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.

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! 2026 EENC Conference Emerald Pathways: From Triangle Roots to Carolina Horizons Registration is Open! EENC's 2026 conference will be at NC State’s McKimmon Conference & Training Center in Raleigh, NC! This year’s conference will be held from Friday, September 11, to Saturday, September 12, 2026. Plan ahead for pre-conference workshops, field trips, and more on Thursday, September 10. About our Sessions: Our proposal form is closed, and we'll be releasing our schedule in mid June. Our strands this year are Carolina Connections, Leading the Charge, Hidden Gems Rooted in All of Us, Hands-on Minds-On, and Empowering Educators with Applied Research. We can't wait to learn with you and from you! Attention Exhibitors! Would you like to showcase your organization or program? You can set up a table during the conference to share information about what you do. Organizational Members with a Platinum, Titanium, or Diamond level membership get to the table for free! Review our Sponsor Packet for more information. Lodging and FAQs : Raleigh area lodging accommodations for the conference . Schedule: The 2026 schedule is not yet available. You won't want to miss these amazing sessions! Conference Apparel : https://www.bonfire.com/store/eenc/ Scholarships : Apply now through July 1 for financial assistance . Online Auction : The 2026 auction proceeds will be earmarked for supporting EENC's programs, including scholarships, curriculum updates, and more. This funding makes professional learning as accessible as possible for our EE community! Sponsor Packet Schedule Coming Soon 2026 Conference Keynotes Maria Pinto Liz Z. Pardue Pre-Conference Field Trips & Workshop EENC Book Club, July - December 2026 Wed, Jul 01 Online Course Join EENC's semi-annual book club for monthly connection and conversation around some great eco-forward titles. +19 more RSVP 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. RSVP Membership Offer 2026 Pre-Conference: Red Wolf Conservation with the Museum of Life and Science Thu, Sep 10 Museum of Life and Science This field trip will provide a hands on learning experience to better understand the conservation efforts that go into protecting North Carolina's Red Wolf population. See All Buy Tickets Membership Offer 2026 Pre-Conference: Emerald Pathways, Through a Troll's Eyes Thu, Sep 10 Dix Park This field trip visits the Dambo Troll residents of Dix Park and honors their mission of environmental conservation through Community Science Projects. See All Buy Tickets 2026 Conference Sponsors Presenting Keynote Friday Evening Social Coffee Hour Networking Lunch Silent Auction Friends of EENC Interested in sponsoring the EENC conference? Explore our Sponsor Packet . Theme Emerald Pathways: From Triangle Roots to Carolina Horizons 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. 2026 Conference Exhibitors About The Location: The McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State University is a premier facility dedicated to hosting a wide range of educational events, from conferences and workshops to training sessions and seminars. With our versatile spaces and state-of-the-art technology, the center is equipped to cater to both large and small conferences and events, providing an ideal setting for professional development and continuing education. Additional conference information will be published here as it becomes available. Check back frequently for the latest details! Estimated Release Dates: Request for Session Proposals – April Keynote Speaker Announcement – April Sponsorship Opportunities – May Keynote Speaker Announcement – May Award Nominations – Open June 15 and Close July 20 Pre-Conference Workshops and Field Trips – May Early Bird Registration – June 9th (June 2nd for Members) General Registration – July Schedule – July Previous Conferences 2025 2024 2023 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. will.freund13 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.... EENC Staff Team Recap & Gallery: 2023 EENC Conference Early this month, EENC friends and members gathered at Rockfish Camp and Retreat Center in Parkton for our 32nd annual conference, guided... EENC Staff Team

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 . Conference registration is OPEN! Snag early-bird pricing before it's gone! 2026 Conference Info Let's Learn Together 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. Wed, Jul 01 EENC Book Club, July - December 2026 / RSVP Jul 01, 2026, 9:00 AM – Dec 17, 2026, 7:00 PM Online Course Join EENC's semi-annual book club for monthly connection and conversation around some great eco-forward titles. Mon, Jul 27 Embracing Evaluation in Environmental Education / Buy Tickets Jul 27, 2026, 7:00 AM – Sep 11, 2026, 5:00 PM Online Course 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. Mon, Jul 27 EE and the NC Science Standards / Buy Tickets Jul 27, 2026, 9:00 AM – Aug 24, 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. Thu, Sep 10 2026 Pre-Conference Workshop: Two Trees, One Seed! / RSVP Sep 10, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Walnut Creek Wetland Center, 950 Peterson St, Raleigh, NC 27610, USA This workshop will be a unique exploration of Project Learning Tree and NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence focusing on Early Childhood. Thu, Sep 10 2026 Pre-Conference: Red Wolf Conservation with the Museum of Life and Science / Buy Tickets Sep 10, 2026, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Museum of Life and Science, 433 W Murray Ave, Durham, NC 27704, USA This field trip will provide a hands on learning experience to better understand the conservation efforts that go into protecting North Carolina's Red Wolf population. Thu, Sep 10 2026 Pre-Conference: Emerald Pathways, Through a Troll's Eyes / Buy Tickets Sep 10, 2026, 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA This field trip visits the Dambo Troll residents of Dix Park and honors their mission of environmental conservation through Community Science Projects. Fri, Sep 11 EENC 2026 Annual Conference / Buy Tickets Sep 11, 2026, 8:30 AM – Sep 12, 2026, 5:00 PM McKimmon Center, McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA The 2026 conference will be September 11-12 at McKimmon Center in Raleigh, with pre-conference programs taking place on the 10th. Lates t News Congratulations to EENC’s 2026 Mini-Grant Awardees EENC is so proud to be able to offer mini-grants for the 8th year in a row! Jun 12 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 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

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 Treasurer lauren@eenc.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

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! Attend The Conference Check Out the 2026 Conference Page Emerald Pathways: From Triangle Roots to Carolina Horizons EENC's 2026 conference will be at NC State’s McKimmon Conference & Training Center in Raleigh, NC! This year’s conference will be held from Friday, September 11, to Saturday, September 12, 2026. Plan ahead for pre-conference workshops, field trips, and more on Thursday, September 10. Attention Exhibitors! Would you like to showcase your organization or program? You can set up a table during the conference to share information about what you do. Organizational Members with a Platinum, Titanium, or Diamond level membership get to the table for free! Learn more in our sponsor packet . Lodging: Raleigh area lodging accommodations for the conference are available on the Conference Page. Sponsor Packet Conference Shirts Previous Conference Themes: Every year, EENC selects a theme for the conference that will be the guiding principle for the session strands and programming. Previous themes include: Hope Through Strength from Mountain to Sea Imagining SustainablE FuturEs Unplug and rEEconnect rEEdefine rEEmerge Previous Conference Session Strands: Within each theme, there are a series of strands or tracks that group sessions together in a common idea, perspective, or objective. Previous strands include: Research to Action* Hands-On, Minds-On* The Future of Community Engagement The Future of Capacity Building The Future of Environmental Literacy rEEconnect to Place rEEconnect to Our Why (Work) rEEconnect to Social Change *Consistent from year to year Additional conference information will be published here as it becomes available. Check back frequently for the latest details! Estimated Release Dates: Request for Session Proposals – April Keynote Speaker Announcement – April Award Nominations – June Sponsorship Opportunities – May Pre-Conference Workshops and Field Trips – June Schedule – July Early Bird Registration – June General Registration – August Previous Conferences 2025 2024 2023 2022 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. will.freund13 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.... EENC Staff Team Recap & Gallery: 2023 EENC Conference Early this month, EENC friends and members gathered at Rockfish Camp and Retreat Center in Parkton for our 32nd annual conference, guided... EENC Staff Team

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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Discover volunteer opportunities with EENC, including Board and committee involvement. Volunteer Want to get involved with EENC? EENC is always looking for help to help with committees, action projects, and special events! Volunteering is great way to help other educators across our state, share your voice to help EENC better serve our professional community, and it's a chance to get to know some really cool people. Have questions about volunteering? Contact erin@eenc.org to learn more about the Events and Outreach Committee. Annual Opportunities: Mini-Grant Reviewers (March) Conference Session Proposal Reviewers (April-May) Conference Scholarship Application Reviewers (May-June) Awards Committee (August-September) Conference Volunteers (September - recruitment happens when you register!) Section Committees (ongoing, as openings arise) Join the Policy Community Join the Policy Committee to help us create our Advocacy Plan. This plan will identify legislative priorities as well as non-legislative advocacy opportunities and provide a roadmap for organizational engagement. This opportunity is for anyone interested in advocacy for environmental education as a field. We want your skills and knowledge if you are a policy expert, have legislative advocacy experience, or love building relationships. We also want your thoughts and energy if this is something you want to learn more about! Contact 2024 Board Policy Chair Brian Wuertz to get involved in this committee. Overarching Goals: Create an advocacy plan for EENC Advocate for environmental education policy initiatives Build relationships with decision makers Establish connections with current policy advocates who can include EE in their policy pushes Include non-board member volunteers Membership expectations: Attendance 1, 1-hour meeting per month Estimated time commitment: 2-3 hours per month Research policies, review documents, and prepare for meetings For Current Volunteers Volunteer Waivers Volunteers must complete the EENC Volunteer Waiver prior to service. Please complete the form and email a copy to info@eenc.org . Volunteer Waiver Volunteer Hours Have you given time to support EENC? If so, know we are so deeply appreciative. We want to make sure your time is counted. Please report your hours of service to EENC by completing our volunteer hours form.

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

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...

Discover foundational concepts and practices of environmental education. What is Environmental Education? Environmental education is a learning process that increases people's knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action. Why Does Environmental Education Matter? Did you grow up catching fireflies, playing in the creek, or building forts in your backyard? Most children in today’s world won’t , which means that when they grow up, they may not have a vested interest in protecting our natural resources and natural spaces. Environmental educators across North Carolina are working to change that. Environmental education is critical for a sustainable future. It provides time in, and a connection to, the outdoors which research has shown to improve academic p erformance and physical, mental, and emotional health - making it just as important for our participants as it is for the planet. More than ever, 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. Environmental education...has the power to transform lives and society. It informs and inspires. It influences attitudes. It motivates action. Environmental education is a key tool in expanding the constituency for the environmental movement and creating healthier and more civically-engaged communities. -North American Association for Environmental Education Environmental Education Works Over the last few decades, thousands of studies have been completed to analyze the effectiveness of EE. “The studies clearly showed that students taking part in environmental education programming gained knowledge about the environment. But the studies also showed that learning about the environment is just the tip of the iceberg.” (NAAEE) This research has demonstrated that environmental education: Has widespread public support Improves standardized test sc ores and academic performance Promotes 21st century skills such as critical thinking, oral communication, analytical skills, problem solving, and higher-order thinking Supports STEM topics and is interdisciplinary Bolsters civic engagement and empowerment Sparks stewardship behavior and environmental actions Encourages students’ personal growth including teamwork, confidence, autonomy, and leadership Increases motivation and interest in learning Is an “equalizer” allowing educators to cater to multiple student interests, skills, abilities, and special needs,Helps improve teacher skills and classroom engagement Is a cost-effective investment, promoting multiple environmental and societal benefits, and Strengthens communities by connecting schools to local organizations and agencies. To learn more about the original research, you can check out eeWorks and the Children’s and Nature Network’s Research Library. Environmental Education Promotes Environmental Literacy “Environmental education is a resource that transcends the classroom—both in character and scope. In the classroom and beyond, the desired outcome of environmental education is environmental literacy. What is Environmental Literacy? In North Carolina, environmental literacy is defined as the ability to make informed decisions about issues affecting shared natural resources while balancing cultural perspectives, the economy, public health and the environment. An environmentally literate citizen: Understands how natural systems and human social systems work and relate to one another, Combines this understanding with personal attitudes and experiences to analyze various facets of environmental issues, Develops the skills necessary to make responsible decisions based on scientific, economic, aesthetic, political, cultural and ethical considerations; and Practices personal and civic responsibility for decisions affecting our shared natural resources. Environmental literacy is dependent upon formal education opportunities as well as nonformal education about the environment that takes place in settings such as parks, zoos, nature centers, community centers, youth camps, etc. It is the combination of these formal and nonformal experiences that leads to an environmentally literate citizenry. North Carolina requires an environmentally literate citizenry who make informed decisions about complex environmental issues affecting the economy, public health and safety, and shared natural resources, such as the water, air and land on which life depends.” - North Carolina’s Environmental Literacy Plan Ways to Get Involved in Environmental Education Learn more about the organizations and research supporting environmental education. Increase our efforts to support North Carolina’s classroom teachers, naturalists, park rangers, nonformal educators, government employees, students and volunteers by contributing to EENC . Spread the word. Encourage your kids’ teachers to get involved. Volunteer at your local environmental education center. Become an environmental educator. Join our community . Want a printable copy of this information to share? We have two PDF versions available: With citations With clickable links