GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Are you a teacher who has always wanted to incorporate lessons on plants in your classroom? The University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants is hosting its free Plant Camp, a five-day workshop, from June 12 to 16, 2017.
Applications will be accepted from Dec. 14th to Feb. 19, 2017. To apply, click here.
The workshop is designed for teachers—4th through 12th grade—interested in learning more about the 130-plus invasive plant species invading Florida’s natural areas and neighborhoods, as well as the native flora and fauna that make our state so unique.
“Invasive plants cost Florida taxpayers more than $80 million a year. They can block flood control devices and bridges, harbor mosquitoes, and cover valuable fish and wildlife habitats,” said Dehlia Albrecht, education initiative coordinator at the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. “Prevention and education are needed to protect our waters and natural areas.”
Educating Floridians about invasive plants begins in the classroom, Albrecht said. Participants will learn from UF/IFAS researchers about native and non-native plants, participate in hands-on field experiences and get free materials to take back to their classrooms, she said.
Lodging and most meals are provided. Participating teachers will earn 32 hours of professional development credit. Teachers in the Miami-Dade Public Schools system must get prior approval from the district for professional development points.
The workshop is an annual event of the Florida Invasive Plant Education Initiative, made possible by the Invasive Plant Management Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in partnership with UF/IFAS.
For more information, please contact Dehlia Albrecht at 352-273-3665 or caip-education@ufl.edu.
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The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.
By: Beverly James, 352-273-3566, beverlymjames@ufl.edu
Source: Dehlia Albrecht, 352-273-3665, caip-education@ufl.edu
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