- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller, RDN
Education Specialists representing state wide Research and Extension Centers System (RECS) sites gathered February 15-16 at Hansen. This second annual meeting was an opportunity to meet new staff, share best practices, and participate in professional development.
Lisa Fisher, RECS Director, sponsored and kicked off the meeting with a welcome and overview of the ANR strategic plan. Guest speaker, Dr. Steven Worker, 4-H Youth Development Advisor—Marin County, led a hands-on workshop focusing on inquiry based learning and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education for youth. Additionally, Worker introduced methods of using Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in non-formal science education settings, relating methods REC educators can use in their outreach work.
Dr. Sabrina Drill, Natural Resources Advisor—UCCE-Ventura County, provided an overview of the California Naturalist Program and discussed the program as potential partner for REC outreach.
Farm Smart Manager, Stacey Wills and 4-H Representative, Shanna Abatti from Desert REC rounded out the two-day meeting with a Sustainable You! Summer Camp train-the trainer. Sustainable You!, developed by Dr. Roslyn Brain of Utah State University, teaches youth the basic concepts of natural resource conservation. The program has been part of the educational offerings at HAREC and Desert REC since 2013 and 2012 respectively, and will be implemented at Hopland REC in summer 2017.
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller, RDN
Community Educators representing the state wide Research and Extension Centers System (RECS) sites gathered February 25-27 in Hopland. The meeting was an opportunity for many of the educators to meet for the first time. A chance to network and develop working relationships. Time to share ideas, frustrations, and most of all, acknowledge the hard work and many successes of education programs in the communities served.
“Having everyone here is a great accomplishment” beamed Lisa Fischer, Associate Director,RECS, who was instrumentals in making this meeting possible. Fischer discussed strategic plans and goals to increase research, education, outreach and extension at the nine sites.
The three-day event, was coordinated and graciously hosted by Hannah Bird and Hopland Director, Kim Rodriguez. The agenda was packed with pertinent presentations such as fund raising and grant writing, program evaluation, community outreach, advocacy, branding, media, and Project Learning Tree curriculum training.
The tour was the highlight for this first time visitor.
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
RECS is the acronym for Research and Extension System. The Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center is one of nine RECS throughout the state operated by the University of California division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR). RECS connect research and educational activites to the challenges in the regions they serve.
Take a tour and learn about the unique contribution of each REC. http://youtu.be/lcj7js1qQ0s
/span>