CITY TREK!

City Trek is a professional development initiative for teachers that addresses implementing environmental education in an urban area through an interactive workshop. The workshop features a specific, issue-appropriate teaching strategy for use in the classroom. Eco Education partners with community organizations and agencies that can provide experts on the most pertinent Twin Cities issues. Past issues include: Water Quality, The Visual Environment, and Renewable Energy.

CITY TREK! EQUITY AND TRANSPORTATION

This year's City Trek will take place on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011. The workshop will explore metro region land use and infrastructure examples to create a context of equity around transportation issues. Participants will experience first-hand the transportation options in the Twin Cities and consider which alternatives will serve the community best within a lens of justice for all living beings. While investigating, educators will practice and share learning strategies that can be applied in the classroom.

Throughout the day, you’ll hear from people working in the field of urban transportation and infrastructure, have a chance to ride Nice Ride bikes in downtown Minneapolis, and, after lunch, hop on the light rail and bus to meet neighborhood representatives who will discuss transit realities and changes along the Central Corridor.

Be ready for a lot of fun, problem-solving and engaging conversations as you find your way by foot, bus, bike and train through the Twin Cities. No sitting (except as you ride), no lectures, and no homework.

Discover:

• How can you get around the Twin Cities without a car?
• How does not having a car impede or improve job access, family, school and health?
• What is the transportation infrastructure in the Twin Cities and whose job is it to protect equity?
• What’s happening with Central Corridor issues?

Investigate land use in the metro region- core and “burbs” from two perspectives:

• Life as part of living in a community
• Life as a commuter to work/school

Take-away:

• Lesson activities and resources to use with youth in the classroom
• A one-day pass for Nice Ride or for Metro Transit bus or light rail

If you are unable to ride a bike, that’s okay—we promise to offer gentle options along the way and are committed to making this workshop doable for everyone.

WORKSHOP CO-FACILITATOR

City Trek! will be facilitated in partnership with Transit for Livable Communities (TLC) which is a nonprofit organization working to reform Minnesota’s transportation system. Through advocacy, organizing, and research, TLC promotes a balanced transportation system that encourages transit, walking, bicycling, and development with justice.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Register by Friday, April 29th to reserve your place. Take-away gifts for the first 25 registrants and for any participants that use bus, light rail or bike to get to the workshop! To register, please complete the registration form below and email to Program Development Manager, Randee Edmundson, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Teachers can receive substitute stipends as needed and CEUs are also available.

City Trek Registration Form