education PROGRAMS
Audubon Conservation Education Center Staff
Paul Belanger, Project Director: 370-9221; pbelanger@mtaudubon.org
Carol Ward, Program Coordinator: 655-1927; c4wards@msn.com
Audubon Conservation Education Center Programs
2008 ACEC Program Update
The ACEC spring and summer programs realized a 70% increase over 2007 in student participants (1,410 students & 6,500 student hours). During May 2008, the ACEC school program provided direct program services to 12 schools and 1,200 students. The ACEC also provided summer camp programs to the Billings Friendship House, Billings Parks, Recreation, and Open Lands Department, MSU-Billings Education Talent Search, MSU-Billings Upward Bound Program, and Billings School District CARE program.
The Outdoor Classroom
The ACEC provides age appropriate field trips for kindergarten through University students. Students participate in hands-on and fun activities focusing on Yellowstone River Natural History, aquatic wildlife and habitat, birds and bird habitat, and a variety of other science-based topics. All lessons are tied to district and/or state science standards. Pre-field trip consultation with ACEC staff allows us to design a program that meets your specific curriculum objectives. Audubon provides instruction, equipment, and activities. Field trips start in late April and run until the end of the school year.
Plan your field trip to the ACEC >>
The Yellowstone Teacher Naturalist Institute
The Yellowstone Teacher Naturalist Institute provides professional development training for teachers, home school parents, and volunteers. Participation in the trainings prepares educators and volunteers for effective, fun, and integrated outdoor learning experiences. These one to two day workshops are offered bi-monthly. Teacher trainings are offered for graduate credit and OPI renewal units. Topics include: Yellowstone Natural History, Birds of the Yellowstone Valley, developing effective outdoor learning experiences, and introduction to ACEC equipment and resources. Up-coming trainings:
- April 16 – Volunteer Community Naturalist Training; (for volunteers)
- June 12-13 – Expanding the Walls of the Classroom (for teachers and volunteers). More information is available HERE >>
ACEC Habitat Restoration Program
Since 1999, a group of dedicated teachers, community leaders, and students have been diligently transforming a landscape, from gravel pit to wildlife habitat, providing youth with an alternative to video games and television, and giving them an outlet to learn from and explore wild places. The habitat restoration program provides a rich context for learning about the land. The habitat restoration is on-going and integrated with all education activities at the ACEC for students, families, businesses and other community volunteers.
- Earth Day Celebration April 26, 9:00 to 12:30 - open to all ages.
- Saturday work parties are offered every Saturday morning from 8-noon from April to October. All you need to do is show up with a sturdy pair of boots and work gloves.
After-school and Summer Programs
The ACEC site, staff, equipment, and education resources are made available to community groups for after-school programs and summer camp. The Billings Friendship House after-school program begins in May and is offered twice a week. Both the Friendship House and Parks and Recreation Department will partner with the ACEC for 1-2 weeks of half day summer camps in June and July. Dates for summer camps will be announced next month.
June 23-27 and July 14-18 - The Audubon Young Naturalist Summer Camp for ages 8-13. Offered through the Billings Parks and Recreation Department. Download more information: Audubon Naturalist Summer Camp.