RedesigningOurFuture

Redesigning Our Future: A National Environmental Summit for High School Students sponsored by the @Center4Env, @RockyMtnInst, @ewg, and @ynpforever!

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Have you applied to the National Environmental Summit this summer? If so what are you most excited about? 😀

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Do you know of a high school student interested in attending the National Environmental Summit? Lucky for you, you've come to the right place! 😉😁

Click the link for more information!
https://t.co/unZo0f68SN

And visit our website to apply!
https://t.co/Pfkc1nyDHc

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Among the challenges, students discussed topics such as different ways to communicate and the content found in Donella Meadows’s book, Leverage Points: Places to intervene in a System. #RedesigningOurFuture #NES2018 #EnvironmentalLeaders @RockyMtnInst

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Lauren, Leah, and Emily from Rocky Mountain Institute had lots of fantastic information to give to our Summit students last week! Students learned about systems thinking and collaboration through stimulating and thought-provoking workshops provided by the RMI trio.

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They began by studying the unintended consequences that occurred during “Operation Cat Drop” and then tackled other relevant issues including local urban transportation and climate change.

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Dear 2018 National Environmental Summit participants,

Thank you!!! Thank you for making this year's National Environmental Summit fantastic!

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We hope that whatever brought you here, you left the Summit knowing that your voice makes a difference, understanding how to accomplish what you set your mind to, and feeling as inspired as you left us.

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Today, we reminisce back to one of your first activities last week. We asked you to write down what brought you to Summit and then compiled them into this visual representation.

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Salamanders, tree frogs, toads, crayfish, mosquito fish are a few of the awesome finds so far. #RedesigningOurFuture #NES2018 #conservation

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Officially dubbed the "Frog Squad," the Adventures in Amphibian Research and Conservation focus group, lead by Lisa Wear, was out collecting traps, assessing amphibian habits, and scoping out what kinds of animals lurk in our fertile pools around the preserve this morning.

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While in the workshop, students generated a "fish bowl" discussion to demonstrate how media can create tension in narratives between communities and businesses, played tug of war, and acted out skits. #Redesigningourfuture #NES2018 #EnvironmentalJustice @RachelCarsonDC

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Elijah Brunson and intern Victoria Rose from the Rachel Carson Council conducted a wonderful workshop on Environmental Justice with the students yesterday! #RedesigningOurFuture @RachelCarsonDC

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They also got a chance to catch fish and clams. Tomorrow they will be cooking with kudzu, using their imagination to create (hopefully) delicious dishes. Stay tuned for more! #redesigningourfuture #nes2018

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What’s your favorite critter? Yesterday the Invasive Alien Plants and Animals focus group lead by Dr. Bolin, biology professor and school botanist, have set a goal to catch the Emerald Ash Borer in these green catchers that they hang high above in the trees.

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This consisted of capturing and handling the birds as well as learning the proper techniques to do so. Lastly, they identified the particular species, age, and sex of each bird, which was then recorded for research. #redesigningourfuture #NES2018 (Captured by Eleanor King)

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Dr. Poston's focus group, A Backbone for Conservation, spent the early morning getting up close and personal with a HANDFUL of our native birds. Students walked through the process of bird banding!

[Center4Environment @Center4Env]

Students had a blast being able to get their hands on drones (captured by Dr. Joe Poston) after Dr. Andrew Jacobson spoke about technology's potential to save biodiversity yesterday! Other fun evening activities included a group scavenger hunt and s'mores on a bonfire.

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Today Ashley Pierce shows the students that art can be an "emotional and evocative way to [directly] reach someone." Heather White also adds "how you tell a story is really important" and can provide different perspectives on sustainability.

[Center4Environment @Center4Env]

After yesterday's meaningful speech by Heather White, CEO of @ynpforever, we learned about the power of the word "yet" in order to achieve your goals and challenge the "fixed mindset". #redesigningourfuture

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The National Environmental Summit has officially kicked off! Be on the look out for more exciting content coming your way as we learn about environmental leadership through engaging activities and events! #redesigningourfuture #nes2018 #envirocamp