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Environmental Education

Professional Development Workshops & Environmental Education Training for Educators

Research has shown that well-integrated, nature-based educational activities can improve children’s academic achievement, behavior, well-being, and physical development. In light of this and to help teachers effectively educate and inspire their students to be knowledgeable and committed stewards of the environment, we offer professional development workshops that train and certify educators in three of the most well-respected environmental education curricula: Project Learning Tree, Project WET, & Project WILD.

Upcoming Course Offerings

March 22 - Nature-Based Activities throughout the Seasons: Getting Little Feet Wet

Research shows that nature-based activities improve children’s behavior, cognitive reasoning, social-emotional skills, health, and physical development. Spending time in nature also promotes relaxation, and helps to relieve anxiety and stress. So take the kids outside and enjoy what each season has to offer! This workshop will focus on activities from the nationally-recognized environmental science program, "Getting Little Feet Wet," and help you integrate nature play into your daily and weekly routines. At this workshop, participants will receive: 2 in-service hours, a curriculum guide full of additional lessons and activities, and tips and tricks for incorporating nature play into everyday practices at your preschool or daycare.

April 3 - Neighborhood Nature Walks: Trees & Me (Online Workshop)

To a young child, a single tree can feel like a forest and a single flower can feel like a prairie. Even if you are located in the urban heart of Omaha, the nature around you provides opportunities for hands-on experiences while promoting physical and cognitive development, and social-emotional growth. This workshop will focus on activities from Project Learning Tree’s nationally-recognized environmental science curriculum, "Trees & Me," and help you integrate nature walk into your weekly routines. At this workshop, participants will receive: 1.5 in-service hours, a curriculum guide full of additional lessons and activities, and tips and tricks for incorporating neighborhood walks at your preschool/daycare.

April 4 - Neighborhood Nature Walks: Trees & Me (In-Person Workshop)

To a young child, a single tree can feel like a forest and a single flower can feel like a prairie. Even if you are located in the urban heart of Omaha, the nature around you provides opportunities for hands-on experiences while promoting physical and cognitive development, and social-emotional growth. This workshop will focus on activities from Project Learning Tree’s nationally-recognized environmental science curriculum, "Trees & Me," and help you integrate nature walk into your weekly routines. At this workshop, participants will receive: 2 in-service hours, a curriculum guide full of additional lessons and activities, and tips and tricks for incorporating neighborhood walks at your preschool/daycare.

If interested in attending a public workshop or setting up a private workshop, call 402-444-7780 or email Hannah.Rennard-Ganley@cityofomaha.org.

About Our Certification Courses:

Project Learning Tree

Project Learning Tree advances environmental literacy and promotes stewardship through excellence in environmental education, professional development, and curriculum resources that use trees and forests as windows into the world.

Project WET

Project WET’s mission is to promote awareness of water and empower community action to solve complex water issues by providing training workshops on diverse water topics so that educators can reach children with objective, experiential, science-based water education.

Project WILD

The goal of Project WILD is to develop awareness, knowledge, skills, and commitment resulting in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.

The following applies to all educator certification courses offered by Keep Omaha Beautiful:

  • Workshop participants include early childhood educators and K-12 teachers. 
  • Courses are offered at little to no cost to participants. 
  • Through these workshops, participants become certified in the respective environmental education curriculum and gain the knowledge and hands-on experiences to help them engage their young learners in environmental education activities. 
  • Participants will receive a curriculum guide full of lesson plans and activities (that align with academic standards) that can be used in outdoor and indoor settings throughout the entire year. 
  • As certified environmental educators, participants are also granted online access to additional resources. 
  • KOB provides ongoing support to help educators fully integrate environmental education into their teaching.

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