HUMANE, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM

FOUNDATION IN PROFILE: We’ve been called "Maryland’s best kept secret" by the Baltimore Sun’s "Newspapers in Education" edition. Since 1992, the Foundation has invested over nearly $2,000,000 in humane, character, and environmental education and provided programming for thousands of Maryland students and educators. Our education programs complement existing school curricula and character education programs. Baltimore County science teacher, Julie Wadsworth, says that “the Foundation consistently provides curriculum-based instruction which is fresh, appropriate, and current.”

HUMANE, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND CHARACTER EDUCATION: A wide variety of programming is available for both school and adult audiences. All school programs have a character education component. A listing of more than 40 programs includes such titles as:

1. "Canines, Cats, and the Chesapeake Bay"
2. "Big, Bad Wolf?"
3. "Bats! Beasts or Benefactors?”
4. "Bite Prevention/Community Safety"

Book lending sets are available and feature Strider, the Shiloh trilogy, and Lobo the Wolf, and Joey Moses.

COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING: We provide a variety of staff development and in-service training. Faculty and administrators learn how to integrate humane and environmental education into everyday classroom instruction. Available training includes:

1. "Project WILD" Training: Developed with The Department of Natural Resources.  Utilizes wildlife specimens and a wealth of visuals and other materials.
2. "Project Learning Tree": Nationally recognized education program that develops conservation, forestry and environmental awareness.
3. "Project WET" Training: Water Education for Teachers, a nationally recognized program developed by The Council for Environmental Education.
4. "Breaking the Cycle of Violence": Frequently requested by teachers, administrators and human service professionals. Exposes the link between human violence and animal cruelty.

EDUCATION STAFF:

The program is directed by Ann Gearhart, an experienced educator with more than 30 years of classroom teaching experience. She is a certified facilitator for “Project WILD”, “Project “WET” and “Project Learning Tree“ as well as a recognized expert on the link between human violence and animal abuse. Ms. Gearhart is often seen teaching with her Education Assistance Dog, SpiritSong.

Richard Anderson taught in the Baltimore County school system for over 30 years and served as the Environmental Coordinator for the magnet program at Loch Raven Academy. He currently serves on the Baltimore County Forestry Board. Mr. Anderson augments his program with an extensive collection of wildlife specimens, including several different bat species, and is often accompanied by his African Spurred tortoise, Cleo.

TO SCHEDULE A PROGRAM: Programming is available in the Greater Baltimore Metropolitan area. Professional development is available throughout Maryland. Call 410-366-0787.