ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA: PERCEPTIONS OF LEADERS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL INTERESTS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was (1) to describe the beliefs of environmentally-concerned community leaders regarding community needs for education about the environment, and (2) to describe the environmental education provided in the past, present, and planned for the future in Pima County, Arizona. Respondents believed that there were many environmental issues of importance to Pima County and that efforts to educate the community about these issues were inadequate. The issues considered most important tended to be those regarding environmental problems--air pollution, toxic substances, waste management. The most frequent topics of the environmental education provided by the respondents, however, tended to be those regarding natural resources--habitats, wildlife, water. Respondents believed in the need for an environmental education council and master plan. Most felt that lack of funding and absence of a master plan were major obstacles to providing adequate environmental education in the community.