Educators Learn About NOAA at Bay Watershed Education and Training Conference
Lexie Brown
NOAA Office of Education
August 24, 2009 — During July 14-16, 2009, more than 130 Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program grantees from around the country gathered at NOAA in Silver Spring, Md., for the inaugural B-WET National Conference.
July’s 2009 National B-WET Conference in Silver Spring, Md., enabled grantees from across the country to share experiences and information while learning more about NOAA, science, and environmental policy. Photo credit: Bob Hansen, NOAA Office of Education.
Established in 2002, NOAA’s B-WET program is an environmental education program that promotes locally relevant, experiential learning for grades K-12. To achieve this, B-WET provides competitive grants that promote Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) in six NOAA B-WET regional programs: California, Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico, Hawaii, New England, and Pacific Northwest.
The 2009 National Conference was a great opportunity for grantees to share experiences and information, while learning more about NOAA, our science, and the policies that shapes the world of environmental education.
The conference began with a rousing welcome from Jack Dunnigan, assistant administrator for NOAA’s National Ocean Service. Dunnigan emphasized the critical role B-WET plays in helping NOAA protect and preserve our oceans and coastal communities. Grantees were encouraged to explore how NOAA’s data and products can improve environmental education in their respective regions.
For many participants, the highlight of the conference was meeting NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco during an evening reception at the National Aquarium in Washington, D.C. In her remarks, Dr. Lubchenco expressed her commitment to environmental education and an informed, environmentally literate public.
"The B-WET program is a key component of NOAA’s capabilities in increasing environmental stewardship and informed decision-making regarding watershed issues," said Dr. Lubchenco.
By strengthening relationships between environmental educators and NOAA, the B-WET Conference supports NOAA’s vision of an informed society and NOAA Education’s policy of “building public understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of people and the environment.”
NOAA understands that citizens with the skills and knowledge to make well-informed environmental choices are key to sustaining the nation’s ocean and coastal environments.
B-WET grantees to mix and mingle with other conference participants at a poster session in Silver Spring, Md. Photo credit: Bob Hansen, NOAA Office of Education.
NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco addressed the B-WET Conference attendees at an evening reception at the National Aquarium in Washington, D.C. Photo credit: Bob Hansen, NOAA Office of Education.