T he mission of the EarthBook project is to provide an educational resource for northeastern Connecticut families that will enable them to locate and utilize environmental education materials in their hometowns. These materials are located at environmental sites and at public libraries. It is hoped that this initiative will help to instill a love of the natural world in children and that it encourages parents and children to visit libraries and experience the joy of reading.
 
 

The EarthBook Project was completed by Americorps VISTA Associates during the summer of 2001.  This project was co-sponsored by the Corporation for National Service, Connecticut Campus Compact, and Eastern Connecticut State University.

Families in Northeast Connecticut can learn about the environment in many ways, including visiting environmental programs in the area, using the wide array of resources that are available in public libraries, and finding information on the internet. VISTA Associates who worked on the EarthBook project completed activities that will encourage families to use all three sources of information. (VISTA EarthBook Project Rationale.)

1.  Libraries   VISTA Associates created a list (over 200 entries) of books and other materials with an environmental theme that are available in northeast Connecticut libraries. They combined this list with information about libraries and have built that information into this web site and into a brochure that will be distributed in the area. The web site and the brochure are designed to encourge families to visit libraries and to read together.

2. Environmental ProgramsVISTA Associates worked at environmental sites helping to prepare them for programs for children and families. It is hoped that this assistance has made it possible for more programs to be offered and that participating in these programs will inspire children and families to visit other environmental sites, encourage them to visit libraries to get more information about the environment, and nurture in children an appreciation of the the environment and the need to protect it.

3.  Environmental education on the Internet  VISTA Associates identified sites on the internet that focus on the environment and environmental education. A list of these sites is provided below. Many of these sites offer material for children to read or print and color.

The first part of this web site provides information about the resources that are available in public libraries and information about those libraries. The second part of the site provides information about some of the environmental programs in Northeast Connecticut. The third part has information about resources on the internet.

Libraries

Libraries in Northeast Connecticut have a wide range of materials available for the free use of anybody who has a library card. There is information below about how to get a card. Libraries have lots of books appropriate for all ages and many also have videotapes, audiotapes and magazines.  Some libraries have passes that offer reduced price admission to museums and other locations such as Mystic Aquarium and others loan out backpacks full of items that can be used on nature walks (magnifying glasses, manuals, compasses, etc.). Librarians are very helpful and will be happy to guide you to the books or other resources that you will find most interesting and that are age-appropriate for children. Don't hesitate to go to a library just because you're not sure of its rules or procedures. The librarians can provide any information and assistance that you need. They can even help you borrow items from another library through inter-library loan.

EarthBook: The VISTA Associates who worked on the EarthBook Project have browsed through the children's collections of all of the libraries in Northeastern Connecticut and have compiled a list of some books that have an environmental theme in each library . If you click here you will see a list of these books. The list doesn't contain every relevant book in each library. This is just a sampling. It does show, though, that in every public library in Northeast Connecticut you will find books about the environment for children of all ages. The librarians in each library can show you how to find others.

A VISTA Associate reading, evaluating, and recording information about a children's book in one of the northeastern Connecticut libraries.

Here is a list of all of the libraries in Northeast Connecticut. If you click on the title below you will go to another page that lists the address and phone number of each library. Before going to a library you may want to call to find out what hours it is open.
 
 

Libraries in Northeast Connecticut:
click here for a list of library phone numbers and addresses

 
What if you don't have a library card? It's very easy to get one and it's free.

Steps for Getting a Library Card:

1. Go to the library in your home town or to any other library in Connecticut.
2. Take a valid driver's license or picture ID.
2. Go to the circulation or reference desk at the library.
3. Request a library card from the librarian on duty.
4. Remember:  library cards are free and available to anyone! Once you have one you can use it at any public library in the state.

Here are the Willimantic Public Library guidelines:  "Bring proof of residency, such as a valid Connecticut driver’s license showing your current address, or a picture ID and additional ID such as a rent receipt, utility bill or piece of canceled mail.  Parents may accompany middle and high school students.  We issue cards for three years and will renew at that time.  Your Willimantic public Library card may be used at all Connecticut public libraries." ( Willimantic Public Library web page)

 

Environmental Programs, Organizations, and Sites in Northeast Connecticut

Many environmental programs in northeast Connecticut offer activities for children and families. The VISTA Associates who worked on the EarthBook project helped ready sites for these programs. After attending a program you could go to your local library to find books and other material that could help you learn more or if you have young children you should be able to find reading or picture books that you could share with them.

The VISTA Associates worked at the Goodwin Conservation Center, Trail Wood and at the Bafflin Sanctuary clearing trails, building bridges, developing demonstration gardens, and improving wildlife habitat. They hope that their work will make it possible for more families to attend programs at these sites and that participation in the programs will inspire parents and their children to  go to local libraries or the internet to do follow-up reading.
 
 
 
 

A VISTA Associate helping in the construction of a bridge at the Bafflin Sanctuary, a Connecticut Audubon Society site in Pomfret, CT.

Connecticut Audubon Society

The Connecticut Audubon Society offers wonderful programs for children and families. Click here to see a listing of upcoming events.

Connecticut Audubon Society has 3 sites in northeast Connecticut: Bafflin Sanctuary, Trail Wood and Ragged Hill. Click here to see a list of upcoming programs at these sites.
 
 
 

Three VISTA Associates helping to restore gardens at Trail Wood, a Connecticut Audubon Society site in Hampton, CT.

Trail Wood: A Connecticut Audubon Sanctuary  This 156-acre sanctuary is the site of naturalist and author Edwin Teale's home. You can read about him and some of his papers by linking to the Edwin Way Teale Papers.

Connecticut Audubon Society has a wonderful question-and-answer page that addresses some questions that are likely to be of interest to children in northeastern Connecticut. Click here to go to that page.

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Just For Kids Page. This page has lots of information for children to read. It has wonderful pictures.

Connectict Department of Environmental Protection Education and Outreach Page

Connectict Department of Environmental Protection Goodwin Conservation Center

Connectict Department of Environmental Protection Wildlife Division

Connecticut State Parks & Forests

Connecticut Forest and Park Association

The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History

Sierra Club: Connecticut Chapter
 
 

Environmental Education Resources on the Internet

Connecticut Audubon Society

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Explorer's Club

E-Patrol

EEK!  Environmental Education For Kids

Earth Day Every Day

Kids For A Clean Environment

Environmental Organization WebDirectory Education k-12

Sierra Club Environmental Education

Good Green Fun

Environmental Education With Young Children

Bureau Of Land Management Environmental Education

Outdoor Education Resources

North American Association for Environmental Education

The Connecticut State Museum of Natural History

National Park Service Links to Learning

The Center for Global Environmental Education

U.S. EPA Environmental Education Center

Environmental Education and Training Partnership

World Wildlife Fund

World Wildlife Fund Kids' Stuff

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