TWO PROGRAMS. ONE BIOREGION.
Whether you're itching to do something meaningful during one of your school breaks, or you have a bit of time now that you've graduated, our programs give you an inside look into one of the most socially and ecologically fascinating regions on Earth. From dense cityscapes to fertile mountaintops, you'll get access to the most interesting people and places that are shaping the future of the region.
Eco Practicum NYCSpring Break: March 15 - 22
Like having a backstage pass to New York City.
- Nassim K., Eco Practicum NYC, 2014 |
Eco Practicum CatskillsSession One: May 31 - June 14 | Session Two: June 14 - 27
Informative on a deeply personal level.
- Rachel A., Eco Practicum Catskills, 2012 |
THE FOUR COMPONENTS OF AN ECO PRACTICUM
Encountering Experts
Every day, participants take a field trip to meet an expert from one of our partner organizations. Participants tour facilities, meet with staff members, and learn about how these organizations function on the ground. These encounters often include a hands-on component and always feature a candid conversation with the speaker about their work, achievements, and challenges.
Farming & Land Stewardship
Participants work on a farm and learn various farming techniques. Take part in construction projects, care for the animals, and manage the compost. In addition to farming, you'll gain experience managing water flows and maintaining rain catchment systems while learning holistic ecosystem and natural resource management.
Learning Together
Through text studies, videos, discussions, and peer-led activities, participants share their knowledge, learn from one another, and analyze the dynamics of the bioregion. The place-based learner centered educational approach honors the different ways that people learn best. The democratic pedagogy ensures a horizontal structure in which students and educators alike express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
Final Project
Participants collaborate on a final project with local artists and activists in an effort to process, synthesize, share, and actualize lessons learned. The final project is designed to positively impact the space in which it is created, and the discourse surrounding the issues that are addressed throughout the program.
Every day, participants take a field trip to meet an expert from one of our partner organizations. Participants tour facilities, meet with staff members, and learn about how these organizations function on the ground. These encounters often include a hands-on component and always feature a candid conversation with the speaker about their work, achievements, and challenges.
Farming & Land Stewardship
Participants work on a farm and learn various farming techniques. Take part in construction projects, care for the animals, and manage the compost. In addition to farming, you'll gain experience managing water flows and maintaining rain catchment systems while learning holistic ecosystem and natural resource management.
Learning Together
Through text studies, videos, discussions, and peer-led activities, participants share their knowledge, learn from one another, and analyze the dynamics of the bioregion. The place-based learner centered educational approach honors the different ways that people learn best. The democratic pedagogy ensures a horizontal structure in which students and educators alike express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
Final Project
Participants collaborate on a final project with local artists and activists in an effort to process, synthesize, share, and actualize lessons learned. The final project is designed to positively impact the space in which it is created, and the discourse surrounding the issues that are addressed throughout the program.
