PRPS Conference & Expo First-time Experience

To those experiencing their first conference, it can be a battle of emotions from a little fish in a big pond to the handshake of a long missed friend. Everyone there knows your struggles because they feel them as well. When arriving the set-up is usually quick and to the point. The first hours are usually a whirlwind of activity between check in at the hotel, if you are staying, or the sign up for your class schedule and activities. Fortunately this process goes very smoothly and it's done and over before you know it. Next is the fun part of getting acclimated to your surroundings. I've always felt the best practice is to explore. Find all the rooms, education classes, and the layout of the building you will be living in for the week. This always helps when the fast pace of classes start.

Building Your Network, Builds Your Net Worth!

Basics for Networking with Colleagues to Build Your Net Worth!

Celebrate Excellence in Environmental Education

Environmental education is a vital force for fostering a sustainable future, and every year, the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE) proudly honors outstanding individuals, programs, and initiatives in the field. Now, through December 13, 2024, nominations are open for two prestigious awards: the PAEE Awards and the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) Awards. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognize the dedication, creativity, and hard work of educators and organizations across Pennsylvania.

From Idealism to Insight: Reassessing My Parks and Rec Beliefs

In my early career as an eager, program-minded young professional, I held strong beliefs about what recreation professionals should bring to their communities. I thought our primary duty was to run as many high-quality programs as possible, driven by passion and dedication to our field. While I still value giving our best, experience has shown me there’s more nuance than I initially realized. In this article, I’ll revisit some of my early beliefs and reflect on how they’ve evolved through experience. Looking back on these ideals, I’m re-evaluating what still resonates and where reality has shifted my perspective.

Dimensions of Belonging: Becoming a Part Of not Apart From Communities

How to achieve more than you are able

A synergistic set of catalysts can collectively produce far beyond that of any one's ability.

3 Simple Preventative Plant Healthcare Practices to Keep Your Trees Healthy Year-Round

As the growing season ends, don’t neglect these 3 simple, proactive plant healthcare practices. Proper mulching to protect roots, soil testing to prevent over-fertilization, and root collar excavation to expose buried root flares and reduce pest risks and girdling roots. This blog will cover these simple, cost-effective practices that will keep your trees healthy year-round.

Budget-friendly Ways to Teach Your Child to Go Green

Taking care of the Earth is important, and it's never too early to start introducing your child to environmentally friendly habits. If you want to teach your child to go green but don't know where to begin, here are some simple ideas to help you get started.

What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger: How Adversity Can Be a Good Thing

At the beginning of the pool season, a sudden departure of the Aquatics Manager left the parks and recreation team scrambling to fill a crucial role. Despite initial challenges, the team’s director took on the added responsibilities of pool management alongside regular duties, revealing gaps in both business processes and leadership styles. The situation turned into an opportunity for growth, strengthening team cohesion, and fostering stronger connections with the community. Reflecting on this experience, the director emphasizes the importance of embracing adversity as a path to progress and looks forward to the future with a renewed focus on personal and team development.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Waterway Steward Program

The Pennsylvania Waterway Steward Program’s goal is to engage Pennsylvania water trail users, outdoor and waterway enthusiasts, anglers and all who are concerned about the health and safety of our waterways, in community science and build long term stewardship of our water trails, while providing valuable data to tell the story about litter in our waterways.

Parks and Tech: Balancing Technology with Personal Connections

An Introduction to Scale Insects in the Landscape: What They Are, How They Live, and Management Options

Non-Formal Certification for Environmental Educators

Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators is offering a three-year professional certification program for informal EE practitioners.

Think you're a good leader?

Take this Leadership Challenges Quiz!

The Benefits of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRS) for Parks and Recreation Management