Maryland Association for Environmen

Green School Act of 2019: To increase the number of green schools in the state in support of the States (Maryland) efforts to mitigate climate change and meet the States environmental education goals. This was Year 3 of the state appropriation. Funding provides grants for teachers working to lead green school activities including student actions, transportation, professional development. There is also funding for stipends for teachers leading green school teams. Funding for DEIJA symposium (2) this year foucsed on Green Schools and engagement with students and developing whole school partnerships. The approprirations also offsets costs for the annual youth summit, an annual evaluation, and maintenance of an online application.

Other Programs

Annual Conference: In February 2023, MAEOE held its 38th Annual Conference; the conference was titled Learn Green, Live Green, Be Green The keynote speaker was Anna Rathmann, the Executive Director of JGI USA. She spoke about bridging science, conservation, education and storytelling. Approximately 400 participants from Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia took part in three days of workshops, sessions and networking. The conference provided more than 30 sessions.

NOAA BWET: The funding was approved in September of 2022. The Maryland Environmental Literacy Advisory Network (MELAN) revised the job description for Network Coordinator and MAEOE initiated recruitment for the position in November 2022. We successfully hired in February 2023. The project was initiated by the Executive Director; activities included meeting with partners, engaging with NOAA and Project Green Classrooms leadership, and participating in the Regional Outdoor Learning Network development training. The Network Coordinator has begun to develop the networks.

MAEOE continues to participate in the Anacostia Watershed Society Treating and Teaching program funded by the Clean Water Partnership in Prince Georges County. MAEOE is a member of the steering committee and facilitates training for teachers and facilities staff to increase environmental literacy and encourage use of the outdoor classroom. MAEOE participated in 3 trainings in this financial year. The focus of the project is Stormwater management and outdoor learning.

Maryland Green School Program: MAEOE manages and operates the Maryland Green School and Green Center programs. In 2022/23 there were 648 Maryland Green Schools and 40 Green Centers that participated in MAEOE programs involving and engaging approximately 110,000 students, teachers, parents and citizens. MAEOE awards Maryland Green School status through a rigorous application process. Applications are reviewed every year with stakeholder input. In 2022/23 we provided virtual and in person workshops for Green Centers, Green leaders, formal and non-formal educators. Our Green Centers and Green Leaders support teachers and students in various aspects of the MD Green Schools process including successfully implementing sustainable environamental practices at schools. MAEOE workshops include information sessions, Forest Literacy, Lunch and Share, Diversity Equity Inclusion Justice and Accessibility (DEIJA) symposium. Approximately 2,000 people attended workshops.

SFI/PLT: Funding is provided by Project Learning Tree for facilitators and teachers. We find that teachers are more engaging in the training so that they can use this program at schools. Forest Literacy continues to be popular. Three training workshops were provided using hybrid in person and virtual to reach more educators.

Maryland Youth Summit: In 2023 we held an in-person Youth Summit with 2,000 students and teachers in attendance. We were able to recognize the 170 participating schools. This event is meaningful for educators and for students. It is a celebration of Green School awards and there are hands on activities and a Green Career fair.