The Lakeshore Environmental Resource Network (LERN)
Expanding Awareness and Action through Education and Partnerships
LERN is a dedicated partnership lead by the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) and includes support from the Sturgeon Bay Public Library and the Ridges Sanctuary
The purpose: to assess the county’s environmental needs in education and research through a Community Needs Assessment process. We will fill identified gaps with up to date resources and create a clearinghouse of educational materials and research documentation providing all in the community the foundation necessary to explore and investigate local environmental issues to address the critical needs of our community.
This effort creates a systems approach to environmental literacy, action and ecological sustainability providing vital benefits to include:
- an increase in the flow of ideas throughout the community and schools
- alternatives and information beyond the contemporary linear model
- creating a web of solutions, partnerships and cooperative action
All to solve environmental problems of this ecologically rich ecosystem.
The LERN concept creates a dynamic, adaptive and fluid system of committed people dedicated to the education of the community
Project Description year One
Our focus on community environmental education through the LERN project within Door County is an effort to address the documented need for education and awareness regarding natural systems and biodiversity, and the impact each citizen has through their choices and actions.
- LERN will engage the best of existing, locally-focused, environmental education and research resources to conduct a Door County Community Needs Assessment in environmental education, and research programs.
- In year one of the initial three year project LNRP will coordinate educational initiatives to identify community needs, existing resources, and program gaps for environmental education programs within Door County through needs assessment conferences and teacher outreach to all Door County Schools.
- We will also coordinate efforts to assemble past environmental research projects and define future monitoring and research needs for the protection and management of Door County’s natural resources.
- The Sturgeon Bay Library will maintain the LERN Center for Community Engagement; a library of resources and online catalog housing research and educational materials on the county’s natural heritage.
- These materials are then available to everyone in Door County and to all Northeast Wisconsin Library patrons through inter-library loan.
We will implement a countywide educational resource network reaching beyond the boundaries, increasing ecological awareness and knowledge and fostering a greater sense of place for all in the Door County Community. Then expand the project to include all five counties in the lakeshore basin.