Watershed Forestry Institute for Teachers (WFIT)
is a program of the Watershed Agricultural Councilís Forestry Program with funding provided by USDA Forest Service and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
WFIT is a free summer camp for educators that takes place every July. This 5-day, 4-night professional development program immerses 4th Ė 12th grade teachers and non-formal educators from NYC and the NYC Watershed in a hands-on study of the NYC watershed, water supply system, watershed forestry, and water quality science. Meals, lodging, and teaching resources are provided at no cost.
The mission of the WFIT is to inform, inspire, and equip educators to teach their students about the source of NYCís water and the connection between upstate watershed forests and downstate water quality. Participants earn over 50 professional development hours, practice over 20 hands-on lessons, receive training in two curricula aligned to Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, go on field trips to discover how well-managed forests and farms protect water quality, learn from a variety of experts and join an active community of practice of watershed educators. This training also prepares teachers to develop strong grant proposals for WACísWatershed Forestry Bus Tour Program.
Environmental Workshops for Educators offered by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation:
The NYS DEC offers free professional development workshops for educators and youth leaders. Offered at various locations throughout the state, these multi-disciplinary workshops offer participants a curriculum guide to take home, an opportunity to experience activities first-hand and receive a variety of support materials that make it easy to incorporate conservation topics into the classroom. To see a list of upcoming workshops or to schedule a free workshop for your group, click here. (http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2035.html)
Free, hands-on, inquiry-based multidisciplinary workshops are for pre-K through college level formal and non-formal educators. Topics include all aspects of the New York City water supply system, including the history and present-day system, resiliency, water quality, watershed protection, water distribution, water use and conservation. All workshops are designed to support lessons and activities that align with the Common Core Standards. For information contact email@example.com.