Theme

​Emerald Pathways: From Triangle Roots to Carolina Horizons

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Strands​

• Empowering Educators with Applied Research: These presentations focus on bridging research with practice so that educators—whether they’re in formal classrooms, outdoor education centers, museums, or community spaces—can foster environmental literacy in ways that resonate with all learners. Examples could include evidence-based teaching methods, Community specific education, benefits of interdisciplinary connections, or trauma-informed approaches. By using research-backed, mission-driven, and action-oriented strategies, this category helps educators transform the way environmental education is delivered—making it more open, engaging, and impactful.

• Hands-On Minds-On: These presentations will showcase practical activities, field skills, demonstrations, and walking workshops that exemplify the essence of EE. They are designed to be interactive and demonstrate both the 'what' and 'how' of EE. Examples include activity demonstrations, activity guides, and identification skills workshops.

• Carolina Connections: Celebrating regional environmental education stories and partnerships. Sessions highlight successful collaborations across North Carolina, place-based learning rooted in local ecosystems, and how our Triangle roots have grown into broader regional impact.

• Leading the Charge: For program managers, directors, and center leaders navigating the unique challenges of running environmental education programs. Sessions tackle strategic planning, fundraising, staff development, and board relations—plus honest conversations about what's working (and what's not) at centers across the region.

• Hidden Gems, Rooted in All of Us: The richest gems in environmental education aren't found in any single curriculum guide — they're found in the full diversity of voices, communities, and ways of knowing that have shaped how we teach people to love and care for this planet. This strand celebrates 35 years of stories that haven't always made it to the main stage: indigenous land wisdom, community-led conservation, multilingual nature education, and the educators who've been doing transformative work in the margins. Come ready to dig, listen, and leave with a richer understanding of what our field can be when everyone belongs in it.