SECTIONS 8720-8723 - California Statutes

EDUCATION CODE

SECTION 8720-8723

8720. There is in the Department of Education the Conservation
Education Service.

8721. The Conservation Education Service shall encourage the
development of educational opportunities specifically related to the
conservation, the interpretation, and the use of the natural
resources of the State of California, including, but not limited to,
the development of nature centers, the development of conservation
and wildlife education camps, and the development of the educational
curriculum in relation to the conservation of natural resources and
factors affecting environmental quality.

8722. The Conservation Education Service shall have the following
additional powers and duties:
(1) To assist school districts, community college districts, and
county superintendents of schools in preparing teachers to present
concepts of conservation, the effects of pollution and major land
alterations on ecological systems, and the factors affecting the
quality of the environment.
(2) To cooperate with and assist community colleges, state
colleges, and the University of California in the development of
preservice programs designed to prepare teachers to present concepts
and facts relating to conservation, the effects of pollution and
major land alterations on ecological systems, and factors affecting
the quality of the environment.
(3) To assist school districts, community college districts, and
county superintendents of schools in the development or acquisition,
or both, of materials relating to wise use of resources and
environmental issues.
(4) To assist districts in the development of educational
curriculum and educational opportunities for students, relating to
the conservation of resources, factors affecting ecological systems
and the quality of man's environment. Such opportunities may include
but shall not be limited to, the development of outdoor education
programs, nature centers, conservation and wildlife education camps,
and participation in field trips.
(5) To establish and maintain a central library and repository for
conservation education materials pursuant to Article 3 (commencing
with Section 8730) of this chapter.
(6) To review and to evaluate each application for a grant to, or
a contract with, institutions of higher education, state and local
education agencies, regional educational research organizations, and
other public and private agencies, organizations and institutions
(including libraries and museums) under the terms of the Federal
Environmental Education Act (Public Law 91-516), to support research,
demonstration, and pilot projects designed to educate the public on
the problems of environmental quality and ecological balance, except
that no grant can be made other than to a nonprofit agency,
organization or institution.

8723. The Conservation Education Service shall have such other
powers and duties as shall be vested in it by law.