The June members meeting was held on June 18th. President Chris Ferguson called the meeting to order and introduced the guest speakers for the evening, Tonya Bangley (left) and Austin Kulp (below right), teachers at King’s Fork High School. Tonya is a science teacher and Austin teaches physical education. The Virginia Standards of Learning now require motor skills development in outdoor pursuits and aquatics as well as environmental sciences. Tonya and Austin have embraced the Meaningful Watershed Environmental Experiences (MWEE- “me-we”) as a pathway to watershed stewardship.
MWEE is a student centered, standards-based learning that focuses on environmental issues in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program promotes inquiring, problem solving and stewardship. In other words, learning about the watershed by being in the watershed.
There are four essential MWEE elements: exploring local watershed issues using data and research; hands-on environmental exploration; analyzing the data collected and proposing solutions; and taking informed action and advocating for solutions.
Tonya stated that we share very similar goals for conservation, monitoring, education and youth outdoor engagement. MWEE also provides real-world action and potential future employment opportunities.
The Chapter partnered with the Nansemond River Garden Club, Tonya and Austin for an event at our chapter park on Thursday, June 19. A group of youth will collect and analyze micro invertebrates from the pond. This will allow them to evaluate the quality of the pond water. In addition, they will learn to fish by bait casting and fly fishing.
Following the presentation, Virginia Wahab (left) and Chris Ferguson presented the 2024 Tobin Award to Darden Langston. The Tobin Award is presented annually to the member who makes significant contributions to the operations of the Chapter. Congratulations to the longest serving member of our Chapter.
Finally, Richard Kole was sworn in as our newest member by Chris Ferguson. Welcome to the chapter Richard.