2026 LEEF Conference Wakulla Wild: Full Schedule

5:10pm EDT

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

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

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

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

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 →

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

2026 LEEF Conference Wakulla Wild

5:10pm EDT

Lynn Artz

9:30am EDT

Dr. Amal Ibourk

Lauren Nix

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