Program Overview

Introduction to the Oregon Natural Resources Education Program

The Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP) is committed to connecting Oregonians to nature. With the motto "Impact Educators, Impact our Future" in mind, ONREP offers formal and nonformal educators throughout the state professional development and educational resources.

About ONREP

ONREP has been in operation since the late 1970s, providing support to both formal PreK-12 classroom educators and nonformal educators, including home school instructors, youth group leaders, natural resource professionals, outdoor field instructors, nature center staff, and staff working in museums, zoos, and aquariums.

Curriculum and Resources

The curriculum and resources provided by ONREP are applicable to PreK-12th grade levels and meet state and national learning standards, as well as the North American Association for Environmental Education's (NAAEE) Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence. ONREP offers hands-on, interactive, and investigative strategies that are learner-centered and foster critical thinking skills. ONREP is the state coordinator for the national environmental curriculum programs, including Project Learning Tree, Project WET, and Project WILD.

ONREP Facilitators

ONREP facilitators design and deliver professional development for educators in their local region and state-wide. They receive extensive ongoing training to ensure that workshops meet the changing needs of educators and stay up-to-date on the environmental education landscape. Facilitators have expertise and experience in education and/or natural resources and are often current or retired classroom teachers, non-formal educators, or professionals from natural resource organizations and agencies.

Vision and Mission

The vision of ONREP is for all Oregonians to be environmentally literate. The mission of ONREP is to support formal and non-formal educators with learner-centered, natural resources education.

Team

The ONREP team includes:

• LeeAnn Mikkelson, Program Director
• Yasmeen Hossain, PhD, Associate Director
• Julie Van Hoosen, Office Specialist
• Kristi Backe, PhD, ONREP Collaborating Faculty and Outdoor School Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
• Meadow Moses, Student Program Assistant
• A cadre of approximately 35 facilitators working in over 17 counties throughout Oregon

Partners and Funders

ONREP gratefully acknowledges the contributions of its funders, which enable the program to offer environmental education curricula, materials, and professional development to educators at no cost. Partnerships with various organizations enrich ONREP's offerings, broaden its reach, and are an essential cornerstone of the program.