Who We Are and What We Do

The Maryland Environmental Literacy Advisory Network (MELAN) is a group of education professionals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives dedicated to the advancement of environmental literacy across Maryland. MELAN serves to advise and help strengthen environmental literacy efforts for state and local decision-makers. We strive to build the capacity of, and increase collaboration between, existing state-wide environmental literacy networks to ensure all students in Maryland are environmentally literate upon graduation.

Maryland Environmental Literacy Advisory Network (MELAN)

The Maryland Environmental Literacy Advisory Network (MELAN) began as a NOAA BWET Grant Proposal in late 2020, following discussions by Project Green Classrooms and the Chesapeake Bay Program Education Workgroup. These groups recognized the need for an independent network, supported by a dedicated coordinator, to help meet goals outlined in environmental education plans—specifically around building partnerships and assessing needs.

MELAN focuses on developing regional hubs in under-resourced areas by first building relationships and trust, followed by growing the network and strengthening local efforts. With extra funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, MELAN hired a part-time Network Coordinator in April 2023. The first regional hub meetings began in January 2024, and MELAN held its first statewide gathering at the MAEOE Conference in February 2024. In May 2024, MELAN launched a statewide landscape assessment and resource directory in partnership with EcoRise's Gen:Thrive Project.

Network Vision and Purpose

MELAN embraces environmental literacy as a lifelong journey shaped by formal and non-formal learning that inspires, builds critical thinking, supports well-being, and empowers individuals with the skills needed for a greener, more equitable future. Its purpose is to strengthen relationships, build communication pathways, and identify collaboration opportunities across Maryland—connecting educators and communities to create the conditions for environmental literacy to grow and thrive statewide. MELAN envisions healthy, engaged, and prepared youth, adults, and communities caring for our lands and waters and rising to meet the environmental and social challenges of the 21st century.

Network Values

Shared Leadership & Decision-Making: We cultivate shared commitment, decision-making, and action that recognizes the interdependence of our communities. 

Equitable Inclusion & Accessibility: We affirm that every individual brings their own unique wisdom, value, and experience, and we uphold their right to recognition, representation, and dignity. 

Responsive: We evolve in response to the changing needs and assets of network participants, and Maryland’s diverse communities. We commit to remaining flexible and responsive to challenges and opportunities. 

Data Driven: We draw upon quantitative and qualitative data from assessments and other community evaluations to inform our work. Relationship Focused We focus on building trusted relationships and seek collaborations with diverse partners who share a common purpose.

Network Organization