EREC is well positioned both geographically and in terms of facilities to develop or enhance community engagement with nature and science. We host formal programs (see Taking Flight Next Level below) and visits by local schools or groups. We have access to a large meeting room, some lab facilities, and the field station itself. If interested in how we might help your class or group, please contact the director.
Programs
EREC hosts programs enhancing community engagement
Taking Flight Next Level
TFNL is an award-winning STEAM program for youth ages 13-18 introducing students to the study of birds and engagement with the natural world. The program is a collaboration with Red Oaks Forest School (www.redoaksforestschool.org). Students are exposed to the science of studying birds (Ornithology) and are challenged to pursue their own questions about birds and the world they live in. TFNL exposes them to unique skills (holding and measuring a bird, data entry and analysis, song recording, radio-tracking and more). We regularly prepare presentations that are given at the annual Kentucky Academy of Sciences meeting. We spend time outdoors, discuss all sorts of fun topics, and see new friends each session. TFNL meets weekly on Saturday mornings during Fall and Spring semesters and a 1 week day camp in Summer.
Links
For more information, see the student-created web site, or the Red Oaks Forest School site.
See a video about the program here.
Achievements
Awarded the Best New Outreach Program by Kentucky Academy of Sciences in 2022.
Poster presented at 2022 KAS meeting
Two posters presented at 2023 KAS meeting
Three presentations at 2024 KAS meeting