|
|
|
 |
 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
|||
 |
|||||
 |
|||||
|
NEST History - Distinction at a Glance Dr. Darleen Stoner wanted to help educators create optimal instructional opportunities that would enable their students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to make environmentally responsible choices. As a former elementary and secondary teacher, she had seen the “sparkle in kids' eyes” when they used the environment as a context for learning. Her vision for the future became the basis for inviting representatives from businesses, organizations, and agencies with an environmental emphasis, along with several educators, to a meeting to consider the need for an environmental education network in Southern California . Rudolph J. H. Schafer, Coordinator of Environmental Education for the California Department of Education and also considered the “modern day father of environmental education,” opened the meeting and provided insight and inspiration. Dr. Ernest Garcia, CSUSB Dean of College of Education , provided funding for the meeting and, because of his background in outdoor education, was very encouraging. Those attending affirmed the need for NEST. Thus, NEST was born. All of NEST's outreach efforts over the years have only been made possible by generous gifts from partners – cash, in-kind contributions, grants, contracts, and unselfish contributions of personal time. NEST is not state-supported. To its credit, NEST's network has ensured the initiating and long-term “glue” which has supported many workshops, conferences, and educational programs, as well as Environmental EXPO. NEST's most unique educational offering is its environmental magic shows by Eco-Magician Paul Cash. These educational and entertaining shows, developed by Paul Cash in association with Dr. Darleen Stoner, are presented at schools and special events. In 1997, the “NEST liaison” program was started, whereby teachers with an interest and/or expertise in environmental education, sign up, without a fee, for the network and are assisted in becoming environmental education leaders. Next was the Environmental Education Resource Center Within a few months of NEST's beginnings, Dr. Stoner started the Environmental Education Resource Center. Initially this Center was a library started from the personal donation of Dr. Stoner's environmental education curriculum. Over the years, the collection has been expanded and maintained through gifts and grants, as well as volunteer assistance. The space for the Center, also used as the classroom for Environmental Education classes, is provided by the university; however, all the resources (and the bookshelves) have been and continue to be provided by gifts and grants. The Center's resources are very supportive of students in the Master's Degree Program in Environmental Education, development of grant proposals, and for curriculum development by educators. The Center provides the physical location for the “Central Crew” to coordinate all outreach activities of NEST as well as other projects funded by grants and contracts. Environmental EXPO, NEST's flagship project, was launched in Spring 1987 Environmental EXPO was born from a two-county desire within NEST to have a major environmental event which would provide informative and entertaining ways for attendees to obtain information about the environment and would also enable regional visibility in support of environmental education. The planning committee included representatives from both Riverside and San Bernardino counties, include both county offices of education, businesses, agencies, organizations, and CSUSB. Environmental EXPO's first event was held at Riverside Community College , attracting a few hundred teachers, parents, and children to workshops, exhibits, and activity round-up. Cal State San Bernardino students provided volunteer support needed to carry out EXPO. From the first EXPO until today, this event is entirely supported by cash and in-kind donations, grants, a volunteer planning committee, and over 100 volunteers to present EXPO. Based on the need for extensive and coordinated planning in order to present EXPO, Dr. Stoner, EXPO's Founding Director, held EXPO at Cal State San Bernardino for year two and there EXPO found a permanent home. Now 10,000 people annually attend this free environmental education activities fair and Earth Day celebration. EXPO is the largest fair of its kind in Southern California and is the highest attended single event at Cal State 's campus. Because of EXPO's stature, it has taken on a life of its own and has its own web site at EXPO. Master's Degree in Environmental Education has first graduates in 1991 The infrastructure of NEST, as well as the Environmental Education Resource Center and Environmental EXPO, set the stage for the successful creation of the Master's Degree Program in Environmental Education. They have provided the necessary resources for a high standard of program excellence and have enabled community learning opportunities whereby graduate students blend classroom learning with real-world skills and knowledge that could not be learned effectively only within a classroom setting. Thus, this Master's Program in Environmental Education, recognized for its distinction and prominence in preparing effective and outstanding environmental educators, is truly “state-assisted” rather than “state-supported.” Founded by Dr. Darleen Stoner, the program continues to be coordinated by her. As the only program of its kind in Southern California, this program offers a unique education opportunity for local students, as well as attracting students nationally and internationally. Nearly 100 students have graduated. AWARDS AND HONORS Recognition given to NEST, Environmental Education Resource Center, Environmental EXPO, and their Founding Director, Dr. Darleen Stoner, are often interlinked. They include the following: To NEST . . . Conservation Partnership Award for Community Outreach from the Inland Empire West Resource Conservation District To Environmental Education Resource Center . . . For video, “A Focus on Environmental Education – Kimbark Elementary School,” a grant funded video completed in association with video producer, Nancy Pearlman, the following awards:
1992 President's Environmental and Conservation Challenge Award (nation's highest award), as a member of the Think Earth Environmental Education Consortium to develop Think Earth Program To Environmental EXPO . . . 2004 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (also awarded to Dr. Darleen Stoner) Selected as one of California 's best in Top Environmental Education Hits in California publication by California Department of Education Many Proclamations from City of San Bernardino, City of Riverside, County of San Bernardino Award from Keep American Beautiful Environmental Success Award from Renew America To Dr. Darleen Stoner . . . 2000 Public Education Award, South Coast Air Quality Management District 1999 Project Learning Tree award for recognition of support of EE and the California PLT Program 1996 Clean Air Leadership Award from American Lung Association of the Inland Counties 1993 Outstanding Alumni Award, School of Science, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona 1993 Commendation from County of Los Angeles for dedicated service to the affairs of the community and for the civic pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all the citizens of Los Angeles County. Because of her professional work with Kimbark Elementary School in San Bernardino , school was selected as best environmental education school in California and one of 10 national exemplars by National Science Teachers Association. |