2026 CAEE Advancing EE Conference: Full Schedule

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...
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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,...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

7:40am MDT

Forest Bathing: The Impact of Noticing

Friday September 18, 2026 7:40am - 8:40am MDT

Spring Creek | Hydro Building

Up to 15 conference participants per session slow down outdoors on the CSU SPUR campus and along the river to immerse themselves in nature through the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or literally translated, forest bathing. Bathing suits are not required, but you may want to bring water shoes and shorts. On this guided walk participants will be offered a series of invitations to open their...
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Presenters

Lyndsy Fitzniak

Co-Founder, Mountain Walks & Wellness

My name is Lyndsy Fitzniak. I am a certified nature and forest therapy guide accredited through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) and cofounded a wellness business called Mountain Walks & Wellness. I am certified interpretive guide (CIG) working as a park interpreter... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 7:40am - 8:40am MDT
Spring Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Connection to Nature/Health and Wellness

7:40am MDT

Waking up with Nature

Friday September 18, 2026 7:40am - 8:40am MDT

Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building

Start the day off outside taking a walk along the South Platte River, and learn a bit about how the history of our urban landscape has impacted and our riparian ecosystem. It's a beautiful space full of life and challenges!

Presenters

Stefan Karg

Lead Specialist for Education and Engagement, The Gardens on Spring Creek

Stefan has been admiring the natural world of Colorado and beyond since he was a tiny kiddo. Growing up spending as much time as possible outside, it became a life passion to share our incredible world with everyone that would listen. As a long time environmental educator, he recently... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 7:40am - 8:40am MDT
Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Connection to Nature/Health and Wellness

7:40am MDT

CAEE Annual Member Meeting

Friday September 18, 2026 7:40am - 8:40am MDT

Willow Creek | Hydro Building

The Annual Member Meeting is an opportunity to meet our new director, learn about state and national initiatives, catch up on CAEE news, and provide direction for EE in Colorado. We want to make sure we are meeting the needs of environmental and outdoor educators and organizations. Join us to provide your feedback on the most important things CAEE can be doing to support you!

Friday September 18, 2026 7:40am - 8:40am MDT
Willow Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Skills and Professional Learning

9:00am MDT

Moving Toward Kinship: Integrating the More-Than-Human Voice Into EE

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

Bear Creek | Hydro Building

What if interspecies communication were a cultivable orientation, not a fringe phenomenon? Drawing on original dissertation research, this session presents eight themes characterizing the movement toward genuine kinship with the more-than-human world, and explores how educators can shape curriculum and practice around them. Leave with practices you can use.

Presenters

Deb Matlock

Founder, Environmental Educator, Wild Rhythms, LLC

Deb Matlock is an environmental educator, spiritual ecologist, and nature‑based guide with more than twenty-five years of experience helping people build meaningful, reciprocal relationships with the more-than-human world. Her work focuses on weaving ecological awareness, reflective... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Bear Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Connection to Nature/Health and Wellness

9:00am MDT

Outdoor, Place-Based Strategies for Trauma and Neurodiversity

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

Spring Creek | Hydro Building

Students affected by trauma and neurodiverse learners often struggle in traditional classroom environments that rely heavily on sitting, sustained attention, and rigid structures. Outdoor learning environments can provide powerful opportunities for regulation, engagement, and meaningful learning.In this session, participants will explore how nature-based and outdoor education approaches can...
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Presenters

Megan Patterson

Founder and Head of School, Worldmind Nature Immersion School

Megan Patterson is the Founder and Executive Director of Worldmind School, an outdoor, place-based, non-profit independent school in Denver serving students from preschool through 12th grade, and the Founder of Beyond Exceptional, which provides free homeschool enrichment programs... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Spring Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Early Childhood Outdoor and Environmental Learning

9:00am MDT

Advancing CSU’s Land Grant Mission Through Nature & Health Initiatives

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

Willow Creek | Hydro Building

CSU Extension is charting a bold new path in the emerging field of Nature & Health. Through innovative, accessible programs and partnerships, Extension is helping people across Colorado connect with the outdoors as a source of health, resilience, and healing and offering experiences that nurture belonging and strengthen community wellbeing.

Presenters

Sue Schneider

Lead Presenter, Colorado State University Extension

Sue Schneider, Ph.D. is a medical anthropologist and community health specialist with over 20 years of experience designing and evaluating community-based programs. As an Extension Professor and Sate Health Specialist with Colorado State University’s Office of Engagement and Extension... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Willow Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

EE for All

9:00am MDT

eeHigher Education In-Person Meeting

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

Black Bear | Vida Building

TBA

Presenters

Sarah Grove

Communications & Event Coordinator, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Black Bear | Vida Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

PreK-12 Education

9:00am MDT

Finding Your Path in Environmental Education: EE Leader Panel

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

Willow Creek | Hydro Building

Are you new to the field of environmental education with less than five years of experience? Do you have questions about building a long-term career in the EE field? Join us to hear from EE leaders about paths to success and how to stand out as you advance your career.

Presenters

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 →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Willow Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Skills and Professional Learning

9:00am MDT

What Changes When Learning Becomes Relational?

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

Willow Creek | Hydro Building

This roundtable explores experiential learning as a relational practice grounded in story, place, and connection to the more-than-human world. Participants will engage in dialogue around shifting from content delivery to relational approaches, sharing challenges, practices, and possibilities for integrating experiential, place-based learning into diverse educational settings.

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Willow Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Skills and Professional Learning

9:00am MDT

Helping Every Teen See Themselves in Green Careers

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

Rock Creek | Hydro Building

Imagine if every teen understood how their interests, talents, and passions could lead to a meaningful career with opportunities to care for the environment. Explore the newly expanded and redesigned Green Pathways website and brand new classroom ready tools to help you integrate career exploration and workforce readiness into your instruction.

Presenters

Lisa Eadens

Program Coordinator, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

Lisa grew up in a small mountain town on Colorado’s Western Slope where she developed a love for outdoor recreation and a respect for our natural world. She earned a B.S. in Biology from Davidson College and an M.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Rock Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Youth Development

12:45pm MDT

Leveraging Invertebrates to Break Barriers in Environmental Education

Friday September 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT

Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building

Ask someone why they might not want to join you on a camping trip– “bugs” is almost guaranteed to make their list of reasons. As outdoor educators and conservationists, we can transform negative outlooks on our invertebrate neighbors, creating a powerful tool for inclusion and investment in conservation.

Presenters

Annalise Goeke

Outdoor Educator

Through years of working in and around the sphere of formal education, as well as weekends spent deep in the woods, Annalise Goeke found herself drawn to work in Environmental Education in an attempt to combine passion and profession. She took a leap of faith and moved cross-country... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT
Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Conservation

12:45pm MDT

Guidestone Games; creating new experiences through play

Friday September 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT

Spring Creek | Hydro Building

Join Guidestone Colorado in discovering the power of play. We believe that games are a central part of learning and our education model. Through this session, you will play one of our new games,' The Garden is full of Life', which is a life-sized board game that teaches students all about farming and gardening. Come ready to play and brainstorm new ways to teach in your outdoor classroom....
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Presenters

Maytal Agasi

Garden Educator and Education Director, Guidestone Colorado

Tracy Green

Friday September 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT
Spring Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Early Childhood Outdoor and Environmental learning

12:45pm MDT

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment Toolkit for School Gardens

Friday September 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT

Black Bear | Vida Building

CU Boulder graduate consultants developed a literature-informed toolkit with SustainEd Farms to evaluate school garden impact. Explore methods and take home adaptable tools to measure and communicate outcomes.

Presenters

Camille Britt

Consultants, SustainEd Farms

Sustain Ed Farms, a local non-profit that runs school gardens in the Denver Public School District, is working three graduate student consultants from University of Colorado Boulder’s Master of the Environment program. Jake Meltzer has a variety of farm and restaurant experience... Read More →

Ashley Hopfer

Jake Meltzer

Friday September 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT
Black Bear | Vida Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

EE for All

12:45pm MDT

Bringing outdoor education into the classroom

Friday September 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT

Bear Creek | Hydro Building

This session explores how environmental educators can bring outdoor learning into indoor classrooms while maintaining engagement and effective classroom management. Drawing on our experience teaching with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies in public elementary schools, we address the growing challenge of student behavioral and emotional needs.Participants will engage in real-world...
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Presenters

Chloe Comcowich

Environmental Educator, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

Chloe Comcowich grew up in the hills of Vermont and New Hampshire where she gained an excitement for the outdoors, environmental stewardship, skiing, and kindness towards all. She graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelors in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources in... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT
Bear Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

PreK-12 Education

12:45pm MDT

What's the Dirt on DIGS?

Friday September 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT

Rock Creek | Hydro Building

During this session, you’ll learn about DIGS (Developing Individuals, Growing Stewards) an interactive, agricultural literacy and environmental education curriculum designed for the 3rd through 5th grade audience. Get moving with our hands-on activities, then take home the materials to share what you’ve learned with your students.

Presenters

Toby Swaford

4-H Youth Development State Specialist, STEM & K-12 Outreach, Colorado State University Extension

Toby Swaford has specialized in informal educational programming for over 30-years. He has designed interactive, hands-on experiences for a variety of zoos, aquariums, and museums; as well as serving as the STEAM program manager for the Denver Comic Con. He currently works for Colorado... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm MDT
Rock Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Youth Development

2:00pm MDT

Moving Beyond Translation: Promoting Inclusive Environmental Education

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Willow Creek | Hydro Building

Moving beyond translation, this session explores how bilingual environmental education can cultivate true belonging for multilingual learners. Grounded in practices from Denver Botanic Gardens’ school and camp programs, participants will examine asset-based language strategies, culturally responsive plant connections, and family-inclusive engagement models. Educators will leave with practical...
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Presenters

Esperanza Rodriguez

Assistant Manager of School and Camp Programs, Denver Botanic Gardens

Esperanza Rodriguez, Assistant Manager of School and Camp Programs at Denver Botanic Gardens, promotes belonging in environmental education and aims to eliminate barriers for diverse communities. She focuses on igniting curiosity in young learners and provides innovative resources... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Willow Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Conservation

2:00pm MDT

Field Notes & Future Leaders: Engaging Middle and High School Students in Community-Based Environmental Learning

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building

This session explores effective strategies for engaging middle and high school students in environmental education programs outside of school hours, highlighting both common challenges and successful approaches from real-world practice. The session will highlight examples of program models, participant feedback, and adaptations made to programs, and provide time for participants to identify...
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Presenters

Andrea Aust

Education Director, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

Andrea's career came full circle in 2019 when she returned to ACES—the site of her first "dream job" as a naturalist—to oversee ACES' education programs. Prior to her current role at ACES, she worked at KQED, the San Francisco Bay Area's public media station, developing science... Read More →

Phebe Meyers

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

EE for All

2:00pm MDT

English Class as a Climate Solution: Building Interdepartmental Partnerships for Systemic Change

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Bear Creek | Hydro Building

Join us to explore how an innovative partnership between Sustainability and Humanities is reshaping how high school English students address climate issues in Denver Public Schools. Attendees will walk away with concrete strategies for how to build interdepartmental partnerships to empower climate action and increase student’s access to the Seal of Climate Literacy diploma endorsement in their...
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Presenters

Jordan Allen

Sustainability Engagement Manager, Denver Public Schools

Jordan oversees the Denver Public Schools Engagement Team, which integrates sustainable practices into schools through climate curriculum, student-led sustainability projects, and school gardens. With over ten years of experience in Denver Public Schools as a coach, teacher, and leader... Read More →

Anne Marie Blieszner

Denver Public Schools

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Bear Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

PreK-12 Education

2:00pm MDT

The Transformative Praxis Lab: Auditing for Climate Literacy Impact

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Spring Creek | Hydro Building

Move beyond awareness to systemic action. Use the Wild Rose Education Transformative Praxis Lab to audit your programs for alignment with Colorado’s Climate Literacy priorities. Practice Ethical Observation visual routines that remove learning barriers and identify Action Gaps to transform your teaching and programs into an engine for relational care and civic change.

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 →

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Spring Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

PreK-12 Education

2:00pm MDT

Leading is a story you tell

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Black Bear | Vida Building

Leaders have to storytell and find ways to connect with constituents, employees, collaborators and stakeholder. What stories are we making that create understanding and connection? How much time do we afford when art becomes the vehicle for making community? When do we share poems, memoirs and stories for strategic goals? Franklin Cruz will lead through different exercises and strategies for how...
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Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Black Bear | Vida Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Skills and Professional Learning

2:00pm MDT

What Comes Next? - Teen Engagement Programs

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT

Rock Creek | Hydro Building

From storytimes to summer camps, kids love being at The Gardens. As the years go by, they start to wonder...what comes next when they get to middle or high school? This session explores stewardship focused programs that bridge the gap and keep teens engaged in their passion for the outdoors.

Presenters

Hannah Krikorian

Britt Mowen

Youth and Teen Programs Coordinator, The Gardens on Spring Creek, City of Fort Collins

Britt Mowen is the Youth and Teen Programs Coordinator at The Gardens on Spring Creek botanic garden in Fort Collins, Colorado. She has been through many roles during her time at The Gardens including volunteer, education intern, seasonal teen mentor, and now coordinator. Her primary... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Rock Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Youth Development

3:15pm MDT

Common Roots, Different Views: Cultivating Community Conversations

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Willow Creek | Hydro Building

Move beyond the "what" of natural resources to the "who." Using PLT’s Discover Your Urban Forest, we’ll trade field guides for stakeholder perspectives. Learn to facilitate multi-perspective dialogue on land-use and equity. This hands-on session equips any educator to help learners make environmental connections with their home community settings.

Presenters

Danielle Ardrey

State Co-coordinator, Colorado Project Learning Tree

Danielle Ardrey loves connecting people with the natural world! At the Colorado State Forest Service, she co-coordinates the Colorado Project Learning Tree, sharing the importance of forests with communities across the state. With experience in everything from middle school science... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Willow Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Conservation

3:15pm MDT

Observation as the roots of teaching EE.

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building

Observation helps us connect to nature. Teaching how to look closely at the world helps us understand big, complicated ideas through real-life experience.We'ss practice observation activities that turn participants from quiet listeners into active explorers then discuss how to connect observation activities to your own lessons. Please bring your ideas and questions to share with the group!

Presenters

Angela Borland

Natural History Program Specialist, Boulder County Parks & Open Space

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Cottonwood Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

EE for All

3:15pm MDT

Becoming a Culturally Responsive Teacher: Sustaining the Cultures of Young Children

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Rock Creek | Hydro Building

Culturally responsive teaching begins with understanding your own lens and honoring the cultures children bring into your program. From NAEYC's new book "Becoming a Culturally Responsive Teacher: Sustaining the Cultures of Young Children" this session will provide clear explanations of culturally responsive practices and why they matter to children’s sense of self and their learning and...
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Presenters

Dr. Dorothy Shapland Rodriguez

Professor, MSU Denver

Dr. Dorothy Shapland Rodriguez is a Professor in the Special Education, Early Childhood, and Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education Department at the School of Education, Metropolitan State University of Denver. A nationally recognized expert in trauma-informed equity practices... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Rock Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

PreK-12 Education

3:15pm MDT

Following the Four Directions: Repair-Oriented Education Practices for Park Interpreters

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Spring Creek | Hydro Building

Reconnect learners with land and meaning through South Platte Park’s Following the Four Directions framework. Explore slow pedagogy, tracking as a way of knowing, storytelling, and dialogic learning—practical, place-based strategies that spark curiosity, foster relationships, and inspire ethical action in every park experience.

Presenters

Kevin P. O'Brien

Lead Park Interpreter & School Programs Coordinator, South Suburban Parks & Recreation

Kevin P. O’Brien is the School Programs Coordinator at South Platte Park and the Carson Nature Center, where he designs and facilitates place-based environmental education experiences for students, educators, and community members. His work centers on holistic, justice-oriented... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Spring Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

PreK-12 Education

3:15pm MDT

The Bridge: Using Environmental Education to Connect Intergenerational Leaders Across Communities

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Black Bear | Vida Building

This panel presentation will feature three speakers from three different areas of Colorado, focusing on the development of youth for future civic leadership using environmental education. Our speakers will cover different communities in Colorado, the challenges facing those communities, and the kind of environmental education they find works in connecting young minds to community leaders and...
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Presenters

Kara Lamb

Program Manager, Community Visioning, Climate Democracy Initiative

Kara Lamb is the Community Visioning Program Manager for the Climate Democracy Initiative where she leads strategic engagement to help communities shape equitable, resilient, and locally grounded climate futures. She specializes in building trust across diverse stakeholders, managing... Read More →

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Black Bear | Vida Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Youth Development

3:15pm MDT

Water Education Exemplars Explained

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Bear Creek | Hydro Building

Today’s children will be adults in 2050, when the Colorado Water Plan will be fully implemented. In support of the plan and water literacy, we’ve built an external evaluation system, using the Guidelines for Excellence in EE. We’re identifying 100 "Water Education Exemplars" with a team of 35 youth evaluators.

Presenters

Alexia Lor

Youth Reviewer/Colorado Water Fellow, Colorado Watershed Assembly/Metropolitan State University of Denver

Environmental science student passionate about applying classroom knowledge on water resources, sustainability, and ecological systems in real-world environmental challenges through hands on experience. Eager to expand and deepen understanding of environmental issues through collaborative... Read More →

Donny Roush

Friday September 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Bear Creek | Hydro Building CSU Spur Campus | 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Youth Development

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