Naturalist/Author to Speak on Environmental Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2001
Kathleen McPartland
530-898-4260
Mark Stemen, Environmental Studies
530-898-5428
Naturalist/Author to Speak on Environmental Education
Joseph Cornell, author of “Sharing Nature with Children,” will visit California State University, Chico, on Wednesday, Nov. 14. He will teach a workshop for both students and educators at 10 a.m. in Bell Memorial Union 304, and will deliver a public lecture at 7 p.m. in Ayres 106.
As part of his visit, Cornell will consult with the students and faculty who work with environmental education at the Butte Creek Outdoor Classroom. The outdoor classroom, at the Honey Run unit of the Butte Creek Ecological Preserve, hosts elementary school children in basic field ecology classes.
Cornell is a naturalist and author dedicated to sharing his love for the planet with others in hopes that they will become connected with the natural world around them. Backpacker Magazine called Cornell “one of the most highly regarded nature educators in the world today.”
Cornell graduated from CSU, Chico in 1973 with a degree in nature awareness, a special major he created. He also received a master’s in nature awareness from the University of the Trees in Boulder Creek, California in 1979.
Cornell has been a classroom teacher, High Sierras camp naturalist with the Boy Scouts of America, school district outdoor educator and Boy Scouts’ Western Regional National Camp educator.
He is the author of many books, including “Sharing Nature with Children,” “Sharing Nature with Children II,” “John Muir: My Life with Nature,” “With Beauty Before Me,” “Journey to the Heart of Nature” and “Listening to Nature.” His books guide children, adolescents and adults to an awareness of their oneness with all life.
In 1978, Cornell started the Sharing Nature Foundation and has traveled to 23 countries, including Brazil, Slovenia, Taiwan, Germany and Japan to help spread his ideas around the globe. He is currently the honorary president of the Japan Nature Games Association.
Cornell has won numerous awards, including the Honorary Award from the National Association of Interpretation, as well as an honorary membership for his “professional excellence and service as a role model for educators worldwide” by the Hungarian Society for Environmental Education. He was also the recipient of the ADPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award and was nominated for an international peace prize from Sweden, The Right Livelihood Award.
“My students have been greatly affected by Cornell’s books, and when I asked who they would like to see speak on campus, the vote was unanimous for Cornell. I hope many people can come to at least one part of what is sure to be a magical day,” said Mark Stemen, Environmental Studies program.
Cornell’s visit is sponsored by the Department of Geography and Planning, with a grant from California Department of Fish and Game, and the Rawlins Environmental Literacy Endowment. The Environmental Studies program and the AS Recycling Program provided additional support.
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