Ms. Hosler has also conducted numerous promotional presentations throughout Indiana on behalf of the IEC project. Teacher workshops provide an introduction to wetland values and functions. Teachers learn to identify the soils, plants, and animals associated with wetlands during the field session. For many teachers, this is their first exposure to soil charts, aquatic sampling nets, and plant keys. The workshop participants break into small groups and rotate among the various field activities that are led by the coordinator, IEC partners, and other natural resource professionals.
Teachers have the opportunity to provide suggestions for improving the wetland component activities.
By the end of the one-day workshop, the participants have been exposed to a broad range of facts and concerns involving wetlands. This prepares the educators to participate in a mock public hearing on a proposed development of a local wetland, the final activity of the day. Each participant assumes the role of public officials, property owners, local business owners, environmental activists, or concerned citizens as part of this activity. Teacher workshops conducted by the coordinator can train an estimated 270 educators each year, who in turn could educate approximately 8,100 school children. Ultimately, the project partners hope to see the IEC made available as a wetland resource tool to any school interested in expanding its coverage of environmental topics.