BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:2026eencannualconference
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com 2026 EENC Annual Conference//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260910T220000Z
DTEND:20260911T000000Z
SUMMARY:Networking Social - EENC Celebrates 35 Conferences!
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL
LOCATION:Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center\, Lake Johnson Park\, 5611 Jaguar Park Dr\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c5cccda740954ef80c08d1fd5178f783
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/c5cccda740954ef80c08d1fd5178f783
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T123000Z
DTEND:20260911T131500Z
SUMMARY:Coffee and Networking
DESCRIPTION:Freshly Brewed Coffee\, Hot Water with Assorted Organic Tea Bags\, Ice Water\, Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tray\, Fresh House-Made Oatmeal with Cinnamon\, Brown Sugar and Raisins\, An Assortment of Yogurts\, Freshly Baked Raspberry Oat Bars\, GF Blueberry Muffins
CATEGORIES:GENERAL
LOCATION:McKimmon - 2A\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9bb3d1d9c35fecfd2630e9f3b7dfc2d7
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/9bb3d1d9c35fecfd2630e9f3b7dfc2d7
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T123000Z
DTEND:20260911T213000Z
SUMMARY:Registration Desk Open
DESCRIPTION:Come say hello\, get your name tag\, and pick up your EENC merchandise!
CATEGORIES:GENERAL
LOCATION:Lobby\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9d7a411bcb6c076e1dbb5f36559f78ce
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/9d7a411bcb6c076e1dbb5f36559f78ce
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T131500Z
DTEND:20260911T133000Z
SUMMARY:Welcome and Opening Remarks
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL
LOCATION:McKimmon - 2C\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e344b23b8cc68f25feadcfb4f035a133
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/e344b23b8cc68f25feadcfb4f035a133
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T134500Z
DTEND:20260911T144500Z
SUMMARY:Big Learning\, Little Boots: Successful Outdoor Education for Pre-K-2
DESCRIPTION:Teaching young learners outdoors is a powerful way to foster environmental literacy and meaningful connections to the natural world. This interactive session explores research-based strategies for maximum engagement of young students in outdoor learning experiences. Delve into best practices for establishing outdoor routines\, promoting student interest and focus\, and facilitating meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom walls.
CATEGORIES:EMPOWERING EDUCATORS WITH APPLIED RESEARCH
LOCATION:Room 7B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cb778d0c49c5a31f114c3480b58e6877
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/cb778d0c49c5a31f114c3480b58e6877
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T134500Z
DTEND:20260911T144500Z
SUMMARY:Mapping Environmental Stories: Using GIS to Build Immersive Virtual Field Trips for Environmental Education
DESCRIPTION:Explore how GIS tools like ArcGIS StoryMaps transform local data\, imagery\, and video into immersive\, place-based learning experiences. Using a real watershed virtual field trip from Sampson County\, NC\, discover how educators can expand environmental access\, deepen understanding\, and connect learners to their world — no bus required.
CATEGORIES:EMPOWERING EDUCATORS WITH APPLIED RESEARCH
LOCATION:Room 8B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5edb177a0bd24bf6d7417a9ed1aed60e
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/5edb177a0bd24bf6d7417a9ed1aed60e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T134500Z
DTEND:20260911T144500Z
SUMMARY:How to Make a Custom Printable Field Guide for Your Programs
DESCRIPTION:It can be helpful to have field guides tailored to your site for your programs. In this hands-on session\, you’ll learn how to create a custom field guide\, including where to find species information\, choosing photos\, and laying out your guide - and you’ll walk away with a guide started! Bring a phone or laptop to access the internet during the session.
CATEGORIES:HANDS-ON MINDS-ON
LOCATION:Room 9\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:44cc0c51b45cf67121717e2012c0dfb4
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/44cc0c51b45cf67121717e2012c0dfb4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T134500Z
DTEND:20260911T144500Z
SUMMARY:Immunoassay Investigations: What's Lurking In The Lake?
DESCRIPTION:Dive into water quality science with this hands-on immunoassay activity! Participants will test simulated contaminated water samples to identify mystery pathogens — just like real environmental scientists. Part of NC BioNetwork's Immunoassay Investigations program\, this activity offers a compelling\, classroom-ready supplement for teaching immunoassays and water pollution concepts.
CATEGORIES:HANDS-ON MINDS-ON
LOCATION:Room 14\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7776cc131485eb90daf6eecba097eb04
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/7776cc131485eb90daf6eecba097eb04
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T134500Z
DTEND:20260911T144500Z
SUMMARY:More Walk\, Less Talk: How a Japanese Immigrant Helped Create the Appalachian Trail and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
DESCRIPTION:George Masa was a Japanese immigrant photographer whose work helped inspire the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail\, yet his story remains largely unknown. Through photography\, storytelling\, and examples from the George Masa Foundation\, this session explores how educators can use local conservation history and place-based learning to deepen environmental connection and student engagement.
CATEGORIES:HIDDEN GEMS ROOTED IN ALL OF US
LOCATION:Room 10\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c0e8ae5d2feb7f9b93f4d8e7f02bbb56
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/c0e8ae5d2feb7f9b93f4d8e7f02bbb56
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T143000Z
DTEND:20260911T213000Z
SUMMARY:Silent Auction
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL
LOCATION:McKimmon - 2A\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3f69b713de3be58cb73e276abadaebdd
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/3f69b713de3be58cb73e276abadaebdd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T150000Z
DTEND:20260911T160000Z
SUMMARY:To Move Like a Mushroom: The Naturalist In An Apocalypse
DESCRIPTION:What can the underground networks of Harriet Tubman and&nbsp\;Amanita phalloides&nbsp\;(the death cap mushroom) teach us about a naturalist education at a time when knowing one's environment is increasingly a matter of life and death? How might a "fungal lens" help us to create coherent narratives out of climate chaos in collaboration with the more than human world?
CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE
LOCATION:McKimmon - 2C\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:420c38e4583549251618acabf9978218
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/420c38e4583549251618acabf9978218
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T161500Z
DTEND:20260911T171500Z
SUMMARY:Lunch and EENC Annual Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Come for the meal\, stay for the updates about what EENC has been up to\, and where we're going! \n\nPoultry: Herb Baked Chicken Breast\nVegetarian: Portabella Provencal (WF) \nRomaine Salad with Two Dressings \nLemon Roasted Potatoes (WF) \nSeasonal Fresh Vegetables (WF)\n\nServed with Rolls\, Dessert Du Jour\, Sweet Iced Tea and Ice Water\n\nWF - Worry Free&nbsp\;means&nbsp\;free&nbsp\;of the top 9 allergies\, dairy\, eggs\, fish /shellfish\, wheat / gluten\, nuts\, soy\, vegetarian\, vegan\n\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL
LOCATION:McKimmon - 2C\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:55c9f2e571af1db5b78de6589b1d7dc9
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/55c9f2e571af1db5b78de6589b1d7dc9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T173000Z
DTEND:20260911T181500Z
SUMMARY:Affinity Group: BIPOC in EE
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AFFINITY/PROFESSIONAL GROUP MEET UP
LOCATION:Room 10\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:65ca089f8f5a0e482e237db4ff0a220c
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/65ca089f8f5a0e482e237db4ff0a220c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T173000Z
DTEND:20260911T181500Z
SUMMARY:Affinity Group: LGBTQIA2S+ in EE
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AFFINITY/PROFESSIONAL GROUP MEET UP
LOCATION:Room 7B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:76037ee59086d185b7d1b2f4eafec5cb
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/76037ee59086d185b7d1b2f4eafec5cb
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T173000Z
DTEND:20260911T181500Z
SUMMARY:Affinity Group: Neurodivergent in EE
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AFFINITY/PROFESSIONAL GROUP MEET UP
LOCATION:Room 8B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3ffffa3956ddaff06c2b44eb8505854a
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/3ffffa3956ddaff06c2b44eb8505854a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T173000Z
DTEND:20260911T181500Z
SUMMARY:Professional Group: Classroom Teachers in EE
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AFFINITY/PROFESSIONAL GROUP MEET UP
LOCATION:Room 14\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a2cb88939d3e8644b9c39dc00621b68c
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/a2cb88939d3e8644b9c39dc00621b68c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T173000Z
DTEND:20260911T181500Z
SUMMARY:Professional Group: EE Program Leaders and Veterans
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AFFINITY/PROFESSIONAL GROUP MEET UP
LOCATION:McKimmon - 2C\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ca1e63c3b2522beb41811c26e2ca7cfe
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/ca1e63c3b2522beb41811c26e2ca7cfe
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T173000Z
DTEND:20260911T181500Z
SUMMARY:Professional Group: Young Professionals Under 30 in EE
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AFFINITY/PROFESSIONAL GROUP MEET UP
LOCATION:Room 9\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cf71665286e7d44a098d5cee5fa24fef
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/cf71665286e7d44a098d5cee5fa24fef
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T183000Z
DTEND:20260911T200000Z
SUMMARY:Wake Green Schools Partnership: how formal and nonformal educators collectively advance environmental literacy and sustainability across the school district
DESCRIPTION:Want to know how school districts\, nonformal educators and community partners can collaborate to support teachers and schools? Learn how the Wake Green Schools Partnership is increasing environmental literacy and sustainability by supporting teachers with professional development\, networking and peer support opportunities. Come join our discussion to develop ideas for partnering to advance EE and sustainability in your own school community!
CATEGORIES:CAROLINA CONNECTIONS
LOCATION:Room 9\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:546a0fcdaacbcb5cacafe8f474f42690
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/546a0fcdaacbcb5cacafe8f474f42690
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T183000Z
DTEND:20260911T200000Z
SUMMARY:ᏙᎩᎷᏫᏍᏓᏁᎰ We Are Working Together
DESCRIPTION:Come and celebrate the joy of successful community collaborations that immerse students in nature and culture! Learn how environmental education partners across western North Carolina work with New Kituwah Academy\, Cherokee language immersion school\, to create outdoor experiences that honor Cherokee language\, history\, culture and identity. Simple on campus activities to overnight camping adventures. Join us!
CATEGORIES:CAROLINA CONNECTIONS
LOCATION:Room 7B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d1bc13fa8562525e9357de1437456b9a
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/d1bc13fa8562525e9357de1437456b9a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T183000Z
DTEND:20260911T200000Z
SUMMARY:Bugs\, Buckets\, and Bioindicators: Creating Hands-On Macroinvertebrate Exploration Kits
DESCRIPTION:Bring stream ecology to life with affordable\, hands-on freshwater macroinvertebrate exploration kits. Learn how to design and build portable systems for use in classrooms\, community events\, and field programs. Participants will examine working examples across multiple budgets\, receive build plans and supply lists\, and gain practical strategies for engaging learners with their local aquatic ecosystems.
CATEGORIES:HANDS-ON MINDS-ON
LOCATION:Room 10\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:17fb83fb519ad5eff3021ebe2e22bddc
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/17fb83fb519ad5eff3021ebe2e22bddc
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T183000Z
DTEND:20260911T200000Z
SUMMARY:Wild Words\, Living Landscapes: Creative Writing Pathways for Environmental Learning with Older Students Aged 12-101
DESCRIPTION:This session explores how creative nature writing can deepen environmental education for older learners. This interactive session uses sensory journaling\, storytelling\, and observation activities outdoors to build ecological literacy\, creativity\, and connection to place. Participants will leave with adaptable\, hands-on strategies for classrooms\, camps\, parks\, and community programs.
CATEGORIES:HANDS-ON MINDS-ON
LOCATION:Room 14\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6f448de8008778f148c90ef5add3ef4f
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/6f448de8008778f148c90ef5add3ef4f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T183000Z
DTEND:20260911T200000Z
SUMMARY:EENC Evaluation Clinic: Building Capacity & Relationships
DESCRIPTION:Working on an evaluation project and need support? Just want to learn more about evaluation? Join this 90-minute session to workshop your ideas and join the conversation. Using resources like eeVAL and EENC’s Embracing Evaluations course\, we will explore common themes before breaking into small groups. Connect with peers and experienced evaluators to discuss questions\, navigate challenges\, and find promising solutions.
CATEGORIES:LEADING THE CHARGE
LOCATION:Room 8B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1abdfc9755fdfd107d52f9e526a6b3e3
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/1abdfc9755fdfd107d52f9e526a6b3e3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T201500Z
DTEND:20260911T211500Z
SUMMARY:Join Science Across NC: Year-round Statewide Collaborative Science Events
DESCRIPTION:Science Across NC is a statewide collaborative that helps educators connect learners with outdoor\, participatory science across the year. This session will introduce the network\, show how schools and organizations can join\, and feature the October NC Spider Search as a timely way to engage students in observation\, biodiversity\, and community science.
CATEGORIES:CAROLINA CONNECTIONS
LOCATION:Room 7B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:51b8486e62c0f101e1cc915401d26497
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/51b8486e62c0f101e1cc915401d26497
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T201500Z
DTEND:20260911T211500Z
SUMMARY:Spencer Mountain History Hike: A Trail with a Story to Tell
DESCRIPTION:A new piedmont trail will combine accessible design with the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich cultural and natural history. Join Erin Hines\, Environmental Educator for Gaston Co. Dept. of Natural Resources\, and Ashton Lamb\, Trail Development Manager for Carolina Thread Trail\, to learn how local partnerships made this project possible. We will cover how the trail was planned for a variety of mobility levels as well as how the community was engaged in the planning process for interpretive signage\, led by 2nd Nature TREC.
CATEGORIES:CAROLINA CONNECTIONS
LOCATION:Room 9\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:41f446c00201609ff36ff75d2508cfe0
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/41f446c00201609ff36ff75d2508cfe0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T201500Z
DTEND:20260911T211500Z
SUMMARY:A Journey Through the Phosphorus Cycle: A Game-Based Investigation
DESCRIPTION:Join us in exploring the phosphorus cycle and learn about different factors that influence the movement of phosphorus. Using a game format and stations\, investigate how phosphorus is used and moved. Learn how surface water\, soil characteristics\, and farming influence the cycle as well as the role of phosphorus in eutrophication. Participants will receive copies of the game and the lesson plan to use with students.
CATEGORIES:HANDS-ON MINDS-ON
LOCATION:Room 14\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:75451d8a5716ce78e58b110aaa7c864f
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/75451d8a5716ce78e58b110aaa7c864f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T201500Z
DTEND:20260911T211500Z
SUMMARY:Enriched From Jump!: Centering Black Cultural Knowledge in EE
DESCRIPTION:From Jump! From Day One! From the beginning is an important way to look at the connections that we have with the world around us. Being connected to the land around us is built into our connections to our ancestors as Black people. Years of trauma\, racism\, enslavement\, and forced labor has made us uniquely connected to our sense of community and that creates some unique aspects for our connections to our environmental world and community.
CATEGORIES:HIDDEN GEMS ROOTED IN ALL OF US
LOCATION:Room 8B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:03054202596f432f81a0c5dea3ab2aad
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/03054202596f432f81a0c5dea3ab2aad
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260911T201500Z
DTEND:20260911T211500Z
SUMMARY:Niñitos de la Naturaleza: Empowering early childhood learning through nature and community
DESCRIPTION:Spending time outdoors can not only help us feel more connected to our environments but also has proven mental health benefits. Join us as we talk through some key learnings from our program: Niñitos de la Naturaleza\, and our approach to reframing what science is\, and how we can celebrate discovery of the world around us.
CATEGORIES:HIDDEN GEMS ROOTED IN ALL OF US
LOCATION:Room 10\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:55b5131a0216257d2f1259658ad82a5f
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/55b5131a0216257d2f1259658ad82a5f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T123000Z
DTEND:20260912T130000Z
SUMMARY:Coffee and Networking
DESCRIPTION:Freshly Brewed Coffee\, Hot Water with Assorted Organic Tea Bags\, Ice Water\, Seasonal Fresh Fruit Tray\, Fresh House-Made Oatmeal with Cinnamon\, Brown Sugar and Raisins\, An Assortment of Yogurts\, Freshly Baked Raspberry Oat Bars\, GF Blueberry Muffins
CATEGORIES:GENERAL
LOCATION:McKimmon - 2A\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:80c5e05fc97fcf7e7b5b11aff2381bed
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/80c5e05fc97fcf7e7b5b11aff2381bed
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T123000Z
DTEND:20260912T193000Z
SUMMARY:Registration Desk
DESCRIPTION:Check in\, check out\, get your EE Form and your EENC merchandise!
CATEGORIES:GENERAL
LOCATION:Lobby\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:2093470fe43f2c77fe5a93d37a0b7423
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/2093470fe43f2c77fe5a93d37a0b7423
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T130000Z
DTEND:20260912T131500Z
SUMMARY:Welcome Remarks and Updates
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL
LOCATION:McKimmon - 2C\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f913b34a9de06499914b65ccde7c61ab
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/f913b34a9de06499914b65ccde7c61ab
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T133000Z
DTEND:20260912T143000Z
SUMMARY:When Classrooms and Campuses Collide: Building Bridges Through Environmental Education
DESCRIPTION:Discover how one educator’s NCEE certification project morphed into an ongoing field trip experience for 5th grade students at Waxhaw Elementary and a new environmental education course at Wingate University. Participants will gain insights into how strategic partnerships between public school educators\, natural resource professionals\, and universities can connect students at all levels and create long lasting and impactful programs.
CATEGORIES:CAROLINA CONNECTIONS
LOCATION:Room 14\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bf872820061078dc634863c29fb4b28f
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/bf872820061078dc634863c29fb4b28f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T133000Z
DTEND:20260912T143000Z
SUMMARY:Beyond Tips & Tricks: How Gamification Supports Kids Time Spent Outside
DESCRIPTION:This workshop explores common barriers that impact parents' and practitioners' ability to engage in outdoor play with their students or children. Many caregivers and educators understand the benefits of time in nature\; translating that knowledge into practice remains a challenge. Rather than offering “tips and tricks\,” this session introduces gamification as a strategy for creating lifestyle changes. Discover how the use of challenges\, rewards\, storytelling\, and more\, can spark lasting lifestyle change. Collaborate with peers to design your own gamified tool\, ready to use in your classroom or home. &nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:EMPOWERING EDUCATORS WITH APPLIED RESEARCH
LOCATION:Room 9\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5b03a05a5ea10009a8f8982f9c4bfc4e
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/5b03a05a5ea10009a8f8982f9c4bfc4e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T133000Z
DTEND:20260912T143000Z
SUMMARY:Not Their Burden: Rebalancing Responsibility & Wonder
DESCRIPTION:Does learning about climate change and the biodiversity crisis stress out children and teens? What are the most effective ways of presenting challenging information about the state of our environment? &nbsp\; Join Rachel Woods for a conversation about the impacts of climate change on children and teen’s mental health and learn about actions we can take to support the youth in our lives. Information will be presented from recent reports published by ecoAmerica and the American Psychological Association. \n\n\n
CATEGORIES:EMPOWERING EDUCATORS WITH APPLIED RESEARCH
LOCATION:Room 7B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b604ff8faad4ef88a7eff486b3ef2bd3
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/b604ff8faad4ef88a7eff486b3ef2bd3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T133000Z
DTEND:20260912T143000Z
SUMMARY:Connecting your Existing Adult Volunteers with Meaningful Community Science Projects for Real Data Collection at your Site
DESCRIPTION:Adult volunteers can be a great resource for collecting data and completing tasks at your site but they can come with their own challenges. During this session\, we will talk about how we have been working with our enthusiastic volunteers to improve our Community Science projects by providing meaningful applications for their data collection efforts. The NC Arboretum hosts five Community Science projects completely run by dedicated volunteers and some of these volunteers have been working with these projects for over 10 years. We will detail the steps we have taken to get to know each individual better and learn how to work with each unique group and their team dynamics. We will talk through challenges we have come across and the ways we have navigated them over the last two years.
CATEGORIES:LEADING THE CHARGE
LOCATION:Room 10\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6aed921d6d2e6a51bcf2f959bb13a0e6
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/6aed921d6d2e6a51bcf2f959bb13a0e6
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T133000Z
DTEND:20260912T143000Z
SUMMARY:From Programs to Leadership: The Business of EE
DESCRIPTION:This session will help nonformal and environmental educators prepare for leadership responsibilities rarely covered in traditional training. Led by Jonathan Marchal and Chip Freund\, the session will explore practical approaches to skills such as marketing\, hiring\, budgeting\, grant administration\, supervision\, and evaluation while helping participants identify peer expertise and conference connections that can support growth.
CATEGORIES:LEADING THE CHARGE
LOCATION:Room 8B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c20453ba7c1ebfff52a469f36f77649f
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/c20453ba7c1ebfff52a469f36f77649f
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T144500Z
DTEND:20260912T154500Z
SUMMARY:Strange Bait: Teaching Through the Weird and Spooky
DESCRIPTION:Fairy-crosses\, blue honey\, and carnivorous plants found in the Carolinas are just a few of the natural wonders that storyteller Liz Z Pardue explores in this talk. Hear why the strange\, the eerie\, and the wonderful are the most powerful teaching tools we have\, and how curiosity sparked through story makes lessons last. &nbsp\; \n
CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE
LOCATION:McKimmon - 2C\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f8c75c425c5f82caaf3e8cbee6b503b0
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/f8c75c425c5f82caaf3e8cbee6b503b0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T154500Z
DTEND:20260912T160000Z
SUMMARY:Full Conference Photo
DESCRIPTION:Wear your EENC merchandise\, your smiles\, and say "TREES!"
CATEGORIES:GENERAL
LOCATION:McKimmon - Courtyard\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:71e69e81ccf7dcd2150c472dd2bb20ea
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/71e69e81ccf7dcd2150c472dd2bb20ea
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T160000Z
DTEND:20260912T164500Z
SUMMARY:Lunch and Awards Panel
DESCRIPTION:Enjoy lunch and celebrate some of EENC's EE Heroes!\n\nPoultry: Spanish Roasted Chicken (WF) \nVegetarian: Plant-Based Chorizo Stuffed Peppers \nRomaine Salad with Two Dressings \nBasmati White Rice (WF) \nRoasted Root Vegetables (WF)\n\nServed with Rolls\, Dessert Du jour\, Sweet Iced Tea and Ice Water\n\n*WF - Worry Free&nbsp\;means&nbsp\;free&nbsp\;of the top 9 allergies: dairy\, eggs\, fish /shellfish\, wheat / gluten\, nuts\, soy\, vegetarian\, vegan.&nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:GENERAL
LOCATION:McKimmon - 2C\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:1a0973b50de78c59acafff88039bc736
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/1a0973b50de78c59acafff88039bc736
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T171500Z
DTEND:20260912T180000Z
SUMMARY:Section Meeting: Central Section
DESCRIPTION:Central Section Educators are from:\n\nPerson\, Granville\, Vance\, Warren\, Halifax\, Northhampton\, Orange\, Durham\, Franklin\, Nash\, Edgecombe\, Chatham\, Wake\, Wilson\, Johnston\, Harnett\, Lee\, Moore\, Hoke\, Richmond\, Scotland
CATEGORIES:SECTION NETWORKING MEETING
LOCATION:Room 7B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:975eec007c17e1024542aa9167d61cf4
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/975eec007c17e1024542aa9167d61cf4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T171500Z
DTEND:20260912T180000Z
SUMMARY:Section Meeting: Eastern Section
DESCRIPTION:Eastern Section Educators are from:\n\nHertford\, Gates\, Bertie\, Chowan\, Perquimans\, Pasquotank\, Camden\, Currituck\, Martin\, Washington\, Tyrell\, Dare\, Pitt\, Beaufort\, Hyde\, Greene\, Wayne\, Lenoir\, Jones\, Craven\, Pamlico\, Carteret\, Sampson\, Duplin\, Onslow\, Cumberland\, Bladen\, Pender\, Robeson\, Columbus\, New Hanover\, Brunswick
CATEGORIES:SECTION NETWORKING MEETING
LOCATION:Room 10\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:82feff77cacc715a9fe2dda334b39a08
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/82feff77cacc715a9fe2dda334b39a08
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T171500Z
DTEND:20260912T180000Z
SUMMARY:Section Meeting: Piedmont Section
DESCRIPTION:Piedmont Section Educators are from:&nbsp\;\nStokes\, Rockingham\, Caswell\, Yadkin\, Forsyth\, Guilford\, Alamance\, Iredell\, Davie\, Davidson\, Randolph\, Rowan\, Lincoln\, Cleveland\, Gaston\, Mecklenburg\, Cabarrus\, Stanly\, Montgomery\, Union\, Anson
CATEGORIES:SECTION NETWORKING MEETING
LOCATION:Room 8B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8fbc845d9eafcc25f205b0a957f8e33a
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/8fbc845d9eafcc25f205b0a957f8e33a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T171500Z
DTEND:20260912T180000Z
SUMMARY:Section Meeting: Western Section
DESCRIPTION:Western Section Educators from:&nbsp\;\nAshe\, Alleghany\, Surry\, Watauga\, Wilkes\, Avery\, Caldwell\, Alexander\, Mitchell\, Yancey\, McDowell\, Burke\, Catawba\, Madison\, Buncombe\, Haywood\, Swain\, Jackson\,Transylvania\, Henderson\, Polk\, Rutherford\, Graham\, Macon\, Cherokee\, Clay
CATEGORIES:SECTION NETWORKING MEETING
LOCATION:Room 9\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cf1fec58f92677c3cf737c5bac013e92
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/cf1fec58f92677c3cf737c5bac013e92
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T181500Z
DTEND:20260912T194500Z
SUMMARY:Community-Engaged Resilience Education: Early Findings from Translating Classroom Lessons to Informal EE Contexts
DESCRIPTION:This session will dive into the challenges and opportunities of translating classroom lesson plans to informal contexts. Using the Ready\, Set\, Resilience curriculum as a case study\, we will discuss the successes and obstacles we’ve encountered so far as we reconfigure standards-aligned content to meet the needs of a broader audience in informal EE settings. In particular\, we will focus on the role of collaboration with educators and researchers.
CATEGORIES:CAROLINA CONNECTIONS
LOCATION:Room 14\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:5767bd9a53c127a60367ed54da44e1a1
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/5767bd9a53c127a60367ed54da44e1a1
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T181500Z
DTEND:20260912T194500Z
SUMMARY:Local Libraries\, Live Animals\, and Lessons Learned: A Case Study of the North Carolina Zoo's Summer Outreach Program and Evaluation
DESCRIPTION:What happens when original storytelling and live animals travel from the North Carolina Zoo to libraries across the state? This summer\, we found out and measured it. We'll share the successes and honest challenges of our 2026 Summer Library Program alongside a practical evaluation framework for assessing environmental empathy and stewardship identity\, one you can adapt for your own informal EE setting.
CATEGORIES:EMPOWERING EDUCATORS WITH APPLIED RESEARCH
LOCATION:Room 9\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e2f80b569ae206ba5eff73874090ada5
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/e2f80b569ae206ba5eff73874090ada5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T181500Z
DTEND:20260912T194500Z
SUMMARY:Mindful and Playful. Collaborating with Mother Nature to create meaningful experiences of Environmental Education
DESCRIPTION:This experiential workshop explores how mindfulness and play can be powerful co-creators of embodied learning in EE. This workshop seeks to demystify the idea that quiet stillness is the only available form of mindfulness. This workshop invites participants to play and to revisit their connection with more-than-human beings. This workshop weaves grounding practices and restorative sensory invitations into playful\, interactive formats.
CATEGORIES:HANDS-ON MINDS-ON
LOCATION:Room 7B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:eaa38f2bb8896e8639191c7aa2654803
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/eaa38f2bb8896e8639191c7aa2654803
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T181500Z
DTEND:20260912T194500Z
SUMMARY:Nature as Design Mentor: A Biomimicry Field Workshop
DESCRIPTION:What if your students saw nature as a design lab\, not just a landscape? In this interactive workshop\, you'll tackle a real NC environmental problem by heading outside to find nature's solution. You'll leave the workshop with a changed perspective on problem-solving and an inquiry method you can run anywhere\, with any age\, next week.
CATEGORIES:HANDS-ON MINDS-ON
LOCATION:Room 8B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a450b62fb1005329c26e0c1609a3de56
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/a450b62fb1005329c26e0c1609a3de56
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T181500Z
DTEND:20260912T194500Z
SUMMARY:New Lessons from Don't Waste It!
DESCRIPTION:Don’t Waste It! is a Criteria I educator guide that includes lessons and activities for covering municipal solid waste\, landfills\, recycling\, composting\, waterways\, economy\, and waste reduction. The guide was recently updated to include many new lessons and activities! Come to this session to try out two new activities and learn about available workshops and resources.
CATEGORIES:HANDS-ON MINDS-ON
LOCATION:Room 10\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:075b3c5f32d0584b3f6ef3fc3bd0a13b
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/075b3c5f32d0584b3f6ef3fc3bd0a13b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T200000Z
DTEND:20260912T210000Z
SUMMARY:Investigating the Needs and Barriers to Collaborative Environmental Education and School–Community Partnerships in Middle Grades: A Case Study Across Southeastern North Carolina
DESCRIPTION:Discover what’s holding back school–community environmental education. This session reveals key barriers faced by middle grades educators\, highlights inequities in access to partners\, and invites you to help shape practical\, justice‑centered solutions that make hands‑on\, community‑rooted learning possible for every student!
CATEGORIES:EMPOWERING EDUCATORS WITH APPLIED RESEARCH
LOCATION:Room 8B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0f0314ad6004f3b369463b5721ecfa04
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/0f0314ad6004f3b369463b5721ecfa04
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T200000Z
DTEND:20260912T210000Z
SUMMARY:The OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance: Building Capacity Through Global Collaboration and Evaluation
DESCRIPTION:The OCEAN FOR ALL Alliance (OFAA) unites 15 ocean education organizations from Ecuador\, the Galápagos\, Argentina\, and South Africa with UNC Wilmington researchers to build a collaborative learning network. Through shared training and participatory evaluation\, members implemented a common framework blending ocean literacy\, service learning\, water safety\, and social-emotional development for youth ages 9–17. In 2025\, 1\,000+ student surveys showed gains across key outcomes. This session shares lessons on building global partnerships and using data to strengthen programs. &nbsp\;
CATEGORIES:EMPOWERING EDUCATORS WITH APPLIED RESEARCH
LOCATION:Room 14\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e6d92860329bb3f91cfe85dd0c2e17fc
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/e6d92860329bb3f91cfe85dd0c2e17fc
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T200000Z
DTEND:20260912T210000Z
SUMMARY:Puppets with a Purpose
DESCRIPTION:Puppets\, are you ready?! Discover how puppetry can spark curiosity and help young children understand difficult science concepts like animal adaptations and the water cycle. For PreK and elementary environmental educators\, this interactive session features live puppet demonstrations\, ideas for implementing puppetry in your programs\, and a hands-on opportunity to create simple\, low-cost puppets that blend science\, creativity\, and play.
CATEGORIES:HANDS-ON MINDS-ON
LOCATION:Room 10\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:12869b52f17f141e7d3f891ce3b398e4
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/12869b52f17f141e7d3f891ce3b398e4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T200000Z
DTEND:20260912T210000Z
SUMMARY:Exploring Black Leadership in Outdoor Learning
DESCRIPTION:Through stories of Black environmental leaders\, explorers\, scientists\, and outdoor pioneers\, participants will explore ways to foster belonging in nature-based education. This interactive session introduces a “Nature Heroes Passport” framework that combines picture books\, outdoor exploration\, literacy\, and stewardship activities to support inclusive environmental education across classrooms\, camps\, libraries\, and community programs.
CATEGORIES:HIDDEN GEMS ROOTED IN ALL OF US
LOCATION:Room 9\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ae1890ed557b2196a4663aaf818831f9
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/ae1890ed557b2196a4663aaf818831f9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260820T081744Z
DTSTART:20260912T200000Z
DTEND:20260912T210000Z
SUMMARY:Matters of Life\, Death\, & Earth: Lessons from a Course about Death\, Dying\, & Climate Justice
DESCRIPTION:What can death\, dying and climate justice teach us about conserving life on Earth? This session shares outcomes from a course at Warren Wilson College that engaged students in sustainable end-of-life planning. The class sessions focused on field experiences to explore people and places\, from death doulas to casket weavers\, conservation burial grounds to body farms. We will discuss diverse ways to replicate this model in other institutions\, from grassroots groups to faith communities.
CATEGORIES:HIDDEN GEMS ROOTED IN ALL OF US
LOCATION:Room 7B\, 1101 Gorman St\, Raleigh\, NC 27606
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8ce59647dae26841c457691faeb2584f
URL:http://2026eencannualconference.sched.com/event/8ce59647dae26841c457691faeb2584f
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR