The Office of Environmental education aims to collaboratively engage organizations to support non-formal and formal educators in order to cultivate environmentally literate k-12 graduates across the state of Virginia.

Discover the importance of Environmental Education

Awareness and Knowledge:

It combats fear. Fear is often derived from what we are unfamiliar with. Learning about our environment and the creatures in it, can alleviate those fears.
Environmental Education develops critical thinking skills. Students are working to solve a real problem using hand-on investigation.
STEM instruction is strengthened as student problem solvers find ways to help their environment recover or prevent future issues.

Behavior:

It’s exciting! Students get excited about learning when environmental education is the topic. Learner engagement is a huge obstacle in the learning process and the topic of environmental education curves that challenge naturally.
It teaches responsibility. Students connect their actions to the effect on their environment and act in more res
Environmental Education encourages healthy lifestyles as students learn to spend time active outdoors.

Civic Engagement:

Tolerance increases as students learn to live in a way that supports other living things.
Communities are strengthened as we find ways to work together for a common goal.
It exposes students to possible green career pathways.
Environmental Education experiences create a sense of responsibility and conservation for local environment and community.

Resources

Strategic Plan

In the stream at Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park

Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE)

Explore our ever-growing treasure trove of inspiring stories that highlight the transformative power of MWEEs. Immerse yourself in the journeys of individuals and groups who have embarked on these learning adventures, fostering deeper connections with Virginia’s watershed and creating ripple effects of positive change in communities.

MWEE Stories
Learn about some of Virginia's successful MWEE grant recipients.

Awards and Opportunities

Fund Your Project

Environmental Education Contacts

Lori Schoenwiesner
Environmental Education Specialist
600 E. Main St., 24th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Lori.Schoenwiesner@dcr.virginia.gov

Cassi Camara
Environmental Education Specialist
600 E. Main St. 24th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
cassi.camara@dcr.virginia.gov