KAEE 2024 Conference

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rethinking Recess provides practical examples of how to reframe our concept of outdoor learning. This session teaches how to remove common barriers to stepping outside of the traditional classroom and working to create the type of learning environment that allows both students and teachers to succeed (with more regulated nervous systems)! Through interactive, hands-on small group sessions, participants will work through real-life examples of challenges as well as success stories of teachers who were bold and brave enough to lean into rethinking recess. Sometimes "new" and innovative approaches are simply a return to honoring childhood.