New Ed Center Dedicated at McDuffieEnvironmental Education Center

[Windknot]

Melissa Cummings 6/11/2012 7:32 am

Following is a news release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Releases also posted at www.georgiawildlife.com/news. RSS news feeds: www.gadnr.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW FACILITY FOR EAGER STUDENTS DEDICATED AT MCDUFFIE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

THOMSON, GA (June 11, 2012) - The McDuffie Environmental Education Center (MEEC) celebrated the dedication of a new and improved facility today, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division. This new, larger facility replaces two older portable buildings, each with multiple structural issues that were purchased “used” for $1 each in 1999.

Speaking at today’s event, Georgia DNR Commissioner Mark Williams says, “The McDuffie Environmental Education Center provides students with stimulating, outdoor learning experiences about the ecology of our wildlife, water, soils, and forests and the stewardship of these important natural resources. This new facility will give them an even better platform to continue to provide this vital information to children in the area.”

The MEEC provides teachers a unique site to take students for a hands-on outdoor experience. Project lessons are tied to the Georgia Performance Standards in this diverse biologically rich site. The MEEC offers three diverse habitats, two trails, a hands-on self-directed discovery room, indoor classrooms and several outdoor classroom areas.
Two certified teachers coordinate instruction. This new facility will accommodate the same number of students at a time as before, but educators expect attendance overall will increase by 25-50 percent, as the former classrooms could not be used during cold weather months due to the poor conditions.

The MEEC is a collaborative effort between the McDuffie County Board of Education, DNR, Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) Resource Conservation and Development Council, the Watson-Brown Foundation and the CSRA Regional Education Service Agency. Supporters also include Samples Southeast and the Thomson-McDuffie County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The MEEC is located near Thomson at 4695 Fish Hatchery Road, Dearing 30808. The MEEC welcomes public, private and homeschool groups. To schedule a visit, contact Dot Kay at 706-339-5457 or kayd@mcduffie.k12.ga.us .

To learn more about the center, visit www.themeec.org. For information on other Regional Education Centers in Georgia, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/education/regional-education-centers.


Editor’s Note: Photos are available by contacting Melissa Cummings at
706.557.3326 or at Melissa.cummings@dnr.state.ga.us