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	Trish has coordinated the Environmental Education Program for more than 30 years. Her program serves the schools of the northwest region of the lower peninsula of Michigan as well as groups that visit onsite for two- and three- day overnight programs. Trish is the guiding force behind the program, but her main responsibilities include: training student interns in environmental education each fall and spring to lead school groups; creating innovative and exciting field-based curriculum; and serving as teacher to students and mentor to teachers with each passing school group.<br />
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	Trish says, &ldquo;Teaching our youth about the natural world is critical. Our children must have hands-on experience in the natural world to fully develop as human beings. As I talk with children they tell me they spend very little time outside. We must now be intentional about connecting children with the natural world. We must provide experiences for children that will develop a heart connection with the natural world as well as provide head knowledge about this place we call home.&rdquo;</p>
