Resources for Students
Learning About the Environment
Students today are responsible for conserving and preserving the environment now as well as when they are older. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is committed to helping today's students make educated decisions for the environment today and in the future.
The DEC runs four summer environmental education camps for youth 12-14 year olds and one for 15-17 year olds. The week long overnight camps are located in the Adirondacks, Catskills and Western NY. The camps are a great way to connect our children with the natural world around them.
We also support a number of Environmental Education Centers (EECs) around the state:
- Five Rivers EEC in Albany County,
- Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve in Erie County,
- Rogers EEC in Chenango County, and
- Stony Kill Farm EEC in Dutchess County.
These centers offer a variety of environmental education programs for schools and various community groups as well as programs for the general public. Three of the EECs also offer a teacher resource center with books and materials on environmental topics, wildlife, conservation, and natural resources.
Also, each of the different divisions and bureaus in the DEC publishes and offers educational materials. Some may be for older students, while others are geared more to the elementary-aged youth.
Educators can get additional ideas for projects and field trips by visiting the Educator's Page.
More about Resources for Students:
- Junior Duck Stamp Program - This program is an art and science curriculum designed to teach youth about environmental science and habitat conservation.
- Links to Environmental Information - Listing of links to environmental information topics including government websites, watershed information, and lesson plans.
- Symbols of New York State - The official symbols of New York State.
