KAEE 2024 Conference

Don’t Waste It! is an educator guide to waste management, recycling, composting, and waste reduction, which includes 11 lessons covering five themes: municipal solid waste, recycling, plastics, composting, and landfills. The Don’t Waste It! project will help current and future educators understand the systems for solid waste management, recycling, and composting in their state. We're excited to provide educators across Kentucky with resources and lessons to share this knowledge with students and inspire their local communities to get involved with composting, recycling, and other waste reduction activities. Participants will receive a physical copy of the educator guide.

Logistics:

• Ticket purchase is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Cost: $25

During the Late Ordovician(~450 Ma) warm, broad, shallow seas covered Kentucky as well as most of the continent, depositing carbonate sediments similar to those seen in the Bahamas today. Water depth in this epicontinental sea ranged from 20-40 m (65-130 ft). The Late Ordovician fossil record shows that marine communities were abundant, well-established and highly diverse. Although dominated by bryozoans, brachiopods, and crinoids, other fossils included gastropods, trilobites, bivalves, cephalopods (nautiloids), corals, red and green algae, sponges, and stromatoporoids (sclerosponges). The exposure at “Slate Valley” in Bath County provides an opportunity to collect brachiopods (Kentucky’s state fossil!) and other examples of this diverse fauna. Join us as we explore the ancient seas and collect fossils along the way. Rock hammers are welcome and a limited number will be provided. Please wear sturdy shoes and eye protection. Hard Hats and high-visibility vests will be provided.

Logistics:

• Ticket purchase is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Cost: $25
• Meet at the parking area on the north side of the intersection of KY-111/Wyoming Road and Waterdell Rd. in Bath Co., KY; 38°10'53.96"N, 83°43'15.33"W

KAEE is continuing its efforts to establish a network of Kentucky higher education professionals engaged in environmental education (EE) across disciplines (aquatics, biology, early childhood, education, forestry, geology, recreation, natural resources, wildlife, etc.). This network is intended to provide EE and EE-adjacent higher education staff and faculty channels and opportunities to convene, collaborate, and partner at the local level and across the state.

Logistics:

• Pre-registration is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Virtual or Summit-only attendees can register here.

Join Ronan O'Carra for afternoon birding at the Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery. The tour will be around the grounds of one of the largest fish hatcheries of its type in the country.

Logistics:

• Ticket purchase is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Cost: $25
• Meet in the parking lot of the Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery office building.
• Bring binoculars
• Prepare for walking mostly on gravel trails around the fish ponds and along the trees that separate the area from the Licking River. Sturdy boots are recommended. 
• Be aware of the weather and dress accordingly.

Self-Guided Tour of the Kentucky Folk Art Center | 1:00 - 1:45 pm ET
https://maps.app.goo.gl/koWKbM5nWwEf1JUE8
The self-guided tour of the Kentucky Folk Art Center will begin at 1:00-1:45. The gift shop will be open, and we will have the Kentucky International Youth Art Exhibition on display in the upstairs Gallery. The downstairs Gallery will feature various self-taught Artists from Kentucky that we rotate from our Permanent Collection. Photos are welcome!

If parking is unavailable in the Art Center, please park in the back lot behind the Museum.

Basket-Making at the Rowan County Arts Center | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RcPhwZZsBk4LgEyJ7
This is a cultural hub dedicated to preserving and showcasing the artistic heritage of a region. It often features galleries, exhibits, and educational programs that highlight historical art forms and techniques. Visitors can explore various art collections, attend workshops, and learn about the evolution of artistic practices through different periods and styles. This class teaches the traditional craft of basket weaving, where participants learn to create functional and decorative baskets using materials like reeds, fibers, or natural vines. The course typically covers basic techniques, including weaving patterns, shaping, and finishing, allowing students to make their own handcrafted baskets while gaining an appreciation for this ancient art form.

Logistics:

• Ticket purchase is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
• Cost: $25

Logistics:

• Pre-registration is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.

Location: Rowan County Arts Center
Dinner is provided along with one drink ticket, followed by a cash bar.
Menu: pizza, gluten-free vegan pasta, and more!

Logistics:

• Pre-registration is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.