KAEE announces Kentucky Green Schools Program

Elizabethtown, Ky., June 9, 2023 – The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) has announced the launch of the Kentucky Green Schools program, which is designed to inspire students to develop environmentally-friendly behavior and to feel empowered to take active steps toward creating a greener and healthier world—starting with their local environment at school.

By engaging in themed investigations, participating students play a leading role in reducing their school's environmental impact and establishing a more sustainable learning atmosphere. These investigations enable students to identify, design and execute one or more action projects based on their findings. The program offers five student-driven investigations:

• Energy: Students assess their school's energy consumption, identify energy sources and explore energy-saving strategies.

• Environmental Quality: Students evaluate areas for improvement in indoor air quality, transportation, chemical usage and more.

• School Site: Students examine natural habitats, wildlife, trees, grounds maintenance practices and methods to enhance their school site.

• Waste & Recycling: Students analyze their school's waste generation, waste management processes and evaluate recycling and composting efforts.

• Water: Students investigate the source, cost, and quality of their school's water supply, and propose water conservation practices.

KAEE plans to work with local community partners that offer environmental education and field experiences to participating schools in all regions of Kentucky. KAEE hopes to foster connections between schools and their local partners to provide support, resources, and guidance when facilitating environmental education opportunities and create relationships among the local community.

Kentucky schools have the opportunity to receive statewide recognition by participating, including media coverage, a plaque for their school, or a school flag, depending on their level and years of involvement. Schools will also have the opportunity to receive national recognition through the US Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools program, coordinated by the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. Both participating schools and community partners will be recognized on the KAEE website and virtual environmental education resources map.

"The Kentucky Green Schools program promotes eco-literacy, investigative skills, teamwork, leadership, and sustainable practices," said Katherine Bullock, Education Director of KAEE. "We are thrilled about the opportunity for schools across the Commonwealth to join this initiative and contribute to a more environmentally-conscious future."

Educators interested in learning more about the Kentucky Green Schools program and how their school can participate can visit kaee.org/greenschools or contact katherine@kaee.org.

KAEE Member Feature: Perry Thomas

KAEE recently caught up with newly certified KAEE facilitator, Perry Thomas, to talk about her journey as an environmental educator and what she has been working on recently in the world of EE! Perry is a dedicated conservationist who loves teaching and sharing her ideas and passions with others.

KAEE: Tell us a little about yourself!

Perry: As District Program Coordinator for the Oldham County Conservation District, my work is to inspire local actions that lead to healthier soil, water, and wildlife when practiced by many. With KAEE, I recently completed certification as a workshop facilitator. At home, my family works with Molly-the-mule and our oxen to restore a farmstead in Henry County. When not working, I love spending time with family and friends exploring woodlands, paddling waterways, and tending gardens.

KAEE: What projects or programs are you working on that particularly inspire you?

Perry: In my new job, I am excited about applying my experience and knowledge at the local level. For example, this month the Conservation District celebrates Pollinator Week 2023 with the theme of “Climate and Pollinators” (visit: pollinator.org/pollinator-week to learn more). Together with the Oldham County Beekeepers Association, we will table at the La Grange Farmers Market on June 20th and 24th, promoting our pollinator habitat cost-share program—an opportunity for Oldham County residents to plan and plant native wildflower gardens.

KAEE: What do you think is the most beneficial part of being involved in KAEE?

Perry: I started my role with the Conservation District in March 2023, after working for several years as a River Basin Coordinator with the Kentucky Division of Water (DOW). Kentucky’s seven River Basin Coordinators collaborate to plan environmental education outreach, often together with other KAEE members. DOW supported me in becoming a Certified Professional Environmental Educator through the partnership between KAEE and the Kentucky Environmental Education Council. During that training, I not only added interdisciplinary EE approaches to my science education background but also began growing a network of new colleagues.

KAEE: What is an area you feel you could use support in from this network of fellow educators?

Perry: One responsibility I have in Oldham County is to work more closely with formal educators in building a culture of conservation. I look forward to learning from KAEE members who have worked within Kentucky school districts to integrate EE into the curriculum.

KAEE: What is something you feel could be beneficial to share with this network?

Perry: As a newly certified KAEE facilitator, I partner with the KAEE team to create workshops that focus on finding ways to incorporate climate education into our work. Participants consider questions such as “What local phenomena help engage students in exploring climate-related changes?” and “How can we align EE with Kentucky Academic Standards to develop well-articulated, longitudinal climate education?”

KAEE: What goals do you have for your organization or programs within the EE field?

Perry: Going forward, one goal of the Oldham County Conservation District is to collaborate with Watershed Watch in Kentucky and Friends of Currys Fork, a local watershed association, to promote watershed education and management. I also look forward to partnering with The Berry Center in Henry County to offer a Leopold Education Project training. With KAEE, I anticipate continuing my professional growth while supporting the KAEE team’s knack for infusing EE with hope.