Environmental Education

The Office of Environmental education aims to collaboratively engage organizations to support non-formal and formal educators in order to cultivate environmentally literate k-12 graduates across the state of Virginia.

Explore iseeVA, an interactive map and dashboard showcasing Virginia’s environmental education programs, resources, and data.

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Find environmental education providers and programs across Virginia.

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Discover the importance of Environmental Education

Awareness and Knowledge:

It combats fear. Fear is often derived from what we are unfamiliar with. Learning about our environment and the creatures in it, can alleviate those fears.
Environmental Education develops critical thinking skills. Students are working to solve a real problem using hand-on investigation.
STEM instruction is strengthened as student problem solvers find ways to help their environment recover or prevent future issues.

Behavior:

It’s exciting! Students get excited about learning when environmental education is the topic. Learner engagement is a huge obstacle in the learning process and the topic of environmental education curves that challenge naturally.
It teaches responsibility. Students connect their actions to the effect on their environment and act in more res
Environmental Education encourages healthy lifestyles as students learn to spend time active outdoors.

Civic Engagement:

Tolerance increases as students learn to live in a way that supports other living things.
Communities are strengthened as we find ways to work together for a common goal.
It exposes students to possible green career pathways.
Environmental Education experiences create a sense of responsibility and conservation for local environment and community.

Footage featured above is from the Oct. 2025 EnviroLearn event at Chippokes State Park.

EnviroLearn: Leadership Edition

Virginia Science leaders, Curriculum Specialists, Science Directors, Sustainability Directors, Assistant Superintendents, Superintendents...anyone who supports or manages Virginia K-12 classroom science teachers, this free opportunity is for you. This is a 3-day, 2-night professional learning experience focused on environmental sciences. You'll meet experts who can support educators in the classroom, and you'll leave with new contacts, equipment and resources. We recognize the challenge to keep science instructional time a priority and will focus on opportunities to integrate science curriculum into other content areas. Expect archery, caving, star programs, macroinvertebrates, campfires, speakers and hands-on learning. This event will take place at Natural Tunnel State Park near Duffield, VA, from 1 p.m. on June 1 to 1 p.m. on June 3. We will provide all meals, materials and lodging. Applications are due no later than April 3, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. 20 accepted applicants will be notified the week of April 6.

Apply Now