Find your environmental education community in North Carolina with EENC! Take a workshop, build connections, become a member, apply for funding, and more... EENC Find your community . We build connections, provide professional development, and promote excellence for North Carolina's community of environmental educators. Become a Member Today Let's Learn Together Thu, Jan 01 EENC Book Club / Details Jan 01, 2026, 8:00 AM – Jun 18, 2026, 8:00 PM Online Course Join EENC's semi-annual book club for monthly connection and conversation around some great eco-forward titles. Mon, Apr 06 EE and the NC Science Standards / Details Apr 06, 2026, 9:00 AM – May 01, 2026, 5:00 PM Online Course This course is designed to help formal and non-formal educators understand North Carolina state science standards and how environmental education can apply to those standards when planning lessons and curricula for school-age audiences. Mon, May 04 Methods of Teaching Environmental Education Online Workshop (MOTEE) / Buy Tickets May 04, 2026, 9:00 AM – May 22, 2026, 6:00 PM Online Course Helps practitioners create inclusive and age-appropriate learning experiences, gain group management skills, practice teaching methods to promote inquiry, and gain skills in designing objectives, lessons, and assessments for EE programs using NC Essential Standards as a foundation. Thu, May 07 Section Event: Garden Tour at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden / Buy Tickets May 07, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, 215 S Main St, Kernersville, NC 27284, USA Section Events are intended to bring together folks from a region of the state for a special learning and networking opportunity. Sat, May 09 Section Event: Garden Tour at Asheville Botanical Garden / Buy Tickets May 09, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Asheville Botanical Garden, 151 WT Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804, USA Section Events are intended to bring together folks from a region of the state for a special learning and networking opportunity. Sat, May 16 Section Event: Garden Tour at Duke Gardens / Buy Tickets May 16, 2026, 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St, Durham, NC 27705, USA Section Events are intended to bring together folks from a region of the state for a special learning and networking opportunity. Fri, May 22 Section Event: Garden Tour at Airlie Gardens / Buy Tickets May 22, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Airlie Gardens, 300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA Section Events are intended to bring together folks from a region of the state for a special learning and networking opportunity. Mon, Jun 01 Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Environmental Education – Online Course / Details Jun 01, 2026, 9:00 AM – Jul 24, 2026, 6:00 PM Online Course This course is designed to provide a strong foundation in the language, concepts and principles of equity work for environmental educators and environmental professionals. Lates t News Welcoming EENC's Newest Board Members At this meeting, we welcomed six new amazing individuals as they start their tenure helping lead the Environmental Educators of North Carolina forward into the future. Jan 15 Collaborative Connections: Notes from EENC's Annual Organization Leaders Meeting Presentation slides used for the meeting featuring different discussion topics EENC hosted its Annual Organization Leadership Meeting this week, bringing together staff from the Organizational Members for conversation and collaboration. This year's conversation started with participants sharing their Roses, Thorns, and Buds for their programs and organizations this year. We heard stories of celebration around taking on new positions and programs, as well as stories of resilie Nov 14, 2025 Recognizing Excellence in Environmental Education On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Environmental Educators of North Carolina held their annual awards ceremony during their conference at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in Asheville, North Carolina. Sep 22, 2025 EENC Joins EarthShare NC EarthShare NC's Nonprofit Members represent the breadth of work needed to take care of the people and natural treasures that make North... Sep 14, 2025 Announcing the Release of EENC’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan The Environmental Educators of North Carolina is thrilled to share our newest Strategic Plan. Aug 14, 2025 Announcing EENC’s 2025 Mini-Grant Awardees Now in its 7th year, we are excited to continue our successful mini-grant program in supporting the teachers, non-formal educators, government employees, students, and volunteers we work with across North Carolina. Jun 15, 2025 1 2 3 4 5 “I joined EENC shortly after moving to North Carolina. Coming from an environmental education background, I knew that the best way to make connections with other professionals in the field would be through this organization. EENC provides numerous opportunities to network, build community, and to feel supported. During my time as a member I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from so many talented individuals in conservation and conservation education, and this has certainly helped me grow as an educator.” -Breanna Walker, 2023 Board Piedmont Section Chair Champion Sponsor

Thank you for your interest in joining EENC's Staff team! Join Our Team The application window for the Operations and Development Lead position is now closed. Applications are currently under review; all applicants will be contacted the week of April 22nd. Interviews will be held between April 22nd and May 1st. Interview scheduling options include weekday business hours, evenings, and weekends. We will ask for references after interviews have been conducted. We anticipate a target start date of June 1, 2024. EENC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate of race, color, religious creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Environmental Educators of North Carolina Operations and Development Lead The Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) is a dynamic community of environmental educators dedicated to fostering connections, providing professional development, and promoting excellence in environmental education. Established in 1990, EENC has grown into a broad network of passionate individuals and organizations collaborating to achieve its core mission. We provide the forum to bring people together, leverage resources, and unite our voices across the state. Role Overview: As Operations & Development Lead, you will be pivotal in shaping our organization's operational efficiency and financial sustainability while driving strategic development initiatives. This position encompasses a range of responsibilities, including business management, fundraising, and collaborative leadership. You will work closely with the other two staff members, the Programming Lead and the Communications & Relationships Lead. This position is full-time (average of 35 hours per week), remote within North Carolina, with some travel required. Most travel is within the state. Shared Leadership: EENC practices shared leadership, a non-hierarchical approach to organizational structuring that prioritizes collaborative accountability and decision-making responsibilities to define and achieve strategic goals. All staff are formally employed by the board, and important decisions are made among staff, between staff and board members or committees, and at the board level as defined in our decision-making model. 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. Our shared leadership model empowers both individual and collective decision-making; therefore, all 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. For more about this model, review our Shared Leadership Statement . Key Responsibilities: Business Operations (50%): Oversee routine operations including budgeting, finance, payroll, benefits, HR, organizational policies, etc. Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize business operations and align them with organizational goals. Guide long-term business and financial planning. Ensure legal and regulatory compliance for the organization in collaboration with the Board of Directors leadership, including taxes, solicitation license, and non-profit policy compliance Fundraising and Development (50%): Align development strategies with the overall goals and mission of EENC. Design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies with diverse revenue streams with an emphasis on grant writing and donor cultivation. Lead the development and implementation of engaging fundraising campaigns and events, major gift campaigns, and sponsorships. Fundraising events and campaigns are coordinated in collaboration with staff and Board committees. Assess financial data, measure performance, and guide data-driven decisions related to organization’s $225,000 annual budget. Regularly report on key performance indicators related to business operations, development efforts, and risk management. Serve as staff liaison to the Board of Directors for the following committees, which collaborate with staff to meet organizational goals: Finance Development Governance Other duties as needed. Who We’re Looking For: We are seeking a strategic thinker who can keep things running smoothly while helping guide long-term plans for EENC’s fiscal sustainability. The Operations & Development Lead should be experienced and comfortable managing budgets, cultivating revenue streams, and successfully executing dynamic projects. The ideal candidate for this new position will be excited to practice shared leadership in EENC’s staff team and eager to foster an expanding community of funders and supporters for our mission. Desired Skills and Experience Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, stakeholders, and partners to achieve common goals through leaderful collaboration Ability to manage multiple projects independently and as part of a team Experience with business operations, bookkeeping, or organizational financial management Ability to plan, organize, and think creatively at the systems level Experience developing and leading successful fundraising initiatives Experience writing, managing, and reporting on grants Exceptional writing, networking, and interpersonal skills Background in nonprofit or business leadership, especially collaborating with a non-profit Board of Directors and committees Tech Savvy: Proficient with or able to quickly learn the use of Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Quickbooks Online, and other digital tools including video conferencing, project management, fundraising, and donor management platforms Ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments, with a flexible and proactive approach to challenges. Familiarity with environmental education and an understanding of the field in the state, nationally, and internationally Requirements Diversity Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the organization and in external relationships. Residency: North Carolina residency or a commitment to move within 30 days of hire. Driver’s License: A North Carolina driver’s license or the ability to acquire one within 90 days of hire. Travel: Infrequent independent travel in North Carolina for events. Schedule: Work will average 35 hours per week with a flexible schedule. Occasional evening and weekend work is necessary to accommodate special events. Work location: Employee must provide their own work location with reliable internet. We believe that environmental literacy and mutual respect are inherently linked with environmental and social justice, that environmental education and resources should be accessible to all communities, that biodiversity is critical to the success of natural spaces and the diversity of humanity is what makes us stronger, and that we are never done learning and growing as an organization and as individuals. We strongly encourage applications from People of Color, LGBTQ+ people, and those who are members of other marginalized communities. This job description is a general overview, not a mandatory or comprehensive list. We encourage you to apply if you have 75% of the skills and experience listed. Your experience includes paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer and non-traditional work and learning. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe you have the skills to accomplish the job, we want to hear from you! Salary and Benefits: This full-time exempt salaried position will have a starting annual salary of $40,150 plus a 10% benefit stipend. Additional tangible benefits: Communications stipend for phone/internet ($80 per month) 2% employer-provided retirement contribution (no employee match required) EENC-provided computer, printer, and office supplies Paid professional development 32 days of paid personal leave for vacations, holidays, and other days of your choosing, plus 5 sick days per year Additional intangible benefits: Flexible scheduling Work from home Opportunity to work at a systemic level to support environmental educators and advance environmental education across the state Networking with environmental educators across the state How To Apply: Apply online by submitting our application form (embedded below, also available in-browser ). Resumes and cover letters will NOT be accepted via email. If you have questions, please contact Board Past President Amy Juliana at amy@eenc.org . To apply, you will need to submit: Resume Cover letter that addresses the following (maximum 2 pages): This position requires significant interaction with multiple internal and external stakeholder groups (grantors, staff, Board of Directors, others). Describe your experience interacting with multiple stakeholder groups. Describe a time you managed or developed an organizational or business budget. How did you plan for, track, and evaluate success? Hiring Timeline: Applications accepted through April 12, 2024. Application review period April 14 - April 19, 2024. All applicants will be contacted the following week. We anticipate conducting interviews April 22 - May 1. Interview scheduling options include weekday business hours, evenings, and weekends. We will ask for references after interviews have been conducted. We anticipate a target start date of June 1, 2024. EENC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate of race, color, religious creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

Explore EENC's core workshop and course offerings, including those eligible for NC EE Certification credit hours. Learning Opportunities Core Offerings For Programming information, contact Michelle Pearce at programs@eenc.org Look for eeCOURSES in our offerings! eeCOURSES are top-quality, competency-based courses on specific topics across the breadth of environmental education. eeCOURSES are developed by NAAEE Affiliates and endorsed by NAAEE. Guidelines for Excellence JEDI in EE Accessible by Nature Inquiry-Based Outdoor Learning EE and the NC Science Standards Embracing Evaluation in EE Guidelines for Excellence The Guidelines for Excellence is a series of materials that helps environmental educators hone their practice and programs to national standards for high-quality environmental education programming. Developed by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), the Guidelines document the collective wisdom of hundreds of educators across our nation; these guides are updated periodically to reflect new research, changing best practices, and an increasing attention to equity and inclusion. Workshops focus on one or more of the Guidelines publications: K-12 Environmental Education Professional Development of Environmental Educators Environmental Education Materials Nonformal Environmental Education Programs Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs Community Engagement For those pursuing EE Certification in North Carolina managed by our partners at the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, these workshops qualify for Criteria I/continuing education credit. You make take multiple Guidelines workshops for credit, so long as each workshop focuses on a different Guidelines publication. Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Environmental Education This online course is designed to provide a strong foundation in the language, concepts and principles of equity work for environmental educators and environmental professionals. It is meant to be an introductory course and spark interest in further learning around justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). The main topics for the course include: Foundations of communication for sensitive topics, including group agreements and nonviolent communication. Developing a common language for discussing JEDI topics Understanding historical intersections of the environmental movement with social justice topics, how those historical events might still be causing impacts today. Understanding bias, stereotypes, and oppression Reflecting on power and privilege that different identities afford, how that power and privilege manifests as microaggressions and how to use the power and privilege you had to develop a personal action plan. This course was developed through a partnership between Center for Diversity and the Environment , EcoInclusive , Justice Outside , Environmental Educators of North Carolina, Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education, and Kentucky Association for Environmental Education. Each cohort will have 8 weeks to complete the 10-15 hour asynchronous course. Cohorts will begin quarterly . Course qualifies for Criteria I/continuing education credit for the NC Environmental Educator Certificate . Accessible by Nature: Designing EE to Support All Learners This course uses the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and challenging for all, rather than making modifications for individual students’ needs. This course will encourage you to reflect deeply on your practice to focus on how you plan and teach, not just the content you teach. Whether you’re a classroom teacher or outdoor nonformal educator, are an experienced professional or just getting started in the field, and are new to inclusion or have been leading inclusive programming for years, we hope this course will inspire you to strengthen your pedagogical practices so they are more welcoming, inclusive and accessible for all learners. Focus areas include: Understanding the principles of Universal Design for Learning Describing terms, techniques, tools, and resources to promote inclusivity and access to better serve diverse populations, specifically those with learning differences, physical accessibility needs, and language barriers Evaluating your current teaching practices/pedagogy and your setting to identify barriers to participation Applying the principles of universal design for learning to your pedagogical practices to redesign a lesson, activity, or program This course content was designed by Michelle Silvers of Silver’s Lining PLLC, Estrella Risinger with the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education , Michelle Pearce and Lauren Pyle with the Environmental Educators of North Carolina, with contributions from Rebekah Jones and the Cooper Center for Environmental Learning . This is an endorsed eeCOURSE with NAAEE . Inquiry-Based Outdoor Learning: USING BEETLES IN NC The BEETLES (Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning, and Expertise Sharing) learning sessions are active experiences crafted to encourage instructors to look at specific aspects of research-based science pedagogy and to inspire shifts in instructors’ thinking about their own teaching and learning. Developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science, these hands-on and interactive sessions promote a student-centered approach to help participants better engage with science and the natural world through inquiry. Learn more about BEETLES at http://beetlesproject.org/ Inquiry-Based Outdoor Learning workshops fully explore 2-4 of the eleven Professional Learning Sessions in their entirety during the 6-10 hours of the workshop: Adaptation & Evolution Assessing for Learning Constructing Understanding Evidence & Explanations Field Journaling with Students Making Observations Matter & Energy in Ecosystems Nature and Practices of Science Promoting Discussion Questioning Strategies Teaching & Learning For those pursuing EE Certification in North Carolina managed by our partners at the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, these workshops qualify for Criteria I/continuing education credit. You make take multiple Inquiry-Based Outdoor Learning workshops for credit, so long as each workshop focuses on different BEETLES. Environmental Education and the NC Science Standards Environmental Education and the NC Science Standards is a 4 week course designed to help practitioners review NC Essential Standards and popular EE curriculum to better understand how they can support eachother. This workshop is for educators (formal, nonformal, and higher education) who want to: Explain the purpose of academic standards and their role in our educational system Describe the components of the academic standards. Use the science standards to illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of environmental education. Demonstrate how these academic standards correlate with environmental education curricula. Format: This course will be a completely online course that uses Moodle and shared documents platforms like Padlet and Google Docs. For those pursuing EE Certification in North Carolina managed by our partners at the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, this course qualifies for Criteria III/continuing education credit. Embracing Evaluation in Environmental Education What is this course about? A primary goal of this 5 week course is to give participants the skills to develop an evaluation plan that goes beyond the satisfaction survey many providers use. The best evaluation plan is intentionally connected to program goals and created and implemented in collaboration with the program audience. By giving more environmental educators the tools to carry out meaningful evaluations, we can improve our efforts to build a healthier and more equitable future. Who is this course for? This course is intended for anyone working in or adjacent to environmental education. The course will cover evaluation basics and is intended for practitioners with no evaluation experience as well as those with many years of experience. If you are someone with evaluation experience, the course content may help you think of evaluation differently and give you new ideas. For those pursuing EE Certification in North Carolina managed by our partners at the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, this course qualifies for Criteria III/continuing education credit. Two live Zoom calls are required, otherwise the course is asynchronous. Upcoming Courses & Workshops Thu, Jan 01 EENC Book Club / Online Course Details Jan 01, 2026, 8:00 AM – Jun 18, 2026, 8:00 PM Online Course Join EENC's semi-annual book club for monthly connection and conversation around some great eco-forward titles. Membership Offer Mon, Apr 06 EE and the NC Science Standards / Online Course Details Apr 06, 2026, 9:00 AM – May 01, 2026, 5:00 PM Online Course This course is designed to help formal and non-formal educators understand North Carolina state science standards and how environmental education can apply to those standards when planning lessons and curricula for school-age audiences. Membership Offer Mon, May 04 Methods of Teaching Environmental Education Online Workshop (MOTEE) / Online Course Buy Tickets May 04, 2026, 9:00 AM – May 22, 2026, 6:00 PM Online Course Helps practitioners create inclusive and age-appropriate learning experiences, gain group management skills, practice teaching methods to promote inquiry, and gain skills in designing objectives, lessons, and assessments for EE programs using NC Essential Standards as a foundation. Thu, May 07 Section Event: Garden Tour at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden / Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden Buy Tickets May 07, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, 215 S Main St, Kernersville, NC 27284, USA Section Events are intended to bring together folks from a region of the state for a special learning and networking opportunity. Sat, May 09 Section Event: Garden Tour at Asheville Botanical Garden / Asheville Botanical Garden Buy Tickets May 09, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Asheville Botanical Garden, 151 WT Weaver Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804, USA Section Events are intended to bring together folks from a region of the state for a special learning and networking opportunity. Load More About our Events SECTION EVENTS Throughout the year, EENC offers regional section events across the state. These events vary greatly in length, topic, and format - but their goal is the same: to bring local environmental educators together! Some events might be more recreational in nature, like k ayaking or a group hike. Others may be more social, like brewery/film screening meet-up or cookouts. Still others may be more content-driven, like a guided wildflower walk or teaching strategies seminar. We've also hosted book-clubs, behind-the-scenes tours, and family-friendly gatherings. WEBI NARS North Carolina is a large state. EENC provides virtual opportunities so that educators from Murphy to Manteo to gather together, to learn with and from one another. EENC currently hosts monthly webinars on the th ird Thursday of the month. We invite presenters to share their expertise and experience about hot topics impacting our EE community. If you are interested in presenting a webinar, contact the Program Coordinator. All webinars are free for participants. Recordings are sent to all participants afterward. COMMUNIT Y CALLS Community calls are a great chance to share what you're thinkin g, listen to what others are planning, ask questions of one another, and feel a sense of community. These drop-in interactive calls provide virtual opportunities to engage with your peers throughout the year. Some calls have specific themes for target audiences, while others are more general. We don't have the answers, but we're hoping that together, we can create solutions! EVENTS FROM OUR PARTNERS EENC is an Affiliate co-host of the NAAEE Monthly Webinar Series , an Outdoor Learning Store workshop partner, and a Green Teacher Webinar partner. You can find many of EENC's signature and partnered events listed on Facebook . Looking for additional professional development? There are a wide variety of environmental education organizations that offer professional development for North Carolina's EE community. PROGRAM EVALUATION DASHBOARD https://eenc-visualization.streamlit.app/~/+/#welcome-to-the-eenc-dashboard

Explore the collaborative white paper detailing best practices for pay and hiring in the environmental education sector, developed by EENC and our partners at SEEA. Equitable Pay and Hiring in Environmental Education Environmental education, like many other sectors, endeavors to answer the calls to examine its history of institutional racism and discrimination, adopt more inclusive hiring practices and address inequities in compensation and benefits packages to make our field more equitable, welcoming and sustainable. Usin g the SEEA findings, we make the case for a reimagining of more equitable hiring and pay practices in the white paper "eeGuidance for Equitable Pay and Hiring in Environmental Education" . EENC is proud to be among the writers, and endorsing partners, of this report. In 2021 the Southeast Environmental Education Alliance (SEEA) conducted a landscape analysis to understand the current state, ongoing needs, and growth areas for the regional environmental education field. This data confirms that entry-level pay in environmental education is 15-25% lower than in comparable fields such as forestry, tourism, and formal education. The eeGuidance provides recommendations and highlights some best practices for environmental and outdoor education organizations. There are several key areas that employers must change to make environmental education careers more accessible to a broader population, including pay and benefits, position design, recruitment, processes and practices. This document provides researched explanations of why these areas matter and outlines specific minimum standards for employers to enact immediately. We also identify the target standards that we all must work toward to transform employment in our field. Citations and resources are embedded throughout this document and collated at the end for further learning. Once applied, these standards and resources will help improve employee retention, attract more diverse talent, create a sustainable career path, and establish our field as a viable profession. Networks, coalitions, and job boards that approve and support this eeGuidance can be recognized as endorsing organizations here. View the Full Document Standards at a Glance Have a job that meets the eeGuidance's minimum standards? As an individual employer, help job seekers know that the position meets or exceeds the minimum standards outlined in this document by adding the following commitment statement at the bottom of job descriptions. “This position meets or exceeds the recommendations as outlined in the eeGuidance for Equitable Pay and Hiring . [Employer Name] is committed to advancing employee equity in the field of environmental education to better serve our staff, our organization, and our community.” Be sure to review the standards listed throughout this document and ensure your position meets 100% of the minimum standards before using this language. The Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance and other endorsing partners will not review every position that is posted as meeting these standards, so we must trust that employers who post positions with this statement in job descriptions have done so with careful consideration.

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Get to know our small but mighty staff team and our dedicated Board of Directors. Meet our Staff and Board Michelle Pearce Programming Lead About Michelle 2026 Board of Directors Will Freund Past-President will@eenc.org LaKyla Hodges Western Section Chair lakyla@eenc.org Brooke Wilson Member-At-Large brooke@eenc.org Emily Behr Central Section Chair emily.b@eenc.org Jessica Stitt Eastern Section Chair jessica@eenc.org Noah Upchurch President-Elect noah@eenc.org Sydney Singleton Piedmont Section Chair sydney@eenc.org Rachel Bentley Member-At-Large rachel@eenc.org Cynthia Peedin President cynthia@eenc.org Tamara Kelly Member-At-Large tamara@eenc.org Lauren Daniel Member-At-Large lauren@eenc.org Vacant Treasurer @eec.org Hillary Harrison Secretary hillary@eenc.org Harrison Jackson Member-At-Large harrison@eenc.org Erika Young Member-at-Large erika@eenc.org The Board of Directors for Environmental Educators of North Carolina is elected by the membership and oversees the organization. Board members plan the annual conference, help develop partnerships, seek funding for the organization, lead advocacy initiatives, and set and manage the annual budget for the organization. Board positions are volunteer-based with two-year terms. The EENC Nomination Committee has closed applications for the 2026 Board of Directors. EENC Committees EENC accomplishes our work through collaboration between staff and board members. We currently have four committees that are chaired by board members that further our mission work. Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Chair: LaKyla Hodges Email LaKyla Events & Outreach Chair: Jess Stit Email Jess Finance & Development Chair: Will Freund Email Will Governance Chair: Cynthia Peedin Email Cynthia

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. Donate Make a Donation Invest in environmental education by making a n online donation directly to EENC by completing the form on the left. We also accept donations via check at the below address: Environmental Educators of North C arolina 150 Highlands Sq Dr #1034, Hendersonville, NC 28792 To coordinate ACH or wire-transfer gifts, contact operations@eenc.org . Learn about our Donor Recognition Tiers here. Explore our Sponsorship opportunities here. Learn more about our Legacy Giving program here. Get to know our community of 2023 Donors here. Everyone benefits from environmental education. Your donation helps EENC provide low-cost and free training for educators, collaborate with partners to advance our field, and work to make environmental education more equitable and inclusive. EENC wants to change the world by: Providing professional development and networking for educators Diversifying the field of environmental education Bringing together like-minded organizations to increase capacity Promoting excellence in environmental education As a learner, teacher, parent, or community member, you can play a critical role in helping people access the intellectual, personal, and social benefits of environmental education. As a society, we are facing huge environmental, social, and economic issues. The author Richard Louv spoke at our conference in 2016 and summed it up with a JAWS reference: We’re gonna need a bigger boat. Will you be a part of EENC’s bigger boat? Your gift of any size brings us another step closer to achieving our vision of an environmentally literate community.

Thank you for your interest in joining EENC's Board of Directors! Join Our Board The EENC Nomination Committee has opened applications for the 2026 Board of Directors! Thank you for your interest in a position on the Environmental Educators of North Carolina Board of Directors. Please complete this form to allow us to learn more about your interests and qualifications. Click the link below to complete the application, or scroll further down to fill it out on this page. If you have any questions about specific positions, serving on the board in general, OR need to submit responses in an alternative format, don't hesitate to get in touch with Kyra Thurow Bartow, EENC Past-President, kyra@eenc.org. Do you know someone with skills that would complement our organization's mission? Please send their contact information to Kyra. Click Here to Complete the Board Application Position Description Position Overview Key Responsibilities Qualifications Terms and Compensation Position Overview: Board Members at EENC play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization. By utilizing their expertise, commitment, and passion, they contribute to realizing EENC's mission of building connections, providing professional development, and promoting excellence for North Carolina's environmental educators. As a board member, you will actively engage in decision-making, collaborate with fellow board members, and provide oversight to ensure the organization's values and objectives are upheld. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership: Contribute to the development and refinement of EENC's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and long-term goals. Governance and Oversight: Participate in board meetings, offering insights on critical decisions, policies, and initiatives. Uphold the highest ethical standards and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations when applicable. Financial Stewardship: Review and approve EENC's budget, financial reports, and audits. Monitor financial performance to ensure responsible fiscal management. Advocacy and Resource Development: Support fundraising efforts by leveraging personal networks, identifying potential donors or partners, and actively participating in fundraising campaigns and events. Community Engagement: Act as an advocate for EENC, raising awareness about its mission and impact within the community. Attend public events, engage with stakeholders, and foster connections. Risk Management: Identify potential risks and collaborate with fellow board members and staff to implement strategies that mitigate these risks while ensuring the organization's success. Collaborative Approach: Work closely with other board members, the executive director, and staff, cultivating a collaborative environment that embraces diverse perspectives to achieve organizational goals. Committee Engagement: Contribute your expertise to relevant board committees (e.g., finance, advocacy, program) as needed to address specific areas of focus. Term and Compensation: Board members typically serve renewable terms, with each term lasting 2-3 years depending on the position. Time commitment varies, with Board Members at Large typically serving approximately 10 hours per month. This is a voluntary role without monetary compensation. However, it provides an invaluable opportunity to contribute to a significant cause and make a lasting impact on the environmental education community. Qualifications: Passion for Mission: A genuine dedication to EENC's mission and objectives, with a strong desire to contribute positively to the environmental education community. Expertise: Relevant experience or skills in areas such as environmental education, nonprofit management, advocacy, fundraising, or related fields. Leadership Abilities: Ability to think strategically, make informed decisions, and collaborate effectively within a diverse team. Effective Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with the capability to professionally represent EENC and cultivate relationships with stakeholders. Time Commitment: Willingness to dedicate the necessary time for board meetings, committee participation, and additional responsibilities as required. Integrity: Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct and upholding EENC's core values.

Celebrate Excellence in EE Nominate Someone Today! EENC is proud to offer an annual awards program that recognizes our community members for their innovation, dedication, and excellence in environmental education. EENC Annual Awards Environmental Educator of the Year The Environmental Educator of the Year award recognizes an educator who stands out as a professional who exemplifies excellence in EE and lends credibility to the field. Outstanding Partner The Outstanding Partner award recognizes a business, non-profit, or governmental agency that has partnered with EENC to support our mission and growth. Exceptional EE Program The Exceptional EE Program award recognizes a program, organization, or center that brings environmental education to the public in great, new, and/or exceptional ways. Melva Fager Okun Life Achievement The Life Achievement award recognizes an EENC member for a career of dedication to EENC and environmental education. Outstanding Service The Outstanding Service award is for a member who has served in several key leadership roles making a significant contribution to further the mission of EENC. Outstanding Newcomer The Outstanding Newcomer award recognizes an EENC member of five years or less who has made significant contributions to EENC during their short time as a member. Outstanding Practitioner The Outstanding Practitioner award recognizes a member who has made significant contributions to EENC through statewide participation, leadership in their region, and being an advocate for high-quality education through how they teach, live, and do. Join the Celebration at the Annual Conference Conference Info 2025 Nominations Are Open Now We want to celebrate your EE Hero! Nominations are open through August 3 .

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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