American Nature Study Society

Leading the Way to the Future Through Environmental Education

A Key to the Future

The future of America and humanity rest upon the bedrock of the natural world. The experience and understanding of that world are foundations for environmental literacy and wise decision-making about many critical problems. Yet, in our increasingly urbanized society, opportunities for this experience are fewer and fewer. Nature Study provides ways to forge a bond between each generation of students and their environment. ANSS members are a critical part of this solution.

A Proud Heritage

Founded in 1908, ANSS quickly became the leading organization serving and strengthening the Nature Study movement. For nearly 90 years, ANSS has served the professional needs of countless educators with workshops, publications, field trips, and conferences. Our past presidents include the outstanding leaders in our field-Liberty Hyde Bailey, Anna Botsford Comstock, Cap'n Bill Vinal, E. Laurence Palmer, Roger Tory Peterson, Edwin Way Teale, and Helen Ross Russell. ANSS is America's oldest environmental education organization.

National and International Partnerships

ANSS is affiliated with the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Alliance for Environmental Education (AEE), International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), and the Canadian Nature Federation (CNF). ANSS provides a link between its members and these important organizations.

Excellence in Teaching

The Nature Study movement pioneered student-centered learning using hands-on teaching materials and field experiences. These interactive methods are now recognized as essential to effective teaching. Nature Study builds bridges between the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, and grounds them in real-world experiences. ANSS helps its members to achieve teaching excellence.

Excellence in Writing

ANSS publishes the journal Nature Study and a newsletter, and has conducted several workshops on writing. Many articles published in Nature Study are written by authors who have received the Society's

EVA L. GORDON AWARD and other prestigious honors for excellence in nature writing. ANSS provides opportunities for its members to share their experience and perspectives in its publications.

Join Nature Study Leaders

You are invited to join the American Nature Study Society. Join the science, nature study, and environmental education professionals who are ANSS members. Help us to promote effective education and environmental literacy. You can become an active participant in ANSS activities. These include:

Publications

Nature Study, the ANSS Journal, contains in-depth articles on environmental education, related issues and book reviews. Special theme issues have included "Women and the Environment" and "Sampler of Tips for Nature and Environmental Education." Members write many of the Journal's articles.

ANSS Newsletter keeps members posted on Society, members, and affiliate news. It features teaching tips, nature writing excerpts, and announcement of upcoming regional and global events.

Meetings, Workshops, and Trips

Meet your peers at annual workshops and at open board meetings. ANSS members participate in planning and conducting these events. We often co-host meetings with major national and international conferences.

FIELD TRIPS in natural and cultural settings are a vital part of many gatherings. Special domestic and exotic trips to unique environments for small groups of ANSS members are led by experienced interpreters.

Awards

The Eva L. Gordan Award for Children's Science Literature has been presented annually since 1963. It is awarded to outstanding authors whose works reflect the excitement of discovery and hands-on experiences, scientific accuracy, the joy of an interrelated world, and an understanding of children.

The Liberty Hyde Bailey Award was created to honor a founder and first president of ANSS. We invite members to nominate educators and interpreters whose work reflects Bailey's ideals.

Do you want to Join Nature Study Leaders ?

Past Workshops

Teacher Tips