The Bird Education Network (BEN) was created
following the February 2007 National Gathering, hosted by CEE. BEN is a CEE
initiative that seeks to create a network of bird education
professionals.
Bird educators must "present a case for
birds" - stressing the importance of birds, bird-connections to a broader
natural world, and our roles through birds as stewards of our planet. Ultimately,
BEN seeks to connect bird educators at all levels to be more effective.
A BEN Committee has been
established to provide advice and guidance for this important initiative, to
advance "bird conservation through education."
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 BIRD
EDUCATORS AND "NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE"
One important way to better
connect children with nature revolves around the No Child Left Inside (NCLI)
campaign, embraced by dedicated bird educators across the country.
The intent is to include new incentives to provide
environmental education for school systems within the federal No Child Left
Behind law. Since many schools have responded to the requirements of No Child
Left Behind by sacrificing subjects such as environmental education, the NCLI
Coalition attempts to challenge that situation.
The coalition has already attracted 600 member organizations. The NCLI coalition
was formed in early 2007, yet today NCLI supporting organizations represent
more than 43 million Americans.
The House of Representatives is planning to vote
on H.R. 3036, the No Child Left Inside Act of 2008 in September. For
up-to-date details on developments and on what you and your organization can
do, CLICK HERE.
For a full list of NCLI supporters, CLICK HERE.
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PETERSON CENTENNIAL:
AUGUST 28, 2008
"Birding,
after all, is just a game. Going beyond that
is what is important."
- Roger Tory Peterson, The
Daily Reflector,
Greenville, NC, 6 Nov 1988
Roger Tory Peterson (1908 - 1996) changed the way we look at birds and
nature. One cannot think of another American in the 20th century who did more
to promote a popular interest in birds and other living creatures. At the age
of 26, in 1934, he had his breakthrough book, A Field Guide to the Birds, published. A writer, photographer,
artist, and speaker, Peterson received every major American award for natural
science, ornithology, and conservation, as well as numerous honorary medals,
diplomas, and citations including the United States Presidential Medal of
Freedom.
August 28 will mark the centennial of Peterson's birth. In celebration, Roger Tory Peterson Institute (RTPI) in
Jamestown, New York has assembled an ambitious schedule
of events.
You can access a listing of their events, including
an exhibit of 50 seldom seen original artwork by Peterson, CLICK HERE.
Brown Pelicans by Roger Tory Peterson: RTPI
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BIRD EDUCATION LISTSERV 
CONTINUES TO GROW
Since the 2007 National
Gathering for bird
educators, the BEN operated Listserv has
grown.
What began with about 150 participants has
expanded
to a listserv of over 500 individuals
representing over 300 organizations. These people receive communications and engage in professional dialogue through the BEN-run
Bird Education Listserv.
To subscribe to the Bird Education Listserv, send an
e-mail to:
birdedlist-subscribe@flyingwild.org
In the text of the message, please include your name,
mailing address, phone number, and, if applicable, your organization,
title, and website. This helps us keep track of Listserv participants,
finding out who they are and where the educational participation gaps may be.
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HOLD THE
DATES
The Second
National Gathering: Bird
Conservation through Education 22-26
February
2009 - Jekyll Island,
Georgia
The second National
Gathering for bird educators is open to anyone with an ongoing interest in bird
education and conservation efforts, including involved federal, state, and
local government agencies, conservation organizations, zoos/aquariums,
bird-related businesses, universities, K-12 schools, nature centers, local bird
clubs, other NGOs, and related non-profit groups.
Location: Jeckyll Island, Georgia
Dates: 22-26
February 2009
Make your reservation today by calling the Jekyll Island Club Hotel at (912) 635-2600. For more information on Jekyll Island, hotel rates, field
trips, and other developing conference specifics CLICK HERE.
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For More Information visit:
