1.

Watershed Forestry Institute for Teachers (WFIT)

The Watershed Forestry Institute for Teachers (WFIT) is a program of the Watershed Agricultural Council’s Forestry Program with funding provided by USDA Forest Service and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

WFIT is a free 5-day, 4-night summer professional development program for formal and non-formal educators, immersing them in the hands-on study of watershed forestry and the New York City water supply system. Participants develop the knowledge, inspiration, and practices necessary to explore the connection between upstate forests and downstate water quality with their students.  Topics include water quality science, forest ecology and stewardship, sustainable development, engineering, New York history, and community engagement. Participants earn over 40 professional development hours, practice over 15 hands-on lessons, receive training in Project Learning Tree and Project WET (Watershed Education for Teachers), go on field trips and learn from a variety of experts. Teachers develop action plans for implementing NYC watershed forestry education in their own teaching. This training prepares teachers to develop strong grant proposals for WAC’s Watershed Forestry Bus Tour Program (see Funding Opportunities) and is a prerequisite for applying to WAC’s Green Connections program (see School Programs), which supports year-long partnerships between NYC and upstate Watershed classrooms. Contact Tyler Van Fleet, Watershed Educator, education@nycwatershed.org; (914) 962-6355 x21.

2.

Free Workshops from NYC Department of Environmental Protection

Free Workshop from NYC Department of Environmental Protection are free, hands-on, inquiry-based multidisciplinary workshops conducted throughout the year are designed for pre-K through college level formal and non-formal educators. Topics include all aspects of the New York City water supply system, including the history and present-day system, climate change and resiliency, water quality, watershed protection, water distribution, water use and stewardship. All workshops are designed to support learning standards and specific needs of the participants. For information contact educationoffice@dep.nyc.gov.

3.

Environmental Workshops for Educators

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation offers free professional development workshops for educators and youth leaders:

Project WILD,
Project WET, and
Project Learning Tree

Offered at various locations throughout the state, these multi-disciplinary workshops offer participants a curriculum guide to take home, an opportunity to experience activities first-hand and receive a variety of support materials that make it easy to incorporate conservation topics into the classroom.