"Environmental Education: Mission Gone Astray" delivers a hard-hitting, thought-provoking analysis of what has happened to environmental education.

In this ninety minute speech, Professor Van Matre presents seven ways in which he believes the original mission of environmental education went astray, and suggests in each instance how to get it back on track.

"As Einstein put it, you don't have anything to think about if you don't know there's a problem. Believe me, there's a problem. Won't you join us in thinking about it?"

In making his case for a new synthesis, earth education, Steve challenges all those who profess to be doing environmental education today. No one leaves this talk untouched by his remarks. The coordinator of a state environmental education conference expressed it this way: "Your provocative message cast a light in some far corners of environmental education that needed examination. No one in the audience left without giving serious thought to your comments."

From Previous Participants:

We were particularly pleased with how well Steve Van Matre's challenging message was received by so many people in influential positions in education authorities. Environmental education is at last coming round to addressing some of the issues which Steve highlighted.

• John Rhymer, conference host
  Environmental Education Advisors Association
  United Kingdom

Dear Steve,

Thank you for joining us in San Diego for the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education Conference. Your presence was both a draw prior to the event and a key to the ultimate success of the conference.

While I was unable to attend either your "Mission Gone Astray" talk or your all day earth education workshop on Sunday, I was in attendance for every minute of your "Mapbearers, Toolkeepers, Starmaker" speech on Saturday night. I was impressed with what you said and found cause to regret being unable to attend the other two events.

Truth be known, I was very tired by the time you arrived on stage Saturday night. As the organizer of the event, I had overextended myself and was operating on three hours sleep. Your "Mapbearers, Toolkeepers, Starmakers" talk revitalized me. By the end of your speech I was alert and ready to go again. I was impressed with how well you boiled your topic down to three basic ingredients and the way in which you systematically led the group through your instruction. It was an inspirational talk that provided support for what we do well at our schools, thought provocation for what we might improve, and motivation needed to meet the challenges necessary to enact appropriate earth education for our students. In short, your presentation was inspirational.

The feedback I received for all of your work was exceptional. Everyone was challenged to consider what we do and how we do it, yet no one was left without a guide for ways to enhance our programs. The very fact that twelve additional participants signed up for Sunday after hearing you speak on Saturday speaks volumes about how deeply and sincerely you reached the A.E.O.E. audience. Book sales are also an indication as several people on my staff alone were moved to purchase your earth education book. I myself look forward to spending some quality time with your writings this summer.

Steve, I want to thank you for "shaking people up" at our conference. It is always good for education professionals to take a deep look at what we do and how we do it. You raised good questions among our participants and I have no doubt that the programs in this state are better off for having heard you speak. We should have you out in California more often. You make a difference!

Sincerely,

• George W Stratman
  Principal, Fox Outdoor School
  Southern California Chair A.E.O.E.
  Santa Ysabel, CA