Environmental Education

A Vision for Environmental Literacy

Louisiana’s rich and dynamic environment encompasses a vast area of land, water, and culture that serve as the lifeblood of this great state. Making wise decisions about using these resources is therefore necessary for us to maintain both a healthy environment and a vibrant economy.

The shared vision of the Louisiana Department of Education and the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission is to cultivate a Louisiana citizenry that understands, feels connected to, and is inspired to protect, preserve, and restore our environment for present use and future sustainability.

This means that “environmentally literate” citizens will have the knowledge, tools, and sensitivity to thoughtfully explore environmental issues, select optimal actions to mediate problems, and routinely include the environment as a crucial element in their work, play, and daily life. Environmental literacy encompasses the fields of natural resources management and conservation, environmental quality, coastal restoration and protection, and environmental stewardship. It is through the understanding and appreciation of our natural environment that we will become better prepared citizens ready to make wise decisions regarding our natural resources. This vision supports actions that ensure all Louisianans have the opportunity to learn about and connect with nature in positive ways, developing informed and responsible stewards of our environment.

To foster an environmentally literate populace, citizens should:

have opportunities to experience and learn about our natural environment;
understand human impact on the environment;
develop a sense of stewardship towards the Earth and its finite resources; and,
choose actions that protect and nurture the natural environment.

There is no better time than now to support all Louisiana citizens with opportunities to become more connected to our natural world. All stakeholders will be empowered by improved access to information and experiences that lead to responsible practices benefiting our people and environment.

Louisiana Environmental Education Key Principles and Concepts

Louisiana Green Ribbon Schools Recognition Program

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools (US-ED GRS) program, the Louisiana Department of Education works to recognize public and nonpublic early childhood, elementary, middle, and high schools, school systems, and higher education institutions that are leading the way to promote sustainability and environmental education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate significant progress towards the following Pillars.

Reducing environmental impact and costs
Improving the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff
Providing effective environmental and sustainability education, incorporating STEM, civic skills, and green career pathways

More information on the Louisiana Green Ribbon Schools Recognition Program can be found in the Louisiana Green Ribbon Schools Overview document. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now open. The application deadline is December 16 by 5 p.m. Please email environmentaleducation@la.gov with questions.

Congratulations to the 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Honorees from Louisiana! These schools have demonstrated exemplary progress towards the award Pillars and were among 41 schools across the country to receive this honor.

Eva Legard Center for Coastal and Environmental Studies
Park Forest Middle Creative Sciences & Arts Magnet.

Louisiana Environmental Education Commission

The Louisiana Environmental Education Commission (LEEC) is a 27 seat commission comprised of educators and representatives from small businesses, industry, local municipalities, state agencies and environmental advocates. The mission of the commission is to create a comprehensive and balanced environmental education initiative that will result in an environmentally literate citizenry who will make informed decisions to effectively and constructively solve existing environmental problems, prevent new ones, and maintain a sustainable environment for future generations. Find commission materials, including a meeting minutes archive, on LDOE’s State Advisory Councils Page.

Questions? Contact environmentaleducation@la.gov