Posted on Jan 16, 2024 | News,Press Releases
Keep Louisiana Beautiful Hosts Educational Workshops for Educators of Grades K-5
MANDEVILLE, La. – Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), in alignment with its mission to promote clean and sustainable communities, announces the opening of registration for comprehensive educational workshops for classroom educators of grades K-5 in Lafourche, Orleans, and Ouachita Parishes. The workshops will offer valuable insights into youth environmental stewardship and community engagement.
“Through effective litter education for the children of Louisiana, we can increase a child’s understanding of just how litter causes various environmental issues,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “If we can reach our children when they are young, they can form anti-littering habits. We can teach them pride in their communities and to do their part to make Louisiana a clean and beautiful place to live.”
Scheduled workshop dates and locations are as follows:
- February 17, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ouachita Parish at Tower Place,1500 N. 19th St., Monroe
- March 9, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lafourche Parish (location TBA)
- March 16, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Orleans Parish at Audubon Zoo at 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans
Space is limited to 50 participants per workshop. Registration is available online.
KLB is pleased to offer stipends for up to $150 for teachers participating. Teachers who attend and stay for the duration of the workshop will receive a $50 stipend. Teachers have the opportunity to earn an additional $100 to implement the lessons.
“America is in the midst of one of the most profound and rapid societal shifts in history,” said KLB Executive Director Susan Russell. “Today’s generation of children is the first to grow up indoors. Their ‘plugged-in’ lives are often devoid of exploring the natural world. As tomorrow’s leaders, they need to be equipped for the challenges the future brings and it is our responsibility to prepare our children for the future they will inherit. That requires a commitment to providing our children with an environmental education.”
The desired result of this program is an increase in knowledge and awareness that yields a positive change in perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors related to caring for the environment and community. The workshops and lessons will cover a range of topics including:
- Impact of litter on wildlife
- Reducing waste in your personal life
- Plastic pollution
- Microplastics
- Mapping litter at school
- Recycling, reusing, and reducing
- Watersheds
At the end of each lesson, students will be encouraged to apply what they learned from each lesson by participating in student-driven activities. These interactive sessions, led by experienced environmental educators Dr. Pam Blanchard and Dr. Mary Legoria aim to empower educators to engage young minds and instill a sense of responsibility for environmental stewardship.
For further information about the workshops, please contact Valerie Nehrbass-Vidrine via email at education@keeplouisianabeautiful.org.
Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), a 501(c)(3) non-profit supported by the state of Louisiana and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, is focused on promoting best practices for litter prevention and reduction, beautification, recycling, waste reduction, and sustainability. The backbone of KLB is the organization’s network of 37 Community Affiliates and 10 University Affiliates – all committed to working toward a cleaner, greener Louisiana. KLB supports communities across the state with its programs, educational opportunities, and community improvement grants. KLB is affiliated with Keep America Beautiful. Learn more at KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.
