded by the Clean Water Partnership in Prince Georges County. As a steering committee member, MAEOE facilitates training for teachers and facilities staff to enhance environmental literacy and encourage the use of outdoor learning spaces. This fiscal year, MAEOE participated in two training sessions.

The Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) provided funding for three career events focused on environmental education, sustainability, and green jobs. Additionally, MAEOE trained teachers on Green Jobs resources to better equip them to guide students toward career opportunities in sustainability and green jobs. Over 500 students participated in these events, gaining valuable insights into potential careers in enviromental education, green jobs and sustainability.

Other Programs

MAEOE served as the fiduciary for the Higher Education Environmental Literacy (HEEL) program. As part of this program, two fellows workshops were held for higher education faculty, equipping them with resources and guidance to incorporate environmental literacy into their syllabi for interdisciplinary pre-service teachers.

SFI/PLT: MAEOE provided one Project Learning Tree training for twelve facilitators and two E-STEM workshops for fifteen teachers. These training opportunitites help educators integrate environmental education into their classrooms. Participation continues to grow as more teachers recognize the value of these programs and seek training to incorporate them into their schools curricula.

Maryland Green School Program: MAEOE manages and operates the Maryland Green School and Green Center programs. In 2023/24 there were 655 Maryland Green Schools and 37 Green Centers that participated in MAEOE programs involving and engaging approximately 110,000 students, teachers, parents and citizens. MAEOE awards Maryland Green School status through a rigorous application process. Applications are reviewed every year with stakeholder input. In 2023/24 we provided virtual and in person workshops for Green Centers, Green leaders, formal and non-formal educators. Green Centers and Green Leaders assist teachers and students in implementing sustainable environmental practices and completing the Maryland Green School application process.

Maryland Youth Summit: In 2024 we held an in-person Youth Summit with 2,000 students and teachers in attendance. We were able to honor 176 schools who achieved Green School status and provide a meaningful for educators and for students. The summit celebrates the Green School Awards with hands-on activities, a Green Career Fair, and exhibits from environmental organizations and businesses.