October 2008

Calendar

> Bird Walk
10.15.2008, 8 a.m.
St. Francis Colonnade

> Tike Hike Bird Walk
10.18.2008, 8:30 a.m.
St. Francis Colonnade

> Conservation Work Day
10.18.2008, 9 a.m.
St. Francis Colonnade

> Bird Walk
10.22.2008, 8 a.m.
St. Francis Colonnade

> Bird Walk
10.29.2008, 8 a.m.
St. Francis Colonnade

> Bird Walk
11.5.2008, 8 a.m.
St. Francis Colonnade

> Bird Walk
11.12.2008, 8 a.m.
St. Francis Colonnade

> Volunteer Conservation Work Day
11.15.2008, 9 a.m.
St. Francis Colonnade

> View the monthly EcoLab calendar

Visiting Schools

St. John Lutheran
Grades 5 and 6
42 students

Christ the King
Grade 4
44 students

St. Mark
Grade 5
26 students

Spotted Touch-me-not, photo by Paul D'Andrea

For more information contact:

Dr. David Benson
dbenson@marian.edu
317.955.6028

:: Note from the Director
Jody Nicholson leading school group in planting project.I’d like to introduce you to Jody Nicholson, our new outreach ecologist. Jody graduated from Marian College in May 2008. He has been working in the EcoLab for several years as an intern, and has assisted leading other EcoLab interns.

His job is to help more people participate in the ecological restoration taking place in the EcoLab. The major goal of the EcoLab is to get as many folks actively involved in conservation as we can. We believe that hands-on experience is a great way to help people gain a personal understanding of the importance of conservation.

”People,” of course, means you, your family, and friends. Come out and meet Jody at one of our volunteer conservation work days, and enjoy the EcoLab in the fall. Meet at the St. Francis Colonnade just west of Allison Mansion on the Marian College campus at 9 a.m. on October 18 and November 15.

:: Education News
The summer is gone and fall is upon us! We had a busy summer out in the EcoLab with our elementary and middle school Math and Science Summer Camps and Teacher Workshops. In addition, we also provided several field trips for local community groups. Events or groups that took part in our programming in the EcoLab this summer included:

  • Michelle Priddy leading discussion on wetland metaphors.The Way Things Work Summer Math and Science Camp
  • Can We Save the Earth? Summer Math and Science Camp
  • Camp GEMS Summer Math and Science Camp
  • Elementary School Summer Math and Science Teacher Workshop
  • Middle School Summer Math and Science Teacher Workshop
  • High School Summer Math and Science Teacher Workshop
  • Heartlands Group (subset of Sierra Club)
  • In the EcoLab, Summer 2008.Flanner House
  • Promise Land Enrichment Camp
  • Say Yes Inc. Camp
  • Greater Faith Apostolic Youth Church Camp
  • Project IGNITE
  • 21st Century Scholars

We have already had an exciting start to the school year with field trips scheduled or completed with the following schools:

  • Forest Glen Elementary School
  • Craig Middle School
  • Walking through the EcoLab, Summer 2008Pacer's Academy
  • Noblesville Homeschool Group
  • Bowyer Academy (Indianapolis Homeschool Group)
  • Craig Middle School
  • St. John Lutheran
  • Christ the King School
  • St. Mark Catholic School

A total of 770 students and adults have been provided with educational opportunities in the EcoLab from June-October. More field trips are being requested. As a result, we look forward to the opportunities we will have to serve more people in the future. If you are interested in volunteering to help lead school and community groups in the EcoLab, please contact Michelle Priddy at 317.524.7700 or lseceducation@marian.edu.