We speak with Jackie Broder, director of the Mamakating Environmental Education Center in New York’s Catskill Mountains. The Center abuts the Basha Kill wetland, a vital self-contained ecosystem.  It helps students, families, and community members to connect with the area’s distinct biodiversity and rich history and to develop an emotional connection with nature.

Overview

00:00-00:28 Intros

0028:01:30 Mamakating Environmental Education Center

01:30-02:57 Teaching history

02:57-02:57 Adventure programs

02:57-04:31 Transportation issues with schools

04:31-06:36 Promoting equity and ethics

06:36-07:59 How we talk about history

07:59-09:19 Visit to a Montessori school

09:19-10:31 Children’s impressions and misimpressions about nature

10:31-11:40 Learning about wetlands

11:40-12:49 Developing an emotional connection to nature

12:49-13:33 Connecting with teachers’ curricula

13:33-14:53 Working with teachers; getting buy-in

14:53-16:55 Learning to be “good ancestors”

16:55-18:00 Thinking about/addressing climate change

18:00-18:39 Connections in local communities

18:39-19:33 Nature centers around the country

19:33-20:22 Connection with the Town of Mamakating

20:22-20:48 Family programs at the center

20:48- Outro

Transcript

Click here to see the full transcription of this episode. 

References

The Mamakating Environmental Education Center (MEEC):

The Basha Kill Area Association (BKAA):

Soundtrack by Poddington Bear

Photo: mamakating.org