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The Bay Backpack logo. A school backpack followed by a stylized writing of the words Bay Backpack.

Bay Backpack Launch Promotes Environmental Education

by
Krissy

From the historic McNasby’s Oyster Company building at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, the Chesapeake Bay Program announced the launch of Bay Backpack. Over 40 folks packed into the bay room to hear officials, including Representative John P. Sarbanes and Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen boast their support of Bay Backpack.

The event kicked off with Peyton Robertson, Director of NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office, officially announcing the launch of Bay Backpack. He reflected on all the NOAA projects occurring in Annapolis, including the deployment of a CBIBS buoy in the Severn River and a new partnership through NOAA’s BWET Program that will allow the Annapolis Maritime Museum to provide all elementary school students in the City of Annapolis with a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience. Peyton expressed Bay Backpack will allow teachers throughout the Chesapeake region to get their students outside too. This tool provides teachers with the resources they need to integrate environmental education and Chesapeake Bay issues into their classrooms. Bay Backpack covers all the bases: teaching resources, field study programs, and training and funding opportunities. It’s the whole package in one stop.

Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen then offered his support of Bay Backpack. Mayor Cohen was elated Bay Backpack will connect Annapolis teachers with resources to get their students outside. Bay Backpack is a great project that will further Maryland’s Partnership for Children in Nature working to ensure all Maryland youth have the opportunity to learn about their environment and connect with the natural world.

Representative John Sarbanes spoke next, noting citizen stewardship is the only way we are going to save the bay. By educating and engaging our youth, through the MWEE process, we are building a sustainable future for the Chesapeake region. We are educating the next generation of Bay stewards who will care for and protect this national treasure. He was delighted to offer is support of Bay Backpack and environmental education throughout the region.

Rebecca Bell, from the Maryland State Department of Education added this tool will help the state of Maryland achieve its goal of providing every student with a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience or MWEE every year. Students who receive these experiences are the ones who go on to become environmentally conscious business owners and executives. Rebecca was happy to offer the support of the Maryland State Department of Education to get this tool into every classroom in Maryland.

The event closed with a demonstration of Bay Backpack by Mike Land with the National Park Service. Mike walked the group through each of the sections of Bay Backpack and encouraged everyone to spread the word about the site. Tell other parents, tell your friends and most importantly tell your kid’s teacher. Follow Bay Backpack on Twitter @baybackpack or become a fan on Facebook.

Help us spread the word!