Perdue, Bev. Proclamation, 2009-03-24, Environmental Education Week

              BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
GOVERNOR
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WEEK
2009
BY THE GOVERNOR OF TBE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, environmental education is a lifelong learning process that increases people's knowledge and awareness
about the environment, engages children and adults in learning and equips them with the skills and motivation to make
informed environmental decisions; and
WI rEREAS, it is in the interest of people of the state of North Olrolina to improve environmental awareness and take
advantage of the outstanding environmental education programs, abundant natural resources and facilities available to all
citizens of this state; and
WHEREAS, environmental education in North Carolina will increase dramatically by creating n full week of
educational preparation in K·12 classrooms, on university campuses, and at non-formal educational facilities such as nature
and science centers, state, 'national and local parks. zoos, aquariums, museums, educational state forests, wildlife centers, soil
and water conservation districts as well as coastal reserves, arboretums, botanical gardens, camps, 4-H centers, 'cultural
resource centers and national wildlife refuges: and
WHEREAS, North Olrolina has become a national leader in environmental education by cenifying more than 800
"North Olrolina Environmental Educators," including teachers and non-formal educators, and recognizing more than 180
"North Olrolina Environmental Education Centers" that receive more than 20 million visitors annually and conduct d1ousands
of environmental education programs each year; and
WHEREAS, environmental education bolsters core environmental literacy in our Pre K-12 srudents by featuring
grade·appropl'iate environmental literacy goals and content standards; improves academic achievement across all disciplines,
promotes healthy lifestyles; encourages children to spend time outdoors; and increases environmental literacy of our state's
citizens: and
WI rEREAS, collaborative efforts wi ll increase the amount of environmental education t.1king place in America's
classrooms prior to Earth Day while drawing educator attention to the larger opportunities and value of environmental
education both year-long education and environmental stewardship; and
WHEREAS, environmental education will encourage schools to partner with the 180 Environmental Education
Centers in North Carolina including local museums, nature centers, zoos, science centers, aquariums and local parks; and
WHEREAS, the professional environmental education community will have an opportunity to annually feature its
accomplishments with the nation's educational leaders; and
WHEREAS, National Environmental Education Week, coordinated by the National Environmental Education
Foundation in cooperation with hundreds of outstanding environmental education organizations, education associations, and
agencies will become an annually anticipated event for local participation in schools and various environmental education
centers in North Carolina;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim
April 12-18,2009, as "ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WEEK" in North Carolina and call upon all citizens of this state
to observe this week and recognize the continued growth and importance of environmental education in the State of North
Carolina.
~ t~ Q__,_l_
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
I have hereunto set my hand and alftxed the Great Seal of the State ofNorth Carolina at
day of March in the year of our Lord two dtousand and nine, and of the Independence
the two hundred and thirty-third.