We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership between the Turtle Conservancy (TC) and the MERITO Foundation, aimed at fostering environmental education in Ventura County. Last week, the TC and MERITO hosted six middle school teachers from the De Anza Middle School (DATA) at our conservation center. This collaborative effort allowed educators to benefit from professional development opportunities offered by MERITO's renowned program, enhancing their knowledge and skills in environmental education.

During the workshop, teachers not only engaged in MERITO's valuable professional development sessions but were also given a tour of our facilities and were presented with an education module crafted by the Turtle Conservancy. This module is designed to meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) which includes a detailed lesson plan, an engaging presentation, and a series of hands-on activities tailored for middle school students. This marks a significant milestone for the Turtle Conservancy as it ventures into hosting teacher workshops for the first time.

This experience aimed to inspire teachers to consider bringing their classes for field trips in the upcoming spring semester by fostering a direct connection between education and conservation practices. We look forward to welcoming educators and facilitating a collaborative journey toward a more environmentally conscious future!