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For Parents

Conservation Education Initiative Conservation Education Initiative


Oklahoma is extremely fortunate to have excellent conservation education materials for students provided by a number of statewide government through the Oklahoma Environmental Education Coordinating Committee (OKEECC) and many nonprofit partners.

State and city organizations participating in the Oklahoma Environmental Education Coordinating Committee include:

Oklahoma Climatological Center in cooperation with Oklahoma teachers and the OU College of Education, OCS meteorologists have created scientifically accurate and pedagogically sound learning activities. These activities apply Oklahoma environmental data and computer technology to enhance student problem solving skills and basic science knowledge.

Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) assists the 88 conservation districts across the state with conservation education efforts on water, wetlands, soils, wildlife, etc. Each District provides technical assistance as well as educational materials to educators, landowners and the general public. OCC also coordinates the Project WET program in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry: AG in the Classroom (AITC) is a joint project of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma State Department of Education, and Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. AITC promotes agricultural literacy through professional development for pre-K - 6th grade Oklahoma educators. Curriculum is continually developed to integrate agriculture with reading, math, science, social studies, language arts and visual arts.

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry: Forestry Services strives to raise student, citizen, and landowner awareness of the importance of trees and forests which results in behavioral change to improve the environment. Target audiences include young people, educators, landowners, civic organizations, towns, and anyone who lives, works, or plays in or near a rural or urban forest environment. Forestry Services sponsors several Arbor Week activities for a variety of age groups. Forestry Services also sponsors Project Learning Tree in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce: State Energy Office strives to increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources across the state by providing information, training, and technical assistance to energy users and developers.

Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality is dedicated to providing quality service to the people of Oklahoma through comprehensive environmental protection and management programs. DEQ has many resources available on air, drinking water, waste water, and recycling.

Oklahoma Department of Tourism & Recreation offers interpretive programs throughout the year at the following parks: Beavers Bend, Lake Murray, Fountainhead, Little River, McGee Creek, Robbers Cave, and Sequoyah. Interpretive programs include nature walks, outdoor classroom activities, and special events such as Watchable Wildlife and Earthweek. Other state parks also offer summer season interpretive activities.

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is responsible for the state's wildlife resources; their management, conservation, enhancement, and utilization. It is the advocate for wildlife, habitat, and the enjoyment of these resources by Oklahoma citizens. Education programs include Project WILD, Hunter Education, Aquatic Resources and Archery in the Schools. Contact: Lisa Anderson (405)990-1292


Oklahoma Energy Resources Board
is committed to education in Oklahoma. Providing free training, materials, education trips and in-class presentations, the OERB is helping Oklahoma teachers reach their students through entertaining activities and experiments. From safety at well sites, to seismic activity and energy conservation Ñ OERB gives teachers the tools they need to teach students about the oil and natural gas industry.

Oklahoma Geological Survey offers workshops, classroom visits, and guided field trips as part of the educational outreach program available to Oklahoma schools.

OSU Cooperative Extension Service has school enrichment programs, available through your county Extension office at little or no cost. Programs include Oklahoma Aqua Times, Caring for Planet Earth, and Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom.

Oklahoma Water Resources Board coordinates the Oklahoma Water Watch Volunteer Monitoring Program. OWW volunteers collect baseline water quality data, monitor water quality trends, identify problems associated with recreational uses, and communicate with stakeholders regarding environmental education methods for protection of the stateÕs water resources. By participating in the program, volunteers can take an active role in managing their water resources and have a voice in decision making. An important goal of the OWW program is to empower citizens, enabling them to make changes in their lifestyles and in their community practices to benefit the local environment.

Office of the Secretary of Environment is the liason for Oklahoma Environmental Education Coordinating Committee to the Cabinet Secretary. This Office provides staff assistance and support to the various activities of OKEECC.

Martin Park Nature Center is owned and operated by the City of Oklahoma City. The park serves as an educational facility, a recreational area and a wildlife sanctuary. Martin Park Nature Center staff offers a variety of guided nature hikes. Programs include regularly scheduled weekend guided hikes and special guided tours for groups.

Oklahoma City Zoo
Programs use the Zoo as a living classroom to teach science and critical thinking skills. Animal encounters, games, discovery, inquiry, activities and so much more. The OKC Zoo also offers teacher resources and the Zoo Mobile outreach program.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (SNOMNH) offers resources, loan kits and scientific specimens and professional development opportunities for teachers as well as field trips for students.