Governor’s Conference Schedule
October 2, 2008
8:00 - 4:30
Augusta Civic Center
Keynote Address by Larry Selzer, The National Forum on Children and Nature; President and CEO, The Conservation Fund
Larry has been at the forefront of the national movement that was launched with Richard Louv’s best selling book Last Child in the Woods. In 2007, recognizing an urgent need to reconnect children with nature, the Conservation Fund forged the National Forum on Children and Nature, a new alliance of 50 influential governors, mayors, CEOs and public leaders. Together, these leaders will support projects nationwide that reintroduce kids to the great outdoors, using education, media, the built environment and health.
Schedule
8:00-8:45 Registration and Coffee Hour
8:45 Governor John E. Baldacci: Welcoming remarks and Introduction of Keynote Speaker Larry Selzer
9:00- 10:00 Keynote Address by Larry Selzer
10:00-11:00 Opening Panel Discussion
11:00-12:30 Morning Breakout Sessions
12:30 Boxed lunch is provided
Exhibits open
1:00-2:00- Assorted Fun Activities including:
Outdoor Youth Film Festival winners introduced by Commissioner McGowan
2:00-3:30 Afternoon Breakout Sessions
3:30-4:30 - Closing remarks: Safeguarding Maine's Future
Need a break from a Breakout session or need some fresh air?
then GET MOVING and TAKE IT OUTSIDE!
The Following Activities and Demonstrations will take place Rain or Shine.
VISIT DISPLAYS & EXHIBITS both inside & outside. They can be interactive and involve participants.
WALKS will start outside the front doors at 1:00 PM
GEOCACHING – Hear about this fast-growing outdoors activity, learn about GPS navigation systems and how they work, and take part in a hands-on geocaching example. After the presentation people will have the opportunity to search for additional caches all on their own with experienced GPS users available to assist with any questions about caching or their GPS device. Chip Noble, Delorme and Steve Engle, Community-GIS will offer demonstrations at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:15 PM. Meet at the Delorme exhibit space.
RAFTING -- Learn what it takes to be a Maine Whitewater Guide! Safety instruction, equipment use, and paddling commands. Contests to test your newly-learned skills. Meet outside at 12:00 Noon.
TENNIS COURT, BIKE DISPLAY & CLIMBING WALL – Try out the tennis court or sit on an unusual and interesting bike or try an early morning climb (before 8:30 AM or after 11:00 AM). Provided by the US Tennis Association, LL Bean and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.
3-D NATURE PHOTOGRAPHS – Although this 45-minute demonstration will be indoors, you will feel like you are outdoors with Professor Roger Richmond and his state-of-the-art 3-D photographic technology. Showings at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM in the Augusta Room.
SURVIVAL ON KATHADIN – Donn Fendler will transport you outside to the slopes of Kathadin with his amazing story of survival as a youth in Baxter State Park. This compelling adventure story holds audiences of all ages spellbound. Come hear the well-known author of “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” at 2:00 PM in the Cumberland Room.
A. Ground Zero: Connecting Your Family with Nature:
A national study released by The Outdoor Foundation found that Americans who participate in at least one outdoor activity on a regular basis reap mental and physical health benefits. The study shows that outdoor activities greatly enrich lives by reducing stress levels and connecting people with family and friends and that people are more likely to be active throughout their lives if they start outdoor activities at a young age.
Bucking the Trend: How to be an Outdoor Family
It’s A Wonderful World Out There
Pills Are Not the Answer: Building Healthy Communities through Nature
Been Out There, Done That
C. Opening School Doors to Nature
Our education system has a role to play in reconnecting students with the world around them. This track explores both curricular and extra-curricular approaches.
Making the Grade: Helping Schools Connect with Nature
Preparing Maine Students as Stewards
D. Recreation in the Outdoors
Having fun while interacting with nature has a long tradition in the State of Maine. In today’s busy world there competing alternatives for recreational time, and many risks attributed to being outside. Our panel discussions will look at ways to increase outdoor recreation as a viable and preferable choice. Discussion will be focused on programs and activities that are successful, reproducible and fun.They’re Only Young Once: Outdoor Recreation for Children and Families
Handle with Care: Teenagers and Outdoor Recreation
E. Creating Places that Reconnect us with Nature
Explore with us the importance of welcoming nature into our built environment. Through planning and policy decisions we can literally tear down the wall, bring nature right downtown and assure that future development does not repeat the errors of the past.Welcoming Nature to a City or Town Near You
Green for Green– Project Funding and Assistance Options
F. Student Track
Students are welcome at any of the breakout sessions. If you don’t think they’re for you, we invite you to these two special presentations. Adults will enjoy them too!
Morning
Nature Under Your Nose
Professor of Architecture Roger Richmond presents extraordinary 3-D images that will lead you to see the world around you in a whole new way.
Afternoon
Donn Fendler
In 1939, twelve year old Donn Fendler became separated from his hiking party while climbing Mt. Katahdin. He wandered for nine days in the Maine woods, and survived to tell the story in Lost on a Mountain in Maine. Mr. Fendler’s presentation will move and inspire you.
