NATURE UP NORTH, A COMMUNITY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR NORTHERN NEW YORK: INTRODUCING GEOSCIENCE ENGAGEMENT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Screen time tends to replace outdoor experiences separating people from nature and inhibiting environmental curiosity and literacy. Recognizing technology as a barrier between people and the natural world, Nature Up North (NUN), a non-profit organization, has been introducing new ways for citizens to engage with the outdoors. Incorporating technology into environmental education efforts can be a tool to encourage experiences in and with nature. NUN incorporates a number of platforms for environmental engagement including citizen science projects, school and scout group programming, public events, trail mapping, and online platforms for learning and social interactions. NUN involves local communities in scientific data collection through citizen science projects, including the Ash Tree Tracker, an application that is used to map the potential infestation of Emerald Ash Borer. Since spring 2013, NUN has hosted nearly 100 public events, reaching over 1,800 people fostering positive and creative experiences in the local environment, which include papermaking with local plants, fishing workshops, and evening canoe trips. In addition, since spring 2014, NUN has engaged more than 1900 K-12 students in hands-on activities and citizen science projects. The NUN website features a platform for people to share their own outdoor experiences, contributing to a community of learning. Online engagement has been successful, with over 2,000 “encounter” posts on the website and over 2,100 likes on its Facebook page. There is also a growing online trail archive that currently contains 14 routes covering nearly 80 kilometers, which provides people with an accessible interface to get outside independently and confidently. Although NUN is largely biology-based, the introduction of geoscience-based content will broaden the organization’s reach; attracting additional support and engagement. Geoscience content will also give rural communities a better understanding of the natural history of their region. The development of multiple digitized geology tours throughout the Northern New York region will allow people an accessible and engaging way to learn about their local geology and enhance their understanding and appreciation for our dynamic earth.