A Roundtable on Farms & Ranches as Outdoor Schoolyards
Co-hosted by Environmental Education Association of New Mexico and Moderated by Rosemary Romero.

Taken from Program:
"'Healing the broken bond between our young and nature is in our self-interest, not only because aesthetics or justice demand it, but also because our mental, physical, and spiritual health depend upon it'- Richard Louv.

"At The Quivira Coalition's 2006 Annual Conference, keynote speaker Richard Louv, children's advocate and author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, suggested that farms and ranches could be ideal locations for an innovative program of land-based education for youth. He called them 'Outdoor Schoolyards.'

"This Roundtable discussion will explore the issues surrounding this concept and is designed to give all participants a chance to be heard. The discussion is open to any educator, landowner, or other person interested in the idea of Outdoor Schoolyards."

Speakers and Specialists included:

• Lee Lewin and Will Barnes - Santa Fe Girls School
• Mike Causas - Sierra Club, Building Bridges to the Outdoors Program
• Christy Tafoya - NM State Parks, Education and Resource Protection Program
• Dana Vackar Strang - NM State Land Office & EEANM
• Tuda Libby Crews - Ute Creek Cattle Co.
• Vince Case - School on Wheels, APS
• Rich Scrader - River Source, Inc.

Logistical Issues:

• Transportation
• Food
• Restrooms
• First Aid
• Communication

Funding Sources:

• State Legislature
• Foundations
• Rural/Urban Business Community
• Schools
• Education related non-profits

Program Development:

• Landowner/School/Teacher Partnership
• Urban/Rural "Sister" Schools
• Organization of programs by third party entity
• School year project with same group of children
• Different group of children per land visit
• In-class prep-work
• State educational standards-based curriculum/lesson

Curriculum:

• Projects or lessons that benefit the landowner and provide learning opportunities for school children
  • Wildlife studies and surveys
  • Monitoring upland and riparian vegetation
  • Upland erosion control and riparian restoration
  • Animal husbandry
  • Livestock & product production
  • Rangeland and farmland health
• Instruction: Teacher, Field Professional, Rancher

Legal Concerns:

• Liability for school & landowners
• Insurance, waiver forms
• Chaperone per child ratio