2026 LEEF Conference Wakulla Wild: Full Schedule

8:00am EDT

Field Trip: Explore Apalachee Bay & Estuary @ FSU Marine Lab (Pre-Register)

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00am - 1:00pm EDT

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!

To register, please email [email protected] before March 20.

Speakers

Ellen Granger

Director, Office of STEM Teaching Activities, Florida State University

Ellen Granger earned her doctorate in neuroscience and has been a practicing scientist and science educator since then. She has worked in teacher professional development for over 25 years with both preservice and inservice teachers at secondary and post-secondary levels. She is the... Read More →

Barbara Shoplock

Florida State University

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Off-Site Field Trip

Field Trip

10:00am EDT

Field Trip: Gulf Specimen Marine Lab (Pre-Register)

Friday March 27, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Off-Site Field Trip

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 [email protected] before March 20.

Speakers

Cypress Rudloe

Gulf Specimen Marine Lab

The Executive Director of Gulf Specimen Marine Lab that serves 30,000 school children every year and teaches them all about marine environments and how to best protect and preserve them.

Friday March 27, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Off-Site Field Trip

Field Trip

1:00pm EDT

Field Trip: Discover St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with Don Morrow (Pre-Register)

Friday March 27, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Off-Site Field Trip

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 [email protected] before March 20.

Friday March 27, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Off-Site Field Trip

Field Trip

1:30pm EDT

Field Trip: Wakulla Springs Boat Tour 2PM (Pre-Register)

Friday March 27, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

Off-Site Field Trip

Friday March 27, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Off-Site Field Trip

Field Trip

2:30pm EDT

Field Trip: Wakulla Springs Boat Tour 3PM (Pre-Register)

Friday March 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Off-Site Field Trip

Friday March 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Off-Site Field Trip

Field Trip

3:00pm EDT

2 Hr Workshop: Local Waters, Global Impact: Engaging Teachers in Water Testing and Environmental Action

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

WEI Lab

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...
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Speakers

Karolyn Burns

Education and Curriculum Manager

Karolyn Burns is an environmental educator and curriculum developer based in Florida, specializing in climate science, water systems, and place-based learning. Her work focuses on connecting students and teachers to local environmental issues through hands-on investigation, data... Read More →

Dr. Amal Ibourk

Associate Professor of Science Education, Florida State University

Dr. Amal Ibourk, Associate Professor of Science Education at Florida State University, studies how teaching and learning are shaped by identity, story, and place. She partners with teachers and schools to create hands-on experiences—such as community gardens—that connect students... Read More →

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
WEI Lab

Workshop

Presentation Style Hands-on demonstration, Field demonstrations, Research/Evaluation/Case Study, Curriculum or Resources
Strand Climate & Weather, Conservation & Restoration, Environmental Civic Action/Citizen Science
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Elementary (K-5), Pre-service Educators

5:00pm EDT

Springs to Shore Social, Refreshments & Live Music

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom A&B

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom A&B

8:00am EDT

Conference Check-In & Coffee

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

WEI Dogtrot

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
WEI Dogtrot

8:30am EDT

Conference Welcome & Introduction

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am EDT

WEI Main Classroom A&B

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am EDT
WEI Main Classroom A&B

9:30am EDT

Cultivating Connections with Florida’s Wildflowers: An Updated Curriculum for Environmental Educators

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

WEI Lab

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...
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Speakers

Stacey Matrazzo

Florida Wildflower Foundation

Stacey Matrazzo joined the Florida Wildflower Foundation in 2015 as its program manager. Before that, she worked for the Foundation for several years as a contractor. She is the co-author of Native Plants for Florida Gardens, which she wrote with botanist/restoration ecologist Nancy... Read More →

Marina Mertz

Florida Wildflower Foundation

Marina Mertz is a native Floridian with a passion for preserving Florida’s beauty for future generations. She began her work with the Florida Wildflower Foundation in 2022 as a contractor, serving as the Panhandle Wildflower Alliance liaison. In 2024, she transitioned to a full-time... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
WEI Lab

Full Session

Presentation Style Curriculum or Resources
Strand Environmental Education General, Environmental Civic Action/Citizen Science, Environmental Stewardship
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12)

9:30am EDT

Outdoors Are for Everyone: Supporting Guests with Disabilities in Nature

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

WEI Main Classroom A

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...
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Speakers

Moriah Casey

Bonnet Springs Park

Moriah Casey

Moriah Casey is the Education Manager at Bonnet Springs Park, an urban nature in the heart of Lakeland, Florida. She leads the development of inclusive, place-based educational programs that connect visitors of all ages to the natural environment.

Moriah holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Masters of Special Education. Before transitioning to informal education, she spent five years teaching in a self-contained classroom with the Polk County School Board. She is endorsed in Gifted Education, Autism Spectrum... Read More →

Stephanie Bernal

Bonnet Springs Park

Stephanie Bernal joined Bonnet Springs Park in 2022 as the Community Engagement Manager and was promoted to Director of Events in 2023 to oversee the Education Department and Events team. In that time, she has developed and directed more than 50 Community & Special events, as well... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
WEI Main Classroom A

Full Session

Presentation Style Panel Discussion
Strand Environmental Education General, Accessibility
Audience Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Early Childhood Educators, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12)

9:30am EDT

Sustainability Fellows: Applied Research Benefitting Community Partners

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

WEI Dogtrot

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...
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Speakers

Holly Smith

FSU Sustainable Campus

Holly Smith (she/her) is the Sustainability Manager at FSU Sustainable Campus. She oversees all Sustainable Campus programming as well as environmental metrics. She was previously a middle school science teacher and her favorite part of her job is the education and community buil... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
WEI Dogtrot

Full Session

Presentation Style Traditional Presentation
Strand Sustainability, Environmental Education General
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Secondary (6-12), Post-Secondary

9:30am EDT

2 Hr. Workshop - AWE: A Watershed Event, a new curriculum for teaching interdependence in ecosystems

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:30am - 11:30am EDT

WEI Main Classroom B

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...
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Speakers

Ellen Granger

Director, Office of STEM Teaching Activities, Florida State University

Barbara Shoplock

Florida State University

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:30am - 11:30am EDT
WEI Main Classroom B

Workshop

Presentation Style Curriculum or Resources
Strand Environmental Education General, Conservation & Restoration, Environmental Civic Action/Citizen Science, Environmental Stewardship
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Secondary (6-12)

10:00am EDT

Silent Auction

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:00am - 8:00pm EDT

TBA

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:00am - 8:00pm EDT
TBA

10:30am EDT

Beyond Storytime: Creating Your Own Children's Picture Book to Promote Place-Based Literacy

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am EDT

WEI Main Classroom A

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,...
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Speakers

Lauren Butcher

Grassy Waters Preserve - City of West Palm Beach

Lauren Butcher enjoys sharing the Everglades with students, teachers, and visitors as an Environmental Education Coordinator at Grassy Waters Preserve (West Palm Beach, FL). She also currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Audubon Everglades. Lauren has over 16... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
WEI Main Classroom A

Full Session

Presentation Style Curriculum or Resources, Traditional Presentation
Strand Sustainability, Environmental Education General, Environmental Stewardship
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Early Childhood Educators, Elementary (K-5), Pre-service Educators

10:30am EDT

Explore with the Florida Geological Survey

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am EDT

WEI Lab

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...
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Speakers

Mabry Gaboardi Calhoun

Florida Geological Survey

Dr. Mabry Gaboardi Calhoun earned her Ph.D. at the Florida State University (FSU) Department of Geological Sciences, examining past climate signals in herbivore tooth enamel and developing a method to analyze extraterrestrial materials embedded in aerogel. At FSU's Learning Systems... Read More →

Michelle Ladle

Florida Geological Survey

Michelle Ladle is a Professional Geologist with the Florida Geological Survey, where she has worked for 27 years. She has worked on a number of geologic investigations, manages multiple data preservation projects, and runs the FGS internship program. She holds Master’s degrees in... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
WEI Lab

Full Session

Presentation Style Hands-on demonstration, Curriculum or Resources, Traditional Presentation
Strand Environmental Education General
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12), Pre-service Educators, Post-Secondary

10:30am EDT

From Vision to Funding: Grant Writing Through a Logic Model Approach

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am EDT

WEI Porch

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...
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Speakers

Rebekah Tucci

Bonnet Springs Park

Rebekah Tucci is a native Floridian. She is the Grants Manager at Bonnet Springs Park (BSP) in Lakeland, Florida. She specializes in securing grant funding, while establishing the fundamentals of program management and grants management. Ms. Tucci earned a law degree from Stetson... Read More →

Kirsten Hein

Bonnet Springs Park

Saturday March 28, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
WEI Porch

Full Session

Presentation Style Hands-on demonstration
Strand Grant Writing
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Early Childhood Educators, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12), Pre-service Educators, Post-Secondary

11:30am EDT

From Badges to Action: Engaging Scouts in Community Action Projects for the Environment

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT

WEI Lab

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...
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Speakers

Yue Li

Assistant Professor, University of Florida

Dr. Yue Li is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Education in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on AI integration into environmental education, professional development for environmental educators, environmental... Read More →

Arya Karumanthra

Post Doctoral Researcher, University of Florida

Dr. Arya Karumanthra is a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on integrating Artificial Intelligence into science classrooms to support teaching and learning around global challenges... Read More →

Emily Blum

Florida Project Learning Tree Coordinator and Education Training Specialist, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences

Emily Blum is the Florida Project Learning Tree Coordinator and Education Training Specialists at UF/IFAS's School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences. She also is an adjunct professor at Florida State College at Jacksonville. She earned her B.A. in Education with a minor... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT
WEI Lab

Full Session

Presentation Style Research/Evaluation/Case Study, Traditional Presentation
Strand Environmental Education General, Environmental Civic Action/Citizen Science
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Secondary (6-12), Pre-service Educators, Post-Secondary

11:30am EDT

Growing Up WILD: How We Are “Growing” Our Next Generation That Cares

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom A

What do 15 years of growing look like and where we are finding our next generation? 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...
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Speakers

Patricia Brown

Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

For over 25 years, I have worked in the environmental education field. Between a BS in Biological Sciences from Southern Illinois at the University at Edwardsville, Illinois and master’s in environmental education, I had been the education director for over 15 years at The Nature... Read More →

Yatska Valentin

Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Yatska is an experienced and passionate environmental educator. She has a BS in Environmental Sciences from Universidad Metropolitana in Puerto Rico and an MS in Environmental Education from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She has lived in Tampa with her family for the last... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom A

Full Session

Presentation Style Hands-on demonstration, Research/Evaluation/Case Study, Curriculum or Resources
Strand Environmental Education General
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Early Childhood Educators, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12), Pre-service Educators

11:30am EDT

The Wakulla Springs Lab: Connecting University Resources and Research-Supported Storytelling for Local Environmental Education

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom B

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...
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Speakers

Kellie Keys

Florida State University

Kellie Keys is the communication director for the FSU Wakulla Springs Lab. She studies
and teaches about the ways environmental communicators can use trust-building, visual and spoken storytelling, and research-supported communication techniques to explain important concepts in environmental science... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom B

Full Session

Presentation Style Traditional Presentation
Strand Sustainability, Environmental Education General, Conservation & Restoration
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Secondary (6-12), Post-Secondary

12:30pm EDT

Lunch

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom A&B

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom A&B

1:30pm EDT

Birds & Binoculars

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

WEI Porch

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...
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Speakers

Pam Owens

LEEF Director 2, Elementary Teacher and Green School Coordinator

Pam has been an elementary school teacher for 18 years and serves as the Green School Coordinator. She has sponsored several environmental clubs, including the Green Eagles, EverGreen Club, STEM Club, and Jr. Birding Club. She also leads the school and students in annual Bird Counts... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
WEI Porch

Full Session

Presentation Style Hands-on demonstration
Strand Environmental Education General, Environmental Civic Action/Citizen Science
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Early Childhood Educators, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12), Pre-service Educators

1:30pm EDT

Integrating AI into Environmental Education: Exploring New Tools and Strategies

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom A

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...
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Speakers

Arya Karumanthra

Post Doctoral Researcher, University of Florida

Emily Blum

Florida Project Learning Tree Coordinator and Education Training Specialist, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences

Yue Li

Assistant Professor, University of Florida

Caleb Nyatuame

University of Florida

Caleb Atsu Nyatuame is a PhD student in Interdisciplinary Ecology at the University of Florida. His previous research examines how teacher educators, especially in Ghana, incorporate environmental issues and place-based education into their teaching practices. Caleb is currently doing... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom A

Full Session

Presentation Style Hands-on demonstration, Traditional Presentation
Strand Environmental Education General, Data Science/AI/AR/Computer Science
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Early Childhood Educators, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12), Pre-service Educators, Post-Secondary

1:30pm EDT

Marine Specimens in the Classroom

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

WEI Lab

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.

Speakers

Cypress Rudloe

Gulf Specimen Marine Lab

The Executive Director of Gulf Specimen Marine Lab that serves 30,000 school children every year and teaches them all about marine environments and how to best protect and preserve them.

Hunter Eichler

Gulf Specimen Marine Lab

Hunter Eichler is the Lead Aquarist at Gulf Specimen Marine Lab

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
WEI Lab

Full Session

Presentation Style Hands-on demonstration, Curriculum or Resources
Strand Environmental Education General, Environmental Stewardship
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Secondary (6-12), Post-Secondary

1:30pm EDT

2 Hr. Workshop (fee-based) - Florida Project Learning Tree - Together For Birds (Pre-Register)

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom B

In this workshop, attendees will go through one of the new Project Learning Tree Collection books - -Together for Birds Target Grades K-2 https://www.plt.org/curriculum/theme-based-activity-collections/ Each 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...
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Speakers

Emily Blum

Florida Project Learning Tree Coordinator and Education Training Specialist, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom B

Workshop

Presentation Style Hands-on demonstration, Curriculum or Resources
Strand Environmental Education General
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12), Pre-service Educators

2:30pm EDT

Curating Florida’s Natural History: Educator-Centered Digital Strategies

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

WEI Lab

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...
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Speakers

Sydney Jordan

University of South Florida Libraries

Sydney Jordan is a Coordinator of Collections and, in her current role, she utilizes information science methods to better connect patrons to resources, build openly accessible digital collections, and teach with primary sources. Her research interests include climate justice, interdisciplinary... Read More →

Dr. Amanda Boczar

University of South Florida

Dr. Amanda Boczar is Associate Director for Digital Initiatives at the University of South Florida (USF) Libraries. Boczar is a trained historian with a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, an MLIS from USF, and over a decade of experience developing large-scale Digital Humanities... Read More →

Denise Wright

University of South Florida

Denise Wright, MA, is a GIS Analyst with the University of South Florida Libraries Digital Initiatives Unit. She holds a Master’s Degree in Geography, is a certified GIS Professional (GISP), and is licensed as an FAA Part 107 drone pilot. Denise specializes in integrating geospatial... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
WEI Lab

Full Session

Presentation Style Traditional Presentation
Strand Environmental Education General, Data Science/AI/AR/Computer Science
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Early Childhood Educators, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12), Pre-service Educators, Post-Secondary

2:30pm EDT

Engaging the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom A

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...
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Speakers

Rebecca Means

Executive Director, Conservation Pathways

Rebecca Means is an ecologist and science educator with a passion for rock climbing, live music, and supporting future conservationists. She has worked in conservation biology field for 25 years with wildlife ranging from fire ants to Florida panthers. As Executive Director of Conservation... Read More →

Carolina Espejo

Intern, Conservation Pathways

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom A

Full Session

Presentation Style Traditional Presentation
Strand Environmental Education General, Conservation & Restoration, Environmental Civic Action/Citizen Science
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Post-Secondary

2:30pm EDT

Love Where You Live: Creating Lifelong Connections Between Children and Nature

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

WEI Porch

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...
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Speakers

Moriah Casey

Bonnet Springs Park

Stephanie Bernal

Bonnet Springs Park

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
WEI Porch

Full Session

Presentation Style Traditional Presentation
Strand Environmental Education General, Mental Health & Wellness in Nature, Environmental Stewardship, Place-Based Education
Audience Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Elementary (K-5)

3:30pm EDT

General Member Meeting & Installation of Officers (All Welcome)

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom A&B

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom A&B

4:30pm EDT

Leading with Nature: Youth Inclusion in Environmental Spaces

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:30pm - 4:45pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom A&B

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....
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Speakers

Alex Hopf

Community Engagement Specialist, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Alex Hopf (Community Engagement Specialist) leads the WILD program, guiding teens through environmental education and leadership development. .

Kayla Charde

Community Engagement Assistant, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Kayla Charde (Community Engagement Assistant) leads the WILD program, guiding teens through environmental education and leadership development.

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:30pm - 4:45pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom A&B

Lightning Session

Presentation Style Traditional Presentation, Program Highlights
Strand Environmental Education General, Environmental Civic Action/Citizen Science, Environmental Stewardship
Audience Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Secondary (6-12)

4:50pm EDT

Professional Development for Environmental Educators in Africa: A CEE-Change Project

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:50pm - 5:05pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom A&B

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....
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Speakers

Yue Li

Assistant Professor, University of Florida

Caleb Nyatuame

University of Florida

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:50pm - 5:05pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom A&B

Lightning Session

Presentation Style Research/Evaluation/Case Study, Traditional Presentation
Strand Environmental Education General, Environmental Civic Action/Citizen Science, Data Science/AI/AR/Computer Science
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers
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5:10pm EDT

Why Native Plants are Important & How to Add Them to the Landscape

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:10pm - 5:25pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom A&B

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.

Speakers

Lynn Artz

Sarracenia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS)

Lynn Artz is a life-long gardener, now native plant advocate. In 2018, she led a team of volunteers to create the native plant gardens at Sopchoppy Depot Park, a 1.7-acre city park. The gardens expanded in 2021 with a Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration grant from the Florida Wildflower... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:10pm - 5:25pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom A&B

Lightning Session

Presentation Style Guided Nature Walks/Outdoor Education, Traditional Presentation
Strand Sustainability, Conservation & Restoration, Environmental Stewardship
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12), Post-Secondary

5:30pm EDT

AI use in environmental education: Do ecological values really matter?

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT

WEI Dogtrot

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. 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...
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Speakers

Caleb Nyatuame

University of Florida

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
WEI Dogtrot

Research Poster Session

Presentation Style Panel Discussion, Research/Evaluation/Case Study
Strand Environmental Education General, Data Science/AI/AR/Computer Science
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Pre-service Educators, Post-Secondary

5:30pm EDT

Immersive Green Spaces: A 3D Virtual Tour of the USF Botanical Gardens as an Interactive Resource for Environmental Learning

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT

WEI Dogtrot

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...
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Speakers

Denise Wright

University of South Florida

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
WEI Dogtrot

Research Poster Session

Presentation Style Research/Evaluation/Case Study
Strand Environmental Education General
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Secondary (6-12), Post-Secondary
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5:30pm EDT

Stormwater Outreach

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT

WEI Dogtrot

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.

Speakers

Holly Smith

FSU Sustainable Campus

Camila Campos Lam

Camila worked as the Sustainable Campus Graphic Designer for a year while she completed her Bachelor's degree. She is now working toward a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning, but she still works for us as a Stormwater Liaison and collaborates with our partners to create content... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
WEI Dogtrot

Research Poster Session

Presentation Style Traditional Presentation
Strand Sustainability, Environmental Education General, Environmental Stewardship
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Early Childhood Educators, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12), Pre-service Educators, Post-Secondary

5:30pm EDT

Urban Forestry Exploration Camp: Opening Doors for Youth

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT

WEI Dogtrot

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,...
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Speakers

Elise Cassie

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
WEI Dogtrot

Research Poster Session

5:30pm EDT

Youth Development Through Immersive Conservation Research in the Tropics

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT

WEI Dogtrot

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.

Speakers

Jen Katona

Brevard Zoo

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
WEI Dogtrot

Research Poster Session

6:00pm EDT

Dinner & Keynote, Dr. Christopher Werner

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom A&B

Speakers

Dr. Christopher Werner

Executive Director, Woodville Karst Plain Project

We are thrilled to welcome our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Christopher Werner—a world-renowned cave explorer, researcher, and filmmaker. His work has taken him into some of the most extreme environments on Earth, and his storytelling will inspire us to see education and exploration in... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom A&B

8:00am EDT

Morning Coffee & Networking

Sunday March 29, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

WEI Dogtrot

Sunday March 29, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
WEI Dogtrot

8:30am EDT

Memorial Tree Planting

Sunday March 29, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am EDT

TBA

Sunday March 29, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am EDT
TBA

9:15am EDT

General Session & Welcome Back

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:15am - 9:30am EDT

WEI Main Classroom A&B

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:15am - 9:30am EDT
WEI Main Classroom A&B

9:30am EDT

Bugging Out

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

WEI Main Classroom B

*NEW Session
What 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.

Speakers

Karolyn Burns

Education and Curriculum Manager

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
WEI Main Classroom B

9:30am EDT

Biocultural Education in the Amazon

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

WEI Main Classroom A

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...
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Speakers

Carolina Simon-Pardo

University of Florida

Carolina Simon-Pardo is a Ph.D. student in Interdisciplinary Ecology at the School of Natural Environment and Resources at the University of Florida. She holds a M.S. in Educational Technologies and a B.A. in Filmmaking. Her research focuses on collaborative approaches with Indigenous... Read More →

Yue Li

Assistant Professor, University of Florida

Dr. Julie Brown

University of Florida

Dr. Julie Brown is an Assistant Professor of Science Education in the School of Teaching and Learning at the University of Florida. Her research examines how students, teachers, and local communities use science to effect change in their world, through place-based initiatives that... Read More →

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
WEI Main Classroom A

Full Session

Presentation Style Research/Evaluation/Case Study
Strand Environmental Education General, Conservation & Restoration, Environmental Stewardship, Biocultural Conservation
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Early Childhood Educators, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12), Pre-service Educators, Post-Secondary

9:30am EDT

Dispersed Yet United

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

WEI Lab

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...
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Speakers

Camila Vallejo

Parks Naturalist, Broward County Parks and Recreation

Camila Vallejo is a Parks Naturalist for Broward County Parks and Recreation. She has always loved the outdoors, nature, and exploration. Having grown up in the urban city of Hialeah, FL, young Camila longed to connect with the natural world. She attended New College of Florida in... Read More →

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
WEI Lab

Full Session

Presentation Style Traditional Presentation
Strand Environmental Education General, Environmental Civic Action/Citizen Science, Mental Health & Wellness in Nature, Environmental Stewardship
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Early Childhood Educators, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12)

9:30am EDT

2 Hr. Workshop - Teaching with Connection: Indigenous pedagogies and Place-Based Learning (Pre-Register)

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:30am - 11:30am EDT

WEI Main Classroom B

*CANCELED BY PROFESSOR

Speakers

Dr. Amal Ibourk

Associate Professor of Science Education, Florida State University

Lauren Nix

Educator and Botanist, E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center

Lore Nix is a recent graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Biological Sciences and a passion for cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards. She currently works at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center in Freeport, Florida as an educator and botanist. Drawing... Read More →

Sunday March 29, 2026 9:30am - 11:30am EDT
WEI Main Classroom B

Workshop

Presentation Style Hands-on demonstration, Field demonstrations, Guided Nature Walks/Outdoor Education
Strand Environmental Education General, Environmental Stewardship
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Elementary (K-5), Pre-service Educators

10:30am EDT

Nature Journaling

Sunday March 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am EDT

WEI Main Classroom A

*NEW SessionLooking for a fun activity to connect all ages to nature and learn more about birds. This is the session for you. Can be an extended lesson from the PLT workshop on Saturday or stand alone. Come learn how to create your own nature journals, and use them to learn more about birds and nature in general. Go home with your own nature journal and agendas for multiple...
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Speakers

Emily Blum

Florida Project Learning Tree Coordinator and Education Training Specialist, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences

Lori Nicholson

Instructional Systems Specialist, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge/USFWS

Lori Nicholson is the Instructional Systems Specialist at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) near St. Marks Florida. She grew up in Oklahoma, and has taught in OK, TX, and FL. She has resided in the Big Bend region of Florida for the past 22 years. She received her B.S... Read More →

Sunday March 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
WEI Main Classroom A

Full Session

Strand Environmental Education General
Audience Formal Educators, Informal Educators/Environmental Education Providers, Early Childhood Educators, Elementary (K-5), Secondary (6-12)

10:30am EDT

Educational Farm Walk: Sustainable Growing, Animal Integration, and Orchards

Sunday March 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT

WEI Dogtrot

*NEW Session
Walk 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!

Speakers

Henry Gwynn

Instruction and Project Coordinator, Wakulla Environmental Institute

Henry Gwynn is Wakulla Environmental Institute's Project Coordinator and teaches the Small Plot Farming and Entrepreneurship course.

Sunday March 29, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
WEI Dogtrot

11:30am EDT

Conference Wrap-up & Announcements

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT

WEI Main Classroom A&B

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
WEI Main Classroom A&B

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