CAEE 2024 Conference eeVoices: The Power of Stories: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2024 Advancing EE Conference!
We are so excited to welcome you to the CAEE Advancing Environmental Education Conference! We invite you to take advantage of the many opportunities to explore research, elevate practices and spark collaborations at the conference!

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8:00am MDT

Registration

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am MDT

Hydro Lobby (Level 1)

Check in for the conference and pick up your nametag in the Hydro Lobby!

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Hydro Lobby (Level 1)

8:00am MDT

Morning Coffee and Networking in the eeExhibitor Hall

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am MDT

Hydro Lobby (Level 1)

Start your day with CAEE each morning from 8:00-9:00am for morning networking and the EExhibitor Resource Walk to learn more about how exhibitor programs and resources can support your work. If you would like to receive CSM credit for the EExhibitor Resource Walk, pick up the CSM credit form from the registration area for instructions.

Coffee will be provided by the Western Daughter’s Kitchen in Hydro (Level 1) thanks to the genorous sponsorship of CSU Spur!

Thursday September 19, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Hydro Lobby (Level 1)

Skills and Professional Learning, All

9:00am MDT

Opening Session: The Power of Stories

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am MDT

Confluence Theater (Hydro Level 1)

As environmental and outdoor educators we bring stories to life! We are the storytellers of our natural world, weaving narratives that inspire, educate, and transform. Join us at the opening session to connect with colleagues, explore our stories as educators, and set the stage for our next several days together!

Don't miss opening speaker, storyteller, and storymaker, Don Whyte, Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Elder, and retired National Park Service Chief Ranger at Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Speakers

Katie Navin

Education Director, CAEE

We are so excited to welcome you to the CAEE Advancing Environmental Education Conference! We invite you to take advantage of the many opportunities to explore research, elevate practices and spark collaborations at the conference! We support the many types of educators who teach... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am MDT
Confluence Theater (Hydro Level 1)

10:00am MDT

Climate Action at the Headwaters: CEEE Drought Resilience Activities

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Pumpkin Classroom (Terra Level 3)

Join us to engage with a sampling of formal classroom and informal activities developed by the team at the Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation at CIRES. Play the HEART Force Drought Resilience Game and explore activities developed by our We Are Water project that highlights indegenous and Latinx voices.

Speakers

Tory Nau

Program Manager & Curriculum Developer, CIRES Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Pumpkin Classroom (Terra Level 3)

Conservation, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner, Manager/Organizational Leader

10:00am MDT

Macro Mayhem!

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Hydro Teaching Lab (Hydro Level 1)

The South Platte has a reputation for being an unhealthy river, and by observing our invertebrate friends we can figure out the truth. We will be collecting invertebrates from the South Platte, analyzing the health of our water way, and showcasing our suite of macroinvertebrate programming.

Speakers

Stefan Karg

Water Education Coordinator, CSU Spur

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Hydro Teaching Lab (Hydro Level 1)

Conservation, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience

10:00am MDT

EE Story Lab- Ignite Connection and Keep our Collective History Alive

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Cottonwood Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

As we aim to reveal, inspire, and engage- weaving stories into EE is a powerful way to captivate the attention and emotions of our audiences. In this interactive session, we’ll uncover impactful hacks for making story-sharing an essential part of your communication and create a toolkit to apply to your experiences.

Speakers

Mary McCormac

Statewide Interpretation & Wildlife Viewing Coordinator, Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Catherine Dolder

SW Education Coordinator, Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Cathy is an outdoor education professional specializing in train-the-trainer facilitation who treasures the magic of human connection through audience-centered experiences. From a childhood exploring the rolling hills of Tennessee to present adventures in Southwest Colorado, her passion... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Cottonwood Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Skills and Professional Learning, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner, Manager/Organizational Leader

10:00am MDT

eeLeaders Forum: Recruitment, Hiring, Retention, and Culture of eeTeams

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Spring Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Join us at the first annual eeLeaders Forum, a specialized conference session designed for individuals with five or more years of professional experience in developing environmental education (EE) and interpretive programs, supervising education staff, and managing educational or interpretive sites. This forum provides a unique opportunity to network and connect with fellow managers, directors, and leaders of environmental and outdoor learning programs. This year, we will focus on the crucial areas of recruitment, hiring, retention, and the culture of EE teams, encompassing staff, volunteers, and other contributors. Participants will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance their team's effectiveness and cohesion.

The forum will give participants the opportunity to:

Connect with other environmental and outdoor learning managers and leaders
Ask your most burning questions about recruitment, hiring, retention, and team culture to a panel of HR Experts
Engage in small group discussions with peers to brainstorm strategies that will work at YOUR organization

Speakers

Mike Ksenyak

Cofounder and Principle Consultant, Intersecting Solutions, LLC

Mike is a queer nonbinary neurodivergent disruptor striving to create a better reality so everyone andevery body can feel a sense of belonging and thrive at work, in the outdoors, all ways. Their mission is to influenceprogressive and systemic change through a human resources practice... Read More →

Katie Navin

Education Director, CAEE

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Spring Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Skills and Professional Learning, Manager/Organizational Leader

10:00am MDT

Supporting Students with Special Needs in the Outdoors

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Willow Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Join Sami Wolniakowski and Debbie Bangs, experienced Environmental Education Program Coordinators and former classroom teachers, as they guide you through techniques for effectively working with students with special needs in outdoor settings. This session will cover strategies for adapting curriculum and conducting staff training to ensure inclusivity in your programs. Beginning with an overview of selected special needs, participants will receive valuable materials to integrate into their programs, followed by engaging discussions.

Speakers

Sami Wolniakowski

Curriculum Specialist, Poudre Learning Center

Debbie Bangs

EE Assistant Director, YMCA of the Rockies

I have been a public school teacher for over 25 years. I am currently the Environmental Education assistant director for the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center. I have been in this position for nearly a year. I was an environmental education teacher the year prior for the... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Willow Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Social Justice, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner, Manager/Organizational Leader

10:00am MDT

Happiness Gardens to the Rescue: Connecting Students with Nature

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Alfalfa Classroom (Terra Level 3)

A successful collaboration between the City of Wheat Ridge and Wheat Ridge High School created opportunities for students and grew a community resource through workshops and field trips to the community garden. Hear personal stories and experience some activities that kept students engaged while they learned how to care for the environment.

Speakers

Susan Bennett

Environmental Interpreter, City of Wheat Ridge: Parks & Recreation

Traci Binford

Agriculture and Science Teacher, Wheat Ridge High School

Thursday September 19, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Alfalfa Classroom (Terra Level 3)

Youth Development, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner, Manager/Organizational Leader

12:00pm MDT

Lunch

Thursday September 19, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT

Theater Lobby (Hydro Level 1)

Head to the lobby in the Hydro Building to grab some lunch! There is a lot happening during this 1.5 hour block in addition to lunch. Don't forget to checkout lunchtime roundtables, the exhibit hall and all the great exhibits across the Spur Campus.

You can find spaces to eat:
Outdoors

The Backyard- Outside the Hydro Building
2nd Floor Terrace in the Hydro Building
North Plaza-Outside the Terra Building
Outdoor Garden Terrace- 4th Floor of the Terra Building
Green Roof on the 5th Floor of the Hydro Building
Riverfront Open Space- Along the South Platte on the westside of Spur

In the following Classrooms:

Pumpkin Classroom (Terra)
Alfalfa Classroom (Terra)
Willow Creek Classroom (Hydro

Thursday September 19, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm MDT
Theater Lobby (Hydro Level 1)

12:30pm MDT

Bring your Lunch: CAEE Annual Member Meeting

Thursday September 19, 2024 12:30pm - 1:15pm MDT

Cottonwood Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Grab lunch in the Hydro Lobby and bring it up to the Annual Member Meeting!

The Annual Member Meeting is an opportunity to 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 over the next 5 years to support you!

Speakers

Katie Navin

Education Director, CAEE

Thursday September 19, 2024 12:30pm - 1:15pm MDT
Cottonwood Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Skills and Professional Learning, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner, Manager/Organizational Leader

12:30pm MDT

Storytelling Station- Earn Prizes!

Thursday September 19, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT

Hydro Lobby (Level 1)

Stop by our Storytelling Stations for a few minutes to tell your story and earn chances for prize drawings.

Storytelling Station: Share your story via photo or video.
Where: Selfie Station near the staircase in the Hydro Lobby.
Answer one of the following three questions by writing your answer on a piece of paper and holding it for a photo or taking a 30 second video.

Who are the storytellers or stories that inspire you?
Why is environmental and outdoor learning important?
Share a story of a spark that was lit with a learner.

Create a Collaborative Poem: Add One Line
Where: Confluence Theater Lobby
Add a line to help create a conference poem! Let your creativity flow! It doesn't need to be profound, just fun!

Create a Collaborative Mural
Where: Confluence Theater Lobby
Draw your story! Add something the group drawing showcasing what environmental and outdoor learning means to you. Let's see what we can create together!

Stop by the registration desk to get a ticket to earn prizes. We have over 20 different prizes available including gift certificates, day packs, books, and more!

Thursday September 19, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Hydro Lobby (Level 1)

12:30pm MDT

Untold Stories: Hidden Chapters in Natural Resources History

Thursday September 19, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT

Bear Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Join us for a lunchtime discussion of stories that uncover the contributions of ethnically and culturally diverse individuals to the advancement of the Natural Resource Industry. The objective of these narratives is to provide a counter-narrative to curriculum that often forgets or pushes these events or contributions to the margins.

Speakers

Colorado Project Learning Tree

Conservation and Youth Education Specialist, Colorado State Forest Service

Colorado Project Learning Tree provides trainings and resources for educators in Colorado to engage youth in learning about the environment through the lens of trees and forests.

Thursday September 19, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Bear Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Social Justice, All

1:30pm MDT

A Closer Look: How Stories Magnify Learning

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Willow Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

At Butterfly Pavilion, stories serve as bridges that let learners connect on an emotional level, with animals and concepts they wouldn't have otherwise. Much like looking through a magnifying glass, stories allow us to get close to and bond with the natural world.

Speakers

Daniel Alvarez-Chao

Butterfly Pavilion

Butterfly Pavilion is the first stand-alone, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world and a leader in invertebrate knowledge, inspiration and connection. Whether it is providing unique, hands-on learning experiences in our exhibits and... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Willow Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Connecting People to Nature/Health and Wellness, New to EE

1:30pm MDT

The Story of the Sandhill Cranes on the Platte River

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Cottonwood Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes rely on the Platte River as they migrate from Central America to Canada and Alaska. In this hands-on activity at the Spur Stream Table, we will explore the river features that help sustain the Cranes and see how those features have evolved over time. Note: This session can only accept 15-20 participants on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Speakers

Andrew Warnock

Director NSEOC, Colorado State University

Mary Richmond

Teacher-in-Residence, Colorado State Univeristy

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Cottonwood Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Conservation, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner, Manager/Organizational Leader

1:30pm MDT

Increasing Impact through Evaluation at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Alfalfa Classroom (Terra Level 3)

Evaluation data can tell powerful stories! Learn how we use evaluation-driven narratives to improve, demonstrate the value of, and seek future funding for middle/high school programming and educator development in underserved communities at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC).

Speakers

Heidi Kartchner

Director, Oberg Research

Dr. Alison Cawood

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Alfalfa Classroom (Terra Level 3)

PreK-12 Education, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner, Manager/Organizational Leader

1:30pm MDT

Enhancing Accessibility: Adapting Tool Kits and Boosting Essential Skills

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Spring Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

This session equips educators with strategies to adapt existing tool kits for broader accessibility. Join the staff from Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) to discuss techniques for fostering inclusivity while enhancing students’ observational, questioning, and analyzing skills. Attendees will gain actionable insights through engaging narratives and practical examples on how to empower learners of all backgrounds in their exploration of the natural world.

Speakers

Kellina Gilbreth

Statewide Education Content Specialist, Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Born and raised in Colorado, Kellina Gilbreth has always felt at home in the great outdoors. After earning her geology degree, she spent 15 years teaching middle and high school earth and space science, as well as STEM, engineering and robotics. While teaching full time, she went... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Spring Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

PreK-12 Education/ Social Justice, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner

1:30pm MDT

Training Wheels Team Building Activities

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Bear Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Learn some new team building activities for small groups, large groups, and all ages. These activities are based on the Training Wheels team building activities developed by Michelle Cummings. Come play AND Learn!

Speakers

Brooke Morehardt

School Year Programs Director, Keystone Science School

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Bear Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Skills and Professional Learning, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner, Manager/Organizational Leader

1:30pm MDT

The Story of Place - Learning From School-Yard Chicken Spectacles

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Pumpkin Classroom (Terra Level 3)

Our surroundings are a curriculum rich environment for learning. "The Story of Place", connects and influences us daily. Come on this journey as we share Chicken Program stories. Chicken yard spectacles provide opportunities for students to problem solve, observe nature, develop leadership skills and foster a deeper connection to place.

Speakers

Beth Church

Sustainability Coordinator, DCSD Office of Sustainability

My name is Beth Church, I am the Sustainability Coordinator for our district. I am thrilled to be working with teachers and students to help implement Sustainability Initiatives within their schools. Our department goals revolve around Environmental Sustainability Initiatives such... Read More →

Kim Rankin

Sustainability Learning Specialist, Douglas County School District

Thursday September 19, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Pumpkin Classroom (Terra Level 3)

Youth Development, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience

2:45pm MDT

Bright Spots: Envirothon, Trout in the Classroom, and Latino Family Camping

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT

Bear Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Join us for engaging Brighspots to learn about three innovative programs. Each presentation will be approximately 15 minutes with 15 minutes for questions at the end.

Trout in the Classroom- Miles Groth, Ute Pass Elementary
Trout in the Classroom is a nationwide program sponsored by Trout Unlimited where students raise trout throughout the year from egg to fingerling before releasing them into a local creek. There are many opportunities for students to learn about water health, fish biology, watersheds, water chemistry and much more in a hands on way.

Connecting Latino Families to Nature- Alicia Lamfers and Jenny Tebbs, Calwood Education Center
Multilingual and multicultural groups have historically been underrepresented in outdoor programming and recreation. Cal-Wood Education Center set a goal to offer unique environmental experiences to those that would not otherwise experience nature and the Colorado mountains. Learn from how we engaged community organizations and intentionally developed programs for Latino families, growing from one family camp to 40. Discuss how you could replicate this program in your community.

Colorado Envirothon: A Career Technical School Organization for Environmental Sciences- Rose Banzhaf, Envirothon
Colorado Envirothon is a high school teams-based study of wildlife, forestry, aquatics, soil, and a current environmental issue, culminating in a two-day competition. Natural resource experts from numerous agencies share their knowledge and career path opportunities. We’ll explore how Envirothon will be a Career Technical School Organization in the upcoming years.

Speakers

Rose Banzhaf

Project Learning Tree, Advisory Council Member, retired

Thank you for serving on the conference planning committee!

Miles Groth

Teacher, Mountain Academy of Arts & Sciences at Ute Pass Elementary

Miles Groth built the Mountain Academy of Arts & Sciences to provide a unique approach to public education that focuses on experiential learning, integrated lessons, and environmental stewardship. Miles is a LNT Level 1 Instructor, and in 2022 he led an effort through which the MAAS... Read More →

Jenny Tebbs

Community Engagement Coordinator, Cal-Wood Education Center

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Bear Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

2:45pm MDT

Empathy as a Storytelling Tool for Environmental Education

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT

Cottonwood Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Empathy is a powerful tool for storytelling and inspiring compassionate, conservation action. We will dive into empathy research and examine the power of empathic facilitation. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of empathy and a toolbox of strategies to help connect people and their natural world.

Speakers

Ashley Krueger

Education Coordinator, The Gardens on Spring Creek

Heather Schwartz

School and Camp Program Coordinator, Denver Botanic Gardens

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Cottonwood Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Connecting People to Nature/Health and Wellness/ ECE/ Interp, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner

2:45pm MDT

Pathways to Climate Literacy Principles

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT

Willow Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

To complement the role out of the Colorado Seal of Climate Literacy, we will present a few pathways to choose climate literacy principles that fit your unique context. These pathways include: current curriculum alignment, natural hazards, Colorado specific solutions, and justice and action oriented.

Speakers

Patrick Chandler

The Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network

Sarah R Johnson

Climate Change Education Specialist, Wild Rose Education

Sarah R. Johnson is a landscape-based environmental educator. As a freelance science educator she is focused on climate change, public lands, watershed science, civics, and geography, and teaching and learning through her business, Wild Rose Education. She designs and facilitates... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Willow Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Conservation, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner, Manager/Organizational Leader

2:45pm MDT

GetWET at Spur! Water quality explorations along the South Platte

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT

Hydro Teaching Lab (Hydro Level 1)

Organizing and maintaining water quality field equipment and data is a big challenge. In this session, we will share the successful strategies we have been using for seventeen years at CSU. We will work in small groups, use professional grade equipment, collect and analyze data, and communicate our results.

Speakers

Andrew Warnock

Director NSEOC, Colorado State University

Mary Richmond

Teacher-in-Residence, Colorado State Univeristy

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Hydro Teaching Lab (Hydro Level 1)

PreK-12 Education, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner, Manager/Organizational Leader

2:45pm MDT

How to Speak Up: It’s Even For Introverts

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT

Spring Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Ever noticed how some people dominate conversations? While it seems convenient, not speaking up means your ideas, values, and needs go unheard. What if there was a solution? Join our interactive session to gain three tools for speaking up, even for introverts. Unlock your voice and make an impact today!

Speakers

Tonya Lehman

Owner, Joy Lab Productions

Tonya is a national speaker and teacher. With her rich background, she shares valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance your confidence, catering to both introverts and extroverts alike. She and her husband raised their daughters in San Diego, California, and enjoy... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Spring Creek Classroom (Hydro Level 2)

Skills and Professional Learning, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner, Manager/Organizational Leader

2:45pm MDT

Capturing Student Voice to Tell Stories with Data

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT

Alfalfa Classroom (Terra Level 3)

Environmental health data (EHD), like that collected for air and water quality, are complicated but important to help people make decisions about their health. Our team empowers children to share their own experiences, enriching adults’ understanding of EHD. We offer tailored resources for use in formal and informal educational settings.

Speakers

Madelyn Percy

Project Coordinator, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment

I am a researcher, educator, and advocate for communities to learn more about their air quality. As an employee of the Air Pollution Control Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, I support the development and deployment of air quality networks and the... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm MDT
Alfalfa Classroom (Terra Level 3)

Youth Development, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner

4:00pm MDT

Plenary Session: Voices of Change- Harnessing Environmental Learning to Empower, Engage, and Inspire

Thursday September 19, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Confluence Theater (Hydro Level 1)

Be inspired and learn how some of our most innovative organizations and educators are embracing creative learning strategies to empower individuals and communities to care for our world and sustain it for future generations.

This engaging panel will feature this year's Awards for Excellence in Environmental Education recipients. Read more about this year’s award recipients at caee.org/awards.

Awards

Anita Evans

Chair, Friends of Youth and Nature

As a former classroom educator and founder of Skis for Kids, The Nature Connection, and Friends of Youth and Nature (FOYAN), getting kids connected to nature is my passion. FOYAN is a 501c3 volunteer run organization that is focused on connecting schools, youth groups, and families... Read More →

Colorado Envirothon

Colorado Association of Conservation Districts

Envirothon is a two-day team competition that challenges high school teams to study and apply their knowledge in wildlife, forestry, aquatics, soil science, and current environmental issues. Teams receive a scenario on the first day to devise and present solutions to experts, and... Read More →

Destiny Morales

The Greenway Foundation

Destiny's dedication to environmental education began in high school with The Greenway Foundation, where she advanced from River Ranger Intern to Youth Programs Manager. Destiny's creation of the Greenway Leadership Corps Advisors - which empowers high schoolers from underserved communities... Read More →

Isis Rivera Lopez

U.S Fish and Wildlife Service

Isis has strengthened the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge’s environmental education program by fostering positive relationships with the community, partnering with schools, and centering participant abilities and identities. Through her leadership and commitment... Read More →

Jaymee Squires

Walking Mountains Science Center

In her long career in outdoor and environmental education, Jaymee has worked as a naturalist, served as the director of a summer camp, taught at a middle school and most recently, has led the Graduate Program at Walking Mountains Science Center. Unlike any other in the country this... Read More →

Robb Gneiser

Windy Peak Outdoor Laboratory School

Robb has dedicated over three decades to environmental education, with the last 14 years spent as principal at Windy Peak Outdoor Lab in Bailey, Colorado. He has welcomed more than 40,000 sixth graders to the 200-acre property, leaving an immeasurable impact on students, interns... Read More →

Seal of Climate Literacy

Lyra Colorado

Lyra Colorado, led by CEO Mary Seawell, spearheaded the creation of Colorado’s Seal of Climate Literacy, a new high school diploma endorsement. The Seal is the first in the nation and was adopted into state law and made available to districts across the state in a bill championed... Read More →

Thursday September 19, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Confluence Theater (Hydro Level 1)

5:00pm MDT

Storytelling Station- Earn Prizes!

Thursday September 19, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm MDT

Hydro Lobby (Level 1)

Who are the storytellers or stories that inspire you?
Why is environmental and outdoor learning important?
Share a story of a spark that was lit with a learner.

Thursday September 19, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm MDT
Hydro Lobby (Level 1)

5:00pm MDT

eeCelebration and Happy Hour

Thursday September 19, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT

Hydro Lobby (Level 1)

Unwind after a great day of conference sessions and raise a glass to celebrate this year's Excellence in Environmental Education Award Recipients and all of the great work being done to advance environmental education in Colorado. Enjoy complimentary beverages and light appetizers. And don't forget to stick around for eeTrivia at 5:45!

Thursday September 19, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Hydro Lobby (Level 1)

5:45pm MDT

eeTrivia

Thursday September 19, 2024 5:45pm - 7:00pm MDT

Hydro Lobby (Level 1)

Unwind and kick back with a drink and light snacks and catch up with everyone after a full day of great
sessions. Then, join your peers and form a team of up to six players and test your knowledge against
other teams in our TriEEvia contest! Team build with your organization or mix it up and gather a team with
different interests.

The winning team members will each taking home a fabulous prize!
Teams may register anytime after 12:00pm on Friday at the Registration desk. Teams that register early will
receive an opportunity to possibly earn extra points before the game even starts!

Speakers