The Entomology Education Program (EEP), operating out of SSU's Field Stations and Nature Preserves, was honored at the Charles M. Schulz Museum on November 4. The Museum hosts biannual gratitude receptions to honor local organizations that contribute to the community in diverse ways.
Various local environmental organizations and agencies, including the EEP, were acknowledged at the November 4 reception, which was held in conjunction with a celebration for the "Peanuts...Naturally" exhibit.
Jean Schulz, wife of the late cartoonist Charles Schulz, gave a formal welcome before representatives from each organization described their program's mission and introduced the organization's members.
Frederique Lavoipierre (above), EEP coordinator, was joined by Claudia Luke, director of the Field Stations and Nature Preserves, Nathan Rank, faculty advisor, and Joshua Stithem, curriculum specialist.
The goal of the EEP is to increase awareness and appreciation for the critical role of insect biodiversity in ecosystems, emphasizing conservation issues such as the necessity for reducing pesticides in both natural and managed systems.
The program offers K-12 and public outreach in the form of classroom and school garden presentations, public hikes, lectures, workshops and classes. Travelling exhibits--such as Common California Insects, Predators and Prey, and the Live Insect Zoo--along with high-quality microscopes give students a hands-on learning experience. EEP also collaborates with other agencies for professional and teacher training, educating docents and master gardeners.
For more information on the EEP, visit their website at http://www.sonoma.edu/preserves/education/entomology.shtml.
For more information on the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, visit their website at http://www.schulzmuseum.org/.