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KAEE 2024 Conference

KAEE’s 48th Annual Conference | Forging Paths for Environmental Education: Community, Conversations, and Creativity

Title Sponsor: Morehead State University | Drs. Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education

Land Acknowledgement
Morehead State University and the surrounding area are located on the traditional lands of the Yuchee, Shawnee, and Eastern Band of Cherokee. Indigenous peoples have lived on the land we now call Kentucky for over 12,000 years. We want to acknowledge the deep history of this land and the people who still live here today. To learn more about this land and the land you call home, visit native-land.ca.

Share your pictures from the conference here!

9:00am EST

Don't Waste It! Educator Workshop

Wednesday November 13, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm EST

Room 311 (Terrace Access)

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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

Speakers

Jennifer Beach

School Outreach Programmer, Kenton County Public Library

Jennifer is the School Outreach Programmer for the Kenton County Public Library. She is a KY Certified Master Environmental Educator, and a KY Early Care and Education Credentialed Trainer (EE Specialty). She is a Certified Facilitator for many EE curricula including Don't Waste It... Read More →

Milan Bush

Organizing Director, Black Appalachian Coalition

Milan Bush serves as the Organizing Director of BLAC. As the founder of Honoring Black Stories and the Midway Juneteenth Freedom Festival, she is dedicated to preserving culture, community, education, justice, curiosity, and care. Milan promotes wellness through Zumba, Yoga, and as... Read More →

Sponsors

Kentucky Environmental Education Council

The Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) is a state agency within the Education and Labor Cabinet. The agency's mission is to promote learning and skills for a sustainable and economically healthy environment. The agency's vision is to ensure a sustainable and economically... Read More →

Wednesday November 13, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm EST
Room 311 (Terrace Access) Sponsored by Division of Air Quality

Workshop, Education in Practice

1:00pm EST

Upper Ordovician fossil collecting at “Slate Valley”, Kentucky

Wednesday November 13, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm EST

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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

Speakers

Jen O'Keefe

Ordovician Handout KAS Field Trip FINAL pdf

Wednesday November 13, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Off-Site

Experience, Education in Practice

1:00pm EST

eeHEN Summit

Wednesday November 13, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST

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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.

Speakers

Brittany Wray

Deputy Director, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education

Brittany has been working with the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education since 2016. Before working with KAEE, she was a formal educator, teaching sixth-grade math and seventh-grade science. She holds a B.S. degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in math... Read More →

Meg Gravil

Eastern Kentucky University

Tracy Knowles

Wednesday November 13, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Room 325 Sponsored by Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

Capacity Building

1:00pm EST

Birding with Fishes

Wednesday November 13, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST

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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.

Speakers

Ronan O'Carra

Wednesday November 13, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Off-Site

Experience, Education in Practice

1:00pm EST

Walk through the Arts with Basket-Making

Wednesday November 13, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST

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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

Speakers

Debbie Howes

Ashley Gilliam

Wednesday November 13, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Off-Site

Experience, Community Engagement

4:30pm EST

Facilitator Happy Hour

Wednesday November 13, 2024 4:30pm - 6:00pm EST

Sawstone Brewery

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Logistics:

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

Wednesday November 13, 2024 4:30pm - 6:00pm EST
Sawstone Brewery

Networking

6:00pm EST

Pre-Conference Social & Dinner

Wednesday November 13, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm EST

Rowan County Arts Center

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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.

Wednesday November 13, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm EST
Rowan County Arts Center

Networking

7:30am EST

Registration Open

Thursday November 14, 2024 7:30am - 8:00am EST

3rd Floor Lobby

Thursday November 14, 2024 7:30am - 8:00am EST
3rd Floor Lobby

Plenary

8:00am EST

Narrative 4: A Narrative for the Environment

Thursday November 14, 2024 8:00am - 11:00am EST

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The Narrative 4 story exchange is a strategy for using reciprocal storytelling, deep listening, and perspective taking to foster curiosity, empathy, and meaningful connections. Storytellers share their stories with a partner and actively listen while their partner shares their story. The group gathers together and each participant retells their partner’s story in the first person. This session informs educators through experience how they can use narrative storytelling to advance the cause of environmental education by helping students see themselves in the story of their place and time.

Narrative 4 teacher-facilitators around the world use this method to provoke curiosity and drive inquiry-based learning in their classrooms in any subject or interdisciplinary effort. N4 also connects partner schools and facilitators with each other in our global network, so interested educators can build intentional collaboration across all distances and divides to bring diverse learning opportunities to their students, through the human face of story. Participants can expect to leave with a strong feeling of community and connection to their fellow educators, as well as a humanities-flavored way to bring science education to all learners.

Logistics:

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

Speakers

Evan Barker

Narrative 4

Evan Barker is a Southeast Manager of the United States, responsible for TN, KY, WV, VA, NC, and SC. He began his career as an orchestra musician before accidentally becoming a bookseller and then an English teacher, coming to N4 after eight years in the secondary classroom. He believes... Read More →

Thursday November 14, 2024 8:00am - 11:00am EST
Room 321 Sponsored by Bernheim Forest & Arboretum

Equity & Inclusion

8:00am EST

Winter Tree ID Hike

Thursday November 14, 2024 8:00am - 11:00am EST

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Have you ever wondered how to identify trees when there are no leaves? Join this educational hike to learn some basic winter tree identification skills such as bark patterns, bud characteristics, and branching patterns. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, supportive shoes.

Logistics:

Pre-registration is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
Meet at the Trailhead on MSU Campus

Speakers

Melinda Wilder

Education Consultant, Professor Emeritus, KAEE

Dr. Melinda Wilder is a retired College of Education professor and former Director of Division of Natural Areas at Eastern Kentucky University. She currently is doing consultant work with the Kentucky Association of Environmental Education.

Thursday November 14, 2024 8:00am - 11:00am EST
Morehead

Experience

8:00am EST

Early Childhood Enviromental Education

Thursday November 14, 2024 8:00am - 11:00am EST

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Developed in coordination with early childhood experts and educators, Getting Little Feet Wet is designed to help educators of young children teach about water in fun, age-appropriate ways. This book contains 11 interactive, hands-on activities for young learners to explore different aspects of water—from water properties to water sounds. Each activity offers both Pre-K and K-2 options and is correlated to educational standards.

Trees & Me: Activities for Exploring Nature with Young Children includes 12 activities and more than 250 learning experiences for families and teachers to connect children ages 1–6 to nature, with a focus on trees. Through fun, indoor and outdoor activities, toddlers and preschoolers explore nature through their senses, experience trees throughout the seasons, and connect with their community.

Participants who attend this morning workshop will receive a copy of Getting Little Feet Wet and Trees & Me

Logistics:

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

Speakers

Rachel Patton

Environmental Educator, Bluegrass Greensource

Rachel Patton is the Preschool Program Coordinator and an Environmental Educator at Bluegrass Greensource, primarily serving preschool and elementary classrooms in central Kentucky.

Meg Gravil

Eastern Kentucky University

Sponsors

Kentucky Environmental Education Council

The Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) is a state agency within the Education and Labor Cabinet. The agency's mission is to promote learning and skills for a sustainable and economically healthy environment. The agency's vision is to ensure a sustainable and economically... Read More →

Thursday November 14, 2024 8:00am - 11:00am EST
Room 322

Workshop

8:00am EST

Foundations in Water and Climate Education

Thursday November 14, 2024 8:00am - 11:00am EST

Room 311 (Terrace Access)

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This newly envisioned guide, Foundations in Water Education, from Project WET contains 12 of their most popular activities that provide a foundation to build water literacy in students. The activities and experiences address all of the Principles of Water Literacy and include topics such as properties of water, watersheds, water systems, groundwater, ecology, water use, and management of water resources.

Project WET's Climate, Water and Resilience guide will help educators teach middle and high school aged students about climate and climate change using interactive, objective, science-based experiences that students will enjoy and learn through.

Participants who attend this morning workshop will receive a copy of Foundations in Water Education and Cliamte, Water and Resilience.

Logistics:

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

Speakers

Nathan Alexander

Big Sandy Basin Coordinator, KDOW

Perry Thomas

Program Director, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education

Perry Thomas joined the KAEE team as Program Director in 2024. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Dartmouth College and M.A. in Teaching and Ph.D. in Biology from Northern Arizona University. Perry has served as a formal educator at middle school, high school, and university levels... Read More →

Thursday November 14, 2024 8:00am - 11:00am EST
Room 311 (Terrace Access) Sponsored by Division of Air Quality

Workshop

8:30am EST

Flood Mitigation & Creek Restoration Walking Tour

Thursday November 14, 2024 8:30am - 11:00am EST

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Like many Kentucky communities, large parts of Morehead are built in a floodplain, which means Morehead has to contend with regular flooding. On this walking tour, we will observe and discuss 4 different types of flood mitigation controls that are used for City of Morehead and how these flood controls are moving in the direction of a more harmonious relationship with Triplett Creek.

Logistics:

Pre-registration is required during conference registration at kaee.org/conference.
Meet at the ADUC Second Street entrance at 8:30 am.

Please meet at the Second Street Entrance of the Adron Doran University Center at 8:30 am. From there, carpooling will be arranged to visit a couple of different sites within the city limits. There will be walking in damp and brushy areas so please wear pants and boots or shoes that can get wet.

Unfortunately, the weather is looking quite rainy on Thursday morning. Please be weather aware; dress and plan accordingly. Pack an umbrella and rain jacket just in case.

Speakers

April Reefer

Hop's

Brian Storz

KDOW

Thursday November 14, 2024 8:30am - 11:00am EST
Morehead

Experience

11:00am EST

Affinity Groups

Thursday November 14, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

TBD

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An affinity group links attendees with a common purpose, identity, or interest. Each affinity group will have its first meeting in the location listed below. A second or third group meeting and location is left at the discretion of the leader and group.

BIPOC — Room 310
Young Professionals — Room 311
Early Childhood — Room 321
Classroom Teachers — Room 322
LGBTQ+ — Room 325
Organizational Leaders — Pre-Fab Area

Thursday November 14, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
TBD

Networking

11:15am EST

Exhibitor Welcome

Thursday November 14, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am EST

3rd Floor Lobby

Thursday November 14, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am EST
3rd Floor Lobby

Plenary

12:00pm EST

Opening Luncheon | Keynote Address

Thursday November 14, 2024 12:00pm - 1:15pm EST

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KAEE Welcome - 12:00 - 12:15 pm
Keynote - 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Questions -1:00 pm - 1:15 pm

Crystal Wilkinson, a recent fellowship recipient of the Academy of American Poets, is the award-winning author of Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts, a culinary memoir; Perfect Black; a collection of poems; and three works of fiction—The Birds of Opulence, Water Street and Blackberries, Blackberries.

She is the recipient of an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Poetry, an O. Henry Prize, a USA Artists Fellowship, and an Ernest J. Gaines Prize for Literary Excellence. Named Kentucky’s Poet Laureate from 2021 to 2023, she has received recognition from the Yaddo Foundation, Hedgebrook, The Vermont Studio Center for the Arts, The Hermitage Foundation and others. Her short stories, poems and essays have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies including most recently in The Atlantic, The Kenyon Review, STORY, Agni Literary Journal, Emergence, Oxford American and Southern Cultures. She currently teaches at the University of Kentucky where she is Bush-Holbrook Professor in Creative Writing.

Learn more at https://www.kaee.org/post/conference-wilkinson

Thursday November 14, 2024 12:00pm - 1:15pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Plenary

1:15pm EST

Book Signing

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:15pm - 1:45pm EST

3rd Floor Lobby

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:15pm - 1:45pm EST
3rd Floor Lobby

Networking

1:15pm EST

Exhibitor Spotlight

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:15pm - 1:45pm EST

3rd Floor Lobby

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:15pm - 1:45pm EST
3rd Floor Lobby

Networking

1:45pm EST

Identifying Barriers to Program Participation and Cultivating Partnerships

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST

Room 311 (Terrace Access)

Feedback Survey

Is your EE program stuck? Do you want to expand your programming and increase your participation but are having trouble attracting new audiences? In this session we will use The Parklands of Floyds Fork S.E.E.D. program as a case study for program growth and capacity building.

The Outdoor Classroom program at The Parklands of Floyds Fork began in 2014 serving students throughout the Louisville, KY area. However, The Parklands quickly realized they were only serving schools that were able to afford the field trip fee. Schools who could not afford this fee were generally not participating. Upon further investigation of this issue, The Parklands found that both the field trip fee and the cost of bus transportation were the primary factors preventing students in Title 1 schools from visiting The Parklands for a field trip.

To address these barriers, The Parklands started the S.E.E.D. (Stewardship, Education, Exploration, Discovery) program. Students in the S.E.E.D. program attend Title 1 schools in the Louisville area and receive at least four hands-on science programs throughout the school year at The Parklands and in their schools. The Parklands waives all program fees and pays for bus transportation to and from the park. The S.E.E.D. program started in 2016 serving 900 students and is on track to serve 11,500 students in 2024.

This program was born by directly addressing the barriers to program participation in the Louisville community. The growth of this program did not happen overnight and required effective grant writing, planning and the cultivating of deep partnerships between The Parklands and the public school system. During this session, we hope to share the story of S.E.E.D. growth with other EE programs that are looking to expand their audience, grow their program capacity, and incorporate new audiences.

Activities
1. Story of S.E.E.D.- presenting the successes, failures, and challenges during program growth
2. Small group discussion - participants work in small groups to identify barriers to program participation in their own programs and potential ideas to break down those barriers.
3. Group presentation and Q and A- small groups will present their ideas and receive feedback from the group.

Learning Objectives
1. Participants will identify barriers to program participation for their audience- including things like transportation, program cost, and access to healthy food.
2. Participants will brainstorm ideas on how to eliminate the identified barriers to program participation through dialogue and discussion between peers.
3. Through coaching, participants will form ideas on how to break down the identified barriers to take back to their organization.

Speakers

Curtis Carman

The Parklands of Floyds Fork

Erin Kinnetz

The Parklands of Floyds Fork

Erin Kinnetz joined The Parklands as a Summer Science Camp Counselor in the summer of 2017. Erin has transitioned through different roles and is now the Education Coordinator. In this position she is the main teacher for Wednesday Wonders, in-school outreach and field trips. She is... Read More →

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 311 (Terrace Access) Sponsored by Division of Air Quality

Capacity Building

1:45pm EST

Acoustic Bat Monitoring: A Citizen Science Project

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST

Feedback Survey

Kentucky is home to at least sixteen species of bats, many of which are considered endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Researchers are racing to understand changes in population and habitat ranges, which provides both K-12 and non formal educators with an opportunity to help collect valuable data from our own neighborhoods. In this session, participants will learn how bioacoustics are being used to study bats and how you can engage your community in acoustic bat monitoring projects. Participants will get experience using high-frequency microphones and smartphone apps to collect and analyze bat calls and discus opportunities for your organization to develop a citizen science project.

Speakers

Susan Brown

Conservation Education Specialist, Boone County Conservation District

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 325 Sponsored by Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

Community Engagement, Research in Action

1:45pm EST

Communicating About Climate Change: Listening, Learning, Building Resiliency

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST

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Let's talk climate change education, outreach, and communication in this interactive session presented by UK Extension and the Kentucky Climate Consortium. As environmental educators, we have both the great challenge and great opportunity to communicate with our audiences about climate change, and to join them in taking hope-filled action steps to help mitigate extreme effects and risks.

In 2023, the UK Soil & Water Extension team and the Kentucky Climate Consortium administered a state-wide survey of Extension personnel aimed at better understanding the gaps and goals identified by these professionals regarding climate change communication. Although the survey had an Extension specific audience, the findings and gap-filling resources being developed, can be applied to any audience. Session presenters will share survey results, overview ways they are working to fill identified gaps, and get YOUR valuable feedback to see how the university can better support all Kentuckians as we work toward building a more resilient future.

Walk away with new climate education resources and communication strategies aimed at increased climate awareness, engagement, and action.

Speakers

Lauren Cagle

University of Kentucky

Lauren Cagle is an Associate Professor of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies at the University of Kentucky. Cagle researches and teaches environmental, technical, and scientific rhetoric in collaboration with environmental organizations.

Katherine Bullock

Extension Educator, University of Kentucky Dept of Forestry & Natural Resources Extension

Katherine Bullock serves as an Extension Educator at the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment in the Department of Forestry & Natural Resources. She and the water/soil quality extension team work to translate university research on... Read More →

Lee Moser

Agriculture Extension Associate Senior, University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

I am a natural resource professional with over fifteen years of experience in various aspects of research, water resource management, environmental regulation/permitting, agriculture, education, extension, and field ecology/biology.

Amanda Gumbert

Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky

Dr. Amanda Gumbert is a Water Quality Specialist with the University of KY Extension Service. She collaborates with university personnel and agency partners to provide environmental education on topics such as ag water quality and backyard streams.

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 322

Education in Practice, Community Engagement, Research in Action

1:45pm EST

Innovative Nature-Immersive Programming Through Community Partnership

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST

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Red Oaks Forest School has developed a model of nature-based programming that addresses important themes in EE such as STEM learning, community science, advocacy, diversity, climate, and more from early childhood through adolescents. A key component of this programming has been the collaboration with community partners to act as hosts and provide access to diverse landscapes across Central and Eastern Kentucky. In this session, Red Oaks will spotlight programs that feature various stages of childhood development, partners, and curriculum insights we have developed that can be adaptable to a variety of settings. Red Oaks will provide specific examples of program goals, tools, outcomes, and suggestions on how to adapt these programs to a traditional school model if desired. Nature-immersion is a core value of Red Oaks so while ideas and takeaways are adaptable to a variety of school settings, they do require access to the outdoors in some way. A sneak peek into the programs Red Oaks will discuss include STEM and community science for grades k-6, building resilience while learning about historical and current BIPOC leaders in Kentucky for grades 2-5, and environmental advocacy in adolescents.

Speakers

Tina Brouwer-Kraska

CO-DIRECTOR, Red Oaks Forest School

Tina Kraska is Executive Director of Red Oaks Forest School serving Central and Eastern Kentucky. Tina's a naturalist, photographer, and outdoor enthusiast who's dedicated to connecting people with the healing benefits of nature.

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 310

Education in Practice, Community Engagement

1:45pm EST

More Than Science: Creating Interdisciplinary EE Content

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST

Feedback Survey

Each person is unique, as are their interests. However, the landscape of EE is dominated by science-based learning—a subject that doesn’t appeal to everyone. In this workshop, we will discuss the value of interdisciplinary studies in EE programming and practice (through case studies and provided mock lessons) incorporating not just science, but history, math, literacy, the arts, and physical/mental health and wellbeing. While this session will be geared primarily towards youth programming, there can be important take-aways for programs of any demographic. Participants are welcome to bring their own program guides and lesson plans as well.

Speakers

Andrew Lewis

Camp Program Coordinator, North Central 4-H Camp

Thursday November 14, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 321 Sponsored by Bernheim Forest & Arboretum

Education in Practice

2:45pm EST

Acoustic Bat Monitoring: A Citizen Science Project

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

Kentucky is home to at least sixteen species of bats, many of which are considered endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Researchers are racing to understand changes in population and habitat ranges, which provides both K-12 and non formal educators with an opportunity to help collect valuable data from our own neighborhoods. In this session, participants will learn how bioacoustics are being used to study bats and how you can engage your community in acoustic bat monitoring projects. Participants will get experience using high-frequency microphones and smartphone apps to collect and analyze bat calls and discus opportunities for your organization to develop a citizen science project.

Speakers

Susan Brown

Conservation Education Specialist, Boone County Conservation District

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Community Engagement, Research in Action

2:45pm EST

An Analysis of Litter, Urbanization, and the Emerging Role of Citizen Science in Beargrass Creek, Louisville, KY

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

This poster session will discuss the research project, “Anthropogenic Litter in Urban Waterways: An Analysis of Litter, Urbanization, and the Emerging Role of Citizen Science in Beargrass Creek, Louisville, KY” and explore the significant environmental education opportunities presented through the results of the data. The findings support the incredible necessity of integrating community engagement, sustainability education, and effective technology together to reconnect neighborhoods with their urban waterways and restore these streams- so that all have equal access to healthy environments and outdoor recreation across the city.

To put research into action, the project addressed the ever-growing presence and persistence of anthropogenic litter (AL) in urban waterways. AL has been studied in marine environments, but research gaps exist in riverine ecosystems. Most of the AL that reaches the Earth’s oceans is carried by urban rivers, so understanding the relationship between these waterways and AL is critical in effectively fighting AL accumulation, especially for legacy plastic pollutants. This study explored fifteen sites throughout Beargrass Creek and recorded the quantity and type of AL present throughout the summer and fall of 2023. The National Geographic Marine Debris Tracker app was employed to successfully accomplish this analysis. This is a powerful tool designed to engage citizens with the streams running through their neighborhoods. The results of this project revealed the interconnected relationship between urbanization and AL accumulation in waterways, and advocates for the crucial change possible through participatory science.

The conclusions found from the project present endless potential for education in practice and exploratory activities that support students’ holistic growth. The human awareness and perception of a stream has an extraordinary impact on AL pollution and the overall health of the waterway. The more communities can engage with their local creeks and streams, the greater environmental change becomes possible. The study revealed the strengths of using technology like the National Geographic Marine Debris Tracker. This app makes data collection much more accessible to any level of scientific experience. It generates data tables and figures, collects geographic coordinates for spatial analysis, and creates an easy system for tracking the quantity and type of AL observed.

The purpose of this poster session is to give educators the background knowledge to plan and carry out effective real-world learning to encourage a sustainable future. Educators will be introduced to the National Geographic Marine Debris Tracker, a potentially powerful tool for classrooms. With the use of the tracker, thematic investigations could begin as simply as recording trash in the school site/school’s watershed area. Through teacher led instruction, students can develop and implement an action project in which every student can participate. The project can grow in complexity with the development of students over grade levels, as well as involving parents, civic organizations, and community leaders providing holistic learning experiences. This technological aid gives educators the platform to teach about the history of stream alteration, aquatic habitat health, land use/ land cover interactions within watersheds- in addition to giving students the opportunity to observe AL firsthand in their local streams, developing investigation skills, inclusion, teamwork, and engaging with the waterways in positive and meaningful ways that promote sustainability practices for the future.

Speakers

Ella Swigler

Jefferson Memorial Forest, EELCorps- Jefferson Memorial Forest

https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/file/Debris_Tracker_Citizen_Science_-_Action_Guide_Update_12.23.21.pdf This is the website link to a resource I will be sharing about throughout the lightning rounds & poster session. Hope it can be a great starting place for own litter... Read More →

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Education in Practice, Research in Action

2:45pm EST

Collaborating with KY Green Schools

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

The Kentucky Green School (KGS) program provides students in grades K - 12 opportunities to form Green Teams with teachers, school staff, and community members to investigate the sustainability of their school buildings and grounds. Based on these investigations, Green Teams analyze their findings and take action toward improvement. In essence, the KGS program gives students opportunities to practice the kind of collaborative problem solving needed to conserve energy and natural resources across the Commonwealth.
In this presentation we highlight some successful action projects undertaken by KGS Green Teams over the past year, with an emphasis on roles played by community partners to ensure successful outcomes. Examples come from each of the five thematic KGS investigation areas: Energy, School Environment (indoors), School Site (outdoors), Waste & Recycling, and Water.
We hope those who join us for this session will gain an appreciation for the power of KY Green Schools to improve environmental education not only for students but also for their families and partner organizations, as we all learn with and from each other.

Speakers

Perry Thomas

Program Director, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education

Perry Thomas joined the KAEE team as Program Director in 2024. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Dartmouth College and M.A. in Teaching and Ph.D. in Biology from Northern Arizona University. Perry has served as a formal educator at middle school, high school, and university levels... Read More →

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Community Engagement

2:45pm EST

Empowering Tomorrow's Stewards: The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Education

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

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At 21 years old, I spearheaded the development of an innovative curriculum for 5th grade teachers across Coastal Central California. This initiative, designed in collaboration with Earth Echo International and the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, aims to deepen students' understanding of Indigenous tribes, national marine sanctuaries, and the rich biodiversity of their local ocean ecosystems.

Our project marks a significant effort to enhance knowledge of the world's first tribally nominated marine sanctuary from an early age. This curriculum is designed to shift the educational focus from the predominantly Eurocentric narratives taught in 4th grade about California Missions and Native American tribes, towards a more comprehensive and respectful exploration of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

The curriculum is structured around three main pillars: Chumash tribal knowledge and traditions, the biodiversity and biomechanics of local ocean ecosystems, and practical stewardship practices. Our goal is to furnish students with a comprehensive understanding of their local environment intertwined with the cultural heritage that has nurtured it through the ages. This approach not only honors and revitalizes tribal knowledge but also prepares students to be proactive environmental stewards.

During the session, I will detail the curriculum development process, highlighting our collaborative efforts with tribal leaders and environmental scientists to ensure both cultural sensitivity and scientific accuracy. I will discuss the strategies employed to seamlessly integrate this enriched content into the existing educational frameworks, making it both accessible and engaging for young learners.

Moreover, the session will emphasize the broader implications of our work, discussing how each individual can contribute to enhancing our next generation's environmental education. Attendees will leave with valuable insights into how traditional ecological knowledge can be integrated into modern educational systems, thereby nurturing a generation of well-informed and motivated environmental stewards. We will also explore practical ways for attendees to adapt these principles to their own educational settings, thus extending the influence and impact of this vital educational initiative.

Speakers

Aidan Wells

EarthEcho International

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Equity & Inclusion, Education in Practice, Community Engagement

2:45pm EST

Environmental Days at Maywoods: A Students-Teaching-Students Initiative in Environmental Education

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

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In spring 2024, students from Rockcastle County High School’s Gifted and Talented program and Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Center for Environmental Education partnered on the students-teaching-students program "Environmental Days at Maywoods." This initiative involved EKU college students working closely with Rockcastle County High School students to deliver environmental education programs to 1st-3rd grade students from Madison and Rockcastle County elementary schools. The program provided significant leadership opportunities for both college and high school students and increased the potential for inspiring future environmental educators by engaging participants as active learners. The initiative also allowed high school students to interact directly with college students, fostering peer mentorship and collaboration. The success of this initiative highlights the value of partnerships between higher education and K-12 schools in increasing opportunities for active environmental education experiences. Moving forward, we aim to expand such collaborations to provide more opportunities for students-teaching-students initiatives in Kentucky, including an environmental education leadership camp for college and high school students. This session will provide an overview and summary of our experiences but will primarily serve as an interactive forum. Participants will share experiences, engage in brainstorming activities, and discuss opportunities for similar collaborative initiatives in K-12 and higher education settings across the state.

Speakers

Kelly Watson

Eastern Kentucky University- Divison of Natural Areas

Starla Benge

Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Rockcastle County School District

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Education in Practice, Capacity Building

2:45pm EST

Every park in a classroom

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

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Come learn how to bring America's best idea to your classroom or school! OutSCIder Classroom (https://www.youtube.com/@OutSCIderClassroom) is a web-based video series that teaches students science concepts and environmental stewardship through videos and paired instructional materials. Our goal is to Impact student science learning outcomes, increase student interest in STEM careers, inspire the next generation of scientists and conservationists. Participants will partake in a OutSCIder inquiry-based lesson and learn how to access instructional materials for implementation in the classroom.

Speakers

Chris Anderson

Hamilton County ESC

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Education in Practice

2:45pm EST

Improving Environmental Stewardship through Effective Community Engagement

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

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Environmental stewardship with opportunities for community involvement abound, but urban, community-based stewardship projects also experience high failure rates. Labor requirements, lack of appropriate experience, resources, and lack of long-term planning leads to low quality implementation and lack of continued interest. This session will describe two successful environmental stewardship projects with different levels of community involvement. Participants will be asked to describe their own experiences, and presenters will provide their formula for improving environmental stewardship projects.

The Frankfort/Franklin County Joint Task Force on Invasives was formed in 2021 with a goal to develop a structured invasive species plan and framework for regular community and agency activity on the issue. This community led initiative has resulted in an approved city plan, mapping of county-wide priority areas, fundraising, and planning for paid positions with partnering agencies to address task force needs.

Olmsted Parks Conservancy in partnership with Kentucky State University began a brush management demonstration trail in 2022 in Louisville, KY to address citizen and agency questions about whether using small ruminant livestock (goats) can be an efficient, sustainable habitat management tool compared to traditional, herbicide-based methods. Preliminary results and the methods used to address community interest have generated additional support toward expanding natural areas management while also addressing community concerns.

Successful, long-term environmental stewardship requires experience, evidence-based methods, and a structured process. Sustainable community engagement requires persistent efforts, immersive opportunities, and a focus on community needs. Although these two can be at odds, they can be effectively combined with a structured approach.

Speakers

Jody Thompson

Sr. Research and Extension Associate - Forestry, Kentucky State University

Liz Mortenson Winlock

Director of Natural Areas, Olmsted Parks Conservancy

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Community Engagement

2:45pm EST

Kentucky's Envirothon Competition

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

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The Envirothon competition is a natural resource competition for high school students. This outdoor, hands-on contest lets students work in teams to learn more about Kentucky's forests, wildlife, water, and soils, as well as a current issue, which changes every year. Recent current issues have included renewable energy, climate changes, creating resources from waste, and water resource management. This session will include information about starting an Envirothon team and the kinds of things the students learn in this program.

Envirothon events are held outdoors each spring in locations across the state. Students will have their hands in the soil while answering questions about the soil's characteristics and quality. They will be feeling pelts and holding skulls as they answer questions about native species, habitat needs, and conservation practices. They will be in the woods answering questions about tree species, pests, and the economic value of the trees. They will be sampling water or looking at macroinvertebrates while answering questions about watersheds, nutrients, indicator species, and best management practices.

Speakers

Johnna McHugh

Division of Conservation

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Education in Practice

2:45pm EST

Kentucky's Professional Environmental Educator Certification Course

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

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Since 2004, over 280 environmental educators have built their knowledge of environmental education best practices through Kentucky’s Professional Environmental Educator Certification course. One of only six courses in the nation accredited by the North American Association for Environmental Education, this immersive series of four workshops provides participants with a thorough understanding of the best practices of environmental education, a cohort of fellow educators to network with, and dozens of hands-on learning experiences to use in their own work. Participants who complete the course requirements receive the designation, "Certified Professional Environmental Educator". KEEC staff will give a brief overview of the course content and structure, then answer questions about the course.

Speakers

Wesley Bullock

Executive Director, Kentucky Environmental Education Council

Wesley Bullock is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Environmental Education Council

Risa Yost

Environmental Education Specialist, Kentucky Environmental Education Council

A former Dental Laboratory Technician, Risa found a second career-home with KEEC exercising her applied sciences background and personal interests in environmental literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement!

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Education in Practice

2:45pm EST

Nature Explorer Program: Creating Nature-Based Learning Experiences for Homeschoolers

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

This presentation will outline the Nature Explorer Program: A supplemental environmental education program for homeschool families provided by extension staff at Kentucky State University’s Environmental Education and Research Center (EERC). During this 10 month program, home school groups from Franklin and surrounding counties are able to visit Kentucky State’s EERC on a biweekly basis to engage in collaborative and experiential opportunities in Kentucky’s natural areas. This informational session will allow participants to walk through the process of building their own long-term, nature-focused homeschool program from start to finish, including but not limited to: curriculum building, community engagement, and assessments.

Speakers

Kaitlynn Gootee

Event and Volunteer Coordinator - EERC, Kentucky State University

Hello! I'm the Event and Volunteer Coordinator for Kentucky State University's Environmental Education and Research Center (EERC) in Henry County, KY. I've been an environmental educator at the EERC for 5 years now, and I work with my team to reach students and communities across... Read More →

Ian Ries

Extension Environmental Educator, Kentucky State University

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Education in Practice

2:45pm EST

Through the Trees: Exploring Student Perceptions of Forest School Education

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

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Forest schooling is an emerging educational approach that takes place primarily outdoors in natural settings (Boileau & Dabaha, 2020). Forest Schooling has gained popularity recently due to its numerous benefits for children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development (NAAEE, 2020). However, there is limited research on how children perceive forest schooling and the impact it has on their learning experiences (Bradley & Male, 2017). This session aims to explore children's perceptions of forest schooling, a crucial aspect that could significantly influence their well-being and development, through the following questions;
1. How do young children without disabilities perceive Forest School and the type of play they engage in within Forest School?
2. How do young children with disabilities perceive Forest School and the type of play they engage in within Forest School?
The research questions are addressed through a qualitative case study children aged 3-6 (n=10). The participants attend a Forest School situated in a Nature Park and are subjects as well active contributors to the research. The delivery of Forest School occurs in sessions ranging from 2 to 4 days a week for 3 hours over several months. The study utilizes observations, artifact collection, and interviews with the children. Observation data was collected through video recording and artifact collection using photo stories. Semi-structured interviews about forest school and play were conducted with the children at three different time points, the beginning of the program, middle of the program, and end of the program. Children were shown photos they took to help deepen the conversation. Photo stories provide the children spaces for reflection and sharing perspectives and experiences. (Varvantakis & Nolas, 2021). Truong (2024) used photo stories to find that children enjoyed painted rocks, mud and climbing rocks while in nature at a Canadian nature preserve.

My study adds to the prior research that has been conducted using parents and equators perceptions of forest schooling (Olliff-Cooper et al., 2021) by focusing on children’s perspectives. The session offers a unique opportunity to explore the perceptions of preschool-aged students in forest schools, shedding light on the impact of nature-based learning on young children's development.

Speakers

Brook Crenshaw

Eastern Kentucky University

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Research in Action

2:45pm EST

Understanding Misconceptions about Caves: Improving the Learning

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

Probes are a way of better understanding people’s metacognition (internal thinking). Page Keeley created several books based on research of misconceptions found in science. Her ideas were used to create three different probes to elicit student understanding about karst and caves. Three checklist probes about karst and cave misconceptions were created and tested on future elementary teachers. In addition, students write explanations about their reasoning for what items they checked. Understanding their reasoning helps to improve teaching. This idea can be recreated in other places where nonformal education occurs. This poster will discuss how to create probes to assess learning at places where nonformal learning occurs.

Speakers

Jeanine Huss

Professor, Western Kentucky University

Dr. Jeanine Huss, a Full Professor at Western Kentucky University, serves as the Friends of Mammoth Cave Secretary and co-chair for NAAEE eePro Higher Education. She helps accredit universities for EE. She is a Kentucky Professional Environmental Educator. She served on OKAEE... Read More →

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Education in Practice

2:45pm EST

Using the EE21 Survey for Program Evaluations of Nonformal EE Providers: Program Impact on Visiting Students

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

Nonformal education sites offer enriching educational experiences for students. The McDowell Farm School (MFS) exemplifies this by providing students with immersive encounters in a working farm environment. Despite their educational value, many nonformal education sites lack sufficient evidence of their impact. This session presents a research study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of MFS programs on visiting students. By utilizing pre-visit/post-visit surveys and interviews, this study provides valuable insights into program efficacy and offers transferable evaluation methods for similar nonformal education programs. This session will explore the study’s methodology, findings, and implications to contribute to a deeper understanding of program evaluation in nonformal education contexts. This will be done using results and survey responses taken from the visit to the MFS that document the program’s impact on participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. By showcasing the positive impact of MFS on students and providing transferable evaluation methods, the session advances our understanding of the value of experiential learning beyond traditional educational settings.
The research study utilized the EE21 survey as part of the program evaluation to document program impacts of the MPS on visiting students. The EE21 is available for other EE program providers to use. Researchers will share how the survey can be validated and used for program evaluations of conference attendees allowing them to include this valuable tool in their own program evaluations.

Speakers

Nicholas Bourke

AUM

Traci Kell

AUM

Abbigail Murphy

AUM

Emily Daniel

AUM

Joi'a Austin

AUM

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Lightning Round, Capacity Building

4:00pm EST

Engaging Kentucky Communities to Embrace Their Local Waterways

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EST

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Brian has a Ph.D. and M.S. in Biology from Florida State University and a B.S. in Evolution and Ecology from the University of California, Davis. With some 20 years of experience working as an aquatic ecologist, Brian brings a whole-systems approach to his position as the Licking River Basin Coordinator, working with the stakeholders, scientists, volunteers, government entities, engineers, and communities, to improve and care for Kentucky waterways.

Many communities are reengaging and reinvesting in their local waterways. In this informative presentation, I will discuss the role of Basin Coordinators, our liaison activities between local communities and the state, and specifically, the Maysville Limestone Creek revitalization efforts.

Speakers

Brian Storz

KDOW

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EST
Room 310

Community Engagement

4:00pm EST

Empowering Students to Lead Sustainable Practices

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EST

Room 311 (Terrace Access)

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Johnson Elementary School's Eco Club, in collaboration with our school's administration, is excited to propose a session for the upcoming annual conference titled "Empowering Students to Lead Sustainable Practices." Our proposal aligns with the conference theme of Forging Paths for Environmental Education: Community, Connections, and Creativity and specifically addresses the strands of Education in Practice and Community Engagement.

At Johnson Elementary School, our Eco Club members have taken the lead in implementing various sustainability initiatives within our school and community. These initiatives include whole-school recycling, Terra cycling, composting, electrical energy conservation, water conservation efforts, and the development and maintenance of an outdoor classroom. Through these efforts, we have not only transformed our school into the first US Department of Education Green Ribbon School in Northern Kentucky but have also created a culture of environmental stewardship and synergy among our students and staff.

In our proposed session, we will share the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from our journey towards sustainability. We will discuss how student leadership has been instrumental in driving change within our school, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among our students. Additionally, we will highlight our plans to grow food for our cafeteria and enhance our nature trail with native pollinator-friendly plant species.

Our session will provide practical insights and strategies for educators and environmental advocates looking to empower students to lead sustainable practices in their schools and communities. We believe that our experience at Johnson Elementary School serves as a valuable case study for promoting environmental education, equity, and inclusion, as well as fostering community engagement and capacity building.

We are excited about the opportunity to share our story and hopefully inspire others to act towards a more sustainable future within their own buildings. We look forward to contributing to the conference program and engaging with fellow educators and environmental advocates. Thank you for considering our proposal.

Speakers

Jillian Booth

4th grade, Fort Thomas Independent Schools

Alyssa Brown

Fort Thomas Independent Schools

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EST
Room 311 (Terrace Access) Sponsored by Division of Air Quality

Education in Practice, Community Engagement

4:00pm EST

Environmental Days at Maywoods

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

In spring 2024, students from Rockcastle County High School’s Gifted and Talented program and Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Center for Environmental Education partnered on the students-teaching-students program "Environmental Days at Maywoods." This initiative involved EKU college students working closely with Rockcastle County High School students to deliver environmental education programs to 1st-3rd grade students from Madison and Rockcastle County elementary schools. The program provided significant leadership opportunities for both college and high school students and increased the potential for inspiring future environmental educators by engaging participants as active learners. The initiative also allowed high school students to interact directly with college students, fostering peer mentorship and collaboration. The success of this initiative highlights the value of partnerships between higher education and K-12 schools in increasing opportunities for active environmental education experiences. Moving forward, we aim to expand such collaborations to provide more opportunities for students-teaching-students initiatives in Kentucky, including an environmental education leadership camp for college and high school students. This session will provide an overview and summary of our experiences but will primarily serve as an interactive forum. Participants will share experiences, engage in brainstorming activities, and discuss opportunities for similar collaborative initiatives in K-12 and higher education settings across the state.

Speakers

Starla Benge

Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Rockcastle County School District

Kelly Watson

Eastern Kentucky University- Divison of Natural Areas

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EST
Room 325 Sponsored by Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

Education in Practice, Capacity Building

4:00pm EST

Nature Explorer Program: Creating Nature-Based Learning Experiences for Homeschoolers

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

This presentation will outline the Nature Explorer Program: A supplemental environmental education program for homeschool families provided by extension staff at Kentucky State University’s Environmental Education and Research Center (EERC). During this 10 month program, home school groups from Franklin and surrounding counties are able to visit Kentucky State’s EERC on a biweekly basis to engage in collaborative and experiential opportunities in Kentucky’s natural areas. This informational session will allow participants to walk through the process of building their own long-term, nature-focused homeschool program from start to finish, including but not limited to: curriculum building, community engagement, and assessments.

Speakers

Kaitlynn Gootee

Event and Volunteer Coordinator - EERC, Kentucky State University

Hello! I'm the Event and Volunteer Coordinator for Kentucky State University's Environmental Education and Research Center (EERC) in Henry County, KY. I've been an environmental educator at the EERC for 5 years now, and I work with my team to reach students and communities across... Read More →

Ian Ries

Extension Environmental Educator, Kentucky State University

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EST
Room 321 Sponsored by Bernheim Forest & Arboretum

Education in Practice

5:00pm EST

PEEC Reunion

Thursday November 14, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST

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Sponsors

Kentucky Environmental Education Council

The Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) is a state agency within the Education and Labor Cabinet. The agency's mission is to promote learning and skills for a sustainable and economically healthy environment. The agency's vision is to ensure a sustainable and economically... Read More →

Thursday November 14, 2024 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Room 325 Sponsored by Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

Networking

6:15pm EST

Dinner, Music, Auctions

Thursday November 14, 2024 6:15pm - 9:00pm EST

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THURSDAY EVENING ACTIVITIES
Sponsored by Far Off Cows Dental Ceramics
Join us for the most exciting part of the conference! Enjoy an amazing dinner, great music, networking opportunities, a silent and live auction, and the unmissable Dash for Cash.

LIVE AUCTION
Don’t miss our live auction following dinner. Bid on our unique, locally-made artwork, educational materials, books, vacation getaways, and more. With so many great items and fun people in one place, it’s bound to be a good time!

DASH FOR CASH
Easily the most entertaining three minutes in EE—the annual Dash for Cash. KAEE Staff and Conference Co-Chairs face off to raise the most cash for KAEE. Whoever collects the least cash during the Thursday night dash will have a bucket of ice water poured on their head during the conference closing. Bring your dollars and decide which team you plan to support.

MUSIC
Entertainment will be provided by Jeri Howell & Nat Colten. Born and raised in Frankfort, Howell and Colten grew up on bluegrass, Appalachian, country, classical, and world musical traditions, and they sow seeds of each into their own lyrics and melodies to create a signature Folk/Americana sound. With Howell on guitar and Colten playing banjo, their vocals pour out like bourbon and Ale-8—a sweet burn, mixed well and meant to be.

Sponsors

Far Off Cows Dental Ceramics

Dental Laboratory

Thursday November 14, 2024 6:15pm - 9:00pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Networking

7:30am EST

Registration Open

Friday November 15, 2024 7:30am - 8:15am EST

3rd Floor Lobby

Friday November 15, 2024 7:30am - 8:15am EST
3rd Floor Lobby

Plenary

8:15am EST

Affinity Groups

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST

TBD

Feedback Survey

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST
TBD

Networking

8:15am EST

Poster Session

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST

Feedback Survey

Restoring Ecological Function Through Pollinator Habitat Establishment: The Relative Efficacies of Several Pollinator Habitat Establishment Systems, Kristin Conrad, Kentucky State University
Comparing Accuracies of LiDAR and Multi-spectral Equipped Drones to Traditional Field Assessment for Determining the Spatial Extent of Amur honeysuckle in Central KY Forests, Kasia Bradley, Kentucky State University
An Analysis of Litter, Urbanization, and the Emerging Role of Citizen Science in Beargrass Creek, Louisville, KY, Ella Swigler, University of Louisville
Children's Access to Nature: A Comparison Study, Becky Johnson, Fayette County Public Schools
Understanding Misconceptions about Caves: Improving the Learning, Jeanine Huss, Western Kentucky University
Is Goat Browsing as Effective as Traditional Brush Management Methods, Jody Thompson, Kentucky State University
Assessing environmental education: evaluating the impacts on student knowledge and attitudes about Ohio River Conservation, Lillie Daniel, Thomas More University
Children’s Access to Nature: Central Kentucky, Brooke Crenshaw, Eastern Kentucky University
Branching Out: Cultivating Social Skills Through Play and Forest Schooling, Brooke Crenshaw, Eastern Kentucky University and Trail Tots

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST
Pre-Fab Area

Plenary

8:15am EST

An Analysis of Litter, Urbanization, and the Emerging Role of Citizen Science in Beargrass Creek, Louisville, KY

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST

Feedback Survey

This poster session will discuss the research project, “Anthropogenic Litter in Urban Waterways: An Analysis of Litter, Urbanization, and the Emerging Role of Citizen Science in Beargrass Creek, Louisville, KY” and explore the significant environmental education opportunities presented through the results of the data. The findings support the incredible necessity of integrating community engagement, sustainability education, and effective technology together to reconnect neighborhoods with their urban waterways and restore these streams- so that all have equal access to healthy environments and outdoor recreation across the city.

To put research into action, the project addressed the ever-growing presence and persistence of anthropogenic litter (AL) in urban waterways. AL has been studied in marine environments, but research gaps exist in riverine ecosystems. Most of the AL that reaches the Earth’s oceans is carried by urban rivers, so understanding the relationship between these waterways and AL is critical in effectively fighting AL accumulation, especially for legacy plastic pollutants. This study explored fifteen sites throughout Beargrass Creek and recorded the quantity and type of AL present throughout the summer and fall of 2023. The National Geographic Marine Debris Tracker app was employed to successfully accomplish this analysis. This is a powerful tool designed to engage citizens with the streams running through their neighborhoods. The results of this project revealed the interconnected relationship between urbanization and AL accumulation in waterways, and advocates for the crucial change possible through participatory science.

The conclusions found from the project present endless potential for education in practice and exploratory activities that support students’ holistic growth. The human awareness and perception of a stream has an extraordinary impact on AL pollution and the overall health of the waterway. The more communities can engage with their local creeks and streams, the greater environmental change becomes possible. The study revealed the strengths of using technology like the National Geographic Marine Debris Tracker. This app makes data collection much more accessible to any level of scientific experience. It generates data tables and figures, collects geographic coordinates for spatial analysis, and creates an easy system for tracking the quantity and type of AL observed.

The purpose of this poster session is to give educators the background knowledge to plan and carry out effective real-world learning to encourage a sustainable future. Educators will be introduced to the National Geographic Marine Debris Tracker, a potentially powerful tool for classrooms. With the use of the tracker, thematic investigations could begin as simply as recording trash in the school site/school’s watershed area. Through teacher led instruction, students can develop and implement an action project in which every student can participate. The project can grow in complexity with the development of students over grade levels, as well as involving parents, civic organizations, and community leaders providing holistic learning experiences. This technological aid gives educators the platform to teach about the history of stream alteration, aquatic habitat health, land use/ land cover interactions within watersheds- in addition to giving students the opportunity to observe AL firsthand in their local streams, developing investigation skills, inclusion, teamwork, and engaging with the waterways in positive and meaningful ways that promote sustainability practices for the future.

Speakers

Ella Swigler

Jefferson Memorial Forest, EELCorps- Jefferson Memorial Forest

https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/file/Debris_Tracker_Citizen_Science_-_Action_Guide_Update_12.23.21.pdf This is the website link to a resource I will be sharing about throughout the lightning rounds & poster session. Hope it can be a great starting place for own litter... Read More →

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST
Pre-Fab Area

Poster Session, Education in Practice Research in Action

8:15am EST

Assessing environmental education: evaluating the impacts on student knowledge and attitudes about Ohio River conservation

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST

Feedback Survey

With a spotlight on the current and worsening environmental crisis, a positive attitude toward the environment, and the skills and confidence to actively protect it are necessary to make progress in conservation of important ecosystems like the Ohio River valley. One tool well suited to cultivate these attitudes and skills is environmental education which allows students to explore, engage, and act on environmental issues. Through this active process, goals include increasing students’ awareness of their environment, comfort in being outdoors, empathy toward their immediate environment, and students’ skills in using environmental action strategies.
Thomas More University Biology Field Station offers several different environmental education experiences. The mission is “To educate and engage our visitors about the ecological and cultural value of the Ohio River and its watershed and to empower them to take action to protect them.” The purpose of this study is threefold: measure the cognitive impact of discipline related content, the psychomotor skills acquired, and cultivation of affective behaviors and attitude towards Ohio River conservation. There are two research questions for the study: do environmental education programs increase student knowledge on presented topics; and do environmental education programs positively shift emotional, behavioral, and attitude measurements on presented topics, conservation in general, and potential for future environmental action. Outcomes of the study provide guidance on best practice for deepening understanding and sparking a catalyst for change.

Speakers

Lillie Daniel

Thomas More University

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST
Pre-Fab Area

Poster Session, Education in Practice Research in Action

8:15am EST

Branching Out: Cultivating Social Skills Through Play and Forest Schooling

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST

Feedback Survey

Forest schools, which come from Denmark and the Scandinavian principle of friluftsliv, offer children regular opportunities for nature exploration and most importantly, play-based activities in a woodland environment (Boileau & Dabaha, 2020). Forest schools offer a valuable alternative to traditional classroom setting as they provide a natural and stimulating environment for play and social interaction. The following research questions were used to guide this study;
· RQ1: How do parents’ perceptions of Forest Schooling aid their preschool-aged children with and without disabilities with play and social skills?
· RQ2: How does the type of play preschool-aged children with and without disabilities partake in during Forest School benefit their social skills?
This presentation will delve into how forest schools can foster the growth of social skills in preschool-aged children with and without disabilities. The research questions are explored through a mixed-methods case study that utilizes interviews, observations, surveys with the children’s parents/caregivers, and artifact collection. The child participants (N=10) attended a forest school in a local nature park. The Forest School was delivered in sessions ranging from 2 to 4 days a week for 3 hours over four months, August through November.
This study adds to the current literature on forest schooling in the United States. Prior research has focused in countries outside the U.S. and on developing the awareness and skills to be environmental stewards (Boileau & Dabaha, 2020). My study builds on this literature base by exploring how forest schools may develop children with and without disabilities social skills and play.
Overall, this presentation will identify the importance of forest schools in nurturing the social and emotional development of children with and without disabilities and provide practical strategies for integrating forest schools’ principles into educational settings. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the benefits of outdoor play and nature-based learning in promoting social skills development in children.

Speakers

Brook Crenshaw

Eastern Kentucky University

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST
Pre-Fab Area

Poster Session, Education in Practice

8:15am EST

Children's Access to Nature: A Comparison Study

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST

Feedback Survey

This qualitative study conducted in the spring of 2024 by a graduate student in Environmental Education at EKU compared the demographics of the surrounding areas and quality of two children's play sites’ natural settings and affordances. The researcher gathered data from the two sites using LEAF School Grounds Site Inventories. The researcher also performed analysis of secondary analysis of additional data from various sources including:
*KAEE Landscape Analysis
*US Census data from 2020
*Lexington, Kentucky’s governmental website
*Rowland-Shea, et al., 2020
The Census County Division or Council District of each park was used to gather data for comparison between the two locations, as well as to compare them to state and national averages. This study is intended to identify the various resources residents can use to determine the accessibility and quality of parks and natural areas in Lexington, Kentucky. This can help residents maximize their nature exposure and reap the subsequent benefits.

Speakers

Becky Johnson

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST
Pre-Fab Area

Poster Session, Equity & Inclusion

8:15am EST

Children’s Access to Nature: Central Kentucky

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST

Feedback Survey

Having access to nature matters. Rowland-Shea et al. write, “Simply having more tree cover in a neighborhood could account for as much as 13 percent of the variance in student outcomes; the study found the positive effect to be strongest in schools that faced the most external socio-economic challenges”. Just having trees in a neighborhood can change children’s outcomes. With the prevalence of technology in today's society, it is increasingly crucial to prioritize opportunities for children to engage with the natural world. However, not all children have equal access to green spaces in Central Kentucky. With this poster I investigate what are the factors that contribute to children's access to nature in Shepherdsville and Elizabethtown? I investigated this question through a qualitative study that utilized observations in local parks using the LEAF Inventory, analyzing data such as KAEE Landscape Analysis, Census Data. After examining the data, I hypothesize that young families are moving into Shepherdsville. Elizabethtown, an urban trail city, has many green spaces. Still, the park is more traditional and limits creative play. According to the Landscape Analysis, Elizabethtown also has no official environmental education opportunities. Both cities have high poverty rates, with Shepherdsville double the state average. Both Elizabethtown and Shepherdsville have parks for children to enjoy. Although they are very different in design, they have much to offer children and educators looking to utilize the spaces. .To support the growing population, especially in Shepherdsville, the area must implement environmental education opportunities or continue to develop new parks and green spaces that are accessible in the location. Environmental education opportunities should be provided in these areas to ensure young children can connect with nature and be the environmental stewards we need to protect our green spaces. Due to the high percentage of poverty, it is also recommended that these opportunities be low or no cost. Forest or Nature-Based Schools that focus on sustainability are also recommended.

Speakers

Brook Crenshaw

Eastern Kentucky University

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST
Pre-Fab Area

Poster Session, Research in Action

8:15am EST

Comparing Accuracies of LiDAR and Multi-spectral Equipped Drones to Traditional Field Assessment for Determining the Spatial Extent of Amur honeysuckle in Central KY Forests

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST

Feedback Survey

Amur honeysuckle is one of the most disruptive invasive plants in Central Kentucky’s forested ecosystems and in the surrounding region. Its prolific spread and wide-ranging negative impacts on native flora including altered light regimes, resource consumption and allelopathy make it important to systematically monitor and implement management when possible. However, Amur honeysuckle infestations on public and private land are so extensive that most forested habitats are left untreated and even unassessed. Furthermore, assessments usually require experienced land managers and extensive time to accurately develop specifications leading to efficient management.

Because vegetation of different species can exhibit significant spatial diversity within a relatively small area, airborne multi-spectral and LiDAR data can be an important tool for surveying this complex environment. Additionally, drone-based tools can gather data many times faster than ground-based assessments. Therefore, this study was developed to investigate whether drone-based multi-spectral and LiDAR data can be used to assess Amur honeysuckle composition to develop accurate forest improvement specifications. Drone data were compared to field data gathered on 80 forested plots in Central Kentucky representing percent cover of Amur Honeysuckle in five vertical height classes.

Preliminary results indicate a high degree of comparability between the different methods, particularly in the shorter height classes. Drone-based multi-spectral and LiDAR data can accurately and efficiently map the composition of invasive plants in select forested situations leading to increased forest assessments and management. Results from this research will be used to refine this methodology and expand this technology as a forest assessment tool.

Speakers

Kasia Bradley

Kentucky State University

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST
Pre-Fab Area

Poster Session, Research in Action

8:15am EST

Restoring Ecological Function Through Pollinator Habitat Establishment: The Relative Efficacies of Several Pollinator Habitat Establishment Systems

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST

Feedback Survey

Pollinator habitat establishment is conducted in several different ways using different methods. This session highlights various methods using herbicide and provides recommendations based on preliminary evidence, as this is an ongoing project

Speakers

Jody Thompson

Sr. Research and Extension Associate - Forestry, Kentucky State University

Kasia Bradley

Kentucky State University

Kristin Conrad

Kentucky State University

Renata Rodriguez

Jeremy Sandifer

Kentucky State University

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST
Pre-Fab Area

Poster Session, Research in Action

8:15am EST

Understanding Misconceptions about Caves: Improving the Learning

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST

Feedback Survey

Probes are a way of better understanding people’s metacognition (internal thinking). Page Keeley created several books based on research of misconceptions found in science. Her ideas were used to create three different probes to elicit student understanding about karst and caves. Three checklist probes about karst and cave misconceptions were created and tested on future elementary teachers. In addition, students write explanations about their reasoning for what items they checked. Understanding their reasoning helps to improve teaching. This idea can be recreated in other places where nonformal education occurs. This poster will discuss how to create probes to assess learning at places where nonformal learning occurs.

Speakers

Jeanine Huss

Professor, Western Kentucky University

Dr. Jeanine Huss, a Full Professor at Western Kentucky University, serves as the Friends of Mammoth Cave Secretary and co-chair for NAAEE eePro Higher Education. She helps accredit universities for EE. She is a Kentucky Professional Environmental Educator. She served on OKAEE... Read More →

Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:15am EST
Pre-Fab Area

Poster Session, Education in Practice

9:30am EST

Improving Environmental Stewardship through Effective Community Engagement

Friday November 15, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am EST

Feedback Survey

Environmental stewardship with opportunities for community involvement abound, but urban, community-based stewardship projects also experience high failure rates. Labor requirements, lack of appropriate experience, resources, and lack of long-term planning leads to low quality implementation and lack of continued interest. This session will describe two successful environmental stewardship projects with different levels of community involvement. Participants will be asked to describe their own experiences, and presenters will provide their formula for improving environmental stewardship projects.

The Frankfort/Franklin County Joint Task Force on Invasives was formed in 2021 with a goal to develop a structured invasive species plan and framework for regular community and agency activity on the issue. This community led initiative has resulted in an approved city plan, mapping of county-wide priority areas, fundraising, and planning for paid positions with partnering agencies to address task force needs.

Olmsted Parks Conservancy in partnership with Kentucky State University began a brush management demonstration trail in 2022 in Louisville, KY to address citizen and agency questions about whether using small ruminant livestock (goats) can be an efficient, sustainable habitat management tool compared to traditional, herbicide-based methods. Preliminary results and the methods used to address community interest have generated additional support toward expanding natural areas management while also addressing community concerns.

Successful, long-term environmental stewardship requires experience, evidence-based methods, and a structured process. Sustainable community engagement requires persistent efforts, immersive opportunities, and a focus on community needs. Although these two can be at odds, they can be effectively combined with a structured approach.

Speakers

Jody Thompson

Sr. Research and Extension Associate - Forestry, Kentucky State University

Liz Mortenson Winlock

Director of Natural Areas, Olmsted Parks Conservancy

Friday November 15, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am EST
Room 321 Sponsored by Bernheim Forest & Arboretum

Community Engagement

9:30am EST

Inspiring Change Through "This is the Ohio: Life, Death, and Rebirth of our Beautiful River"

Friday November 15, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am EST

Feedback Survey

Conference Presentation Proposal: Inspiring Change Through "This is the Ohio: Life, Death, and Rebirth of our Beautiful River"
Presented by: Dr. David Wicks
Introduction
This session will explore the transformative power of documentary filmmaking in environmental advocacy and community engagement. We will delve into Morgan Atkinson's documentary, "This is the Ohio: Life, Death, and Rebirth of our Beautiful River." This powerful film not only captures the essence of the Ohio River but also serves as a catalyst for several significant initiatives aimed at preserving and revitalizing this vital waterway.

About the Documentary
Morgan Atkinson, an award-winning filmmaker recognized with the Governor's Award for the Arts, brings to life the story of the Ohio River through his documentary. "This is the Ohio" offers a profound narrative that intertwines the river's ecological history, current challenges, and the hopeful efforts to restore its health and beauty. Morgan also directed Wonder; The Life of Anna and Harlan Hubbard.

Segments Viewing
We will start by viewing selected segments from the documentary, which highlight key aspects of the Ohio River's journey. These segments will set the stage for understanding the various initiatives inspired by the documentary.

Initiative 1: Ohio River Way
The first initiative we will discuss is the Ohio River Way, a collaborative effort with the National Park Service to designate the Ohio River as a national water trail. This initiative aims to enhance recreational opportunities, promote conservation, and boost local economies along the river. By establishing the Ohio River as a national water trail, we can ensure its protection and accessibility for future generations.

Initiative 2: Kentucky Ohio River Regional Recreation Authority (KORRA)
Next, we will explore the formation of the Kentucky Ohio River Regional Recreation Authority (KORRA), which was officially signed into law by Governor Brashear in April of this year. KORRA's mission is to develop and manage recreational facilities and activities along the Kentucky portion of the Ohio River, fostering community engagement and sustainable tourism. This initiative highlights the potential for regional cooperation in promoting environmental stewardship and economic development.

Initiative 3: Ohio River Ecological Restoration
Finally, we will discuss the Ohio River Ecological Restoration initiative, led by the National Wildlife Federation and the Ohio River Basin Alliance. This initiative focuses on comprehensive ecological restoration efforts to improve water quality, restore habitats, and enhance biodiversity along the river. The documentary plays a crucial role in raising awareness and garnering support for these vital restoration projects.

Initiative 4: Payne Hollow on the Ohio
Payne Hollow, the home of Anna and Harlan Hubbard, is a new educational facility in Trimble County that focuses on the confluence of Art, Culture and the Environment. It has been made possible in part by Morgan’s early movie Wonder.

Conclusion
Through the lens of "This is the Ohio," we witness the power of storytelling in inspiring action and fostering community engagement. Each of these initiatives—the Ohio River Way, KORRA, and the Ohio River Ecological Restoration—demonstrates a commitment to preserving the Ohio River's natural beauty and ecological integrity.
As we conclude this presentation, I encourage you to reflect on how we can leverage similar storytelling tools and collaborative efforts in our own communities. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for our natural resources.
Q&A Session
We will now open the floor for questions and discussions.

Speakers

David Wicks

Ohio River Way and River City Paddle Sports

Ella Swigler

Jefferson Memorial Forest, EELCorps- Jefferson Memorial Forest

https://media.nationalgeographic.org/assets/file/Debris_Tracker_Citizen_Science_-_Action_Guide_Update_12.23.21.pdf This is the website link to a resource I will be sharing about throughout the lightning rounds & poster session. Hope it can be a great starting place for own litter... Read More →

Friday November 15, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am EST
Room 325 Sponsored by Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

Community Engagement

9:30am EST

STEM-based Activities for Young Ecologists

Friday November 15, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am EST

Feedback Survey

Harnessing younger students’ innate curiosity about the natural world and desire to protect it can be done with hands-on classroom activities that build STEM skills, increase environmental literacy, foster environmental stewardship and encourage creative thinking about sustainable paths forward.

In this session, the presenter will facilitate a series of interdisciplinary lessons that involve collecting and analyzing data, creating 3D models and concept maps, and working collaboratively on solving authentic problems related to human ecology. Activities support Kentucky Academic Standards, especially Earth and Human Activity (Disciplinary Core Idea - ESS3C). Participants will receive lesson plans and background materials in an electronic format, along with links to digital tools that can be used in and out of the classroom and environmental education center.

After a brief introduction on the ecology concepts to be presented, the presenter will lead participants in several hands-on activities. These include:
• an interactive story about a local river, how different communities have affected that ecosystem over time and strategies for taking care of the area.
• small groups will create concept maps connecting cause-and-effects relationships between people’s activities and environmental trends.
• participants play a game on sustainable research management

The presenter will lead discussion on how the activities can best be incorporated into classroom and nonformal education programming.

Speakers

Scott Townsend

Professor of Science Education, Eastern Kentucky University- Divison of Natural Areas

Scott is a Professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership at Eastern Kentucky University, where he focuses on science education. In the past he has also supervised student teachers, led professional development workshops, and taught science education... Read More →

Friday November 15, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am EST
Room 322

Education in Practice

9:30am EST

Make Your Info ACCESSIBLE!

Friday November 15, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am EST

Feedback Survey

You put a lot of work into your newsletters, social media posts, PowerPoints and website -- but are they accessible to people with disabilities? Roberta Burnes will show you how a few simple steps can improve accessibility of your socials, email announcements, PowerPoints and more, to ensure that EVERYONE gets your message. Topics covered will include writing appropriate alt text for images, effective use of color and contrast, and using Microsoft's built-in accessibility checker. Bring your smartphone or laptop for some hands-on practice.

Speakers

Roberta Burnes

Environmental Scientist Advisor, Kentucky Division for Air Quality

I'm the Environmental Scientist Advisor in the director's office for the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (DAQ). I am a certified KY Master Environmental Educator and Green Community Leader. Talk to me about indoor air quality, board games, sourdough, astronomy, nature journaling... Read More →

Friday November 15, 2024 9:30am - 10:45am EST
Room 310

Equity & Inclusion, Education in Practice

11:00am EST

Using the EE21 Survey for Program Evaluations of Nonformal EE Providers: Program Impact on Visiting Students

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Feedback Survey

Nonformal education sites offer enriching educational experiences for students. The McDowell Farm School (MFS) exemplifies this by providing students with immersive encounters in a working farm environment. Despite their educational value, many nonformal education sites lack sufficient evidence of their impact. This session presents a research study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of MFS programs on visiting students. By utilizing pre-visit/post-visit surveys and interviews, this study provides valuable insights into program efficacy and offers transferable evaluation methods for similar nonformal education programs. This session will explore the study’s methodology, findings, and implications to contribute to a deeper understanding of program evaluation in nonformal education contexts. This will be done using results and survey responses taken from the visit to the MFS that document the program’s impact on participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. By showcasing the positive impact of MFS on students and providing transferable evaluation methods, the session advances our understanding of the value of experiential learning beyond traditional educational settings.
The research study utilized the EE21 survey as part of the program evaluation to document program impacts of the MPS on visiting students. The EE21 is available for other EE program providers to use. Researchers will share how the survey can be validated and used for program evaluations of conference attendees allowing them to include this valuable tool in their own program evaluations.

Speakers

Joi'a Austin

AUM

Nicholas Bourke

AUM

Traci Kell

AUM

Abbigail Murphy

AUM

Emily Daniel

AUM

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Room 325 Sponsored by Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

Capacity Building

11:00am EST

Growing Gorillas: Building Capacity for Conservation in Community

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Feedback Survey

In Growing Gorillas: Building Capacity for Conservation in Community participants will learn to find and collaborate with local organizations that share their conservation mission, hear examples of how the Louisville Zoo is working with partners to increase their audience and capacity for conservation while promoting an accessible entry to global wildlife conservation. The project offers the perfect medium to connect local schools, community groups, and organizations to an international conservation effort through its involvement with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Western Lowland Gorilla SAFE Project and its associated partners. During the session participants will learn how to effectively connect global conservation projects to local issues, practice strategies for mutually beneficial collaboration, and brainstorm ideas to get diverse age groups excited in the same conservation project.

Speakers

Katy Morrison

Educator I, Louisville Zoo

Katy Morrison started as a fulltime conservation educator with the Louisville Zoo in 2020 after years working in place-based education in part-time or seasonal positions. She specializes in early childhood and family programming that engages learners of all ages with the natural world... Read More →

Jessie Grizzle

Louisville Zoo

McKenzie Gollar

Program Manager, Girl Scouts Kentuckiana

Eric Ronay

President, ECO-CELL

ECO-CELL was created in 2003 as a way to mitigate the impact of electronics on the earth and its inhabitants. Our objectives are to raise funds for wildlife conservation, deter toxic waste from US landfills, build more sophisticated consumers and push for the creation of more sustainable... Read More →

Growing Gorillas Building Capacity for Conservation in Community pptx

Device Donation Flyer docx

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Room 310

Community Engagement, Capacity Building

11:00am EST

Things are only impossible until they’re not: strategies for positive action

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Feedback Survey

Environmental educators are light bearers in a world that can, at times, feel dark. Global and national events can feel overwhelming and make it seem like our work isn’t making a difference. Staff of the Kentucky Environmental Education Council will lead an interactive discussion about the strategies they use to stay positive and make meaningful impacts in local communities. They will share hopeful stories from the Environmental Education Leadership Corps, Professional Environmental Educator Certification Program, and Master Plan for Environmental Education in Kentucky. Participants can bring examples from their own work to share in this crucial conversation about how positivity, mindfulness, and seeking community can have a ripple effect in the work we do.

Speakers

Wesley Bullock

Executive Director, Kentucky Environmental Education Council

Wesley Bullock is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Environmental Education Council

Ashley Mike

EELCorps Program Director, EELCorps- KEEC

Ashley is the Program Director for the KEEC AmeriCorps program, the Environmental Education Leadership Corps. Ashley is a Louisville native with a national service background having served as an AmeriCorps VISTA herself.

Willa Dawn Bayne

EELCORPS Member Engagement Coordinator, EELCorps- KEEC

Risa Yost

Environmental Education Specialist, Kentucky Environmental Education Council

A former Dental Laboratory Technician, Risa found a second career-home with KEEC exercising her applied sciences background and personal interests in environmental literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement!

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Room 322

Community Engagement

11:00am EST

Adventure Awaits: Exploring the Great Outdoors!

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Room 311 (Terrace Access)

Feedback Survey

Join us for an interactive presentation that showcases fun and inspiring ways to encourage children to step outside and engage with the natural world. This session will feature a variety of hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for nature. Attendees will learn effective strategies to motivate kids to explore their surroundings, from fun nature scavenger hunts to exciting wildlife observation games. Additionally, the presentation will delve into the wonders of gardening, offering practical tips on how to involve children in growing their own plants and understanding the life cycle of a garden. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or community leader, this presentation will equip you with creative tools to help kids discover the joys of outdoor adventures and the satisfaction of nurturing a garden.

Speakers

Beverly McDavid

Science Teacher, Russell Middle School

Beverly McDavid is a middle school science teacher at Russell Middle School in Greenup County. She has 26 years of experience and is very active in environmental education, involving her students in many outdoor activities such as gardening and wetland restoration. She was the 2004... Read More →

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Room 311 (Terrace Access) Sponsored by Division of Air Quality

Equity & Inclusion, Education in Practice

11:00am EST

Early Childhood Education for Sustainability (ECEfS) in Practice

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Feedback Survey

Early Childhood Education for Sustainability (ECEfS) "explores sustainability and its educational responses in Early Childhood Education (ECE [Davis, 2022]). Through Environmental Education and incorporating nature in classroom learning, teachers enable children to have positive experiences in nature and encourage respect for our planet. Sustainability is an abstract concept for young children. How do we implement classroom practices that are meaningful to children and encourage them to engage in sustainability practices? This prospect becomes complex as Early Childhood Educators work with with children from increasingly diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds. Participants in this session will engage in dialogue about what ECEfS looks like in practice for teachers of young children and in teacher preparation programs. We will engage in activities that can be easily replicated in classrooms with young children.

Speakers

Meg Gravil

Eastern Kentucky University

Rachel Patton

Environmental Educator, Bluegrass Greensource

Rachel Patton is the Preschool Program Coordinator and an Environmental Educator at Bluegrass Greensource, primarily serving preschool and elementary classrooms in central Kentucky.

Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Room 321 Sponsored by Bernheim Forest & Arboretum

Equity & Inclusion, Education in Practice

12:00pm EST

Excellence in EE Awards Luncheon & Panel

Friday November 15, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST

Feedback Survey

Friday November 15, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Plenary

1:30pm EST

Regional Networking

Friday November 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm EST

Feedback Survey

Are you interested in connecting with other educators in your area? Join us to network and learn more about what is happening in your part of the woods or holler. The tables will be marked by region. Feel free to break them down into smaller regions or by county—whatever makes the most sense for your area!

East
South Central
Bluegrass
Louisville
Northern
West

Friday November 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Networking

2:30pm EST

Ripple Effects

Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

Ripple Effects is a photography contest designed to encourage young people from the greater Kentuckiana area to connect to water in their communities. This interactive session will describe the process contest organizers have developed for conducting this contest with the hope of encouraging others to establish similar projects in their own communities. One key aspect of Ripple Effects is the way diverse team members have come together to promote the contest, including staff from local governmental agencies, academic institutions, and arts and cultural organizations. In addition to the contest itself, photographers from the team offer workshops designed to teach strategies for creating effective photographs. Other members of the team have worked with members of the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission to create a Land Acknowledgement as part of our exhibit at last year’s Kentucky State Fair. And the team participated in a strategic planning process to create a shared vision and mission. There are also efforts to extend the project to other countries through the establishment of Ripple Effects International. The Ripple Effects team believes that by using photography to encourage young people to observe the natural world more closely they will be encouraged to develop a deeper appreciation of the importance of protecting local water resources and taking action to address environmental issues. Session participants will have opportunities to create similar collaborations in their communities and how to build on those connections to support youth in exploring local waterways through photography

Speakers

Perry Thomas

Program Director, Kentucky Association for Environmental Education

Perry Thomas joined the KAEE team as Program Director in 2024. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Dartmouth College and M.A. in Teaching and Ph.D. in Biology from Northern Arizona University. Perry has served as a formal educator at middle school, high school, and university levels... Read More →

Mary Brydon-Miller

University of Louisville

Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:45pm EST
Room 322

Community Engagement

2:30pm EST

Every Park in a Classroom

Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

Come learn how to bring America's best idea to your classroom or school! OutSCIder Classroom (https://www.youtube.com/@OutSCIderClassroom) is a web-based video series that teaches students science concepts and environmental stewardship through videos and paired instructional materials. Our goal is to Impact student science learning outcomes, increase student interest in STEM careers, inspire the next generation of scientists and conservationists. Participants will partake in a OutSCIder inquiry-based lesson and learn how to access instructional materials for implementation in the classroom.

Speakers

Chris Anderson

Hamilton County ESC

Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:45pm EST
Room 325 Sponsored by Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

Education in Practice

2:30pm EST

The FUNdamentals of EE

Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

This session will focus on multiple approaches to creating meaningful, engaging, purposeful, and joyful programs or lessons. Building off of the basic "fundamentals" of a quality lesson, attendees will think about ways to bring their lessons to the next level of success. Utilizing song and dance, rhythm and rhyme, kinesthetics and earworms, we'll approach topics from a joy building view with the final goal of attaining a higher level of comprehension, retention, and action from lessons.

Speakers

Dan Pascucci

Board Member, Bernheim Forest & Arboretum

Dan Pascucci is the Family and Youth Program Manager at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum in Clermont, Kentucky where he spends his time connecting folks to nature and responding to emails. He prefers the nature. Dan has also served as board chair for KAEE and is finishing up his tenure... Read More →

Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:45pm EST
Room 321 Sponsored by Bernheim Forest & Arboretum

Education in Practice

2:30pm EST

What Teachers Want

Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:45pm EST

Room 311 (Terrace Access)

Feedback Survey

Whether you’re interested in getting your foot in the door and/or being invited back for more, this interactive session will have you thinking about ways to ensure that your EE presentations are standards-based and include research-based best teaching practices. With pressure to address state standards during every lesson and prepare students for high-stakes testing, teachers want to know that your lesson meets the strict criteria expectations of their administration and is worth giving up a day away from the prescribed curriculum. During this session you will participate in a popular EE curriculum activity and practice using a tool to examine it, as well your own lessons, to see if they tick all the boxes for success. This session is appropriate for “Newbies” to EE, folks interested in becoming KY Green Schools mentors, and “Old Pros” wanting to examine the effectiveness of their current EE programming.

Speakers

Vivian Bowles

Board Member and Facilitator, KAEE board member

Vivian is a 30-year public school veteran who taught second and fourth graders, and now occasionally guest teaches Pre-5th grade learners. She’s received several teaching recognitions, including the 2014 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. Since discovering Projects... Read More →

EE Class Visit Lesson Plan VB docx

KAEE Conference '24 Effective EE Lessons for K 12 pdf

matrixfork 12progressionofscienceandengineeringpracticesinngss.8.14.14 copy pdf

MatrixOfCrosscuttingConcepts copy pdf

Which Niche Lesson Plan KAEE 2024 pdf

MatrixOfDisciplinaryCoreIdeasInNGSS May2013 copy pdf

Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:45pm EST
Room 311 (Terrace Access) Sponsored by Division of Air Quality

Education in Practice

2:30pm EST

The Landscape of EE in Kentucky and the Southeast

Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:45pm EST

Feedback Survey

Description coming soon.

Friday November 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:45pm EST
Room 310

Equity & Inclusion

4:00pm EST

Conference Closing

Friday November 15, 2024 4:00pm - 4:30pm EST

Feedback Survey

Be sure to stick around for the closing remarks and final reflections. Turn in your green bucks, Exhibitor Exploration, and Mystery Table sheets for prize drawings. Also, the losers of the dash for cash will receive their consequence!

Friday November 15, 2024 4:00pm - 4:30pm EST
Ballroom A/B

Plenary