BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:2026leefconf
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com 2026 LEEF Conference Wakulla Wild//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260327T120000Z
DTEND:20260327T170000Z
SUMMARY:Field Trip: Explore Apalachee Bay & Estuary @ FSU Marine Lab (Pre-Register)
DESCRIPTION:This field trip requires pre-registeration and $10 fee. Adding the trip to your agenda in Sched is not the same as registering for the trip! \n\nTo register\, please email leef.florida@gmail.com&nbsp\;before March 20.
CATEGORIES:FIELD TRIP
LOCATION:Off-Site Field Trip\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8500ae69bfae498d710b94f92cbba4b6
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/8500ae69bfae498d710b94f92cbba4b6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260327T140000Z
DTEND:20260327T160000Z
SUMMARY:Field Trip: Gulf Specimen Marine Lab (Pre-Register)
DESCRIPTION:This field trip requires pre-registeration and a $10 fee. Adding the trip to your agenda in Sched is not the same as registering for the trip!To register\, please email leef.florida@gmail.com&nbsp\;before March 20.
CATEGORIES:FIELD TRIP
LOCATION:Off-Site Field Trip\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4cbf077f8e48cac5f1501bfc9c016e96
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/4cbf077f8e48cac5f1501bfc9c016e96
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260327T170000Z
DTEND:20260327T200000Z
SUMMARY:Field Trip: Discover St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with Don Morrow (Pre-Register)
DESCRIPTION:This field trip requires pre-registeration and a $5 fee. Adding the trip to your agenda in Sched is not the same as registering for the trip!To register\, please email leef.florida@gmail.com&nbsp\;before March 20.
CATEGORIES:FIELD TRIP
LOCATION:Off-Site Field Trip\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:004a6eb491edf65012280fb4424bbab7
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/004a6eb491edf65012280fb4424bbab7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260327T173000Z
DTEND:20260327T190000Z
SUMMARY:Field Trip: Wakulla Springs Boat Tour 2PM (Pre-Register)
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:FIELD TRIP
LOCATION:Off-Site Field Trip\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0a09b34dba1cd1c50e90778e91b5b80f
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/0a09b34dba1cd1c50e90778e91b5b80f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260327T183000Z
DTEND:20260327T200000Z
SUMMARY:Field Trip: Wakulla Springs Boat Tour 3PM (Pre-Register)
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:FIELD TRIP
LOCATION:Off-Site Field Trip\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:49f08738a9f48c3f8b576e8784299feb
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/49f08738a9f48c3f8b576e8784299feb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260327T190000Z
DTEND:20260327T210000Z
SUMMARY:2 Hr Workshop: Local Waters\, Global Impact: Engaging Teachers in Water Testing and Environmental Action
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a hands-on workshop using local spring water samples to explore connections between climate\, pollution\, and community health for humans and wildlife. Participants will test water quality\, collect and log data\, and consider how to integrate civic action into classroom practice. All attendees will receive a copy of Local Waters\, Global Impact to support place-based environmental education.\n\nThis workshop requires pre-registeration. Adding the workshop to your agenda in Sched is not the same as registering for the workshop!To register\, please email leef.florida@gmail.com&nbsp\;before March 20.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP
LOCATION:WEI Lab\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bf87d326e1e9e7daf072ee4717f0cf0f
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/bf87d326e1e9e7daf072ee4717f0cf0f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260327T210000Z
DTEND:20260328T000000Z
SUMMARY:Springs to Shore Social\, Refreshments & Live Music
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A&B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:116ac7274db2f7fbb2bed375c75910f2
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/116ac7274db2f7fbb2bed375c75910f2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T120000Z
DTEND:20260328T123000Z
SUMMARY:Conference Check-In & Coffee
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:WEI Dogtrot\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:dda4d787d5b63ae498a0f2a04e26ff35
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/dda4d787d5b63ae498a0f2a04e26ff35
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T123000Z
DTEND:20260328T131500Z
SUMMARY:Conference Welcome & Introduction
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A&B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:992d133b3be67d596a01ccbabcb13e33
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/992d133b3be67d596a01ccbabcb13e33
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T133000Z
DTEND:20260328T142000Z
SUMMARY:Cultivating Connections with Florida’s Wildflowers: An Updated Curriculum for Environmental Educators
DESCRIPTION:Since first sharing our Wild About Wildflowers! curriculum at the 2018 LEEF conference\, the Florida Wildflower Foundation has expanded and refreshed the guide to include new activities\, updated resources and deeper connections to Florida standards. Designed for formal and nonformal educators alike\, the curriculum introduces students to the beauty\, ecology and importance of Florida’s native wildflowers and pollinators through hands-on\, inquiry-based learning. This session will showcase highlights of the updated guide\, including activities that explore wildflower habitats\, pollinator relationships and real-world conservation actions students can take in their communities. Presenters will share strategies for incorporating these activities into a variety of learning settings and provide resources to help participants adapt them for their own students and audiences. Join us to discover how Florida’s wildflowers can spark curiosity\, deepen ecological understanding\, and empower the next generation of environmental stewards.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Lab\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e3c82f55052883ff0fd4ebec47e7b97e
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/e3c82f55052883ff0fd4ebec47e7b97e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T133000Z
DTEND:20260328T142000Z
SUMMARY:Outdoors Are for Everyone: Supporting Guests with Disabilities in Nature
DESCRIPTION:Discover how Bonnet Springs Park creates outdoor learning spaces that welcome everyone. This session will highlight common barriers to access\, share creative strategies for overcoming them\, and showcase the benefits of prioritizing accessibility. Participants will leave with applicable tools\, inclusive resources\, and examples of how program facilitators can integrate accessibility into uncommon spaces.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5492e6df132c33de336d4215c1731614
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/5492e6df132c33de336d4215c1731614
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T133000Z
DTEND:20260328T142000Z
SUMMARY:Sustainability Fellows: Applied Research Benefitting Community Partners
DESCRIPTION:The Sustainability Fellows program provides an opportunity for students of any discipline to participate in furthering sustainability efforts on the FSU campus and in the Tallahassee community. Sustainability Fellows can be selected from any major or field of study. Fellows work in collaboration with campus and community partners to actively engage in research\, propose strategies\, and identify opportunities for sustainability issues.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Dogtrot\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8374183cdf971e44ca312ba4b4d5f1c7
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/8374183cdf971e44ca312ba4b4d5f1c7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T133000Z
DTEND:20260328T153000Z
SUMMARY:2 Hr. Workshop - AWE: A Watershed Event\, a new curriculum for teaching interdependence in ecosystems
DESCRIPTION:The AWE curriculum is developed around an anchoring phenomenon of harmful algal blooms. The short AWE unit begins with a watershed lesson\, followed by a longer lesson on food webs/trophic levels/interconnectedness. The unit culminates in an investigation in which students use what they have learned to discover how nutrient loading can affect aquatic habitat quality and return to the anchoring phenomenon to figure out its causes. All lessons meet the call for ambitious science teaching practices and the national NGSS frameworks and standards and builds on required Florida NGSSS standards (Windschitl et al\, 2018\; NRC\, 2012\; NGSS 2013). The unit has been successfully pilot-tested through several iterations by many experienced teachers and revised based on their input. Participants will get to experience some of the activities and discuss the entire curriculum.\n\nThis workshop requires pre-registeration. Adding the workshop to your agenda in Sched is not the same as registering for the workshop!To register\, please email leef.florida@gmail.com&nbsp\;before March 20.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:142d63a4de2459973ec34edae2997c6f
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/142d63a4de2459973ec34edae2997c6f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T140000Z
DTEND:20260329T000000Z
SUMMARY:Silent Auction
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:TBA\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:37fbb29771917fba7adfbe93d2b72e8a
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/37fbb29771917fba7adfbe93d2b72e8a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T143000Z
DTEND:20260328T152000Z
SUMMARY:Beyond Storytime: Creating Your Own Children's Picture Book to Promote Place-Based Literacy
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever heard of a children’s book that features an endangered snail kite as its main character? At our Everglades-focused\, South Florida nature center\, neither had we – and we needed one! – so we decided to create our own. Join us to learn from our center’s experience writing and illustrating *Sam the Snail Kite and the Secret of the Everglades* as a springboard for creative\, place-based literacy programming and community outreach. We will share tips and cautionary tales about writing your own book\, as well as techniques for using children’s picture books to engage young readers in the natural world at your site.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ee6894b68627efa996350bc0244cb55b
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/ee6894b68627efa996350bc0244cb55b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T143000Z
DTEND:20260328T152000Z
SUMMARY:Explore with the Florida Geological Survey
DESCRIPTION:Have you ever wondered where the sand on the beaches in Florida originates? Why are there rolling hills between Tampa and Orlando? What is the reason shark teeth occur in rocks far from coastlines? Florida’s geologic history provides answers. Connect with geologists and educators at the Florida Geological Survey (FGS) to learn about Florida’s geology\, explore the work that the FGS does and discover resources we provide to educators\, including 3D scans of Florida fossils and virtual museum tours.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Lab\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:394111ae80b0b4b6307fcc18b3f01750
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/394111ae80b0b4b6307fcc18b3f01750
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T143000Z
DTEND:20260328T152000Z
SUMMARY:From Vision to Funding: Grant Writing Through a Logic Model Approach
DESCRIPTION:Environmental educators often rely on grants to fund their work. The logic model is a foundational tool that not only strengthens grant proposals but also is fundamental to program planning\, implementation and evaluation. This workshop will use the collaborative\, inclusive power of liberating structures with the rigor of the logic model approach to co-create and teach environmental educators how to write an effective grant proposal. This will be a hands-on\, highly interactive format designed to move participants from abstract ideas to concrete\, fundable project plans.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Porch\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4e564859cc6e5f208af46d08160a242a
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/4e564859cc6e5f208af46d08160a242a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T153000Z
DTEND:20260328T162000Z
SUMMARY:From Badges to Action: Engaging Scouts in Community Action Projects for the Environment
DESCRIPTION:This session highlights a University of Florida Extension project that integrates the Community Action Project for the Environment (CAPE) framework with youth from Scouting America\, Girl Scouts of the USA\, and other groups. Parents and troop leaders are equipped to guide youth through multi-month\, community-based environmental action projects. Evaluation results demonstrate growth in youth scientific literacy\, skills\, and efficacy\, illustrating how CAPE empowers meaningful\, long-term environmental action.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Lab\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fd8fd1b1cf1c9639028d3bf9b9f3a1d0
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/fd8fd1b1cf1c9639028d3bf9b9f3a1d0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T153000Z
DTEND:20260328T162000Z
SUMMARY:Growing Up WILD: How We Are “Growing” Our Next Generation That Cares
DESCRIPTION:What do 15 years of growing look like and where we are finding our next generation?\n Sharing our story about using Growing Up WILD in our Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (FYCCN) and evaluation of this national program from educators to the children that benefit from the curriculum. We will ‘show and tell’ how you can bring this award-winning early childhood education curriculum to your classrooms\, centers\, and business that work with children ages 3-7. \n \n The State Coordinator for Project WILD in Florida\, Yatska Valentin\, will bring resources\, only for presentation participants\, on how you can become a facilitator or become educators for the program. Learn more about Project WILD\, Aquatic WILD and Flying WILD opportunities in your area. Patricia Brown\, Assistant Director at the Joe Budd Youth Conservation Center in Midway\, Fl. will share the success of the program in their monthly program both on site and in schools. We will tell the story of FYCCN and how you can become a partner with some great resources for you to use. \n This presentation will include activities that you can immediately use.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4b412c7b43522ad359a88aef6784d92d
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/4b412c7b43522ad359a88aef6784d92d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T153000Z
DTEND:20260328T162000Z
SUMMARY:The Wakulla Springs Lab: Connecting University Resources and Research-Supported Storytelling for Local Environmental Education
DESCRIPTION:This presentation will explain how the FSU Wakulla Springs Lab connects students\, scientists\, and media experts to produce educational materials\, tours\, and presentations about Wakulla Springs\, an International Geological Heritage Site in Wakulla County\, Florida. The presentation will also provide useful tips for enlisting college students to help build effective environmental communication materials.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:742dd6126f2028c3a3b81657be0cd105
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/742dd6126f2028c3a3b81657be0cd105
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T163000Z
DTEND:20260328T171500Z
SUMMARY:Lunch
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A&B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:90d9cfddb84ff1603f818a55f5f14415
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/90d9cfddb84ff1603f818a55f5f14415
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T173000Z
DTEND:20260328T182000Z
SUMMARY:Birds & Binoculars
DESCRIPTION:Educators can't always take participants outside to look for birds... and sometimes when we do\, the birds don't always cooperate! See how easy it is to teach the skill of using binoculars and the basics to identify birds. Not only is this a fun & easy way to introduce bird watching & identification\, but it will also prepare them to look at details when you can go outside to look for birds. Join me on the Great LEEF (fake) Bird Count!\n\nNote:Change in Presenter
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Porch\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d27fccd14a65fd284d9fcd28eff3baad
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/d27fccd14a65fd284d9fcd28eff3baad
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T173000Z
DTEND:20260328T182000Z
SUMMARY:Integrating AI into Environmental Education: Exploring New Tools and Strategies
DESCRIPTION:Environmental education faces critical challenges in keeping pace with rapidly evolving technological landscapes. AI offers support in planning\, content creation\, evaluation\, and teaching\, creating opportunities for innovative and timely content to engage students. This session introduces ways environmental educators can integrate AI into their practice through hands-on activities with various AI tools\, while addressing ethical considerations. Participants will gain practical skills to critically apply AI for lesson planning\, content development\, assessment\, and instruction\, fostering innovation in the field of environmental education.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ae033766211d8a350717258a64b539f7
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/ae033766211d8a350717258a64b539f7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T173000Z
DTEND:20260328T182000Z
SUMMARY:Marine Specimens in the Classroom
DESCRIPTION:We will teach about the marine specimens that we supply to universities and how they can be used as teaching tools in educating children about marine science\, embryology\, cellular reaggregation\, and different phyla of organisms.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Lab\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bb23c182e624d4fd63814aa04b274361
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/bb23c182e624d4fd63814aa04b274361
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T173000Z
DTEND:20260328T193000Z
SUMMARY:2 Hr. Workshop (fee-based) - Florida Project Learning Tree - Together For Birds (Pre-Register)
DESCRIPTION:In this workshop\, attendees will go through one of the new Project Learning Tree Collection books -&nbsp\;-Together for Birds Target Grades K-2&nbsp\;\n\nhttps://www.plt.org/curriculum/theme-based-activity-collections/\n \nEach collection offers hands-on activities for teachers and non-formal educators\, youth group leaders and home schoolers\, to connect youth to nature and the outdoors.Each Collection is designed to be flexible\, and the activities that comprise each collection can be used as individual\, stand-alone lessons\, or all together as a cohesive unit of instruction using a storyline technique.\n\nThis workshop requires pre-registeration and a $6 fee. Adding the workshop to your agenda in Sched is not the same as registering for the workshop!To register\, please email leef.florida@gmail.com&nbsp\;before March 20.
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0ff28fb108676e9ad66f528f4ded4376
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/0ff28fb108676e9ad66f528f4ded4376
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T183000Z
DTEND:20260328T192000Z
SUMMARY:Curating Florida’s Natural History: Educator-Centered Digital Strategies
DESCRIPTION:This presentation will discuss the use of digital technologies at the University of South Florida Libraries to transform archives from the Florida Environment and Natural History (FLENH) collections into openly accessible resources for educational purposes. The presentation will highlight an approach to digital curation that centers educators and researchers as the key audience. Rooted in strategic archival acquisitions and explored through educator-led partnerships\, the team has developed an online repository with more than 74\,000 records. This presentation will describe our workflow and openly accessible resource\, as well as three key outputs that might be immediately useful to Florida educators. First\, the Tampa Through Time Portal is a place-based interactive mapping portal that provides new ways to explore digitized FLENH materials. The ekphrastic Creekshed project\, hosted by USF Libraries\, uses FLENH archives to inspire local authors and students to write creative works grounded in the local watershed. Finally\, the Botanical Gardens 360 Tours and USF Greenways map illustrate new approaches to capturing environmental spaces and pairing them with historic documents to produce immersive contemporary tours.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Lab\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9b8c201102409d8858085f18453c51a0
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/9b8c201102409d8858085f18453c51a0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T183000Z
DTEND:20260328T192000Z
SUMMARY:Engaging the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
DESCRIPTION:Conservation Pathways is a nonprofit organization that serves high school and college students interested in pursuing careers in conservation. We work with students to develop field research\, science communication\, and professionalism skills. Through our science communication focus\, we provide field trips\, presentations\, and other environmental education opportunities for communities in Florida’s Big Bend region. This presentation will introduce our model for inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders\, share best management practices for internship programs\, and engage participants in a discussion about creative ways to use citizen science and experiential learning as tools to foster students’ and the general public’s connection to local ecosystems. Our fellows will practice their communication skills by sharing their personal experiences as well.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4fe6f0225e37a5165ca82810a7c22981
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/4fe6f0225e37a5165ca82810a7c22981
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T183000Z
DTEND:20260328T192000Z
SUMMARY:Love Where You Live: Creating Lifelong Connections Between Children and Nature
DESCRIPTION:Discover how Bonnet Springs Park’s student-centered approach to exploring outdoor spaces fosters deeper connections between children and their local heritage\, culture and native landscape. Participants will receive a behind-the-scenes look at our most successful programs and resources\, as well as applicable strategies to cultivate a sense of place\, belonging and personal meaning while making outdoor learning more relevant and impactful.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Porch\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3bfefe30a7a238f9dab5ae65300ef043
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/3bfefe30a7a238f9dab5ae65300ef043
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T193000Z
DTEND:20260328T202000Z
SUMMARY:General Member Meeting & Installation of Officers (All Welcome)
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A&B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d3f684a747a9743080ad3e1338753b1d
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/d3f684a747a9743080ad3e1338753b1d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T203000Z
DTEND:20260328T204500Z
SUMMARY:Leading with Nature: Youth Inclusion in Environmental Spaces
DESCRIPTION:This presentation\, led by the WILD teen stewards\, explores how programs like WILD promote inclusive leadership by engaging teens from diverse backgrounds in environmental education and action. Through immersion trips\, community programming\, and leadership engagement\, WILD teens develop professional skills while deepening their connection to Florida’s natural systems\, all as high school students. Presenting their stories illustrate how inclusive\, youth-centered programming can transform environmental spaces into platforms for growth and leadership. This presentation highlights the importance of cultivating spaces where every teen can engage\, lead\, and make an impact in environmental education.
CATEGORIES:LIGHTNING SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A&B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3eb80b246e93088142d9484c41bed921
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/3eb80b246e93088142d9484c41bed921
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T205000Z
DTEND:20260328T210500Z
SUMMARY:Professional Development for Environmental Educators in Africa: A CEE-Change Project
DESCRIPTION:This lightning presentation highlights a project from the 2025 Civic-Environmental Education (CEE) Change Fellowship of the North American Association of Environmental Educators (NAAEE). The project aims to provide professional development workshops that integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge into environmental education with the support of AI tools for environmental educators in Africa. Lessons learned from these international workshops will offer valuable insights into professional development for educators in Florida and beyond.
CATEGORIES:LIGHTNING SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A&B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1172548770c2ceee78886f665e81019b
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/1172548770c2ceee78886f665e81019b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T211000Z
DTEND:20260328T212500Z
SUMMARY:Why Native Plants are Important & How to Add Them to the Landscape
DESCRIPTION:Learn why native plants are so important – and how to add them to the landscape. For example\, plant keystone tree species or create a butterfly garden. Learn of helpful native plant websites and small grant programs for school plantings.
CATEGORIES:LIGHTNING SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A&B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ed42212126cf143c172dbfc03a622ac6
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/ed42212126cf143c172dbfc03a622ac6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T213000Z
DTEND:20260328T220000Z
SUMMARY:AI use in environmental education: Do ecological values really matter?
DESCRIPTION:As environmentalists\, our goal is to engage in activities that improve the well-being of the environment and promote the conservation and preservation of natural resources. &nbsp\;If environmentalists use AI\, it raises important questions about whether this use aligns with their ecological values. Using correlation and regression analysis\, I investigated how the ecological values of environmentalists influence their use of AI. Results will answer the question: “How environmentalists’ perceived usefulness of AI and their familiarity with AI's environmental impacts predictive factors of their AI usage?”.
CATEGORIES:RESEARCH POSTER SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Dogtrot\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6448a871d5b5c5e52563ddd4f28e64f9
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/6448a871d5b5c5e52563ddd4f28e64f9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T213000Z
DTEND:20260328T220000Z
SUMMARY:Immersive Green Spaces: A 3D Virtual Tour of the USF Botanical Gardens as an Interactive Resource for Environmental Learning
DESCRIPTION:This poster showcases how geospatial technologies and immersive media can enhance environmental education. Using high-resolution 360° imagery and virtual-tour software\, the USF Botanical Gardens were captured and transformed into an interactive virtual experience. Visitors can navigate the gardens and click embedded buttons that link directly to the USF Plant Atlas\, providing authoritative information on featured plant species. &nbsp\;The tour serves as a dynamic teaching and outreach resource: it allows students\, researchers\, and the public to explore Florida’s diverse plant communities anytime\, while deepening understanding of native ecosystems.
CATEGORIES:RESEARCH POSTER SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Dogtrot\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4d21f88ed37d715c56c865cb35c51f0e
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/4d21f88ed37d715c56c865cb35c51f0e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T213000Z
DTEND:20260328T220000Z
SUMMARY:Stormwater Outreach
DESCRIPTION:Content is created each month to educate the campus community on various ways they can positively impact stormwater systems and keep our watershed free of pollutants. Presenters will explain their research\, collaboration with partners\, and methods of communication.
CATEGORIES:RESEARCH POSTER SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Dogtrot\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6f1508f85d61dc1c9f063ff872cf6ef6
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/6f1508f85d61dc1c9f063ff872cf6ef6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T213000Z
DTEND:20260328T220000Z
SUMMARY:Urban Forestry Exploration Camp: Opening Doors for Youth
DESCRIPTION:This week-long summer camp is designed to introduce youth to and help them discover the world of urban forestry and related green industry jobs\, through engaging\, educational programming. The camp provides upper elementary and middle school youth experiences to explore the importance of forestry and urban trees for health and community benefits\, the importance of nature being part of our cities\, and the camp will inspire a new generation of urban forestry stewards.
CATEGORIES:RESEARCH POSTER SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Dogtrot\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c390255938ad17da992e3c6275521df4
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/c390255938ad17da992e3c6275521df4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T213000Z
DTEND:20260328T220000Z
SUMMARY:Youth Development Through Immersive Conservation Research in the Tropics
DESCRIPTION:Brevard Zoo’s Puerto Rico expedition empowered teen volunteers through hands-on conservation research\, real-world field experience\, and mentorship from scientists\, strengthening their environmental stewardship\, teamwork\, and interest in conservation careers while gaining new transferable life skills.
CATEGORIES:RESEARCH POSTER SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Dogtrot\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:97552688417a604b1f2a9a4e860c97aa
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/97552688417a604b1f2a9a4e860c97aa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260328T220000Z
DTEND:20260329T000000Z
SUMMARY:Dinner & Keynote\, Dr. Christopher Werner
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A&B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:391370620ce432f1ba068d448efcc7e1
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/391370620ce432f1ba068d448efcc7e1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260329T120000Z
DTEND:20260329T123000Z
SUMMARY:Morning Coffee & Networking
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:WEI Dogtrot\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c4f75be071bd5dc2b48c84524a27512d
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/c4f75be071bd5dc2b48c84524a27512d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260329T123000Z
DTEND:20260329T130000Z
SUMMARY:Memorial Tree Planting
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:TBA\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c3d591823c2461d1d88fb77865b42d5f
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/c3d591823c2461d1d88fb77865b42d5f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260329T131500Z
DTEND:20260329T133000Z
SUMMARY:General Session & Welcome Back
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A&B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:96c4c6e77a335941ce3f51c3c1975f4e
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/96c4c6e77a335941ce3f51c3c1975f4e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260329T133000Z
DTEND:20260329T142000Z
SUMMARY:Bugging Out
DESCRIPTION:*NEW Session\nWhat would it take for a species to survive climate change? In this interactive session\, participants will design their own insect adapted to changing environmental conditions and explore how climate impacts ecosystems. The activity connects creativity\, science concepts\, and classroom-ready strategies for teaching adaptation and resilience.
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:993dd1bacc6024dd3a871b3b9b72736c
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/993dd1bacc6024dd3a871b3b9b72736c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260329T133000Z
DTEND:20260329T142000Z
SUMMARY:Biocultural Education in the Amazon
DESCRIPTION:Indigenous youth in the Amazon navigate rapid social and environmental changes while sustaining traditional knowledge and territorial stewardship. This study collaborates teachers\, students and community members of a multiethnic Indigenous territory in the Colombian Amazon. Working alongside Indigenous teachers\, researchers explore integrating traditional ecological and biocultural knowledge with K-12 science and environmental education through curriculum co-design. The collaborative process integrates a needs assessment done to understand the community views on education\, conservation science\, environmental issues and current practices for traditional knowledge articulation. Findings highlight the importance of community-based and traditional knowledge to root learning in the local context and facilitate nature stewardship. The researchers share about their co-design experience and the strategies developed to articulate indigenous and local knowledge with scientific and global perspectives of territories and conservation.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:74e613953acd3ee33ebf99b11fe3f4aa
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/74e613953acd3ee33ebf99b11fe3f4aa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260329T133000Z
DTEND:20260329T142000Z
SUMMARY:Dispersed Yet United
DESCRIPTION:Broward County has a large\, diverse group of residents and a limited number of natural areas for people to enjoy. Those that exist are small and not well known by residents. The North Natural Areas Naturalist group has created programing within natural areas\, regional parks and libraires to educate the public on the importance of native nature while also promoting wellness\, environmental education\, and building community.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Lab\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:047e4893b44f7da466e13ddb44043a5c
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/047e4893b44f7da466e13ddb44043a5c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260329T133000Z
DTEND:20260329T153000Z
SUMMARY:2 Hr. Workshop - Teaching with Connection: Indigenous pedagogies and Place-Based Learning (Pre-Register)
DESCRIPTION:*CANCELED BY PROFESSOR\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:WORKSHOP
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:21e530c2e299a11b1b5283d934525045
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/21e530c2e299a11b1b5283d934525045
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260329T143000Z
DTEND:20260329T153000Z
SUMMARY:Educational Farm Walk: Sustainable Growing\, Animal Integration\, and Orchards
DESCRIPTION:*NEW Session\nWalk with us at the farm and learn about sustainable agriculture\, various growing methods\, and animal integration with fruit production. WEI\, our conference host site\, will go over the educational farm which includes a farm field\, orchard\, greenhouses\, a catfish pond\, chicken run\, solar classroom and more!
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:WEI Dogtrot\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9bafd993982d03e60995dbfe4b0293d8
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/9bafd993982d03e60995dbfe4b0293d8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260329T143000Z
DTEND:20260329T152000Z
SUMMARY:Nature Journaling
DESCRIPTION:*NEW Session\nLooking for a fun activity to connect all ages to nature and learn more about birds.&nbsp\; This is the session for you.&nbsp\; Can be an extended lesson from the PLT workshop on Saturday or stand alone.&nbsp\; Come learn how to create your own nature journals\, and use them to learn more about birds and nature in general.&nbsp\; Go home with your own nature journal and agendas for multiple PLT nature journaling workshops.
CATEGORIES:FULL SESSION
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bdbefd5bda49766cc8f4bade1c69aee3
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/bdbefd5bda49766cc8f4bade1c69aee3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260513T062217Z
DTSTART:20260329T153000Z
DTEND:20260329T160000Z
SUMMARY:Conference Wrap-up & Announcements
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:WEI Main Classroom A&B\, 170 Preservation Wy\, Crawfordville\, FL\, USA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1e26e30627fbc1e951f6a9a016a55ab4
URL:http://2026leefconf.sched.com/event/1e26e30627fbc1e951f6a9a016a55ab4
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR