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Local Programs and Field Studies

The Brandwein Institute sponsors several local programs and studies on the Rutgers Creek Wildlife Conservancy. The Brandwein Institute Summer Science Day camps are held in July at the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve. President Emeritus Jack Padalino leads birding trips on behalf of the Institute and the National Park Service. Jack has revised a checklist of the Birds of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (NJ and PA). Long-term ecological research is conducted by the New Jersey Mycological Association.  A herbarium contains 350 vascular plant specimens.

Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve

A major focus of the Brandwein Institute has been the creation of a series of interpretative trails as part of a learning preserve for local students and adults as well as virtual explorers.  Take an online tour, download lesson plans for class visits, view plans, maps and photos.

The activities in this section were designed to be performed by teachers and students in the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve, Unionville, NewYork. However, they may also be used in almost any outdoor environment that contains flora and fauna. The activities were authored by Brandwein Fellows, veteran science teachers who use the outdoors as a learning lab for student field investigations. The material in the “Skill Building” section includes “How Tos” on using technology tools and doing field studies in natural environments.

Paul F-Brandwein Lecture Series

Meet the scholars who have presented the Paul F-Brandwein Lecture at the National Convention of National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), and download the text of their lectures here.

The Brandwein Medal

At its December 2005 meeting, the Brandwein Board of Directors voted to sponsor a Brandwein Medal to be presented to outstanding conservation educators in various venues important in the lives of Paul and Mary Brandwein. Read more about these exceptional people.

Past Programs

Brandwein 2015 Inspiring a New Generation Summit

On November 6, 2015, the Brandwein Institute convened a three-day Summit, “Inspiring a New Generation: A North American Initiative,” at the National Conservation Training Center, Sheperdstown, West Virginia. Over 200 key stakeholders participated in the task to design an action plan to build life-long relationships with nature for current and future generations. The World Parks Congress, held in 2014 in Sydney, Australia, set the stage for the Summit by focusing one of eight strands on Inspiring a New Generation.  The 2015 Brandwein Summit will build on the issues identified by the Congress and determine specific strategies to address these issues. Read more. Read Press Release.

“Inspiring a New Generation” has transitioned to a broader theme “Nature for All” or #natureforall.

The Conservation Learning Summit: Resources At Risk

The Brandwein Institute and an array of partner organizations joined together in 2005 to develop a national dialog focused the development of strategies to reinvigorate the Conservation Science workforce over the next decade.  Read more.