Peace of Earth
Environmental Learning Center
Providing fun, meaningful experiences with the natural world for area students and their teachers.
The Peace of Earth Environmental Learning Center’s mission is to provide fun, meaningful experiences with the natural world for area students, their teachers, youth groups, and other visitors. We provide an experiential approach to environmental education, involving students in engaging first-hand experiences with nature.
The outdoor programs we offer provide an experiential approach to environmental education, involving students in engaging first-hand experiences with nature. These field trip (field lab) experiences are designed to increase environmental awareness and appreciation, which we believe will help to increase understanding and respect for the environment, as well as for themselves and others.
Goal: To provide fun, meaningful experiences with the natural world for area students and their teachers. Understanding the inter-relationships that exist between the earth and its inhabitants is the first step to becoming environmentally responsible. It is our goal to help young people gain these understandings through interactive educational opportunities in an “outdoor classroom.” As a result of these efforts, we believe positive environmental values will be developed by the participants, leading to a more positive future for the environment.
Location: Your field trip program can be scheduled at one of several different natural-area locations, depending on where your school is located. This will be determined by teacher preference, program choices, group size, etc. I am confident we can determine a location that will work perfectly with your preferred study unit, the size of your group, and also not be too far of a drive from your school.
*Some of the possible program sites: Here at Peace of Earth Environmental Learning Center (30 acre forest/prairie/creek property-8 miles NE of Rushville), or a natural area nearby... Schuy-Rush Park, Siloam Springs, Argyle Lake or Weinberg-King State Parks, Jim Edgar–Panther Creek, or other state/city/county/private parks or camps in your community. Some program sites may limit the study units you can choose, due to lack of various habitats or facilities available there.
Pat was awarded the 2009 Environmental Educator of the Year Award from the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI). EEAI is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining a vital network that supports and advances quality environmental education throughout the state. It provides professional development and networking opportunities for educators via conferences, workshops, and publications.