The Department of Environmental Protection this week honored the Green Woods Charter School for its demonstrated commitment to environmental education as a Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award winner, and encouraged others to apply for the award.

"Green Woods has designed a standards-based curriculum around an outdoor learning laboratory that offers students a rare opportunity to learn firsthand that the things they do -- and don't do -- can make a difference in the health of the environment," said DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty. "The fourth graders' experience during the 'Watershed Year' provides the foundation for a lifetime appreciation of the environment."

Located on a 340-acre property owned by the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Green Woods Charter School provides children in grades K through 8 with the opportunity to be active, knowledgeable and conscientious young investigators by fostering a keen understanding of the interrelatedness and interdependence of local and global environments.

As part of that investigation, the innovative fourth-grade curriculum provides an in-depth study of the social, historical and environmental aspects of the local watershed. The year culminates in a hands-on project -- most recently, the restoration of a small stream that flows through the school's property, Smith's Run, and is a Schuylkill River tributary.

Students worked throughout the year to restore 100 linear feet of eroded stream banks along Smith's Run. The project helped them understand why restoration was important.

The Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence honors Pennsylvania businesses and organizations that undertake projects that tackle environmental problems, help build new businesses, enhance the bottom line and engage residents in a renewed commitment to investing in communities.

"From innovations in clean energy to educating our youth on environmental matters, each of this year's winners is making an invaluable contribution that will protect public health and safety, stimulate economic growth and improve the health of Pennsylvania's environment," said Secretary McGinty.

The Green Wood Charter School was one of 12 winners of the 2007 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence to receive a commemorative plaque and an outdoor flag to acknowledge their commitment to environmental quality. Each recipient will be presented with these exclusive awards during events at the winner's location.

Applications are now available for the 2008 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. The award is open to any Pennsylvania business, government agency, educational institution, nonprofit organization, individual or farm that has created or helped to develop a project that promotes environmental stewardship and economic development in the state.

The deadline to submit nominations is October 15.

To download an application, visit the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award webpage.

Link: Nominations Invited for Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards

8/3/2007