DESCRIPTION

"Caring for the Commons" means ensuring our public lands are accessible and relevant to the entire community. However, as school field trip requests fluctuate and visitor demographics shift, field staff need flexible tools that work across a wide range of audiences. This session skips the educational jargon and focuses on how Universal Design can be used as a multi-tool for field engagement. We will explore how to use Action-Based Inquiry to facilitate meaningful experiences, without needing to become curriculum experts. Whether you are working with several 4th-grade classes or engaging with a multi-generational family, these strategies allow visitors to "do" the work of a steward. By focusing on multi-sensory tools and varied ways to participate, field staff can support school requirements and community curiosity simultaneously, ensuring the "Commons" remains a space where every visitor feels they belong and can contribute.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:

Entry Level/Early Career, Intermediate, or Expert