Blending Environmental Education and ESL at Lansdowne Elementary
By: Ashley Bryant Cheney
Bluegrass Greensource
Environmental Educator
At Bluegrass Greensource, we love summer. It’s a time to take part in environmental educational activities outside of the walls of the classroom, to recharge, and reflect about the next year’s cycle of education programs. I’ve spent part of mine at Lansdowne Elementary School, helping, perhaps surprisingly, students with their ESL (English as a Second Language) Summer Camp.
Through the summer break, Lansdowne Elementary hosts students working on their English skills. The majority of the students are refugees from 4 countries, including Nepal, Syria, Iraq, and the Congo. In addition to refugee students, Lansdowne also invited Hispanic students from Mexico and Venezuela who needed the added language support.
You may be asking, what does Environmental Education have to do with ESL? Using Content-Based Instruction (CBI), Environmental Educators use environmental topics to help students develop the language skills they need to be successful: vocabulary, conversation, listening, and even writing skills. Incorporating environmental topics into language learning not only teaches students new words and concepts, but also helps cultivate a sense of personal responsibility that extends outside of the classroom. Many themes and topics can spark the interest of young language learners, but topics of environmental conservation and care stretch across all cultures.
Environmentally friendly actions naturally lend themselves to meaningful language use. While it may not appear that teaching recycling promotes language practice, discussions about basic recycling leads the class to discussions of the practical differences between materials (paper vs. paper towels) and shapes (plastic bottle vs. plastic cup). When students have the opportunity to put that knowledge into practice, they are more likely to remember the language they have learned just by walking to the recycling bin in their classroom.
Students at Lansdowne ESL Summer Camp have already learned the names of different materials (such as cardboard and plastic) associated with recycling, but they have also learned some other basic environmental concepts, including the parts and functions of trees and worms, how solar power works, animal habitats, and even the macroinvertebrates (which was a new word for everyone) living in our Kentucky rivers and streams.
My favorite part of this camp is how learning about the environment can help children feel more at home in a region that may feel strange or new to them. It’s my hope as an educator that these new language skills and concepts will empower them to make small changes in their everyday lives that have a big impact in our local environment.
Summer Fun (and Learning!) with Bluegrass Greensource
It’s Time for Summer Camp!
Bluegrass Greensource educators are working with a variety of organizations this year to provide environmentally focused activities and lessons at summer camps in the Central Kentucky area! With activities ranging from Recycle Relay to testing water quality, campers have fun learning about the environment and how we all have an impact. Check out the list below to see if Bluegrass Greensource is coming to a camp near you!
- Burnamwood Camp | June 14th
Northside YMCA | July 25th – 29th - Consolidated Baptist Church | July 18th – 21st
- William Wells Brown Community Center | June 7th, 14th and July 5th, 12th, & 19th
- Lansdowne | June 20th – July 7th
- Parks & Recreation: ACE & Liberty | June 29th
- Northern Elementary | June 22nd
Water Warrior Camps
- Water Warriors at Toyota Daycare, Scott County | June 13th –17th
- Camp Kenwick | June 22nd, July 1st, 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, and August 3rd
- Water Warriors at Owen County 4H | June 20th – 22nd
- Water Warriors at Owen County Youth Services Center | June 27th – July 1st
- Sadieville Water Warriors | August 1st- 3rd
- Woodford Water Warriors at Buckley Wildlife Center | July 18th- 22nd
- Paris-Bourbon County YMCA | July 18th- 22nd
Don’t see your camp listed, but want to get in on the Greensource fun? Ask your camp coordinator to schedule a lesson by emailing Pattie Stivender at pattie@bggreensource.org or calling 859-266-1572!
Lucky's Impact Day: Wednesday, July 13th
Support Bluegrass Greensource at Lucky’s Impact Day!
Shop for a GREAT cause!
We are thrilled to be the beneficiaries of Lucky’s Impact Day this summer. When you shop at Lucky’s Market (1030 South Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504) on Wednesday, July 13th, Bluegrass Greensource will receive 10% of the day’s total sales! Proceeds from the event will directly support our work in classrooms to bring the science of sustainability alive for Central Kentucky kids.
Meet our educators and enjoy Lucky’s Vendor Fair!
Want to say hello? Our staff will be on site from 11 am – 6 pm! From noon until 4:00, Bluegrass Greensource educators specializing in trees, native plantings, and rain gardens will be available to answer your questions. And, from 4:30 – 5:30 pm, our staff will help you make your own reusable bag from an upcycled t-shirt!
Lucky’s Market will also host a fair of local vendors in the parking lot from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, AND be having a sale on beer (20% off!). So, come by, say hello, purchase some delicious fresh food, and help support environmental education in Central Kentucky. See you there!
Lucky’s Community Project
We are so thankful to Lucky’s for selecting us as their beneficiary this quarter! We encourage you to take a moment to watch the video below- it really captures Lucky’s commitment to being a part of the communities where they open their stores!
Lucky’s Market Community Project from Lucky’s Market on Vimeo.
2016 Artistic Rain Barrels Now Available Online!
2016 Artistic Rain Barrels
The 2016 Artistic Rain Barrels are now available for purchase online!
Each rain barrel is $200 (with tax), with all proceeds benefiting Bluegrass Greensource’s environmental education activities throughout Central Kentucky. Check them out below!
Purchase yours today!
Click the button below to purchase your barrel! Remember the name of the barrel and select it from the drop down menu. Sales tax applies. Barrels must be picked up from Bluegrass Greensource offices, located at 835 National Avenue, Lexington, KY 40502.
What do rain barrels do for the environment?
Rain barrels connect to your downspout, decreasing the amount of rain that runs off your property, which aids in preventing water pollution and flooding. Every time it rains, unabsorbed water rushes to storm drains and directly to local waterways. This water carries with it pollutants such as pet waste, automotive fluids and fertilizer.
The water saved in rain barrels can be used for watering flowers, gardens and lawns all through the summer, even in times of drought. Reduced water demand will lower your use of municipal water supplies, saving you money!
There’s a rain barrel I LOVE, but I don’t want to purchase online. What do I do?
No problem! Please contact michelle@bggreensource.org to purchase, or call our office at 859-266-1572.
Can I purchase a plain rain barrel?
Yes! Bluegrass Greensource sells rain barrels year round. The rain barrels are made out of plastic, 55 gallon, reused, food grade barrels. The price for one is $75, plus tax. If you are interested in buying a rain barrel from Bluegrass Greensource, call Michelle at 859-266-1572 or email either Michelle@bgGreensource.org or info@bgGreensource.org.
Bluegrass Sustainable Business Summit: Conference Agenda
Wednesday, June 15th
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Locust Trace Agriscience Center
2016 Schedule of Events:
8:30 am – 9:15 am Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:15 am – 9:30 am Welcome and Introductions
9:30 am – 10:30 am Session A
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Option 1- Berea Sustainable Development Panel
Berea College Dorm (LEED Platinum certification and Petal Recognition under the Living Building Challenge)
Joan Pauly
Sustainability Coordinator, Berea CollegeBerea Municipal Community Solar Farm and Energy Efficiency Programs
Joshua Bills, CEM
Energy Efficient Enterprises Program Coordinator,
Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED)Berea Urban Farm and the Old Town Urban Agriculture District
Cheyenne Olson
Executive Director, Sustainable Berea
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Option 2-Creating a Fossil Free Portfolio
Carrie B. Van Winkle,
Socially Responsive Investing
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Option 3- Ecological Management – Compliance, Planning, and Sustainability
Ward Wilson, Director of Development
Eco-Tech Consultants, Inc.
10:45 am – 11:45 am Session B
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Option 1- How a Carbon Fee Could Benefit Kentucky Business
Jason Bailey, Executive Director,
Kentucky Center for Economic PolicyZach Bernstein, Manager, Research and Social Media
American Sustainable Business Council -
Option 2- Sustainable Spirits
Paulette Akers,
Division of Compliance Assistance -
Option 3- Energy Star Portfolio Manager for Businesses
James Bush,
LFUCG
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm Lunch, Keynote, Exhibits
Keynote Speaker- Michele Muller, Environmental Manager at L’Oreal
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Session C
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Option 1- Getting to know the Kentucky Sustainable Business Council
Heather Warman, Executive Director, Kentucky Environmental Foundation and Interim Director of the Kentucky Sustainable Business Council
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Option 2- Sustainable Sites Initiative
Nancy Church, Director, Community – Kentucky,
U.S. Green Building Council
Scott Southall, RLA, LEED AP BD+C, ASLA, AIC
CDP Engineers -
Option 3- Green Check Program
Rob Gates, Outreach Specialist,
Bluegrass Greensource
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm Session D
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Option 1- EcoDistricts, LSC, Green Umbrella, and Bluegrass Forever Green
Bobby Clark,
Sustainable Business Ventures Corporation -
Option 2- Energy Efficiency & Waste Reduction Solutions for Business
Lissa McCracken,
Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center -
Option 3- The Business Case for Passive House
David Horton,
Green Building Consulting, LLC
4:00 pm – 4:15 pm Door Prize Announcements and Closing
4:30 pm -5:00 pm Tour of Locust Trace Agriscience Center
5:30 pm -7:00 pm Happy Hour at Ethereal Brewing Company!
The Bluegrass Sustainable Business Summit is generously sponsored by:
Bluegrass Sustainable Business Summit 2016
ADVANCE REGISTRATION: $45 per person/ $15 per student
DAY OF REGISTRATION: $55
Includes catered lunch & workshop materials.
Open to businesses and the public
Click here for the summit agenda!
Click here to register now! For further information or assistance, email bridget@bggreensource.org.
The Bluegrass Sustainable Business Summit offers a wide range of tools, tips, and knowledge to increase sustainability and improve your bottom line in your workplace and at home.
The Bluegrass Sustainable Business Summit builds upon past successes by expanding the scope of sustainability focused workshops, speakers, and sessions to encompass a regional perspective. Whether you are a seasoned sustainability professional or looking to take the first steps to green your business or home, the Bluegrass Sustainable Business Summit offers something for everyone! Workshop topics will include Sustainable Development, Energy, Water, and Reforming the Waste Stream.
Bluegrass Greensource and Lexington Fayette Urban County Government will unite an exciting new lineup of partners including:
· US Green Building Council
· KY Sustainable Business Council
· Bluegrass Forever Green
· KY Division of Compliance Assistance
In addition to traditional sessions, the summit will also host a unique slate of educational opportunities including regional case studies, narrative stage panels, hands-on demonstrations, and guided tours of the Locust Trace Agriscience Center, one of the region’s newest beacons of sustainability.
ABOUT LOCUST TRACE AGRISCIENCE CENTER
The 2016 summit will be hosted at the renowned Locust Trace Agriscience Center, Lexington’s newest career and technical high school. Locust Trace boasts a multitude of sustainable features including: the nation’s third largest array of solar thermal cells, renewable energy rainwater catchment, constructed wetlands, permeable pavement, paddocks, pastures, vegetable gardens, and orchards!
The Bluegrass Sustainable Business Summit is generously sponsored by:
Rain Barrel Workshop
Bluegrass Greensource will be hosting a series of rain barrel workshops sponsored by Kentucky American Water. These workshops are free to the public and are limited to one barrel per person. Registration is required due to limited availability. All you need is a drill and a jigsaw and at the end you get to take home your very own rain barrel. Extra tools will be provided.
Upcoming Workshops
Bourbon County Rain Barrel Workshop
Sponsored By: Kentucky American Water
When: Tuesday, June 25th at 6 pm
Where: Community Room, Paris-Bourbon County Library
To register for this event, please go here.
The workshop will be held at the Paris-Bourbon County Library located at 701 High St in Paris KY. For questions or further information please contact Michelle Patterson at Bluegrass Greensource, 859-266-1572.
Clark County Rain Barrel Workshops
Sponsored By: (add KAW logo here)
When: Saturday, June 29th at 9am and 11am
Where: Clark County Extension office
To register for this event please go here. Please note there are separate registrations for the 9am and 11am workshops. The workshop will be held at the Clark County Extension Office located at 1400 Fortune Drive in Winchester. For further information please contact Michelle Patterson at Bluegrass Greensource, 859-266-1572.