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!

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

9:00am MDT

Bluff Lake’s Journey in Equity in Education - 3 Case Studies

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 11:00am MDT

Pumpkin Classroom (Terra Level 3)

Learn about the social justice and equity challenges we have been tackling at Bluff Lake Nature Center. We will discuss Bluff Lake’s work surrounding educational programming challenges regarding accessibility, bilingual facilitation, and scholarships, then we'll brainstorm alternative actions that you can use within your own programs!

Speakers

Chira Noce

Education Director, Bluff Lake Nature Center

Chira first joined the Bluff Lake team in March of 2021 as an AmeriCorps member, and returned to the education team in September of 2022. Chira grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she developed her love for the outdoors in the Sandia Mountains through hiking and potlucks at the... Read More →

Friday September 20, 2024 9:00am - 11:00am MDT
Pumpkin Classroom (Terra Level 3)

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

11:15am MDT

Black Faces in Green Spaces: The Journeys of Black Professionals in Green Careers

Friday September 20, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT

Alfalfa Classroom (Terra Level 3)

Inspire young Black Americans to pursue forest and conservation careers by sharing the stories and advice of those who have taken similar career paths and learn more about the history of Black Americans in green jobs.

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.

Friday September 20, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Alfalfa Classroom (Terra Level 3)

Social Justice, New to EE, 1-7 years EE experience, Advanced EE Practitioner