F2S Virtual Town Hall: Orlando’s Approach to Environmental Education
Join us for a Virtual Town Hall featuring the City of Orlando’s Office of Sustainability to explore how innovative, hands-on programs are helping youth connect with the natural world. Attendees will learn about The Garden Program, the Apiary Education Program, and the McQuigg & Community Garden & Farm and discover how these initiatives foster curiosity, environmental awareness, and a lifelong respect for nature.
Participants will gain insight into Orlando’s approach to environmental education and leave with practical ideas and inspiration to adapt similar programs within their own schools, organizations, and communities.
Who should attend: Educators, school nutrition professionals, garden coordinators, Farm to School stakeholders, community partners, and youth-serving organizations looking for innovative ways to connect students with nature, sustainability, and hands-on learning.
Meet Our Speaker: Abbey Matusik
Abbey Matusik is a Sustainability Project Coordinator for the City of Orlando, where she designs and leads educational programming about nature, gardening, and beekeeping. Prior to her current role, Abbey served as a U.S. Teaching Assistant with Fulbright Austria, where she engaged Austrian secondary students in learning about American life and culture. Her experience abroad sparked a deep passion for education and community engagement, which she brought back to the U.S. as an AmeriCorps VISTA. This role laid the foundation for her transition into her current position, where she continues to foster environmental awareness and stewardship through hands-on learning experiences.