In a significant stride for environmental education, Maryland Governor Wes Moore marked Earth Day by signing an executive order on April 22, 2024, to establish the Maryland Outdoor Learning Partnership. This new coalition is designed to ensure that students in Maryland gain substantial knowledge about the environment, climate issues, and the natural world through outdoor experiences.
The partnership, comprising state agencies, federal entities, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions, aims to foster environmental stewardship among young Marylanders. The announcement was made during Governor Moore’s visit to the Maryland Department of the Environment’s headquarters in Baltimore, underscoring his administration’s dedication to combating climate change and promoting sustainable practices.
According to Theresa Cullen, Executive Director of the Alice Ferguson Foundation, the initiative is a testament to Governor Moore’s commitment to environmental education. “The Maryland Outdoor Learning Partnership will significantly enhance our youth’s education and commitment to environmental stewardship,” Cullen stated.
Governor Moore emphasized the broad scope of environmental protection his administration aims to tackle. “We owe it to the people of Maryland to keep our drinking water clean, keep our air safe, and preserve our natural treasures – from the Western Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay,” Moore said. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to maintain the state’s ecological health, adding, “Together, we will continue our work to build a Maryland that is cleaner, greener, and thriving.”
The partnership will build on the foundation laid by Project Green Classrooms, expanding its reach and resources. It will include over two dozen groups like the Living Classrooms Foundation, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the National Aquarium, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education.
This initiative will not only provide educational opportunities but also guide local school systems in reducing their environmental footprint. Recommendations will include utilizing renewable energy and reforesting unused lands to mitigate the impact on local waterways.
The Alice Ferguson Foundation, a key player in this initiative, is celebrating its 70th anniversary of providing outdoor environmental education. Located in Accokeek, Maryland, the foundation has been instrumental in educating over a million young people from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. It has also led significant environmental cleanup efforts, removing over 8.5 million pounds of waste from the Potomac River watershed. More information on their efforts can be found at fergusonfoundation.org.
