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 Conference Registration Not Open Yet 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. Calling All Presenters! Our proposal form is now open. 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 : Coming Soon! 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 Keynotes Coming Soon Maria Pinto TBA Pre-Conference Field Trips & Workshop EENC Book Club, July - December 2026 Wed, Jul 01 Online Course More info Details 2026 Conference Sponsors Champion Guardian Advocate Supporter 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. 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

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! 2025 EENC Conference #EENC2025: Hope Through Strength from Mountains to Sea Conference Registration Is CLOSED EENC's 2025 conference will be at Mission Health/AB Tech Conference Center in Asheville on September 19 and 20, with a pre-conference workshop and field trips taking place on the 18th. Registration is now CLOSED! 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 : Asheville area lodging accommodations for the conference. Schedule: The 2025 schedule is available . You don't want to miss these amazing sessions! Conference Apparel : Check out the amazing array of t-shirts, tank tops, and sweatshirts designed exclusively for the 2025 conference. Scholarships : The 2025 scholarship application is now closed. Online Auction : The 2025 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! Click Here to Explore the Online Auction - Closes on October 14th! Sponsor Packet Schedule Meet the 2025 Keynote Panel Dr. Caleb Hickman Sky Sampson Juanita Wilson No events at the moment 2025 Conference Sponsors Champion Guardian Advocate Supporter Interested in sponsoring the EENC conference? Explore our Sponsor Packet . Theme Hope through Strength from Mountains to Sea North Carolina's vast geography, from mountains to coast, highlights the importance of environmental education in uniting communities statewide. The state faces challenges like severe weather impacts, pollution, biodiversity loss, and deforestation, among others, all of which impact daily life across coastal, urban, and rural areas. By fostering education and building connections, we can help strengthen our EE community to inspire action towards a better future. Strands Strength in Connected Communities: This strand focuses on strengthening statewide collaboration by connecting educators, organizations, and communities. Sessions will explore strategies for building partnerships, fostering individual connections, and sharing successful models of environmental learning and action. Inspiring Hope and Action Through Environmental Learning: Confronting critical issues like severe weather impacts, pollution, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and lack of educational opportunities that empower communities to adapt and thrive. Strength in Organizational Health: These presentations highlight how strengthening operations, growth, structure, communications, and workflows are key to creating a healthier and more productive organization. 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. About The Location: Centrally located in Asheville, minutes from Downtown, the River Arts District, and Biltmore Village, AB Technical Community College attracts local residents, as well as people from across the country who are drawn to Asheville's mountains and thriving community. 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 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

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

Opportunities for civic action, volunteerism, participation, and engagement with EENC's work. Advocate for environmental education in North Carolina! Take Action Speaking Up for the NC Office of EE Unless: Your Voice Can Make A Difference for EE in North Carolina Support The 2024 Let's Grow Together Campaign! Updates from the Road to 100 Urgent Action Alert: Advocate for Federal Appropriations Supporting Environmental Education N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources launches ‘Learning Happens Here’ initiative 1 2 3 4 5

Attend an event, take a course, join a workshop, or all three! View our full calendar of upcoming events here. EENC Members receive exclusive discounts to our events. Upcoming Events and Learning Opportunities EENC Book Club 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. Details Membership Offer EE and the NC Science Standards 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. Details Membership Offer Methods of Teaching Environmental Education Online Workshop (MOTEE) 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. Buy Tickets Section Event: Garden Tour at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden 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. Buy Tickets Section Event: Garden Tour at Asheville Botanical Garden 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. Buy Tickets Section Event: Garden Tour at Duke Gardens 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. Buy Tickets Section Event: Garden Tour at Airlie Gardens 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. Buy Tickets Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Environmental Education – Online Course 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. Buy Tickets EENC Book Club, July - December 2026 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. Details

See the schedule and description of EENC's 2021 conference, held in Arden. 2021 Conference Join us for the 30th Annual Environmental Educators of North Carolina Conference at Lutheridge Arden, NC from Friday, September 10 to Saturday, September 11, 2021. This will also be the Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance (SEEA) regional conference. Learn more about SEEA at southeastee.com . Our 2021 SEEA/EENC conference theme is rEEmerge, honoring new beginnings as we celebrate EENC's 30th anniversary. Join us as we re-imagine a post-COVID world for Environmental Education; a world with diverse partnerships, resilient communities, and a broader concept of what it means to be an Environmental Educator. Enjoy a conference full of professional development, networking, learning, and field experiences that will help you expand your knowledge of EE and resources in NC and beyond! Plan ahead now for pre-conference workshops, field trips, and more on Thursday, September 9. If you have any questions about the conference, please contact Conference Co-chairs Chris Goforth and Shannon Culpepper at conference@eenc.org . EENC is handling all aspects of conference planning, including lodging and meals. Please direct all questions to Shannon and Chris as Lutheridge will be unable to give you answers. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Trish O'Kane Trish O’Kane is a writer and award-winning teacher who has published two books, and who has taught for 14 years in three major universities and a women’s prison. She is the creator of “Birding to Change the World,” a place-based environmental education program at the University of Vermont which pairs undergraduates with schoolchildren in a birding-mentoring program. In 2022, HarperCollins will publish her upcoming teaching-birding memoir about this program and how birds became her teachers. A dedicated and obsessive birder, in the past 10 years she has not only watched and studied birds with a scientific eye, spending over 1000 hours in the field, she has helped feathered parents raise baby bluebirds, tree swallows and black-capped chickadees in tiny houses and volunteered as a baby bird incubator “nurse” at a wildlife rehab facility. Before studying the natural sciences, she was a human and civil rights investigative journalist for 15 years in Central America and Alabama. She has published widely in US and Latin American media including The New York Times, TIME Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, NACLA, The Christian Science Monitor, Envío, and Noticias Aliadas. Schedule

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 Select Silver Membership $ 240 240$ Up to 6 Team Members Valid for one year Select Gold Membership $ 360 360$ Up to 10 Team Members Valid for one year Select Platinum Membership $ 840 840$ Up to 25 Team Members Valid for one year Select Titanium Membership $ 1,400 1,400$ Up to 50 Team Members Valid for one year Select Diamond Membership $ 2,400 2,400$ Up to 100 Team Members Valid for one year Select 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!

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! 2024 EENC Confernece #EENC2024: Imagining SustainablE FuturEs EENC's 2024 conference took place September 13th and 14th at Catawba College in Salisbury, with a pre-conference workshop and field trips taking place on the 12th. We thank the Catawba College Center for the Environment for their generous in-kind facility donation for our conference sessions and gatherings! 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! Lodging : We’re happy to be working with Dan Nicholas Park to provide camping options, and Holiday Inn Express Salisbury for hotel accommodations. 2024 Conference Schedule View Now 2024 Conference Sponsors Presenting Catawba College Center for the Environment Advocate Acorn Naturalist 2nd Nature TREC Supporter Murphy's Naturals Interested in sponsoring the EENC conference? Explore our Sponsor Packet . 2024 Conference Theme: The 2024 conference theme is Imagining SustainablE FuturEs . During the conference, we will examine present-day issues to explore the future of environmental education in North Carolina. Through capacity building, engagement, and practical innovation we will dream big about what environmental education can look like and build skills for how we get there. 2024 Conference Session Strands: The Future of Community Engagement: Environmental education (EE) can take place anywhere and involve anyone. This track will explore how EE can empower students through formal education, enable youth to be active contributors, and engage community members who are not typically represented in EE. Sessions will focus on the diverse ways EE can engage different audiences, such as visitor engagement, youth empowerment, higher education, adult education, and partnership projects. The Future of Capacity Building: EE relies on the people and organizations that do the hard work. This track will delve into effective techniques for building capacity in organizations to promote growth, innovation, and sustainability. Examples include evaluation, strategic planning, facility management, and equitable pay and hiring practices. The Future of Environmental Literacy: These sessions will examine what it means to be environmentally literate in 2024. How can we support environmental literacy in classrooms and beyond, and how might it be influenced by current issues? Topics include climate education, formal education, and systems thinking. Research to Action: These presentations will highlight the research conducted by you and/or your organization in the field, as well as its practical applications. For instance, you might present the findings of a study on intergenerational learning and then discuss strategies for engaging audiences in such learning experiences. 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. About The Location: Just an hour from both the Triad and Charlotte Metro areas, Catawba College is situated conveniently in the heart of EENC's Piedmont Section. Our gracious hosts at the Catawba College Center for the Environment are opening their campus to our community: we can't wait for you to enjoy their AASHE STARS Silver rated, carbon-neutral facility, as well as the neighboring college-owned Fred Stanback Jr. Ecological Preserve. "Since its founding in 1996, the Center has led a living-learning laboratory for campus sustainability that provides hands-on environmental learning opportunities for Catawba’s students while helping them learn how to advocate for and lead positive environmental change. The Center also serves as a research, convening and policy development hub for issues ranging from regional air and water quality to state and national environmental and energy policies. The Center is housed in a stunning structure that emerges from a sloping stand of hardwood trees at the edge of the College's 189-acre ecological preserve. Every aspect of the building embodies leading sustainability principles, which creates one of the most sought-after spaces for environmental gatherings in North Carolina." 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 – May Sponsorship Opportunities – May Pre-Conference Workshops and Field Trips – May Schedule – July Early Bird Registration – July General Registration – August Other Previous Conferences 2023 2022 2021 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

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

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 will be shared later this spring. Sponsor Packet (Coming Soon) Learn more from last year's EENC conference! View Now 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 – May Sponsorship Opportunities – May Pre-Conference Workshops and Field Trips – May Schedule – July Early Bird Registration – July 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

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

EENC Members have the exclusive opportunity to apply for our annual mini-grants. Mini-Grant Program 2026 Mini-Grant applications are now CLOSED. What difference would $250 make for your teaching? Could it pay for that workshop you’ve been dreaming of taking? Materials for a professional development course you want to facilitate? Resources for an environmental education project in your community? EENC recognizes that in our field, sometimes a little bit goes a long way in making a difference for the teachers, non-formal educators, government employees, students and volunteers we work with. Open to all paying members of EENC, the goal of this grant is to provide support to promote excellence in environmental education across North Carolina. EENC awards mini-grants annually; accepted proposals can range from $50 to $250. Members may submit one proposal per year, either on their own behalf or on behalf of an organization or school. Funding will be distributed on a reimbursement basis to awardees after their p ro jects are completed. What You Can Apply For: Anything that would promote excellence for environmental education in NC, including but not limited to: professional development course fees, substitute teacher fees to allow professional development attendance, student field trip fees, educational books or m aterials for facility/classroom/workshop, garden resources, staff time to deliver programming to a new audience, etc. Eligibility Criteria: Our Mini-Grant Program is a member benefit . Professional, Student, Senior, New to EE, Life, and all Organizational Members may apply. The 2026 mini-grant application will be open from Sunday, March 1st, through Tuesday, March 31st at 11:59 PM; all applicants will be notified of their status in mid-April. Funded projects must take place within the 2026 calendar year. The 2026 EENC Mini-Grant program is made possible by the generous support of the EENC donor community. Without their continued and ongoing support, we would not be able to provide this opportunity. Past Mini-Grant Application Cycles and Awardees 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 Meet EENC's 2024 Mini-Grant Awardees Map of all mini-grant awardees to date, with orange pins representing the 2024 awardees. It's the best time of year – the time when we... Mar 26, 2024 Reflections and Accomplishments from The First Five Years of EENC's Mini-Grant Program 2023 marks the fifth year of EENC’s mini-grant program, an innovative, equity-driven member benefit that promotes excellence in... Dec 27, 2023 Celebrating 2023’s EENC Mini-Grant Awardees Each year, EENC awards mini-grants of $50-$250 to support members’ environmental education efforts. This year’s six awardees used this... Dec 8, 2023 Congratulations to our 2023 Mini-Grant Winners! EENC recognizes that in our field, sometimes a little bit goes a long way in making a difference for the teachers, non-formal educators,... Apr 7, 2023 2023 Mini-Grants for EENC Members Open for Proposals What difference would $250 make for your teaching? Could it pay for that workshop you’ve been dreaming of taking? Materials for a... Jan 18, 2023 Celebrating 2022 EENC Mini-Grant Winners Each year, EENC awards mini-grants to ranging from $50 to $250. This year’s nine winners used this funding for school gardens, community... Dec 9, 2022 Announcing 2022 Mini-Grant Winners Congratulations to the 10 educators of this year’s mini-grant! This Earth Day, EENC is thrilled to announce that we're helping 10 EENC... Apr 22, 2022 Now Accepting Proposals: 2022 EENC Mini-Grant What difference would $250 make for your teaching? Could it pay for that workshop you’ve been dreaming of taking? Materials for a... Feb 10, 2022 Sharing Successes from 2021 Mini-Grant Awardees This year EENC awarded our third year of funding through our annual mini-grant program! These grants provided up to $250 to cover time, ... Dec 20, 2021 Announcing 2021 Mini-Grant Winners EENC is thrilled to announce that we're helping 11 educators from across our state in the third year of our mini-grant program. With... Apr 15, 2021 2021 Mini-Grant Application Opens What difference would $250 make for your teaching? Could it pay for that workshop you’ve been dreaming of taking? Materials for a... Jan 11, 2021 Congratulations to our 2020 Mini-Grant Recipients! Wow what a year! When EENC announced our mini-grant winners back in April, none of us had any idea of what the year ahead would look... Dec 15, 2020 Announcing 2020 Mini-Grant Winners! Environmental education is not cancelled! EENC is thrilled to announce that we're helping 10 educators from across our state take on EE... Apr 17, 2020 Apply now for 2020 Mini-Grant! What difference would $250 make for your teaching? Could it pay for that workshop you’ve been dreaming of taking? Materials for a... Jan 24, 2020 Celebrating EENC's First Mini-Grant Awardees 2019 has been a big year for EENC. We've launched lot's of new resources and events - but this was also the first year we've awarded... Dec 20, 2019 Congratulations to Our First Mini-Grant Recipients! After a detailed review by a committee of EENC life members and board members, we are proud to announce the recipients of EENC's... Apr 11, 2019