Local environmentalists Patrice Tomcik (left) and Michael Bagdes-Canning (right) discussed environmental issues facing Butler County with educators attending Saturday's Young Voices for the Planet at Lutherlyn in Prospect.

FRANKLIN TWP — More than 25 current and retired teachers joined people passionate about the environment Saturday during the Young Voices for the Planet seminar hosted by Lutherlyn in Prospect.

The event was one of six civic engagement and democracy workshops being held throughout the Pittsburgh region. The events provide educators with success stories aimed at developing confidence and self-esteem in their students, while empower young people to make changes in their own lives and in the world around them.

Workshops are led by author Lynne Cherry, who has written more than 30 children's books about the environment. Munching on muffins and apple slices, several Butler County attendees looked forward to the seminar.

Read more in Monday's Butler Eagle.