Learning Starts Here

The Center employs full-time environmental educators responsible for developing and delivering a variety of programs that target K-12, community college and university students, formal and informal educators and the general public. With a mission that strongly emphasizes the importance of education, the Center’s environmental education programs and activities are aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards and North American Association for Environmental Education Guidelines for Excellence.

Our Programs

NGRREC continues to support its education programs and foster their growth and stability. Since starting the summer internship program in 2003, the Center has paired 255 students from 41 different academic institutions with unique and dynamic 10-week experiences designed by faculty mentors. NGRREC also has a variety of K-12 programming throughout the year, from the popular fifth grade Water Festival in the fall to summer classes through Lewis and Clark’s College for Kids program.

Teacher Workshops

A variety of teacher workshops are available to formal and informal educators for professional development. These workshops allow educators to learn firsthand about our programs and bring new skills and activities back into classrooms, extending the reach of our mission and programs.

Professional Development

The Center also offers workshops, symposia and professional development courses for researchers, educators, practicing ecologists and others working in fields related to the environmental sciences.