Earth Tracks Newsletter Summer 2025
- Misha Smith
- Jul 12
- 7 min read
News
Educator Award Winners
Each year, outstanding classroom and community educators are recognized for their unique and invaluable contributions to the field of environmental education. Four awards are given annually:
Julia Sanderson: Elementary Educator of the Year
Julia has gotten so many students outside and learning about ecology, and nature principles. She has had such an amazing impact on our K-6 students district-wide! One of the most amazing things is how Julia has not only connected with our school teams, but with our executive leadership team. Through Julia's example of, "let's get after it and help teachers get kids outdoors more often," our whole leadership team sees clearly how much our schools want to facilitate more outdoor learning, and our students are benefiting from those opportunities. By having Julia meet educators where they are and help them pull these lessons together, by helping them tend their school gardens, there is this feeling of boundless potential in the outdoor learning space. Julia's time and generosity to reach across all levels of our organization to do what is best for kids and the planet is remarkable; through her work, we are all benefiting.
Dawn Bolen: Secondary Educator of the Year
Dawn Bolen stepped up into the role of Green Team Lead, as well as being an experienced science teacher, at Fairmont Junior High and took a leap of faith into the world of leading students in service learning and Eco Schools contributions. Dawn encouraged her students to participate in their STEM club, Builders Club, and they began to collaborate with Snake River Seeds and the Treasure Valley Community Garden Cooperative to help steward a community garden with students, in a garden space across the street. The club has amazing attendance and often they need to split into groups to complete activities. Dawn's work has been to restore the community and student agency at Fairmont. More recently, the Green Team hosted Earth Week events to help restore and rejuvenate the Fairmont courtyard, in a place-based and story building format. Dawn's courses are thoughtfully aligned to standards and she differentiates instruction masterfully for all of her diverse learners. She brings colleagues along on the journey, helps steward her school's green initiatives, and brings curiosity and joy to all spaces.
Ethan Sims: Non-formal Educator of the Year
As the Medical Director for Sustainability at St. Luke's Health System, he has integrated environmental considerations into healthcare practices, emphasizing the health impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable initiatives within the medical community. In 2021, Dr. Sims founded the Idaho Clinicians for Climate and Health, fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals to address climate-related health risks and educate the public on sustainable health practices. His leadership in organizing events, such as the "Wildfire Smoke and Human Health" webinar, has raised awareness about environmental factors affecting public health, encouraging informed decision-making and proactive engagement. Through these efforts, Dr. Sims has inspired colleagues and community members to prioritize environmental sustainability, bridging the gap between healthcare and environmental education.
James Hold: Volunteer of the Year (not pictured)
Through his leadership with the Buffalo Field Campaign, James has profoundly impacted environmental education and engagement by providing students with immersive, hands-on learning experiences at Buffalo Camp. His willingness to trust and collaborate with educators and students has created life-changing opportunities for youth to connect with the land, wildlife, and the cultural teachings of the Nez Perce. By sharing the legends, history, and wisdom of his people, James offers students a deeper understanding of ecological stewardship, Indigenous perspectives, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. James encourages students to take informed action by involving them in the protection of Yellowstone’s wild buffalo, promoting environmental responsibility and advocacy. His mentorship empowers students to become engaged citizens, equipped with the knowledge and passion to stand for wildlife conservation and environmental justice. Beyond his direct work with students, James serves as a powerful advocate for Indigenous-led conservation efforts, promoting culturally inclusive environmental education. His efforts align with state and national standards by addressing ecological principles, conservation ethics, and Indigenous knowledge systems—enhancing both environmental literacy and cultural awareness.
Project GREEN 2025 - Empowered
Educators from across the region came together in Boise for a two-day conference focused on sustainability, environmental education, and empowering student voices. The conference was organized by Sustaining US and hosted by Boise Schools and the Watershed.
Day 1 at Maple Grove Elementary featured inspiring presentations on teacher-led projects, youth advocacy, and outdoor science education. Dr. Cecelia Gillam delivered a powerful keynote on resilience in education, and attendees participated in collaborative breakout discussions to share ideas and strategies. IdEEA presented their annual Educator of the Year awards.
Day 2 took place at the Boise WaterShed and along the Boise River, where hands-on sessions explored water science, climate storytelling, GIS mapping, and local conservation efforts. Educators toured the Water Renewal Facility and took a field trip along the river to study water quality and macroinvertebrates.
The event wrapped up with new grant opportunities, networking, and a renewed commitment to fostering real-world, place-based learning in the classroom. Thank you to sponsors and partners: Boise Schools, West Ada Schools, IdEEA, the City of Boise, Partners for Clean Water, Vernier Science Education, and the Modern Hotel & Bar. Be sure to join us next summer and become part of a growing network of educators in sustainability!
Professional Workshops
Highlights include:
Keynote presentation and hands-on sessions with Billy Almon, an Astrobiofuturist and former Disney Imagineer, who will be sharing how to use biomimicry to leverage nature in your classroom
Field excursions options include a trip to Bogus Basin with leaders from MOSS and PLT, a visit to The Watershed’s newly redesigned climate and water center, STEAM learning at the Idaho Botanical Garden, birding and paddling at Esther Simplot Park, and more!
Everyone who registers for the conference under the IdEEA membership will receive a copy of “Drawdown: The most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reserved global warming“
IdEEA-hosted HappEE Hour on Thursday (7/31) from 4:30-5:30 PM at Dusty Rose Reserve (2020 E Overland Rd. #100, Meridian 83646)
Resources
IdEEA members can get 20% off for any courses. Coupon code: CERT20
Solar 4R Schools educates students about renewable energy by placing solar installations on school property, along with a data monitoring system and a curriculum package.
The program is open to k-12 schools in Idaho Power’s service area. Participating schools receive a small solar array that helps offset the energy use at the school, as well as a STEM based curriculum, classroom kit and teacher training. The goal is to help students understand how electricity is produced, learn about the science of solar and explore careers in energy.
Schools may apply for a Solar 4R Schools project anytime. However, applications are reviewed each October and March. Idaho Power awards up to 2 projects each year. Successful schools receive:
A small solar array (between 5 and 10 kW)
STEM based lesson plans and activities.
A classroom science kit with equipment and materials to conduct hands-on projects.
In person or virtual teacher training.
The application and host agreement can be found on our website: Solar 4R Schools - Idaho Power
For more information about the program, please see our Solar 4R Schools: Frequently Asked Questions - Idaho Power
From the Outdoor School and Store:
Claws, Paws & Jaws: Predator Learning Kit by our partners at Wildsight
The Everyday School Garden resource book by teachers Karine Céré & Marie-Pascale Brown
Dreaming Alongside children’s book by Monique Gray Smith
Together, a Forest children’s book by Roz MacLean
52 Ways to Reconcile book by David A. Robertson, who is presenting as part of 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning
Educators and school administrators, apply now for a grant to place solar installations at your school and receive a data monitoring system and curriculum to help your students learn about renewable energy. This grant is funded by the Clean Energy Your Way Program, Solar 4R Schools, and is available to K-12 schools in Idaho Power’s service area. Right now they have funding available for two schools. More information and application is available at the link in the heading.
Arbordale books: Are you looking for children’s books to support environmental education programs? If so, go to our book homepages (https://www.arbordalepublishing.com/bookhome.php) then use the “sort” or “search” features on the top right to see which books contain various animals or relate to specific subjects. Once you have selected the titles you are interested in reading, shoot me an email and I will send you Digital Review Copies (DRCs) so you can read the complete books prior to purchasing. This ensures the books will meet your needs.
Upcoming Events
July 30-August 1st (details above) Statewide STEM Conference
IdEEA Updates
Climate curriculum available: We have units for grades 5-12 based on the Idaho Climate-Economy Impacts Assessment and tied to the Idaho Science Standards for a place-based discussion of climate variability relevant to Idaho’s students. See the full list of lessons at https://www.idahoee.org/climate-curriculum.
Support EE in Idaho by becoming an IdEEA member today!
Our membership rates have increased to $25 in 2025 with increased member benefits. Stay current with all our updates: subscribe to this newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. If you have an interest in supporting our mission more fully but don’t have the capacity to be on the board, join one of our committees! Any active members are eligible to meet with a committee to help with specific events and projects. Let us know you’re interested by emailing communications@idahoee.org under the subject “Committees” and we’ll connect you to the correct Committee Chair. Stay tuned for exciting new membership opportunities this fall!
ICYMI: Top stories from the IdEEA blog
IdEEA is looking for guest writers for blog posts. Do you have an interesting project or idea you’d like to highlight? Contact us at communications@idahoee.org to share your ideas with our community!
About this newsletter - We bring you the latest Environmental Education resources, events, and opportunities from around Idaho four times per year. You can be a part of this process by sharing resources, events, jobs, etc. with communications@idahoee.org under the subject “Newsletter.”
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