Hougham, J., S. Kerlin, K. Liddicoat, K. Ellis, and E. Crampe. 2017. Technical report from University of Wisconsin-Extension,Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education, and the 2015 Wisconsin Environmental Education Consortium.
Abstract
In late 2015, 156 environmental education-related organizations across Wisconsin completed the second of two online surveys measuring their current status and needs. The survey focused on visitation trends, budgets, land management, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and staff training and professional development needs. The primary goal of the survey was to gain the information necessary to increase the collective impact of these facilities. The results indicate increased visitation numbers and illustrate the importance of volunteers. Over 90% of the centers engaged in land management with the most common projects related to invasive species management. The survey also identified gaps in accessibility of programming and curriculum. To continue growing and improving, the organizations are looking for staff training on including people with disabilities, grant writing, fundraising, using technology as an instructional tool, and teaching environmental education in a STEM context. Results from this survey underline the importance of environmental education as an industry in Wisconsin and reveal areas for growth through professional development and additional resources.
