2026 CAEE Advancing EE Conference: Full Schedule

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7:45am MDT

Conference Check-In

Thursday September 17, 2026 7:45am - 8:45am MDT

Hydro Lobby | Hydro Building 1st Floor

Presenters

Sarah Grove

Communications & Event Coordinator, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

Sarah Grove (she, her) joined the CAEE team in January 2025. Sarah grew up exploring the outdoors in Vermont and Central New York; this is where her love of nature began. Sarah earned a degree in Wildlife Ecology & Management from Auburn University, where she learned about the unique... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 7:45am - 8:45am MDT
Hydro Lobby | Hydro Building 1st Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

9:00am MDT

Plenary | One Landscape, Shared Soil: The 2026 Welcome

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am MDT

Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building 1st Floor

To sustain our world, we have to learn to see it together. Welcome to the incredible CSU Spur campus! We are opening this year's conference by celebrating the very thing that connects us all: our Common Roots. This high-energy session serves as your dynamic roadmap for the days ahead, giving you a preview of the collaborative circles, town halls, and headlining events waiting for you. Get ready to shift your lens, root yourself in community, and unlock the power of collective action right from the start.

Presenters

Sarah Grove

Communications & Event Coordinator, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

Lauren Gibson

Executive Director, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

Lauren Gibson began her journey with environmental education through Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program. Working with Roots & Shoots, Lauren created a small youth environmental grant program in her Indiana hometown, solidifying her dedication to helping young people find their... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am MDT
Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building 1st Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

9:45am MDT

Rooted in Place: Inspiring Connection and Care for Colorado's Prairies

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT

Hydro Teaching Lab | Hydro Building 1st Floor

Get outside and experience a field trip as your students would! This session invites participants on an accessible hike that models engaging approaches to exploring prairie ecosystems. Often overlooked and underestimated, prairie ecosystems are rich with life, resilience, and stories. Through movement, observation, and interactive learning, we’ll practice developing a sense of place. After the hike, reflection and discussion will provide space for educators to envision how these approaches can be adapted to their own local ecosystems.

**Plan on getting outside during this session!

Presenters

Angela Borland

Natural History Program Specialist, Boulder County Parks & Open Space

In Colorado I have worked with Boulder County, Larimer County, the City of Arvada and Cal-Wood Education Center. I have been working in Outdoor and Environmental Education for over 30 years with time spent in the upper midwest and New England as well as Colorado. I love working with... Read More →

Kelly Kirk

Environmental Educator, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks

My love and appreciation for nature at an early age inspired me to spark curiosity in others. I am an experienced environmental educator and certified interpretive guide. I inspire nature connection, stewardship and sustainable community relationships through my work with volunteers... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT
Hydro Teaching Lab | Hydro Building 1st Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Connection to Nature/Health and Wellness

9:45am MDT

Puppet-Powered Programs: Playful Path to Environmental Engagement

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT

Spring Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

Get ready to bring your programs to life—one puppet at a time! In this lively, hands-on session, we’ll explore how puppetry can transform environmental education into an engaging, memorable experience for learners of all ages. Discover how puppets can spark curiosity, simplify complex concepts, and create meaningful emotional connections to the natural world.Through interactive demonstrations, puppeteering strategies, and real program examples, you’ll learn how to incorporate puppets into your teaching—whether you’re leading a classroom lesson, a nature walk, or a field.Come prepared to laugh, play, and participate while having the chance to design and create your very own puppet to take home and use in your programs. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just puppet-curious, you’ll leave inspired, equipped with practical tools, and ready to let your (puppet’s) voice be heard!

Presenters

Dustin Hall

Senior Manager of Youth Programs - School, Walking Mountains

Dustin Hall is an environmental educator and program leader dedicated to connecting people with the natural world through meaningful, place-based learning experiences. As Senior Programs Manager of Youth Programs at Walking Mountains, he leads his team of graduate fellows in the design... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT
Spring Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Early Childhood Outdoor and Environmental Learning

9:45am MDT

Joy, Justice, and the Outdoors: Navigating the Dualities of Outdoor Education

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT

Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

Environmental education constantly lives in a state of tension. This session shows how outdoor learning can spark curiosity while addressing environmental challenges, access, and equity. Through storytelling, reflection, and practical strategies, educators will design experiences that are joyful, inclusive, and meaningful. Designed for teachers, outdoor educators, and program leaders, this session moves beyond “either/or” thinking and toward balance.

Presenters

Pedro Jaime Gutierrez

Program Coordinator, Lincoln Hills Cares

After receiving his M.A. in teaching instruction, Pedro served as a K-5 science teacher for almost a decade supporting students through data analysis, content creation, and role based learning. He has also been the Cinco De Mayo scholarship keynote speaker and was a PEAK teacher for... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT
Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

EE for All

9:45am MDT

Proven Outcomes: Using Research to Support Outdoor Pedagogy in Schools

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT

Bear Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

High-quality outdoor instruction is backed by rigorous data. We’ll dive into the research linking nature-based learning to improved academic, SEL, and nature-connection outcomes. Learn how to translate this evidence into a powerful case for consistent, school-wide outdoor pedagogy.

**Plan on getting outside during this session!

Presenters

Trevor Soponis

Chief Learning Officer, Good Natured Learning

Trevor is a life-long education professional with extensive experience in leading transformative education projects involving school, district, state, and university partners. His collaborative approach focuses on implementing improvement cycles by establishing a shared vision, identifying... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT
Bear Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

PreK-12 Education

9:45am MDT

eeLeaders Forum: Rooted in CommunitEE

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT

Black Bear | Vida Building 2nd Floor

Join us at our third annual eeLeaders Forum, a specialized conference session designed for individuals with five or more years of professional experience in developing environmental education (EE) and interpretive programs, supervising education staff, and managing educational or interpretive sites. This forum provides a unique opportunity to network and connect with fellow managers, directors, and leaders of environmental and outdoor learning programs.This year we have the awesome opportunity to dive into connectedness, get rooted in our community, and learn more about CAEE's new Executive Director.

Presenters

Bluff Lake Nature Center

Education Director, Bluff Lake Nature Center

Bluff Lake Nature Center is a nonprofit that owns and manages a unique urban wildlife refuge and outdoor classroom in Denver. They are open to the public every day of the year from sunrise to sunset.

Erin Dreps

eeCorps Program Coordinator, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

Erin Dreps is the eeCorps Program Coordinator at CAEE. A graduate of the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability, Erin has worked in various roles in EE, from seasonal educator to school programs manager, and now supports AmeriCorps members serving across... Read More →

Lauren Gibson

Executive Director, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

Sarah Grove

Communications & Event Coordinator, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT
Black Bear | Vida Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4817 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Skills and Professional Learning

9:45am MDT

Object Driven Inquiry: Turning it over to your audience using Questions, Prompts & Cues

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT

Willow Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

Many creatures on earth struggle for their existence but have no voice. In this hands-on session, learn and practice an approach, that environmental educators and interpreters, can use to allow these creatures to tell their own stories and teach their own lessons, using the voices of our audience members. The technique is called “Questions, Prompts and Cues". Using this strategy, can free us from being “sages on stages”, and empower participants to become interpreters and direct discoverers of nature’s stories.

Presenters

Tim Blesse

Teacher Programs Consultant, Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Tim Blesse, has 43 years of experience as both an outdoor environmental educator and formal education classroom science educator. He has facilitated for audiences of all ages, working on two different continents. Since 2014, when he joined the staff of the Denver Museum of Nature... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:45am MDT
Willow Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Skills and Professional Learning

12:00pm MDT

LUNCH

Thursday September 17, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT

Hydro Lobby | Hydro Building 1st Floor

Enjoy a self serve lunch in the lobby of the Hydro Building. You are welcome to take your lunch outside or throughout the CSU Spur Campus.

**Please be mindful of those with dietary restrictions and general lunch supplies. We will have over 200 people eating with you.

Thursday September 17, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Hydro Lobby | Hydro Building 1st Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

12:30pm MDT

"Thirsting for a Future" Documentary Screening

Thursday September 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:00pm MDT

Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building 1st Floor

Young people are feeling the emotional weight of the climate crisis. How we prepare them for today's reality will shape tomorrow. Climate and water education plays a powerful role for K-12 students across Colorado. While some elements are required in the state academic standards, local school districts ultimately decide what is taught in the classroom. Youth learning opportunities depend heavily on community support, organizational capacity and political will. This 30-minute documentary explores what this looks like in three distinct regions across the state. How do educators, parents, decision-makers and students collectively move from ache to action, in a way that makes climate education accessible for all?

Stay in the room for the next session's brightspot to ask Christi questions!

Presenters

Christi Bode

independent media

Christi Bode is a documentary filmmaker that calls Southwest Colorado home. From watershed health and wildfires, to environmental justice and climate adaptation, she unpacks a wide range of topics about water in dry places. Her independent media company, Moxiecran Media, produces... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:00pm MDT
Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building 1st Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Conservation

1:15pm MDT

Earth-Based Art as Embodied Ecological Learning

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Hydro Teaching Lab | Hydro Building 1st Floor

This hands-on session engages participants in earth-based art practices that foster ecological connection, embodied learning, and relational awareness. Grounded in ecopsychology, participants explore eco-art as an accessible, sensory-based approach to teaching. Participants leave with practical strategies for integrating earth-based practices into diverse educational settings to support connection, reflection, and inclusion.

Presenters

Jamie Moon

Adjunct Professor of Arts, Humanities, and Soft Psychologies. Practicing Eco-artist and Ecopsychologist, Pueblo community college and CSU-Pueblo

Jamie Moon is an ecopsychologist, eco-artist, educator, and doctoral researcher whose work explores how story, art, and direct engagement with the natural world can transform how we learn and relate. She is a lifelong educator who currently teaches in higher education and has worked... Read More →

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Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Hydro Teaching Lab | Hydro Building 1st Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Connection to Nature/Health and Wellness

1:15pm MDT

Brightspot 2b | The Plant Mobile: A Plant Giveaway to Reach a New Generation

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

The Plant Mobile is a program which distributes free native plants at non-traditional outreach venues, like breweries and climbing gyms. This presentation will outline the economics and logistics of germinating plants, the plant species selected, and the educational impacts this program has had on Master Gardener volunteers and Boulder County Residents.

**This session will be shared with one or two other mini, brightspot sessions.

Presenters

Tommy Roth

Home Horticulture Coordinator, Colorado State University

Tommy Roth is an extension educator at Colorado State University. His focus is on helping people create sustainable and beautiful landscapes which feed humans, insects, and wildlife.

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Conservation

1:15pm MDT

Using Wildlife Conservation Plans to Create Impactful Education Programs

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Willow Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

The State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) is an expansive resource on the status of some wildlife populations and habitats in Colorado of greatest concern. This session will cover a new collection of digital resources you can use to bring more conservation content into your programs. The SWAP seeks to amplify lived experiences and empower people, including youth, to take action by intentionally involving those closest to potential solutions. Learn about available data, maps and other tools for locally relevant information that engages your participants in issues in your community and across our state. You will also have the opportunity to share with Colorado Parks and Wildlife feedback on what resources CPW can provide to most effectively enhance and support the essential work you do.

Presenters

Kacie Miller

State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator, Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Kacie is the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) Coordinator for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. She enjoys bringing people together via conservation planning to facilitate ideas coming to fruition. Kacie has focused much of her career on relationship building and helping people develop... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Willow Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Conservation

1:15pm MDT

Forest School - A Holistic Approach to Development

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Black Bear | Vida Building 2nd Floor

Session with highlight holistic development opportunities (physical, emotional, social, intellectual, communicative, spiritual), and the physical, emotional, and behavioral benefits to forest school settings.

Presenters

Kaitlin Essig

Forest School Manager, Bluff Lake Nature Center

Kaitlin is an environmental educator, bird nerd, and water lover. She holds a degree in environmental science and has spent the bulk of her career working in environmental education at nature centers. She's a firm believer there's pretty much no such thing as bad weather, only bad... Read More →

Erika Falasco

Educator, Bluff Lake Nature Center

Erika has been passionate about all things outdoors as far back as she can remember. She views our human connection to nature as integral to shaping the future of our world in a positive way as we recognize our capacity for adaptability and emergence. Erika holds degrees in music... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Black Bear | Vida Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4817 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Early Childhood Outdoor and Environmental learning

1:15pm MDT

Brightspot 1a | Thirsting for a Future Post film screening Discussion

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building 1st Floor

Join Sarah Johnson, Climate Education Specialist, and Christi Bode, Producer, Thirsting for a Future, for collective grounding, reflection and dialogue following the film. We'll engage attendees through visual mapping and peer-to-peer discussions around the foundational infrastructure informing climate education across the state. Through the power of storytelling, we want the audience to walk away with a profound sense of shared possibility and a clear pathway to stay connected.

Presenters

Sarah Johnson

Founder and Director, Wild Rose Education

Sarah R. Johnson is the architect of the Transformative Praxis Lab, a methodology used to design climate literacy systems for educators and learners alike. As the lead facilitator of Teach Climate Colorado and a specialist in eeCourse Design, along with directing the Colorado Youth... Read More →

Christi Bode

independent media

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building 1st Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

PreK-12 Education

1:15pm MDT

The People Connection: Hands-on Human Ecology Activities to Inspire Teens

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Spring Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

Engage in motivational activities that explore population ecology, carrying capacity in nature, biodiversity and human impacts on ecosystems. Develop and use 3D models and simulations to explain ecological phenomena and discuss ways to implement these activities in an inclusive classroom/group as part of broadening students’ understanding of sustainability.

Presenters

Robert Galin

Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Montezuma County

Robert Galin is a Career Services Specialist for the state of Colorado. He was formerly Associate Professor of English, literature, and communications at the University of New Mexico, Gallup, and a journalist, specializing in environmental and natural resource journalism. He also... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Spring Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

PreK-12 Education

1:15pm MDT

Brightspot 2a | Where is the Learning in Experiential Education?

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

EE is all about hands-on or experiential learning. In this session, you will have the opportunity to learn what is required for an outstanding experiential activity. What are the components that should be involved, and which are often missed? The participants will get a chance to co-create an experience and then determine what would make it outstanding. Come with an open mind, be prepared to move, and to be creative.

**This session will be shared with one or two other mini, brightspot sessions.

Presenters

Jay Zarr

Director of Experiential Education, A.E.E., Imagine If and Alpine International Preparatory Academy

Jay is a master in using natural settings and adventure-based experiences to teach leadership, teamwork, and self-esteem. He works quickly to establish trust among all group members of all ages and has them involved, interested, and motivated.Early in his career, he held one of his... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Skills and Professional Learning

1:15pm MDT

Co-creating Environmental Civic Actions with Youth

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT

Bear Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

Earth Force will highlight three key elements of Environmental Action Civics: investigation to identify issues, developing effective strategies for civic action and planning to “Ask for Change” in partnership with youth. Participants will take away resources that will help scaffold experiences and build skills to prepare youth to become responsible and engaged citizens.

Presenters

Alyssa McConkey

CPO, Earth Force

Alyssa's focus at Earth Force is aligning strategy and programming. She oversees all program delivery and evaluation to ensure frameworks are grounded in evidence-based practices.

Taylor Ruffin

Implementation Strategy Lead, Earth Force

Taylor brings a background in environmental education, natural resource management, and youth development. He is dedicated to helping others foster a connection to their community and nature. During free time, Taylor enjoys rock climbing and cooking for his family. Taylor supports... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm MDT
Bear Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Youth Development

2:30pm MDT

Play It Forward: From Childhood Games to Community Leadership

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Black Bear | Vida Building 2nd Floor

Built on the shared language of childhood games, this workshop shows how familiar play can help move us toward a more connected future. Participants will explore how reimagined games support youth leadership, engage diverse learners, reveal invisible systems, and create meaningful opportunities for shared learning, community awareness, and collective action.

**This session has the potential to get outside, come prepared!

Presenters

Climate Democracy Initiative (CDI)

ECLIPSE Program Manager, Climate Democracy Initiative (CDI)

The Climate Democracy Initiative empowers educators, youth, and communities to connect climate action with civic engagement. Through professional learning, leadership development, and community partnerships, we design pathways to help young people lead meaningful local actions that... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Black Bear | Vida Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4817 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

2:30pm MDT

The City of Denver’s Continuous Improvement of Urban Waterways

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Willow Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

Learn how the City of Denver uses a multi-agency approach to protect and improve urban waterways by reimagining infrastructure design and by implementing cutting-edge water quality monitoring technology. Hear how podcasting our environmental messages gave our outreach a fresh sound. Walk away with tips on what makes podcast programs successful.

Presenters

Cat Malatesta

Stormwater Analyst, City & County of Denver

Dori Tilko

Environmental Trainer , City and County of Denver- Environmental Quality

Dori Tilko is an Environmental Trainer with the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment, where she’s spent over 20 years helping City of Denver employees protect land, air, water and public health. She’s known for creating a dynamic, ever-evolving training program that... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Willow Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Conservation

2:30pm MDT

From Classroom to Community: Designing Community-Based EE Partnerships

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Bear Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

Learn how a CU Boulder course turns the second half of a semester into a scaffolded, community-based environmental education design project. Participants will examine partnership-building, inclusive design, and implementation tools, then leave with adaptable strategies for creating reciprocal, real-world environmental learning with students and community partners.

Presenters

Lee Frankel-Goldwater

Assistant Teaching Professor, University of Colorado Boulder

Lee is a devoted social innovator and environmental educator. His work explores how collaborative approaches to community engagement can improve the design, implementation, and assessment of cross-border environmental initiatives. Lee's recent projects include a community-based planning... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Bear Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

EE for All

2:30pm MDT

Rooted in Community: A Case Study in Environmental Learning Through Partnership

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

What happens when agriculture and solar energy share the same land? Agrivoltaics not only reshapes how we use space—it brings together farmers, scientists, educators, and communities in new ways. This session shares a case study of how that intersection can become a powerful tool for student learning.Grounded in real-world practice, we’ll explore how cross-sector collaboration creates authentic opportunities for students to engage with environmental challenges and solutions. Attendees will gain insight into how “messy,” interconnected systems can spark deeper learning and connection.

Presenters

Emma Miller

Educator, Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center

Emma eats, sleeps, and breathes science. She also dreams of a world where all students have access to hands-on, meaningful science experiences. She earned her B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Genetics from Iowa State University, where she contributed to research on the evolution of cotton... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

PreK-12 Education

2:30pm MDT

The Visual Language of the Land: GIS as a Tool for Neurodiverse Environmental Education

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Hydro Teaching Lab | Hydro Building 1st Floor

Explore Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a visual language for neurodiverse learners. Discover how to move from static maps to "Citizen Cartography" using ArcGIS Field Maps and StoryMaps. Learn to empower students of all ages to capture, visualize, and share their own environmental data, turning field observations into immersive stories.

**Plan on getting outside during this session!

Presenters

John Lacroix

Cartographer, GIS Analyst & GIS Storyteller, Crawford Pathworks

John Lacroix is the founder of Crawford Pathworks, a GIS consulting firm specializing in land development and recreation planning. With over 15 years of experience in Outdoor Education and trail stewardship, John has dedicated his career to connecting people with their inherent potential... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Hydro Teaching Lab | Hydro Building 1st Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Skills and Professional Learning

2:30pm MDT

Outdoor Homeschool Enrichment - Creating Second Spaces in Nature for Homeschool Youth

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Spring Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor

Explore how state-funded homeschool enrichment programs can be spaces of community connection and growth through Bluff Lake Nature Center’s case study. This session examines how long-term, place-based learning provides a vital "second place" for youth. Gain tangible strategies for integrating ecological literacy, stewardship, and social-emotional learning into K-8 outdoor programs.

Presenters

Casey McCabe

School Programs Manager, Bluff Lake Nature Center

Casey McCabe is the School Programs Manager at Bluff Lake Nature Center. She is passionate about creating welcoming learning environments where people can build meaningful connections to the natural world. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Earlham College and a Master of... Read More →

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Spring Creek | Hydro Building 2nd Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Youth Development

3:45pm MDT

Plenary | Rooted in Excellence: Celebrating Our Champions of Community Care

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm MDT

Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building 1st Floor

A thriving ecosystem is only as strong as the roots that feed it. Tonight, we gather as a full community to shine a bright spotlight on the outstanding people lifting up environmental education across Colorado. Join us for this inspiring plenary session as we honor our exceptional 2026 award recipients. These changemakers represent the very best of our field—bridging divides, fostering empathy, and putting "Community Care" into real-world action. Come hear their stories, celebrate their achievements, and leave with a renewed sense of pride and inspiration for the shared work ahead. Cheers to our champions!

Presenters

Sarah Grove

Communications & Event Coordinator, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

Lauren Gibson

Executive Director, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm MDT
Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building 1st Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Skills and Professional Learning

5:00pm MDT

The Mycelium Mixer: Connect, Play, and Celebrate

Thursday September 17, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT

Hydro Lobby | Hydro Building 1st Floor

Just like the underground fungal networks that sustain a healthy forest, our community thrives on deep connections. This evening reception is designed to weave our common roots closer together. Mingle with fellow educators and professionals, chat with our newly crowned award winners, and discover new tools and partnerships by browsing the exhibitor booths. We’ll have light refreshment to fuel the conversation, plus a round of community trivia to kick off the fun. Come for the resources, stay for the laughs, and build the relationships that will inspire your work long after the weekend ends.

Stay tuned for additional details on where to find trivia, snacks, and a quieter space to connect.

Thursday September 17, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Hydro Lobby | Hydro Building 1st Floor CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

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