DRAFT

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP
June 22-26, 2009

This summer, we will focus on sustainability and greening and the transfer into our individual work, 2009-2010. We have requested each speaker include a major portion of their presentation on these issues; we have invited other speakers who are working actively on sustainability topics to participate. So, please, come prepared to develop an activity, a program, a focus, on what you need and can use in your classroom, nature center, after-school program – an example that you can share with others.

We also seek to connect formal educators with informal and public community educators and others. You will note a number of presentations emanating from extension as well as local persons.

Participants, please bring something ‘small’ for everyone, representative of your local environ (a fossil, a special type of rock, or a pen with name of your city, or local fudge, etc.) As you know, we will have international teachers participating – it is nice to share with them especially. And, please bring one curriculum piece that you think excellent, to distribute to everyone.

On your own. Come to the mountains the week-end before the workshop, explore different places, go white water rafting, drive mountain roads, note new construction, visit small towns in the area, hike trails, get a ‘feel’ for the mountain communities. There are so many things to do, and very little time during the workshop and these few days before can be perfect for investigation!

Monday June 22
Meet for lunch at the College Cafeteria at 12:00 (ck map on website). Introduction to Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk NC, where we will be housed, enjoy the wireless facilities at our base of operation. President David Bushman and Provost Deb Thatcher will present historical and present perspectives of this private college. A hike to Hemlock Hill will show us virgin forest and what is happening to it today. Introductions. Presentation on Sustainability. Pick your topic to develop for your own home situation. Computer lab.

Tuesday June 23
Dr. Skeate, author, naturalist, will present the Flora and Fauna of the Mountain Ecosystem. Low impact development and community projects you can do, by Patrick Beggs, WECO, follows. Mike Tally will overview sustainability issues in curriculum. Meet story-teller mother and teacher-daughter team. Carolyn Langley will present projects from her locality; Dee Davis will suggest resources for the Boone/ Banner Elk area. Brazilian Daniel de Granville will present a program about Brazil, at Lees-McRae, open to the community. His photographs will be on display for the week.

Wednesday June 24
Visit Grandfather Mountain, Linville NC to meet Crae Morton, President, who will tell us how the ‘green’ Grandfather Mountain facilities have been designed, meeting sustainability qualifications. And the establishment of the most recent state park! At the only private UN Biosphere site in the world, we will visit the Nature Museum and tour the Animal Habitats. After lunch, explore on your own. For example, visit the Viaduct Visitor Center, Moses Cone Craft Center, hike the G. Mt. trails or Linville Falls, Roan Mountain – choices are many! Survey of local people in the process. Evening search for salamanders and snails with VanDevenders, ASU.

Thursday June 25
Part 2, low impact development and community projects you can do, by Patrick Beggs.Growing Native Woodland Medicinals presentation, followed by identification, applications by Dr. Jeanine Davis. Activity for groups, Meeting Local People, Carolyn Langley; Insects found locally by Lees-McRae President David Bushman. Recycling programs, Nan Kirlin.Visit the Wildlife Rehab Center of Lees-McRae College. Computer lab to complete work.

Friday June 26

Sarah Koebley chairs presentation of participants’ projects developed meeting the Environmental Education Guidelines for Excellence (NAAEE), and national, state and local standards in your subject area. Blank books. Evaluation. Picnic Lunch at Grandfather Mountain. Leave for home at 3:30pm.