In a win for Maryland students this Earth Day, Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order to establish the Maryland Outdoor Learning Partnership. The program will strengthen Maryland's commitment to environmental literacy and expand access to nature for all students.
Led by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland State Department of Education, and in collaboration with nonprofits like Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), the Maryland Outdoor Learning Partnership will drive ambitious statewide initiatives focused on climate education and equity. Research shows that outdoor learning helps students improve resilience, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork, and leads to higher test scores and stronger engagement in school.
The executive order declares Maryland’s commitment to implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the shared priorities of the Chesapeake Bay Program. That includes enhanced climate curriculum and allocated time for students to engage outdoors in their local environments.
Tom Ackerman, CBF Vice President for Environmental Education, said in a statement:
“Governor Moore and his administration’s continued commitment to environmental education will help us leave Maryland better than we found it. Humanity’s future, currently threatened by climate change, relies on how we educate the next generation of environmental problem solvers. This must include support for our teachers and school systems, both financially and through professional development.
“Through our education program, CBF has provided meaningful watershed experiences for over 50 years to more than 1.5 million students, teachers, and other participants. There’s nothing like getting a student learning outside on the water. It’s proven time and time again to not only teach key skills, but also spark a lasting love for the Bay. It’s something every student in Maryland deserves to experience.
“CBF is proud to be a member of the Partnership, where we’ll work alongside other nonprofits and state agencies to keep Maryland at the forefront of environmental education.”
