Skip to content
The Bay Backpack logo. A school backpack followed by a stylized writing of the words Bay Backpack.

MWEE Community

The Chesapeake Bay Program's Education Workgroup and regional partners bring together educators with shared interests to exchange ideas, elevate best practices, and learn collaboratively through a suite of Communities of Practice (CoPs). These groups provide opportunities for professional growth, networking, and resource-sharing.

Most CoPs meet virtually to ensure accessibility across our geographically diverse region. We’re always looking to grow these communities and joining does not commit you to regular attendance—come when you can and be part of the conversation!

Below, you’ll find information about our active CoPs, facilitator contacts, and additional resources.

MWEE Practitioners CoP

Meets Monthly (October – March)

This group connects educators passionate about Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). Meetings typically include webinars followed by discussions focused on the design and implementation of impactful, student-centered MWEEs.

Explore our archive of dozens of webinars (since 2019) covering planning, implementing, sustaining, and evaluating MWEEs found in elementary, middle and high school.

Ready to join? Email Elise Trelegan at elise.trelegan@noaa.gov.

Meeting dates are usually posted by early October on the NOAA Environmental Science Training Center's webpage.

Example MWEE Practitioners Webinar: Designing MWEEs for Special Education Learners

School District Capacity Building & Environmental Literacy Plans CoP

Meets Quarterly (Schedule based on group availability)

Originally formed as a network for NOAA B-WET grantees, this CoP has expanded to support a broader audience. School district leaders and community partners engage in discussions about best practices and challenges related to developing and implementing environmental literacy plans.

Ready to join? Email Elise Trelegan at elise.trelegan@noaa.gov.

Mid-Atlantic Climate Change Education Collaborative CoP

Meets on the First Thursday of Each Month | 1:00 – 2:30 PM

This collaborative has evolved from over a decade of climate education professional development efforts across the region. Formal and Informal Educators work together to enhance climate change education and are invited to support the annual Mid-Atlantic Climate Change Education Conference.

Ready to join? Email Coreen Weilminster at coreen.weilminster@maryland.gov.

Sustainable Schools CoP

Meets Quarterly (Schedule based on group availability)

This CoP brings together leaders dedicated to sustainable school certification and high-impact sustainability actions, such as energy efficiency and food waste reduction.

Ready to join? Email Lindsey Walker at walkerl@nwf.org.