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Legacy giving is a meaningful way to support EENC – explore opportunities for legacy giving here. Legacy Giving What is the future you want to create? Do you envision a future where communities are empowered to create a just and sustainable world? Do you envision a future where all children have the opportunity to play freely outside? Where all people have access to beautiful natural spaces, and are deeply engaged with caring for these special places? If so, you know that environmental education is critical to making your dream of the future become reality. EENC needs your support to continue to grow our advocacy, partnerships, programs and resources. Together, let’s create a more just and sustainable world. Leave your lasting legacy by including EENC in your planned giving. We are happy to discuss your options, learn more about your vision for the future, and help find the right fit for you and your family. Since our inception, EENC has grown from a small, all-volunteer group in the Triangle to a robust statewide network of hundreds of educators, supported by multiple paid staff. When EENC was founded in 1991, environmental education in North Carolina looked very different than it does today. Now, every high school student in North Carolina studies environmental science before they graduate. Our state’s EE Certification program, supported by dozens of partners like EENC, recognizes educators’ professional expertise and encourages continuous learning. Educators are also now prioritizing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion - in addition to environmental knowledge - to make environmental education more accessible and welcoming to all. While these are amazing successes, there is still much to be done. More than ever, all children and adults need to know how ecological systems work and why they matter. The health of the environment is inseparable from humans’ well-being and economic prosperity. People require knowledge, tools, and sensitivity to successfully address and solve environmental problems in their daily lives. Your legacy gift will provide EENC with the critical financial resources to ensure its future and ability to support environmental education for future generations. Are you ready to plan your legacy? There are endless variations for how you can implement a planned giving strategy that is tailored to your unique situation. Some common examples include: Bequests, or gifts made as part of a will or trust Naming the Environmental Educators of North Carolina as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan Stocks, bonds, mutual funds or other publicly traded securities Cash or check, in a donation that supports your overall estate planning You can name EENC as a beneficiary of either a specific dollar amount or a fraction of the residual portion of your estate. To leave a gift in your will, simply share this sentence with your attorney or financial planner: “I bequeath $___ or ___% of my estate to the Environmental Educators of North Carolina (Tax ID #56-1715308), 150 Highland Sq Dr #1034, Hendersonville, NC 28792.” If you have decided to include EENC in your estate plans, please let us know! Complete the below form to indicate your interest in EENC's Legacy Giving program. We look forward to being in touch with you soon!

EENC boasts a statewide community of Organizational Members – entire organizations who have committed to EENC membership. Get to know our nearly 20 organizational members here. Organizational Members We love our Organizational Members! These environmental educational organizations and programs work alongside EENC to advance the field of environmental education in North Carolina. Do you want to see your name on this list? Learn more about the benefits of Organizational Membership and join today . Bronze Members Silver Members Gold Members Platinum Members

Membership gives environmental educators across NC access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and professional learning. Join and become a member of our community today! Become a Member Thank you for your interest in EENC's Membership opportunities! Below, find information and registration details for all of our Individual and Organizational Membership Levels. We can't wait to have you in our community! Top of Page Individual Membership Information Individual Membership Registration Organizational Membership Information Organizational Membership Registration Road to 100 Membership Challenge EENC Regional Sections Individual Membership Whether professional environmental education employment is your past, present, or future, find the individual membership level with the benefits that best meet your needs! EENC is the professional organization for environmental educators in the state. Show your love for environmental education, become more engaged in your professional community, and gain exclusive benefits to help advance your professional career by joining EENC! Individual Membership Levels: EENC actively seeks a membership that reflects North Carolina's population. To promote inclusivity and access to our membership benefits, EENC offers a free Honorary Membership, and multiple paid Membership levels tiered by demographic. All paid membership levels receive the same annual benefits. Honorary Membership: Available for all active enrollees in the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs' Environmental Educator Certification program; also awarded by EENC Staff or Board on an individual basis for meaningful contributions to EENC's mission. Free, one-year duration. Student Membership: For undergraduates and graduate university students enrolled on a full-time schedule (12+ credit hours/semester) who are interested in a career in the environmental education sector. $25 annual rate. Senior Membership: For environmental educators and community members ages 65+. $25 annual rate. New to EE Membership: For those professionals of any age who are just starting their careers in the environmental education sector. $35 annual rate; eligible for up to three years. Professional Membership: EENC's standard membership for professionals in the environmental education sector. $45 annual rate. Life Membership: A lifetime of Professional Membership in one $450 payment. Also available as an installment plan of three annual payments of $150. Individual Membership Benefits : EENC's member benefits are extensive, and the list is growing all the time! Benefits marked with an asterisk (*) are limited to paid membership levels at this time; see the at-a-glance chart view of benefits by level below. Discounted registration prices for all EENC professional learning courses and workshops, including those that are eligible for Criteria I, Criteria III, and Continuing Education credit for the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs’ Environmental Educator Certification Program. Access to our directory of 500+ members across North Carolina. Invitations to periodic Member Community Calls, a facilitated community of practice offering resource sharing, networking opportunities, and discussions of current trends and best practices in the field of environmental education. Access to EENC's resource database, featuring a growing collection of 40+ webinar recordings, downloadable templates and infographics, summaries of relevant policies and standards, and more – including many recordings that are eligible for Criteria III and Continuing Education credit for the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs’ Environmental Educator Certification Program. Eligibility to apply for EENC’s annual Mini-Grant funding.* Early access to the request for session proposals, award nomination, and registration and lodging forms for EENC’s annual conference;* discounted registration prices for EENC’s annual conference. Eligibility to apply for fiscal sponsorship by EENC.* Inclusion on the “Member Memo” monthly email list in addition to EENC’s public monthly newsletter.* Member-only voting rights on annual Board of Directors nominations and other key motions guiding EENC’s operations, planning, and visioning processes; eligibility to run for a seat on the Board of Directors.* Eligibility for key Awards within EENC’s annual awards recognition program: Outstanding Newcomer, Outstanding Practitioner, Outstanding Service, and the Melva Fager Okun Life Achievement Award.* The intangibles: find community and make connections with your peers; show your support and commitment to the advancement of environmental education in North Carolina; build your resume and skill set; and help ensure that this professional society for environmental educators in NC is available into perpetuity! Most Popular Professional $45 $ 45 For environmental education professionals across all sectors. Valid for one year Select Excellent Value Life $450 $ 450 One payment, a lifetime of Professional level membership benefits. Valid until canceled Select Life Member Installment Plan $150 $ 150 Every year Three annual payments; a lifetime of Professional benefits. Valid until canceled Select New to EE $35 $ 35 For those new to the environmental education profession. Valid for one year Select Senior $25 $ 25 For educators age 65+. Valid for one year Select Student $25 $ 25 For university students enrolled in 12+ credit hours/semester. Valid for one year Select Become an Individual Member Organizational Membership In addition to Individual Membership, EENC offers Organizational Memberships that include exclusive benefits, designed to support not only the individual environmental educator, but the organizations, agencies, and schools across our state doing environmental education work. EENC's Organizational Member community is currently over 20 strong; get to know our Organizational Members here. Organizational Membership Levels: EENC actively seeks a membership that reflects North Carolina's population. To promote inclusivity and access to our membership benefits, EENC offers multiple paid Organizational Membership levels tiered by included staff. Bronze Membership: 3 Staff included Silver Mem bership: 6 Staff included Gold Membership: 10 Staff included Platinum Membership: 25 Staff included Titanium Membership: 50 Staff included Diamond Membership: 100 Staff included Organizational Me mbership Benefits : EENC's member benefits are extensive, and the list is growing all the time! Review the full list of available benefits, then see below for an at-a-glance chart view detailing eligible benefits by membership level. Invitation to Annual Organizational Membership Meeting, a private gathering featuring updates on EENC projects and accomplishments and opportunities to network with other Organizational Members. Named in EENC’s Annual Report. Printed Certificate of Membership and window cling for display at Organization’s physical location; EENC logo stickers for all included staff. Invitations to Bi-Monthly Organizational Member Calls, a facilitated community of practice featuring organizational-specific resource sharing and networking opportunities among organizational members. One organizational highlight on EENC’s social media platforms annually. Inclusion in EENC annual Organizational Membership appreciation social media post. Eligibility to participate in EENC’s annual spring collaborative crowdfunding campaign, Let’s Grow Together – includes access to personalized fundraising mentorship and promotion of organization’s mission through EENC channels. Digital badge of Membership for display on Organization’s online platforms. Organization name, logo, and link displayed on EENC’s website. Eligibility to request a letter of support from EENC for grant proposals. Eligibility to request EENC presence (speaker and/or printed promotional materials) at organizational events. Site preference for EENC-hosted workshops and networking events in your area. Eligibility for collaborative marketing at EENC exhibits and tabling events (maximum of 5 events per year). Free ($300 value!) exhibit space at EENC’s annual conference. Individual Membership benefits (listed above) for all Included Staff. The intangibles: find community and make connections with other NC environmental education organizations; show your support and commitment to the advancement of environmental education in North Carolina; advance your staff's professional skill sets; and help ensure that this professional society for environmental educators in NC is available into perpetuity! Become an Organizational Member Bronze Membership $ 130 130$ 1-3 Team Members Valid for one year Buy Now Silver Membership $ 240 240$ Up to 6 Team Members Valid for one year Buy Now Gold Membership $ 360 360$ Up to 10 Team Members Valid for one year Buy Now Platinum Membership $ 840 840$ Up to 25 Team Members Valid for one year Buy Now Titanium Membership $ 1,400 1,400$ Up to 50 Team Members Valid for one year Buy Now Diamond Membership $ 2,400 2,400$ Up to 100 Team Members Valid for one year Buy Now The Road to 100 Journey Continues This year, EENC has taken on a membership growth challenge, the Road to 100, to fill in geographic gaps in our membership and have member... EENC Staff Team Updates from the Road to 100 Read the Road to 100 Launch Announcement Blog Post Read February Road to 100 Updates Read January Road to 100 Updates March Celebrations... EENC Staff Team Introducing EENC’s 2024 Membership Growth Challenge: The Road to 100! In alignment with our core belief in equity and inclusion in the environmental education field, the EENC team is always striving to build... EENC Staff Team Join us on the Road to 100! EENC Sections Our organization is divided into four sections so that we can offer professional development and social learning experiences with other members easily, regardless of where you are in the state. Which section do you belong to? Find your county on our section map to find your section!

Donor support directly enables us to take action in pursuit of our mission to support and advocate on behalf of North Carolina's community of environmental educators. Thank you. Our Donors A message of welcome and appreciation for our donors: We've welcomed many new donors to our community in recent months following the record-making success of our 2023 end of year Better Together Campaign – thank you for your interest in supporting NC's environmental educators! Be sure to check out our donor recognition tiers featuring North Carolina's beloved state nature symbols — and you – to learn how we plan to celebrate your contributions. Thanks to your phenomenal support, we are moving forward into new opportunities and strategies to ensure effective, equitable, change-making work. Our 2024 EENC Board of Directors includes many returning faces and our first-ever cohort of at-large board members working in alignment with our shared leadership model . As the staff team continues to bring additional professional capacity to our mission, we've transitioned from task-specific board positions to a robust slate of active committees. These committees synthesize expertise from many board members around topics including governance, advocacy, finance, events and outreach, and more. We owe our ongoing success to the steadfast support from you, our donors. Thank you for investing in our work leading excellence and progress in environmental education nationally and close to home. Thanks to our community of 2023 donors! We rely on direct contributions from our members and supporters to bring our mission to life. Find the full list of 2022 year donors in our 2022 Annual Report . Want to see your name on this list next year? Make a donation today. Brook Trout Recognition available: Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report, Listed on website, Listed in Annual Report, Recognition during fundraising events, Printed annual report sent to your home. Charlotte Clark Brad Daniel Melva Okun Kyra Thurow Bartow Pine Barrens Tree Frogs Recognition avai lable: Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report, Name listed on website, Name listed in Annual Report, Recognition during fundraising events. Sarah Adams Miriam Ash-Jones and Thomas Jones Barbara Bleiwies Erin Hines Nikki Jones Melody Lineberger The Ramsay Family Elise Tellez Tracy Wilson Eastern Tiger Swallowtails Recognition available: Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report, Name listed on website, Name listed in Annual Report. Keith Bamberger Sammy Bauer Mary Dobreff Chandler Holland Amelia Juliana Kathryn Stevenson Renee Strnad Celia Tuttle Scotch Bonnets Recognition available: Included in donor newsletter & Annual Report; Name listed on website. Alonzo Jaynes Andrea Parham Beth Cranford Brian Wuertz Brooke and Patrick OFriel Cheryl Grim Colin McCormick Daniel Naruta Donna Tolar Edith Rinholm Ellie Florack Emily Walker Erin Hudson George McCrary Gloria Clouse Gloria Lengel Heather Drayton Heather Hubbard Jessica Stitt Jessie Gruber Jonathan Marchal Julie Hall Kelly Bono Laura K White Lauren Lampley Leigh Kopicki Lindsey Baker Lisa Tolley Michael Smith Mickey Jo Sorrell Pam Pearce Pamela Vassallo Perry Hodgkins Jones Rebecca Shareff Ren Love Ryan Manning Shannon Culpepper Shannon Jones Sheila Jones Terri Kirby Hathaway Tots Height Ty Rinholm Support The 2024 Let's Grow Together Campaign! Through the Let’s Grow Together Campaign, we’re working to raise funds and draw attention to five amazing EE organizations across the state. EENC Staff Team Better Together: Successes from the 2023 Annual Giving Campaign EENC’s 2023 Annual Giving Campaign, Better Together, is one for the history books! Together, our community raised over $30,000 over the... EENC Staff Team Announcing EENC’s New Donor Recognition Tiers The EENC team owes every aspect of our success to the support of our donors: financial contributions directly drive our ability to offer... EENC Staff Team

Through a nine-state, two-phase survey, EENC and our partners at SEEA have gained unprecedented, meaningful insights into the environmental education landscape in the southeast. Explore our methodology and results using the report and accompanying dashboard. SEEA Landscape Analysis About the Analysis Project Background Project Outcomes Key Findings Project Background SEEA, the Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance, is a network of state affiliates of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) in the southeastern region of the U.S. EPA Region 4. SEEA’s mission is to provide southeastern state affiliates and their stakeholders collaborative and capacity building opportunities that demonstrate collective impact and magnify environmental education efforts across the region. In 2020, the Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance embarked on a brand new undertaking — a landscape analysis of environmental education efforts in eight southeastern states. This project was the result of a collective desire to gain an enha nced understanding of the environmental education providers in our region who are working towards similar goals. To understand the landscape of environmental education in the southeast, we surveyed more than seven hundred environmental education providers. This analysis resulted in the development of invaluable tools for looking at the field as a whole. These tools are a visualization of the outcomes of the analysis and can be used to build or strengthen environmental education programs and networks across the Southeast and beyond. Since then, we've expanded the landscape analysis to include K-12 Schools, Teachers, and Administrators. In 2022, we surveyed more than 600 teachers and administrators to better understand what, if any, environmental education was taking place within and outside the classroom. Similar to the tools for looking at the field, we can now offer tools to help meet the needs of teachers, students, and administrators. Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Pisces Foundation, this SEEA-led project included a comprehensive study of the environmental education already happening on the ground in both nonformal and K-12 settings, enabling the states involved to identify gaps and barriers to access that prevent successful implementation in some areas. We wanted to complete an analysis that would give environmental education providers resources and tools to more effectively meet the needs of their communities. We designed it to help us to ensure that we are focusing our limited time and resources in the areas where we will have the biggest impact. Through it, we wanted educators to find the tools they need to connect with providers in their area to increase opportunities for students to engage in environmental education from early childhood to adulthood. And we wanted educators and providers to be able to target their efforts in the areas with the highest need, whether that need is demographic, geographic, or content based. Project Outcomes As a result of the project, any interested party can access the full stakeholder report and a robust online hub that includes interactive maps and toolbars, tutorials, state-specific findings, and more. In North Carolina, Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) along with the N.C. Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs and the North Carolina Association of Environmental Education Centers (NCAEEC) collected responses from 136 EE programs and 105 schools, which were compiled with programs across our region for the full analysis. The final report provides recommendations and next steps for increasing environmental literacy efforts in the southeast based on an inventory of model programs and initiatives happening nationwide. This analysis and tailored state recommendations included in the report aim to equip organizations conducting environmental and conservation-related work in the southeast with the materials they need to address gaps, allocate resources more effectively, and, ultimately, meet the goal of increasing environmental literacy levels and stewardship behaviors. Key Findings Environmental education in the southeast faces many challenges brought to light through our landscape analysis, which collected data from almost 650 programs. In North Carolina, w e found that senior staff leadership and audiences served by environmental education providers do not reflect the overall demographics of the region. The average entry-level salary for environmental educators is 15-25% lower than comparable fields. There are gaps in services found across the region in rural areas, areas with the highest social vulnerability index, and areas with the lowest income. In formal school settings, 10% of surveyed educators indicated that they take students outdoors daily, and 40% do so periodically. 32% incorporate outdoor learning into instruction, and 61% are interested in doing so, but need more support. The primary limiting factors for schools' ability to participate in field trips were transportation costs, time, availability of transportation, and site fees. And yet, while challenges exist, many strengths of environmental education programs in the region were also made clear. More than two million youth in the southeast are served annually. Each year, EE takes place in 16,355 schools. And throughout the southeast, 79,857 volunteers assist with EE programs. View the EE Providers Results Report View the K-12 Education Results Report K-12 Schools Results Dashboard Environmental Education Providers Results Dashboard Climate, Education, and Equity Map You can use the map below in numerous ways. Find EE programs and providers near you. Compare how the demographics of people served by EE in a particular North Carolina city compare to the overall demographics of the city. Discover whether certain areas of the state are less likely to have environmental education opportunities and how that might compare to their exposure to pollutants or their household income. Filter and export data that's meani ngful to you. This tool can be instrumental in helping EE providers determine where there are gaps and barriers to access. For an in-depth tutorial on how to use the many features of this map, click here to watch the video on YouTube. If you're having trouble using the map on this page, click here to access it in a larger format. SEEA Landscape Analysis Updates from the Blog Urgent Action Alert: Advocate for Federal Appropriations Supporting Environmental Education Calling all educators and advocates! It's time to reach out to your Senators and Representatives to ask for support for robust funding... EENC shares results from regional landscape analysis of K-12 schools, teachers, administrators PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release EENC Shares Results from Regional Landscape Analysis of K-12 Schools, Teachers, Administrators... Participate in Regional Landscape Analysis for Environmental Education EENC is encouraging school and district administrators and formal educators who work in the PreK-12 setting, as well as environmental... What we learned at the funders’ briefing on environmental education in the southeast In the United States, the southeast receives only 8% of the $116 million in philanthropic investments for environmental literacy, outdoor... EENC Launches Comprehensive Landscape Analysis of Environmental Education in PreK-12 Schools Across EENC, in partnership with the Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance, announces the launch of Phase 2 of its landscape analysis of... See what SEEA’s Landscape Analysis of Environmental Education Can Help You Do What does environmental education (EE) look like on the ground? How do we work together to strengthen EE in the southeast? What would a... Launching a Regional Landscape Analysis The Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) along with the N.C. Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs and the...

Legacy giving is a meaningful way to support EENC – explore opportunities for legacy giving here. Sponsorship Opportunities Support EENC's mission to advance environmental education in North Carolina. Your sponsorship empowers a network of educators and organizations across NC, fostering connections, providing professional development, and promoting excellence. EENC builds environmental literacy, supports emerging community leaders, and encourages responsible interaction with our natural resources by guiding statewide collaboration and promoting meaningful nature learning for all ages. Together, we advocate for crucial environmental outdoor learning opportunities, build a diverse workforce, and ensure equitable opportunities for all to enjoy and protect the natural world. Become a Sponsor today to join us in creating a sustainable future. Sponsorship support is needed to bring EENC’s mission to life. We look forward to finding the right fit for your company’s philanthropic goals: your gift today supports a greener tomorrow. EENC Sponsorship tiers and recognition opportunities are listed below – to discuss customized sponsorships, or specific sponsorship of an EENC event, course, or project, please contact the EENC Staff Team. Thanks to Our Sponsor Community

EENC hosts an annual conference to gather environmental educators from across the state for networking and professional learning. Join us in September for our next conference! 2023 Conference Sponsors Duke Nicholas School of the Environment Keynote Speaker: Mallory McDuff Mallory McDuff has seen the importance of incorporating local communities in conservation through the eyes of a small-town journalist, a Peace Corps volunteer, and an environmental educator with the World Wildlife Fund. McDuff is currently a Professor of Outdoor Leadership, and Environmental Studies Director of Environmental Education at Warren Wilson College. At Warren Wilson, McDuff collaborates with diverse community partners to learn together. As a well known author, McDuff shares her most recent book, Love Your Mother, bringing awareness to the conversations around the climate crisis. McDuff's words will light EENC's Community to engage in collective action toward a more sustainable future. Theme and Focus Areas The 2023 conference theme is Unplug and rEEconnect. During the conference, we will delve deeper into what EE looks like in our state, the exciting and surprising places where EE is happening, and take time get outside and reconnect with the natural world. rEEconnect to Place: EE can be facilitated and experienced anywhere! These presentations will focus on how to apply EE in various communities and situations. These presentations will help unlock EE's audience by sharing ways to make EE more inclusive by addressing community and situational barriers. rEEconnect to Our Why (Work): EE is the thread that connects us all! These presentations will focus not on the 'what' or 'how' we implement EE, but the 'why.' The presentations will demonstrate the importance of collaboration with each other and other organizations toward a common purpose. The presentations will 'zoom out' to celebrate the bigger picture of EE's impact. rEEconnect to Social Change: The natural world is always changing, and EE is too! These presentations will focus on big new ideas, hot topics, and ways of doing that address social change. Theory to Practice: These presentations will focus on celebrating research you and/or your organization is doing in the field and the practical application of the research. Hands On and Minds On: These presentations can be field skills, activity demonstrations, walking workshops, etc. that demonstrate the 'what' we do in EE, or the 'how' we do it! These presentations are intended to be interactive. Schedule and Workshops

The mission, vision, and values that guide our work. About EENC Welcome to the online home of the Environmental Educators of North Carolina! Our organization grew from the desire of environmental educators across North Carolina to meet and share their experiences, aspirations, and tools. Since its inception in 1990, EENC has grown into something much greater. Our organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit, governed by bylaws that are voted on by our membership, and managed by an all-volunteer board of directors that is elected annually by the members. We represent a network of outstanding environmental educators, individuals, and organizations who work together to strengthen environmental education in our state. Our Mission EENC’s mission is to build connections, provide professional development, and promote excellence for North Carolina's community of environmental educators. We do this by promoting and facilitating professional development, fostering networking opportunities, and demonstrating high quality environmental education programs and materials. EENC strives to be a leader in the field of environmental education within North Carolina, the southeast, and the nation. Our Vision EENC envisions a future in which: Individuals across all NC communities are empowered by their knowledge, skills, convictions, and abilities to inspire a just and sustainable world. Environmental education's substantial societal value is recognized and invested in widely by policymakers, funders, education institutions, and the general public through our advocacy work. EENC is a national model, creating a stronger sense of belonging for educators from all walks of life where varied skills and experiences are celebrated. Our Values We’re Stronger Together Environmental Education is a community for everyone. Regardless of identity, environmental education is for you. We unite our industry through advocacy, access, equity, and sustainability. Nature Connection is Essential We believe that humans are rooted in their environment. Connection to nature is an essential human right that provides a sense of belonging, place, identity, and community. Learning Lasts a Lifetime We nurture a growth mindset and cultivate curiosity as teachers and learners. We invest in evaluation, growth, and responsive change to meet the needs of our expanding community. Impact Drives Us We may not have the answers, but together, we can find solutions. We center research and evaluation to guide data-based advancements and accountability in pursuit of excellence. We seek meaningful partnerships to foster success for our professions, our students, and the natural world. EENC is committed to building authentic and mutual connections. EENC continually seeks new opportunities to work with people and organizations that intentionally represent and are champions for systemic justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Just like nature’s ecosystems, each individual contribution may not be visible but together they uphold valuable knowledge and strength in our communities. We believe: Environmental literacy and mutual respect are inherently linked with environmental and social justice. Environmental education and resources should be accessible to all communities. Biodiversity is critical to the success of natural spaces, and the diversity of humanity is what makes us stronger. We are never done learning and growing as an organization and as individuals. Our Affiliations Our Partners Looking for information about Environmental Education Certification in North Carolina ? That program is administered by our partners at the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs. Shared Leadership EENC has adopted a model grounded in transparent, shared decision-making power among board members and staff members leading different spheres of the work. Our leadership is a collective effort, promoting a resilient and adaptive organizational structure. We use a unique decision-making model to guide our shared work. Important decisions may be made among staff, between staff and board members or committees, or at the board level. All staff members report to one another regularly on progress and challenges. Staff serve as liaisons to board committees and routinely communicate with board leaders to plan and implement projects. Team members must be able to self-motivate and take ownership of their individual tasks while contributing effectively to shared goals and initiatives. Ongoing, transparent, frequent communication among team members is integral to this model. Read our full Shared Leadership Statement: Strategic Plan Every three years, the Board of Directors defines our organizational priorities through a strategic plan to help guide our work. EENC's four main focus areas for 2025 - 2027 are: Advancing EE - Strengthen environmental education through equitable access, culturally responsive professional development, and advocacy that reflects diverse community needs. Developing Community - Build a supportive, knowledge-rich community that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to diverse needs and perspectives. Fostering Partnerships - Develop equitable partnerships that enhance our reach, resources, and impact, ensuring shared power dynamics and a focus on diversity and inclusion Building Internal Capacity - Strengthen the internal structure to ensure sustainability, growth, and a positive, inclusive, and equitable work environment. You can read our full strategic plan here. Annual Reports The EENC President generates an annual report each year that describes the organization's activities and growth during their tenure. These reports are available to the membership. Click on a date below to view the report for that year: 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Learn more about our operations and see how we've put previous support into action by reviewing our most recent 990. Discover our History Beginnings In late 1987, Triangle area environmental and teaching professionals met often and regularly at various venues to engage in discussions around the environmental education movement in our state. Members of the focus group included UNC and NCSU professors, school teachers of diverse disciplines, museum curators and interpreters, County and State Parks rangers and naturalists, federal, state and county government agency officials, environmental researchers, electric utility professionals, and environmental policymakers. Meetings were held "after school" and rooms were sometimes packed with professionals determined to spin a common thread in their efforts to increase environmental awareness and knowledge among the people of North Carolina. In time, interest grew beyond the Triangle, resulting in the creation of a state-wide, membership-driven, 501(c)3 education non-profit organization called Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC). The first board meeting was held at Museum of Life and Science in Durham in October 1990. It was then, and continues to be, the premier environmental education professional organization in our state which connects diverse professionals and organizations to each other through directories, news, regional events, an annual state conference and a coveted awards program.

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Latest News All Posts Member Highlights Events & Programs Impact Updates Take Action Search Jul 26 Impact Updates From NC to DC: A Climate Education Journey EENC will be part of a design team in Washington, DC for the Educating for Climate Action and Justice: Guidelines for Excellence. Jun 28 Member Highlights The Road to 100 Journey Continues This year, EENC has taken on a membership growth challenge, the Road to 100, to fill in geographic gaps in our membership and have member... Jun 11 Impact Updates Silent Auction + Scholarships= Mutualism! EENC's Annual Conference has always had the goal of bringing together educators for idea sharing, networking, and an overall good time.... Jun 4 Impact Updates #EEforALL: UDL in EE Impact Report Since its rollout in 2022, the Universal Design for Environmental Education course designed by EENC, California AEOE, and Silvers... May 3 Member Highlights EENC Board Member At-Large Sammy Bauer on Completing the Environmental Educator Certification Program Re-published with permission from the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs blog, "Teachable Moments." Find the... Apr 23 Impact Updates DEQ Celebrates Earth Day with the Release the State K-12 Environmental Literacy Plan Republished from NC DEQ. FUQUAY-VARINA State and local leaders gathered today at Lincoln Heights Environmental Connections Magnet... Apr 22 Take Action Support The 2024 Let's Grow Together Campaign! Through the Let’s Grow Together Campaign, we’re working to raise funds and draw attention to five amazing EE organizations across the state. Apr 12 Member Highlights I am EENC: Justin Young, RiverLink I am EENC is a series of quarterly guest-written blog posts where members share their journeys, passions, and accomplishments as... Apr 1 Impact Updates Updates from the Road to 100 Read the Road to 100 Launch Announcement Blog Post Read February Road to 100 Updates Read January Road to 100 Updates March Celebrations... Mar 29 Take Action Urgent Action Alert: Advocate for Federal Appropriations Supporting Environmental Education Calling all educators and advocates! It's time to reach out to your Senators and Representatives to ask for support for robust funding... 1 2 3 4 5