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Education

To make the right environmental choices, we all need to understand how our natural environment works, and how resources are affected by the things we do. This is why state law directs DEC to provide environmental education programs that help every citizen to be a steward of the environment.

All DEC divisions and regions constantly make information available for the public; five divisions and one region offer established, formal environmental education programs. Links from this page will help you access these programs.

Educational Opportunities at DEC

DEC invites you to become part of environmental education in New York. Through the links on this page, adults, students, teachers and youth leaders can find out how to participate in DEC programs and other environmental education opportunities, either for their own growth or to provide environmental education to others..

Environmental education at DEC takes many forms, including:

  • Hands-on experiences at nature centers, camps and in classrooms
  • Outreach through print, web, broadcast, exhibits, events and classroom visits
  • Training for teachers, youth leaders and others involved in environmental education

More about Education:

  • Teacher Information - DEC offers training for educators, and can provide printed materials to help guide lessons on environmental issues
  • Resources for Students - These resources will help students learn about their environment and make informed environmental decisions.
  • Environmental Education Programs - NYSDEC's four Environmental Education Centers (EECs) and two education programs offer workshops, school programs, interpretive trails, exhibits, and family events.
  • Environmental Education Camps - Residential summer camp program in environmental education for young New Yorkers, includes information on program descriptions and tentative schedules, and applications for employment at the camps and applications to send a child to camp.
  • Nature Centers - Nature Centers sponsored by organizations other than DEC, listed by DEC region
  • Green Schools - DEC's Green Schools webpage links users to various "green" practices within the agency.
  • Campground Education Programs - Nature-based programs have been a part of the camping experience at several of DEC's Forest Preserve campgrounds.
  • Becoming an Outdoors-Woman - This nationwide program provides women with information, encouragement and hands-on instruction in outdoor skills, such as fishing, rifle, shotgun, archery, deer and turkey hunting, outdoor photography, basic map and compass, camping, canoeing and kayaking, fish and game cooking, survival and identifying edible wild plants.