The School Board of Broward County strongly promotes environmental stewardship and has emerged as a leader in the implementation of sound environmental practices. School board environmental policy mandates include quality education and training to all employees concerning environmental impacts, practices and responsibilities. NatureScape Broward provides numerous training opportunities for administrators, curriculum specialist, teachers and custodians. Teacher in-service trainings and Habitat Steward training offer education in a wide variety of subjects related to our area’s natural history, ecosystems and natural resources. At left, NatureScape Education Specialist Victor Suarez demonstrates the use of the EnviroScape Model which is used in the classroom to teach students about point and nonpoint source pollution.
Additionally, NatureScape staff participates in the delivery of classroom programs that focus on emphasizing the connection between our urban homes and our adjacent ecosystems - the Everglades and Atlantic Ocean, providing and protecting wildlife habitat, the importance of native plants and urban tree canopy. Environmental education days provide the opportunity for hands-on participation in the installation of learning gardens, recycling activities, butterfly gardening and creation of wildlife habitat. At right: Students learn about the value of native tree species while touring a newly installed campus learning garden.
Custodial trainings focus on Best Management Practices and maintenance issues; protection of our water resources and water conservation are prominent topics. Training is provided in efficient irrigation and reduction of water use for landscape irrigation. A dedicated NatureScape Water Conservation Specialist works with staff to conduct irrigation system evaluations at schools to improve system performance and save water and money. At left: NatureScape Water Conservation Specialist inspects an irrigation system at a middle school campus.
Contact the following staff for more information about the partnership:
See current news, featured programs and more on the Broward Schools Go Green website. Visit the website by clicking on the link below.
