Videos & Resources

We’ve compiled a large list of Enviro Resources for you! Here you can find information about recycling, living green, conservation, and getting out and enjoying our natural world!

A Message From Ethan, Outdoor Ed Student

Minnesota Loons

The USGS has also put out a cool video showcasing what they are learning about the migration of Loons.

STEM in Action

Learn a little bit about why Outdoor and STEM education is so important to the growth of today’s youth.

Reforestation

Learn a bit about how you can help in the battle to grow back forests in the places we need them most.

Aquatic Invasive Species

Zebra Muscles, Eurasian Milfoil, and other Aquatic Invasive Species are becoming more common on Minnesota Lakes.

Water Restoration

Nothing is more important to the ecosystem around Camp Foley than water. Learn more about how to protect this natural resource.

Permaculture

Learning to survive in a place using the most local of resources could be key to environmental change. Find out a few simple things you can do now!

The Money-Saving Guide to Going Green at Home

During our Environmental Education program  we talk about ways that every student continue being good stewards of the earth once they go back home. Sometimes it feels like being green is a daunting and expensive task. In this article, there are great tips and ideas on how to positively affect the environment and save money at the same time. There are simple ideas that anyone in the family can follow!

Children & Nature Network

The Children & Nature Network mission: “Together we can create a world where every child can play, learn and grow in nature.” Read below for specific pages we like:

  • C&NN’s Movement Directory: Here you can find campaigns, clubs and people in your region that support the children in nature movement. Here they also list regional, national and international organizations and programs that support their mission.
  • Natural Teachers: For teachers that are interested in “natural teaching.”
  • C&NN News: Click here to get news, articles and commentary.

 

Podcasts – Audio

*Unless otherwise noted, all of these podcasts are kid-friendly!

  • Brains On – Produced by Minnesota Public Radio, interviews, songs, interesting topics that kids will find amusing. Produced by kids.
  • The Show about Science – Hosted by a 5 year old who asks science questions of adults…comedy ensues.
  • What’s the Point – Made for older kids who are in to numbers, this podcasts investigates how numbers can help solve problems.
  • The Naked Scientists – despite the name it is usually suited for kids (may want to pre-listen) and covers all sorts of topics that kids often ask about related to science and nature.

 

Richard Louv

Richard Louv is the author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder (this book “has stimulated an international conversation about the relationship between children and nature.”) And The Nature Principle: Human Restoration and the End of Nature-Deficit (“which offers a new vision of the future, in which our lives are as immersed in nature as they are in technology.”) He is also the founding chairman of the Children & Nature Network (see above). Links to his books and his blog below:

 

Environmental Education in the News

Environmental Education has never been more talked about then right now. With programs looking at ways to get students more learning while staying out of the classroom, environmental education has solutions. Here are a few articles written over the last couple years explaining benefits of this outdoor learning.

Six Ways Nature Helps Children Learn
Outdoor Classes and Forest Schools Gain New Prominence Amid Distance Learning Struggles
Explore the Benefits of Nature Based Education

 

Mother Nature Network

The Mother Nature Network‘s goal is to “Improve Your World.” The site wishes to provide accurate, up-to-date news and information about environmental news and social responsibility issues.

Check out the Local Report on Minnesota to find out what’s happening in your own backyard.

While you’re there, take a moment to check out some Family Activities!

 

Eat By Date

Eat By Date is exactly what it sounds like! It’s a website that answers the question, “How long does food really last?” The site’s focus is to help you “save money, eat healthily, and debunk the myths of expiration dates on food.” The site also provides great suggestions for substitutions just in case you’re mid-prep and realize you don’t have a specific ingredient!

 

Eartheasy

According to the website, “Eartheasy is a family business committed to bringing you practical products and information for sustainable living.We hope to share what we’ve learned from 30 years of living close to the land.”

We like the below pages:

 

Consumer Affairs

According to the website, “Consumer Affairs is a consumer news and advocacy organization founded in 1998 by James R. Hood, a veteran Washington, D.C. journalist, and public affairs executive. Our website includes consumer news, recall information, and tens of thousands of pages of consumer reviews.”

 

  • Solar Power: A guide to FAQ’s, cost analysis and comparison tools for solar power options.
  • Windows and Door: a guide to FAQ’s, cost analysis and comparison tools for windows and doors including efficiency ratings.
  • Plus many other consumer reports on how to purchase or use the best products.