In 2010, ISU Extension Program Specialists, Janet Toering and Linda Naeve conducted seven environmental education training workshops throughout the state.

The 122 adult participants represented more than 30 different programs, yet all had a common interest – enhancing environmental literacy among youth.

Increased Interest and Confidence
All of the participants (100%) indicated that their level of interest and confidence in teaching about agriculture, the environment, and natural resources stayed the same or significantly increased during the workshops. More than 55% indicated a 1 to 3 point increase in interest; more than 67% indicated a 1 to 3 point increase in confidence. This translates to greater use of environmental education resources.

General Things that Participants Learned
1. The availability of valuable / comprehensive / aligned / hands-on / age-appropriate curricula that connect youth with the Earth.
2. There are local people that can and want to help with environmental education efforts.
3. The environment, agriculture and food are all connected.
4. It is important to teach about how we depend on natural resources and agriculture for our needs.
5. We can all be better stewards of the land.

Topic Areas that Participants Learned
Soil, water, composting, prairies, "Apple Earth", food web, where food comes from, decomposition, water cycles, plant and insect life cycles.

General Comments
General comments offered on the post workshop surveys included: praise curricula and the training, enthusiasm to use what they learned, their new educational and youth development resources, and to work with new partners.