$40K for 40 Years of EE in Utah

What do you think of when you imagine the state of Utah? Perhaps you envision the warmth of red rocks found in our National Parks, a day playing in the greatest snow on Earth in the Wasatch Range, splashing in Bear Lake or the Great Salt Lake, or the simple joy of a walk with family in the outdoors. Our incredible environment ties all of these activities, and us, together. All Utahns, especially our youth, should be able to have the opportunity to understand the natural world around them and to be able to access these places with their schools, friends and families. Forging a connection with wild places, nearby nature and our communities is critical to our health and well-being, and ensures that all Utahns understand this incredible place we call home and develop the skills to engage in civic life. Environmental education makes this possible. 

Since 1981, the Utah Society for Environmental Education has been working towards the goal of elevating environmental education in Utah. Today, as we work to promote excellence in environmental education and community engagement to connect all Utahns to their natural world, we have the opportunity to reflect on our roots and develop a map for the future. We need your support to make this possible.

You can help us celebrate 40 years of environmental education in Utah by helping us raise $40,000. Environmental education remains more critical than ever as today’s youth remains one of the first generations to grow up almost entirely indoors. However, we have the opportunity to bridge this divide and ensure that all of Utah’s youth have access to quality environmental education opportunities during the school day and out of school time. 

As we look to the future, we see a place where all of Utah’s children engage in environmental education each day. Whether it’s a field trip to a USEE Member Organization, an outreach visit from a Certified Utah Environmental Educator, a lesson that a formal educator received from a USEE training or an idea for an outdoor activity that a family found through USEE’s website. We also see a place where formal and informal educators connect with each other and gain the training and skills they need to forward the field of environmental education at their organizations. We’re also bold enough to imagine a future where environmental education is supported by the Utah Legislature, funding for outdoor classrooms becomes the norm, schools are encouraged to become Utah Green Schools and outdoor opportunities are accessible for all, no matter where you live or your income. 

We cannot achieve this bold vision without you. To achieve this dream, we must continue to grow our organization and build capacity for these efforts. We are thrilled to announce that reaching $40k is a goal within our reach. Thanks to the generosity of the Pisces Foundation and their $20,000 pledge to build capacity for environmental education in Utah we are halfway towards our goal. 

Your contribution will help us to: 

• Hire additional USEE staff members

• Reach more educators with our professional development offerings

• Continue work on a Utah Environmental Literacy Plan 

• Develop innovative programs and learning opportunities for Utah’s community of environmental educators

• Work to advocate for environmental education in Utah