Sharpe Reservation Hosts the 57th Annual New York State Outdoor Education Conference
This fall, The Fresh Air Fund hosted The New York State Outdoor Education Association’s (NYSOEA) 57th annual conference, from November 6th through the 9th, at Sharpe Reservation. The theme this year was “Nature is Everywhere.” Environmental educators and staff from organizations across the state and country came together to network, participate in outdoor activities and chose from over 30 different educational workshops that support and uplift outdoor education in New York State.
Educators and environmentalists from organizations including SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo, New York State Parks, and more, presented a lineup of engaging speakers, workshops and activities that included topics from mindfulness in nature to climate change studies. Dr. Diana Kaye Williams, founder of Environmental Leaders of Color, and Justin Wexler from Wild Hudson Valley served as this year’s keynote speakers.
“The beautiful thing about this conference is it brings educators from all across New York State to share their collective knowledge and ultimately network and learn from one another,” said Julian Morgan, Program Coordinator at Sharpe Reservation.
A Force of Nature: The Lifelong Impact of Outdoor Experiences on Young People
Tim Stanley, Senior Director of Sharpe Reservation, hosted a panel, A Force of Nature: The Lifelong Impact of Outdoor Experiences on Young People, featuring Fresh Air Fund alumni and staff. The panel highlighted The Fund’s commitment to providing outdoor education opportunities to New York City youth and the remarkable benefits children experience, including cognitive development, positive social-emotional outcomes and a newfound or deeper appreciation towards nature itself. Tim talked about the substantial impact outdoor experiences have on children when they gain access to nature, particularly communities of color and people of low socio-economic status.
“The goal for this workshop was to highlight research presented in The Fresh Air Fund: A Force of Nature, a paper that talks about the benefits of access to nature, specifically for children who grow up in the city,” said Tim.
Other workshops, like Tracks and Traces of the Animal Kingdom and RootED: Grounded in Nature, Growing in Knowledge, featured interactive outdoor components. Attendees explored and immersed themselves in the wilderness around Sharpe Reservation, taking nature walks, developing mindfulness techniques, learning about biological science and so much more.
Field Trips and Special Outdoor Events
Attendees also explored coloring and insect pinning led by Conrad Baker, wild game preparation with George Steele and Jamie Cantin, an educational tour of the Mid-Hudson Valley, a musical performance by Hudson Valley band Soil and Soul and more.
The weekend was a celebration of learning, connection and inspiration, with the purpose of expanding access and inclusion in the field of outdoor education. To learn more about the conference and for other environmental resources, visit New York State Outdoor Education Association.
Learn more about visiting Sharpe Reservation. Rentals are available for school and community groups.
