2026 CAEE Advancing EE Conference: Full Schedule

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9:45am MDT

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

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

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.

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
Willow Creek | Hydro Building 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

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 Programs, 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 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

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 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

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.

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 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

Rock Creek | Hydro Building

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

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 9:45am - 11:45am MDT
Rock Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 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

Black Bear | Vida Building

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

Educator Professional Learning Consultat, 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
Black Bear | Vida Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Skills and Professional Learning

1:15pm MDT

Earth-Based Art as Embodied Ecological Learning

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

Willow Creek | Hydro Building

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 →

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

Connection to Nature/Health and Wellness

1:15pm MDT

The Plant Mobile: A Plant Giveaway to Reach a New Generation

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

Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building

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.

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
Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building 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

Rock Creek | Hydro Building

Committed to conservation outcomes from your education programs but unsure of priority issues? The State Wildlife Action Plan and other plans identify threats and conservation actions including essential communication efforts. Linking education programs with plan priorities improves the efforts of educators and biologists, and more importantly, benefits wildlife and habitat.

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
Rock Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Conservation

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

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

Career Services Specialist, State of Colorado

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 CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

PreK-12 Education

1:15pm MDT

Thirsting for a Future Post film screening Discussion

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

Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building

Description coming soon.

Presenters

Christi Bode

Moxiecran Media

Christi Bode is a documentary filmmaker and 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 films... Read More →

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

PreK-12 Education

1:15pm MDT

Where is the Learning in Experiential Education?

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

Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building

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.

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
Confluence Theater | Hyrdo Building 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

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

Taylor Ruffin

Program Manager, 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 CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Youth Development

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

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

Dori Tilko

Environmental Trainer, City of Denver

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 CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Conservation

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

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.

Presenters

Hayley Reynolds

ECLIPSE Program Manager, ECLIPSE with CDI

Hayley Reynolds brings over 20 years of experience in youth leadership systems and development, as well as youth program evaluation and training. Her work sits at the intersection of youth empowerment, community engagement, and climate action, creating experiences that help young... Read More →

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

Early Childhood Outdoor and Environmental Learning

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

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 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

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

Agrivoltaics 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 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

Spring Creek | Hydro Building

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.

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
Spring Creek | Hydro Building 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

Rock Creek | Hydro Building

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
Rock Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Youth Development

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