Education Director Tapped to Serve on State Greenways Council

June 18, 2015 – Michelle Eckman, Connecticut Audubon Society’s director of education and an expert in environmental and climate change education, has been appointed to the Connecticut Greenways Council.

The council, with its 10 volunteer members and two ex-officio members, advises state agencies, local governments and private businesses on establishing a system of greenways throughout Connecticut, and reviews and approves proposals for new greenways.

These open space corridors serve primarily as links between natural resources and historic sites. Many include trails for hiking and biking. They preserve some of the state’s most beautiful areas and help form natural buffers between, for example, for city neighborhoods and highways. There are approximately 80 officially-designated greenways in Connecticut.

Eckman, a Bridgeport resident, joined Connecticut Audubon Society’s staff in early 2012 and created the organization’s award-winning Science in Nature environmental education program. In three years, 48,000 students from almost 50 communities have participated in the curriculum-based program at Connecticut Audubon’s four centers.

Eckman has concentrated in particular on making outdoor environmental education available to underserved schools in urban areas, and on making climate change science a key part of the organization’s program.

“My career in ecological studies, including humans’ relationship with local and distant ecosystems, will be particularly helpful on the council,” she said. “My experience in educating diverse audiences about that ecology is useful in working with the council itself and the various agencies and governments we’re trying to help.”

Ralph Wood, chairman of Connecticut Audubon Society’s Board of Directors, said Eckman’s participation on the council would enhance the already-excellent work the council has done while also benefitting Connecticut Audubon.

“Having an educator of Michelle’s caliber on the council is bound to help emphasize the importance of outdoor education, which we think is the key to future conservation in Connecticut,” he said. “At the same time, the council’s work is so widespread that it will help us connect with more communities around the state.”

Eckman was nominated by State Senator Marilyn Moore of Bridgeport and appointed by State Senator Bob Duff of Norwalk.

Connecticut Audubon Society is the state’s original and independent Audubon organization. Its goal is to use the charismatic nature of birds to inspire the next generation of conservationists, and to work with the current generation to protect and improve the state’s natural habitats for the betterment of state residents, birds and other wildlife. Connecticut Audubon strives to help make the state a model of sustainability and environmental awareness for the nation.

The organization operates four nature centers, two museums and 19 sanctuaries.