2026 Pre-Conference Workshop: Two Trees, One Seed!
Thu, Sep 10
|Walnut Creek Wetland Center
This workshop will be a unique exploration of Project Learning Tree and NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence focusing on Early Childhood.
Time & Location
Sep 10, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Walnut Creek Wetland Center, 950 Peterson St, Raleigh, NC 27610, USA
About This Event
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, September 2 @ 5pm
Registration Fee: $50
Please contact Michelle Pearce at programs@eenc.org to get your EENC Member Discount promo code!
To Register: go.ncsu.edu/ncplt_seeds
Join classroom educators, nonformal educators, and natural resource professionals as we weave together learning from the NAAEE Early Childhood Guidelines for Excellent and Project Learning Tree's Trees & Me: Activities for Exploring Nature with Young Children. Lunch will be provided and every participant will leave the workshop with a copy of BOTH guides - a $55 value! This is truly a unique workshop facilitated by NC PLT Coordinator, Renee Strnad, and Beth Cranford, Coordinator of Elementary Education at the Museum of Natural Sciences; both also seasoned members of the state and national NAAEE Guidelines Trainer Bureau. Together they will weave key characteristics from the Guidelines with examples from PLT’s Trees & Me curricula to highlight the strengths of both resources and provide concrete applications of best practices.
The PLTTrees & Me activity guide includes 12 activities and over 150 individual learning experiences to connect young children to nature, with a focus on trees and forests. Through both outdoor and indoor activities, children explore nature through their senses, experience trees throughout all four seasons, and connect with their community. The Early Childhood Guidelines for Excellence identifies six key characteristics for high-quality early childhood programs. This workshop qualifies for Criteria I or II in the EE Certification Program (early childhood).
The PLT activity guides are provided free of charge to participants through support from the NC Forestry Association. Lunch will be provided (please be certain to include your dietary restrictions in your registration!). If the cost of this workshop is a barrier for you, please reach out to the NC PLT Coordinator, Renee Strnad, at renee_strnad@ncsu.edu.
6 hours of Criteria 1 for NC EE Certification, or 0.6 CEUs will be provided with an option to complete homework for an additional 4 hours of credit. CEU's can be served up as science, literature, or culture.
Please bring reusable cup, comfortable shoes, and dress for the weather.
Lunch is included in the ticket price, and we'll do our best to meet as many dietary restrictions as possible. Please feel free to bring your own food items as needed.
Facilitators: Renee Strnad and Beth Cranford