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Association for Environmental & Outdoor education


AEOE strengthens environmental education in California by connecting providers, building professional expertise, and championing environmental literacy and outdoor learning.

AEOE Programs & events

AEOE offers a range of opportunities for members of our community to connect, network, increase their skills, and grow professionally. Learn more or register for an upcoming event below. 

Click here to learn more & register for the Fall 2024 Regional Meet-ups


CONFERENCES

AEOE typically hosts three conferences each year, two fall regional conferences in northern and southern California, and the spring statewide. AEOE's conferences offer opportunities for networking, professional development, and connection. 

CONFERENCES

AWARDS

AEOE recognizes and celebrates the achievement of individuals and organizations across the state who work to advance the impact of environmental and outdoor education through our annual awards. 

AWARDS

CERTIFICATION

Want to increase your knowledge and skills, expand your professional network, enhance your resume, and make important connections across the state? Get certified through the Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP)!

CERTIFICATION

WORKSHOPS

AEOE offers online workshops on a range of topics, from sustainable teaching tips to early childhood education, social & emotional learning to outdoor instruction. See what's available in the calendar below. 


Programs & Events calendar

    • November 19, 2024
    • 12:00 PM
    • Online, Zoom
    Register

    This is a space to come together for post-election support. You might be wondering what the outcomes will mean for your organization, for future funding, or for the communities you serve. If you are finding that you need support or would benefit from having a space to share the concerns that you or your organization may be facing with the incoming administration, please join us. This session will not be recorded and please note that there is no agenda – just an open space to come together.

    • November 20, 2024
    • 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
    • Online

    Demonstrating Our Collective Impact: Digging into the Data of EE Providers in CA

    In 2023, AEOE embarked on a collective impact initiative — a landscape analysis of environmental education efforts in California. This project was the result of a collective desire to gain an enhanced understanding of the environmental education providers in our state who are working towards similar goals. Join us to learn about the results of the survey and how you can get involved. 

    Click here to register

    Part of the free webinar series:

    Building a Strong and Resilient Organization

    A Webinar Series for EE Program Leaders, Fall 2024-Spring 2025

    Join the California Environmental Literacy Initiative’s Community-Based Partner Innovation Hub and AEOE in an online webinar series for Program Leaders of organizations that work to advance environmental literacy. Learn valuable tips and strategies that will help your organization grow and thrive.

    * Presentation will be recorded and shared with all registered participants. 

    • December 05, 2024
    • 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Online | Zoom
    Register

    Calling all job seekers and employers! Join us for a virtual environmental education career fair. Site leaders will be grouped into breakout rooms, where they will make a pitch for their organization/worksite, share any current or upcoming employment opportunities, and end with Q&A. Job seekers will choose several rooms to attend. Interviews will not be conducted during the event, but if you make a connection you can exchange contact information and plan to follow up. Find your next dream job in environmental and outdoor education! 

    Participating employers to be announced closer to the event.

        Note, you don't have to be actively seeking new employment to attend - it can be beneficial to learn about different programs and opportunities even if you're happily employed where you are or haven't entered the field yet!

        • January 08, 2025
        • 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
        • Online

        Funding Pathways in Collaboration with Schools and Districts

        What funding opportunities are available for partnering with local schools and districts to provide environmental learning to K-12 students? How do we make connections with school and district contacts? Join us to learn about some opportunities and strategies for strengthening local partnerships and opening up funding pathways to support your EE programs. 

        Click here to register

        Part of the free webinar series:

        Building a Strong and Resilient Organization

        A Webinar Series for EE Program Leaders, Fall 2024-Spring 2025

        Join the California Environmental Literacy Initiative’s Community-Based Partner Innovation Hub and AEOE in an online webinar series for Program Leaders of organizations that work to advance environmental literacy. Learn valuable tips and strategies that will help your organization grow and thrive.

        * Presentation will be recorded and shared with all registered participants. 

        • January 15, 2025
        • February 28, 2025
        • Online - Moodle
        Register

        Winter 2025 Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Environmental Education 

        Description: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a teaching approach that works to accommodate the needs and abilities of all learners and eliminates unnecessary barriers in the learning process. UDL improves and optimizes teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. UDL is a framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and challenging for all and that gives all students equal opportunity to succeedUltimately, the goal of UDL is to support students and participants to become “expert learners” who are, each in their own way, purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, and strategic and goal-driven.

        This course is designed to encourage you to reflect deeply on your practice to focus on how you plan and teach to support all learners. The course content and associated assignments are geared towards practicing environmental and outdoor educators. We hope this course will inspire you to strengthen your pedagogical practices so they are more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible.

        Timing: This roughly 6-week course takes an approximately 12 hours to complete. The course runs from January 15th through February 28th, 2025. This course is offered on a quarterly basis. 

        Format: This is an asynchronous online course. 

        • All activities must be completed independently on your own time/schedule within the 6-week timeframe. 

        • We will provide a suggested timeline and periodic reminders to encourage the timely completion of assignments. While we want to be flexible, we also want these learning experiences to be meaningful and we think timely and periodic work in the course will benefit participants more than trying to complete coursework at the last minute.

        • Coursework includes watching videos, reading articles, posting on public forums and Padlet boards, and writing/recording personal reflections.

        • The course is managed through Moodle - participants will be sent an invitation to access the course on the start date. 

        The course will be moderated by Amy Williams, Ed.D.

        One graduate unit is available upon completion of the course (the unit costs $79 and is purchased separately from University of San Diego). Note that you must also submit a certificate of competition in order to receive your transcript.

        Course content was designed by Michelle Silvers of Silver’s Lining PLLC, Estrella Risinger with AEOE, Michelle Pearce and Lauren Pyle with the Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC), with contributions from Rebekah Jones and the Cooper Center for Environmental Learning.

        • January 31, 2025
        • 4:00 PM
        • February 02, 2025
        • 11:00 AM
        • Camp Ocean Pines, Cambria
        Register

        Join your colleagues from across the state for a retreat on the beautiful site of Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria. Professional development, and two meals meals included (Saturday lunch and dinner). With this registration level you are responsible for securing your own lodging. In addition to a structured PD session, there will be discussions on hiring and pay, and ample opportunities for networking and conversations around topics of your choice. 

        Draft Agenda

        • Friday dinner
        • Friday evening social (optional)
        • Saturday breakfast
        • Saturday morning local exploration (on your own or team up with other attendees)
        • Saturday lunch 
        • Saturday afternoon: professional development 
        • Saturday dinner
        • Saturday evening: networking, resource share, and prep for open space
        • Sunday morning walk (optional) 
        • Sunday breakfast
        • Sunday open space

        Professional development: TBD

        Registration options:

        Please select the option that is appropriate for you. Members automatically receive a discounted rate if you are logged in. If you work for an organizational member, contact us at aeoe@aeoe.org for your discount code. The assisted level rate is available for anyone who needs financial assistance to attend. If you need additional assistance and identify as Back, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color, scholarships are available through our partnership with CAELI in an effort to increase access and decrease barriers to participation. Contact us at aeoe@aeoe.org. 

        • January 31, 2025
        • 4:00 PM
        • February 02, 2025
        • 11:00 AM
        • Camp Ocean Pines, Cambria
        Register

        Join your colleagues from across the state for an overnight retreat on the beautiful site of Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria. The site is just minutes from the coast, and optional morning excursions can include nature walks around the property, a short hike down to the coastline, or a short drive to see the elephant seals. 

        Professional development, lodging for two nights*, and five meals included (Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast). In addition to a structured PD session, there will be discussions on hiring and pay, and ample opportunities for networking and conversations around topics of your choice. 

        Draft Agenda

        • Friday afternoon arrival and check-in
        • Friday dinner
        • Friday evening social (optional)
        • Saturday breakfast
        • Saturday morning local exploration (on your own or team up with other attendees)
        • Saturday lunch 
        • Saturday afternoon: professional development (TBD)
        • Saturday dinner
        • Saturday evening: networking, resource share, and prep for open space
        • Sunday morning walk (optional) and check-out
        • Sunday breakfast
        • Sunday open space

        *Lodging includes shared cabins with bunk beds and their own bathroom. You will need to bring your own linens (bedding or sleeping bag, pillow) and toiletries. 

        Professional development: TBD

        Registration options:

        Please select the option that is appropriate for you. Members automatically receive a discounted rate if you are logged in. If you work for an organizational member, contact us at aeoe@aeoe.org for your discount code. The assisted level rate is available for anyone who needs financial assistance to attend. If you need additional assistance and identify as Back, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color, scholarships are available through our partnership with CAELI in an effort to increase access and decrease barriers to participation. Contact us at aeoe@aeoe.org. 

        • February 01, 2025
        • 11:00 AM
        • February 02, 2025
        • 11:00 AM
        • Camp Ocean Pines, Cambria
        Register

        Join your colleagues from across the state for an overnight retreat on the beautiful site of Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria. Professional development, lodging for one night*, and three meals included (Saturday lunch and dinner, plus Sunday breakfast). If you would like to arrive on Friday instead to have more time to network and share resources with your colleagues, please select the full Program Leaders' retreat registration. In addition to a structured PD session, there will be discussions on hiring and pay, and ample opportunities for networking and conversations around topics of your choice. 

        Draft Agenda

        • Saturday late morning arrival and check-in
        • Saturday lunch (included)
        • Saturday afternoon: professional development 
        • Saturday dinner (included)
        • Saturday evening: networking, resource share, and prep for open space
        • Sunday morning walk (optional) and check-out
        • Sunday breakfast (included)
        • Sunday open space
        *Lodging includes shared cabins with bunk beds and their own bathroom. You will need to bring your own linens (bedding or sleeping bag, pillow) and toiletries. Please reach out to aeoe@aeoe.org if you prefer to secure your own lodging and meals. 

            Professional development: TBD

            Registration options:

            Please select the option that is appropriate for you. Members automatically receive a discounted rate if you are logged in. If you work for an organizational member, contact us at aeoe@aeoe.org for your discount code. The assisted level rate is available for anyone who needs financial assistance to attend. If you need additional assistance and identify as Back, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color, scholarships are available through our partnership with CAELI in an effort to increase access and decrease barriers to participation. Contact us at aeoe@aeoe.org. 

            • February 05, 2025
            • 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
            • Online

            Equitable Hiring and Retention Practices

            Join Candice Dickens-Russell, Executive Director of Friends of the L.A. River and the CAELI Equity Initiative Co-Lead, in an inspiring and informative session on equitable hiring and retention practices. 

            Click here to register

            Part of the free webinar series:

            Building a Strong and Resilient Organization

            A Webinar Series for EE Program Leaders, Fall 2024-Spring 2025

            Join the California Environmental Literacy Initiative’s Community-Based Partner Innovation Hub and AEOE in an online webinar series for Program Leaders of organizations that work to advance environmental literacy. Learn valuable tips and strategies that will help your organization grow and thrive.

            * Presentation will be recorded and shared with all registered participants. 

            • April 30, 2025
            • June 15, 2025
            • Online - Moodle
            Register

            Spring 2025 Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Environmental Education 

            Description: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a teaching approach that works to accommodate the needs and abilities of all learners and eliminates unnecessary barriers in the learning process. UDL improves and optimizes teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. UDL is a framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and challenging for all and that gives all students equal opportunity to succeedUltimately, the goal of UDL is to support students and participants to become “expert learners” who are, each in their own way, purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, and strategic and goal-driven.

            This course is designed to encourage you to reflect deeply on your practice to focus on how you plan and teach to support all learners. The course content and associated assignments are geared towards practicing environmental and outdoor educators. We hope this course will inspire you to strengthen your pedagogical practices so they are more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible.

            Timing: This roughly 6-week course takes an approximately 12 hours to complete. The course runs from April 30th through June 15th, 2025. This course is offered on a quarterly basis. 

            Format: This is an asynchronous online course. 

            • All activities must be completed independently on your own time/schedule within the 6-week timeframe. 

            • We will provide a suggested timeline and periodic reminders to encourage the timely completion of assignments. While we want to be flexible, we also want these learning experiences to be meaningful and we think timely and periodic work in the course will benefit participants more than trying to complete coursework at the last minute.

            • Coursework includes watching videos, reading articles, posting on public forums and Padlet boards, and writing/recording personal reflections.

            • The course is managed through Moodle - participants will be sent an invitation to access the course on the start date. 

            The course will be moderated by Amy Williams, Ed.D.

            One graduate unit is available upon completion of the course (the unit costs $79 and is purchased separately from University of San Diego). Note that you must also submit a certificate of competition in order to receive your transcript.

            Course content was designed by Michelle Silvers of Silver’s Lining PLLC, Estrella Risinger with AEOE, Michelle Pearce and Lauren Pyle with the Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC), with contributions from Rebekah Jones and the Cooper Center for Environmental Learning.

            • May 02, 2025
            • 3:00 PM
            • May 04, 2025
            • 1:00 PM
            • Walker Creek Ranch, Marin County

            Announcing the annual statewide conference for environmental and outdoor educators!

            May 2-4, 2025 | Walker Creek Ranch, Petaluma

            Save the date for a weekend of learning, connection, and fun! 

            Find more details at aeoe.org/conference-2025


          Past events

          November 14, 2024 Community Support
          November 11, 2024 Community Support
          October 29, 2024 Webinar: FutureMakers: Resources to Inspire Students for Sustainability
          October 27, 2024 Fall 2024 Regional Meet-up: Sierra Foothills
          October 27, 2024 Fall 2024 Regional Meet-up: San Diego County
          October 27, 2024 Fall 2024 Regional Meet-up: SF Bay Area
          October 27, 2024 Fall 2024 Regional Meet-up: Orange County
          October 22, 2024 Webinar: Climate Connections: Climate Change Education in Outdoor Learning
          October 01, 2024 Webinar: How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder, Attention
          October 01, 2024 Fall 2024 eeCourse: Universal Design for Learning in Environmental Education
          September 24, 2024 Webinar: Land-based Learning and Reconciliation: Resources for Teaching CHILDREN
          September 17, 2024 Webinar: Land-based Learning and Reconciliation: Resources for Teaching TEENS
          July 01, 2024 EECP 2024-2025 Enrollment
          June 11, 2024 Environmental Educator Certification Program Info Session
          June 04, 2024 Webinar: Inclusion of Gender Minority Participants in Environmental Education
          May 28, 2024 Using Sit Spots and your Senses to Connect with Nature
          May 28, 2024 EE Program Leader Webinar: Risk Management and Compliance
          May 21, 2024 Recursos en español para aprender al aire libre
          May 15, 2024 Environmental Educator Certification Program Info Session
          May 04, 2024 Resource Fair @ Statewide Conference 2024
          May 04, 2024 Statewide Conference 2024 - Saturday only
          May 03, 2024 Statewide Conference 2024 - Full weekend without lodging
          May 03, 2024 Statewide Conference 2024 - Full weekend with lodging
          May 01, 2024 Environmental Educator Certification Program 2024-2025 Application
          April 30, 2024 Developing a Sense of Place by Sparking Curiosity and Wonder
          April 23, 2024 Invasive Species Education and Action
          April 23, 2024 EE Program Leader Webinar: Grant Funding
          April 16, 2024 The Wonders of Water: Practical Ideas and Resources for Educators
          April 10, 2024 Environmental Educator Certification Program Info Session
          March 26, 2024 EE Program Leader Webinar: Partnerships
          February 27, 2024 Enhancing Climate Change Education Through Active Learning
          February 20, 2024 Stories in the Wild: Animal Tracks & Traces
          February 15, 2024 eeCourse: Universal Design for Learning in Environmental Education
          February 06, 2024 Indigenous Resources for Outdoor Learning
          February 03, 2024 Program Leaders' Annual Retreat - No Lodging
          February 02, 2024 Program Leaders' Annual Retreat - Friday & Saturday night
          January 23, 2024 Outdoor Learning Astronomy
          January 16, 2024 Managing Eco-Anxiety through Outdoor Learning
          December 06, 2023 Virtual Environmental Education Career Fair
          November 14, 2023 Building Capacity for Outdoor Learning: Introducing a Digital Tool for Success
          November 01, 2023 eeCourse: Universal Design for Learning in Environmental Education
          October 24, 2023 Online Workshop: Tick Talk
          October 17, 2023 Connecting Children to Nature through Indigenous Teachings
          October 15, 2023 Statewide Convening: Celebrating Our Community
          October 15, 2023 Fall 2023 Regional Meet-up: Bay Area
          October 15, 2023 Fall 2023 Regional Meet-up: Orange County
          October 15, 2023 Fall 2023 Regional Meet-up: San Diego County
          October 15, 2023 Fall 2023 Regional Meet-up: North Coast
          October 15, 2023 Fall 2023 Regional Meet-up: Central Valley
          October 15, 2023 Fall 2023 Regional Meet-up: Sierra Foothills
          October 03, 2023 Outdoor Learning through Patterns in Nature
          September 26, 2023 Wild Learning: Practical Ideas to Bring Teaching Outdoors
          September 19, 2023 Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors
          July 05, 2023 eeCourse: Universal Design for Learning in Environmental Education
          July 01, 2023 EECP 2023-2024 Enrollment
          June 30, 2023 Best Practices for Climate Change Education Webinar
          June 13, 2023 Animating Outdoor Learning Using Finger Puppets
          June 06, 2023 Walking Together: Two-Eyed Seeing
          June 01, 2023 EECP Info Session #2
          May 30, 2023 How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder, Attention
          May 25, 2023 A Discussion on Equitable Approaches to Quality Jobs & Living Wages in EE
          May 23, 2023 Race and Nature for Educators
          May 23, 2023 EECP Info Session #1
          May 16, 2023 Resources for World Oceans Day
          May 06, 2023 Resource Fair @ Statewide Conference 2023
          May 06, 2023 Statewide Conference 2023 - Saturday only
          May 05, 2023 Statewide Conference 2023 - Full weekend with lodging
          May 05, 2023 Statewide Conference 2023 - Full weekend w/out lodging
          May 03, 2023 EECP 2023-2024 Application
          April 27, 2023 EE & Community Engagement
          April 25, 2023 Nature Activities for Year-round Learning
          April 18, 2023 Taking a Closer Look: Investigations in Nature
          April 11, 2023 Resources for Earth Month
          March 07, 2023 School Gardening: Teaching Tools & Resources
          February 28, 2023 A People’s Curriculum for the Earth
          February 21, 2023 Green Ummah & The Great Outdoors
          February 17, 2023 Announcing the Next Great Workshop - YOURS!
          February 13, 2023 Supporting LGBTQIA2S+ Students in EE
          February 08, 2023 Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
          February 07, 2023 Taking Math Outdoors: Practical Ideas & Examples
          January 31, 2023 Climate Change & Sustainability Education Resources
          January 25, 2023 Environmental Justice and the Future of EE
          January 24, 2023 Dirty Teaching: A Beginners Guide to Learning Outdoors
          November 29, 2022 Accessibility in Outdoor Learning
          November 15, 2022 Teaching Green in the Elementary Years
          November 12, 2022 Program Leaders Annual Retreat
          November 06, 2022 Fall Virtual Celebration
          November 06, 2022 Fall 2022 Regional Meet-up: Inland Empire
          November 06, 2022 Fall 2022 Regional Meet-up: Central Coast
          November 06, 2022 Fall 2022 Regional Meet-up: Sierra Foothills
          November 06, 2022 Fall 2022 Regional Meet-up: San Diego County
          November 06, 2022 Fall 2022 Regional Meet-up: Bay Area
          November 06, 2022 Fall 2022 Regional Meet-up: Los Angeles
          October 04, 2022 2022 Environmental & Outdoor Education Virtual Job Fair
          October 04, 2022 Nature Connection: Sensory Activities for All Ages
          September 27, 2022 Animals Care for Mother Earth: An Indigenous Teaching Resource for Personal Development
          September 20, 2022 Life Underground: Student Soil Exploration Resources & Activities
          September 13, 2022 Classrooms to Communities: The Best Resources for Outdoor Learning
          July 01, 2022 EECP 2022-2023 Enrollment
          June 07, 2022 EECP Info Session
          May 26, 2022 EECP Info Session
          May 15, 2022 EECP 2022-2023 Application
          May 14, 2022 Networking/Career Fair @ Spring Statewide Conference
          May 13, 2022 Spring Statewide Conference 2022
          April 19, 2022 Supporting LGBTQ2S+ Students in EE
          March 21, 2022 UDL in EE Pilot
          February 08, 2022 Program Leaders Open Space
          January 31, 2022 EECP Extension 2021-2022
          November 21, 2021 Fall Statewide Virtual Celebration
          November 21, 2021 Fall Regional Meet-up: Newport Beach (Orange County)
          November 21, 2021 Fall Regional Meet-up: Oakland
          November 21, 2021 Fall Regional Meet-up: San Diego County
          November 21, 2021 Fall Regional Meet-up: Dobbins (Tahoe)
          November 13, 2021 Program Leaders Retreat
          September 30, 2021 Environmental & Outdoor Education Virtual Job Fair
          September 14, 2021 Program Leaders Open Space
          July 01, 2021 EECP 2021-2022 Enrollment
          May 27, 2021 EECP Info Session
          May 20, 2021 EECP Info Session
          May 17, 2021 Statewide Spring Conference 2021 - Recordings Only
          May 15, 2021 EECP 2021-2022 Application
          May 14, 2021 Statewide Spring Conference 2021
          April 29, 2021 Assessing Connecting to Nature
          April 01, 2021 EECP Extension
          March 30, 2021 Outdoor Learning Panel
          March 16, 2021 Teaching to Outcomes
          February 25, 2021 Open Space Conversations
          December 12, 2020 Open Space Community Chat & Virtual Happy Hour Campfire
          December 05, 2020 Inspiring Green Behavior Change with Remote Learning Activities
          November 21, 2020 Early Childhood Education in the Outdoors
          October 24, 2020 Mental Health - Pandemic Trauma Training for Educators
          September 26, 2020 SEL Training for Practitioners
          September 26, 2020 Fall Workshop Series
          August 26, 2020 EECP 2020-2021 Enrollment
          July 16, 2020 EECP 2020-2021 Application
          May 29, 2020 AEOE Statewide Virtual Conference 2020
          February 23, 2020 Thriving in the Outdoors: Social and Emotional Learning in Nature
          January 20, 2020 EOSM Spring 2020 Southern Meeting
          January 13, 2020 EOSM Spring 2020 Northern Meeting
          November 15, 2019 AEOE Southern Section Fall Conference 2019
          November 01, 2019 AEOE Northern Section Fall Conference 2019

          CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL & OUTDOOR EDUCATION

          Mailing Address: 2930 Domingo Ave., Suite 3028Berkeley, CA 94705

          info@aeoe.org

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