Reflection on 2008 EEAW conference

Taking Root in the Field of Sustainability and Environmental Education

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the EEAW conference. In fact, the whole field of environmental education is relatively new to me, as well as state of Washington. Half way into my summer as a waitress at Olympic National Park, a horse rolled on me, utterly crushing my foot. So back to Utah for surgery and family support, but the wonder of the Olympics had captivated me and made me long to come back.

With a severely broken foot and just two Spanish classes away from a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and international studies with emphasis on environmental and development studies, I wanted something to bide my time while being academically and personally enriching. Surprisingly, the folks at the Coastal Resource Learning Center in Aberdeen were impressed enough with my application and interview for their Environmental Education Outreach Americorps position, that they were willing to work with a girl who couldn’t quite walk yet.

Since I started this position, I’ve felt as if it is a cultural immersion into the field environmental education, as well as an economically struggling community with a logging past. I have the opportunity grapple with and work within a region where environmentalists have challenged livelihoods dramatically, creating bitterness and hostility. Attending the conference with that in mind provided an interesting and informative look into what that means in actually implementing environmental education programs.

One of the most powerful aspects of the conference was being surrounded by people that all have some sense of responsibility, stewardship, vision- and are somehow participating and planning their role in making a more sustainable world. It was empowering, gave me hope that there are an amazing group of people working towards a similar cause.

Each concurrent session was so informative on aspects of environmental education ranging from sustainability and social justice; mentoring; innovative approaches of engagement toward democracy; forestry education; coupling science and sustainability; assessment; wilderness education and stewardship; to organic eating, farming and education. Although, I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed by having to choose between all the workshops that were being offered, I gained a lot of knowledge in a short amount of time.

While I gained a great deal from attending sessions addressing specific aspects of Environmental Education and Sustainability, I gained just as much by observing, interacting, and learning about people, their organizations, what they do, and the path that got them to where they are. The conference was really an immersion to the types of programs, positions, personalities, interaction styles, organizations, networks, and approaches in the field of Environmental Education. I also undoubtedly made some valuable contacts.

Speakers and activities were also beneficial. I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility, and the ride to and from provided some valuable downtime for informal socializing and networking. Several of the speakers were inspirational. I was awe-struck by the eloquence and spirit of Frances Moore Lappe and her vision. Micheal Pavel’s songs and message were moving. During the closing luncheon, it was rewarding to see the payoff through seeing some of the seniors that have been involved in the Pacific Education Institute’s senior culminating projects, as I am currently working on one of those projects. Finally, was reminded that there is a wonder in the world and nature that inspires all of us to work toward its preservation; and that we must also savor nature while we try to save it.