The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center (EEC) recently received a $50,000 Eco Grant from 3M to develop a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) curriculum field trip program for local schools using the theme of biomimicry.

Utilizing grant funds matched by the Somerset County Park Foundation, Science Curriculum Specialist Missy Holzer and Biomimicry Lab Coordinator Johnny Quispe have been brought on board to help develop the new STEM-rich school tour program. (Complete bios may be found below.)

Specialist Holzer will be developing curriculum that supports the science-based needs of schools and teachers and Coordinator Quispe will assist in developing a classroom at the EEC for students to apply hands-on biomimicry

According to the Biomimicry Institute, "Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature's time-tested patterns and strategies."

The EEC is in a unique position to develop and implement a science-based environmental and conservation education program based on the biodiversity of the Great Swamp basin. The consultants have extensively toured the trails of the Great Swamp to confirm its viability as a living laboratory that will provide excellent opportunities for environmental STEM education.

Biomimicry curriculum will be used as:
-A new way for young people to view and value the natural world; to see Nature 
not just as something to learn about, but as something to learn from
-A compelling way to present science, technology, engineering, and math subjects
-A tool to enhance and express creativity through design, with hands-on, minds-
on, project-based activities
-A way to connect school subjects to one another, and school subjects to the real 
world beyond classroom walls
-A unique and powerful way to think and learn about sustainability

Shawn McCrohan, Manager of the EEC commented, "Receiving the 3M grant was an enormous thrill for the EEC staff. Beginning to develop the program and anticipating implementation of the curriculum is incredibly exciting."

The Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center is nestled within the western portion of the Great Swamp Basin of the Passaic River. The variety of habitats includes: floodplains, swamps, rivers, intermittent streams, marshes, meadows, fields, forests, and natural and man-made ponds. These habitats provide homes for diverse plant and animal populations in this environmentally sensitive park. All are within walking distance of the multi-faceted building. An environmentally based library is located within the Center itself. The Exhibit Hall annually hosts environmentally focused presentations that are free to the public.

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