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ECOLOGY, CONSERVATION: The annual Life Science Field Training Institute helps participants design outdoor lessons and strengthen educational initiatives. (Supplied Photo)
Educators are encouraged to register now to join the Pinelands Preservation Alliance for four days of field training, June 24-27, to help develop outdoor lessons focusing on place-based curricula and community science initiatives. The 19th annual Life Science Field Training Institute is limited to 14 participants, and 10 spots currently remain open.
This year’s program will be held in a new location: the Pine Tree Education and Environmental Center at 110 Butterworth Bogs Rd. in Tabernacle. In March, PPA acquired the center from the Boy Scouts of America, and it is now the home of the Pinelands Research Institute and a site for nature-based recreation and environmental education.
“The Pine Tree Center consists of 162 acres of upland and wetlands forests, buildings for classes, gatherings and overnight accommodations and campsites,” PPA explained. “The center adjoins the 122,000-acre Wharton State Forest and connects to a network of several hundred thousand acres of preserved lands.”
The upcoming field training institute is dedicated to developing skills and activities related to the ecology and conservation of the Pine Barrens.
“During the week,” said PPA, “we will highlight themes and resources from the various units of the curriculum guide as we introduce sampling methods and outdoor study protocols to enhance the skills and confidence of educators and, in turn, the educational experiences of their students. Whether building new programs, establishing new lab activities or seeking to study a specific ecology theme, this week will offer the tools and practice to strengthen your educational initiatives.”
Program instructor Ron Smith is a high school environmental education coordinator and environmental science teacher. Since 2000, he has developed field studies, community science projects and interdisciplinary curricula for high school environmental programs. He is also the author of Adventures in Community Science and Adventures in Backyard Gardening, both of which are designed to inspire kids to get outside and explore nature, join community science projects and investigate the ecology of their backyards.
For 20 years, Smith has worked with the Pinelands Preservation Alliance on Pinelands education projects; since 2007, he has led the Life Science Field Training Institute.
Cost to register for this program is $50. Each participant receives field equipment, including a Doyle tree scale stick, a soil thermometer, a hand lens and a collection of books, including the Field Guide to the Pine Barrens and Adventures in Community Science.
To register, visit engage.pinelandsalliance.org/lifescience2025.
Contact Smith at ronaldvsmith2@gmail.com for more information about the program. For questions about registration, email PPA Director of Development and Engagement Becky Free at becky@pinelandsalliance.org. —J.K.-H.
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