An evaluation of the effectiveness of three adult environmental education programs in Iowa

Iowa State University Extension offers three programs that focus on educating Iowa citizens about natural history, sustainability of natural resources, and conservation-related issues. The research was conducted for the purpose of quantifying the effectiveness of these programs at increasing the knowledge levels of the participants. The research also aimed to gage changes in the attitudes and behaviors of program participants with regard to conservation and wildlife. The Master Woodland Manager, the Community Tree Steward, and the Master Conservationist programs were studied. Adults participating in the three programs completed pre- and post-program surveys. The survey results of the program participants were compared to survey results from a control group that consisted of individuals who did not participate in the programs. Results indicated that the participants gained and retained knowledge after completing the programs. The knowledge levels of program participants were significantly higher than those of the control groups. Attitudes of the program participants toward conservation and wildlife were significantly more positive than the control group on eight of twelve attitudinal statements. The involvement of participants in conservation-related activities also increased following program completion