COLORADO ALLIANCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Since 1989, the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) has been a statewide leader in promoting environmental education (EE) in Colorado. Our members represent over 250 organizations and 800 individuals in nature centers, classrooms, non-profits, parks, agencies, higher education, communities, businesses, and more. CAEE offers resources and support to EE providers and advocates for increased access to environmental learning opportunities for all Colorado residents. We value inclusion and welcome everyone to the field of EE.
Learn more about CAEE!
Together, we can do more! CAEE's many initiatives aim to develop the capacity of EE prvodiers and supporters. No matter where you live or how much time you have, there are opportunities to be involved with CAEE and support EE in Colorado.
Check out our various initiatives listed below and find out more by:
- Joining a session with a CAEE staff member
- Visiting our display tables
- Talking with CAEE staff, board and committee members
Environmental Literacy in Colorado
In 2012, the Colorado State Board of Education adopted the Colorado Environmental Education Plan (CEEP). The CEEP provides a comprehensive framework to support school systems in expanding and improving environmental education programs. Find out more information and support this initiative at the CAEE exhibit table.
Become a Certified Environmental Educator
Develop a professional portfolio to demonstrate your competency in environmental education knowledge, skill and practices through CAEE’s Certified Environmental Educator program. Submit a portfolio for review by March 29 or August 30, 2019. Learn more at the CAEE exhibit table and session:
You can also enroll in CAEE’s on-line course - Principles & Foundations of Environmental Education, June 3-August 9, in which your course assignments can help build your certification portfolio. CSM continuing education credit available. Visit caee.org for more information.
Careers in Natural Resources InitiativeSince 2012, more than 350 individuals representing 110+ government agencies, non-profits, universities and more have been working collaboratively to raise awareness, reduce barriers and increase access to information about natural resource careers for youth and young adults. Strategies and tools developed include a natural resource career guide, online job center, and career exploration week. Learn more about this initiative at the CAEE exhibit table & session:
- Creating a Sustainable World by Integrating EE into ALL Careers (Fri. 11:00am-12:00pm)
Diversity & Inclusiveness in EE InitiativeCAEE works to ensure everyone in Colorado has an opportunity to learn about the environment where they live. We value inclusiveness and welcome everyone to the field of environmental education. Check out these sessions that have a diversity, inclusiveness, and/or non-traditional audience component.
*Becoming an Eco J.E.D.I. – Exploring ways to bridge the gap between environmental education and environmental justice (Fri. 9:00-11:00am)
*Say YES to Youth Stewardship: Engaging Youth as Leaders and Stewards (Fri. 11:00am-12:00pm)
*Developing ecoliteracy in a 2nd grade classroom at Force Elementary, a Southwest Denver public school (Fri. 11:00am-12:00pm)
*How to create more diverse and inclusive organizations - PART 1 (Fri. 2:15-3:45pm)
*How to create more diverse and inclusive organizations - PART 2 (Sat. 8:30-10:00am)
*Elder story telling - connecting history, culture and tradition with conservation (Sat. 10:15-11:15am)
*Reclaiming Silenced Achievements in STEM (Sat. 10:15-11:15am)
Opportunities to Develop your EE Skills After the ConferenceVisit caee.org to find professional development and networking opportunities. Be sure to get or renew your CAEE membership to connect with the largest organization for environmental educators in Colorado and receive discounts to CAEE events. caee.org/membership.
Support CAEE this Earth DayBuild a movement for environmental education in Colorado! Visit coloradogives.org/caee to make a donation to CAEE!
CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
National Association for Interpretation (NAI) SessionsJoin staff and volunteers from the National Association for Interpretation to discover techniques
and activities to make your lessons stick with students! NAI is an organization that provides support and
training for natural and cultural history interpreters across the world. Learn the basic principles of interpretation by participating in one, two, or all three of these sessions. Information on how to continue your training through NAI will be available.
• Beyond EE— Basic Interpretive skills for Environmental Educators (Fri. 11:00am-12:00pm)
- Who’s Listening to Me?––Know Your Audience (Fri. 1:00-2:00pm)
- Please Follow Me—Secrets for a Great Guided Hike (Fri. 4:00-5:00pm)
NEW! Conference Advanced Cohort StrandThis cohort is specially designed for individuals with five or more years of professional experience in the
development of EE/interpretive programs, supervision of education staff, and/or management of educational/interpretive sites. Cohort participants will participate in select conference sessions and discussions that highlight advanced practices in environmental education/interpretation and program management. The Advanced EE Practitioner Cohort is facilitated by experienced EE practitioners with a knowledge of best practices in EE program development and management.
Training for a Team (Fri., 11:00-12:00)
Katie Phillips - Rocky Mountain National Park In order to best facilitate quality experiences for
learners the education team at Rocky Mountain National Park must come together quickly each field
trip season. We will share the training formula that works well for us to develop a high functioning team.
Location: North Classroom 1603
Strand: Skills and Professional Learning
Training and Mentoring New Environmental Education Professionals: Evaluation, Recommendations and Moving Forward (Fri., 1:00-2:00)
Kristen Wilkinson - Colorado State University Environmental Learning Center
Learn the mixed-methods evaluation approach used by the CSU Environmental Learning Center to evaluate its training and mentoring process. Discover aspects of training most valued by new environmental education professionals. Transfer the lessons learned to your organization’s training and mentoring process.
Location: North Classroom 1603
Strand: Skills and Professional Learning
Becoming an Eco J.E.D.I. – A deeper dive (Fri., 2:15-3:45pm)
Parker McMullen Bushman - Butterfly Pavilion
Are you ready to take engagement all the way to justice? Spend time taking a deeper dive as we
challenge, negotiate, and push in closer to what it means to consider projects with an Environmental
Justice lens.
Location: North Classroom 1603
Strand: Skills and Professional Learning
Current Research in Environmental Education and the Outdoor Learning (Fri., 4:00-5:00)
Mary K. McCormac - Colorado Parks and Wildlife & Bevin Carithers - Boulder Mountain Parks and Open
Space
Join cohort facilitators for an early happy hour and an engaging discussion on current research in environmental education and outdoor learning. Participants will be asked to review 3 – 5 academic
journals and discuss how current research results and practices can improve our EE programs. This session
is just like being back in school, but a lot more fun - no written lit review, no midterm, and no final exam!
Location: North Classroom 1603
Strand: Skills and Professional Learning
EE Networking Happy Hour and TrivEEia
Unwind and kick back with a drink and light snacks and catch up with everyone after a full day of great
sessions. Then, join your peers and form a team of up to six players and test your knowledge against
other teams in our TriEEvia contest! Team build with your organization or mix it up and gather a team with
different interests.
5-5:30 - Light appetizers and drinks will be served.
5:30-7:15 - Three rounds of Colorado and EE focused trivia.
The winning team members will each taking home a fabulous prize! There will be a break in between each
round for quick refills.
Teams may register anytime after 12:00pm on Friday at the Registration desk. Teams that register early will
receive an opportunity to possibly earn extra points before the game even starts!
Networking ActivityStrengthen your network connections by exchanging old and new ideas with other conference participants! You will be given networking cards at registration. Complete as many as you like over the course of the conference to earn one or more drawing tickets. Check out the fabulous prizes in the Exhibitor Hall and select which items you would like to try your luck to get! Drop your ticket with your name on it in the bin with the item of your choice and keep your fingers crossed! Drawings will be held on Friday night at the Triveeia event for all Friday prizes and at the Awards Lunch for all Saturday prizes (prizes must be collected no later than Sat at 3pm). Have fun and meet some new people!
Morning Networking in EExibitor HallStart your day with CAEE each morning from 8:00-9:00 am for coffee, morning networking, and the EExhibitor Resource Walk to learn more about how exhibitor programs and resources can support your work. If you would like to receive CSM credit for the EExhibitor Resource Walk, pick up the CSM credit form from the registration area for instructions.
Location: North Building Atrium
Exhibitors can also be visited during Friday lunch and in between sessions.
Conference Social Media
Post photos, ideas and new connections! Attendees active on social media will be entered to win a prize!
Facebook: CAEEInfolink
Twitter: @CAEE1
#advanceEE
Sustainability OpportunitiesWe are reducing our use of materials and recycling/composting what we can. Look for signs and read before you toss!
- Bring your own water bottle or mug!
- Visit the swap to find new to you items to re-purpose!
- Download presentation materials electronically at www.caee.org/eeconference
- Carpool or take public transportation to the conference!
- Compost eligible items at lunch!
The Advancing Environmental Education Conference is made possible by the great contributions of so many people – conference presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, promotional partners, volunteers, and CAEE staff and Board of Directors! A big thank you to the conference planning committee and in particular Rose Banzhaf for designing the conference booklet and Nancy Barnes for designing the booklet cover!
We are looking for new committee members to bring their ideas and perspectives to help shape next year’s conference. Contact info@caee.org for more information.
Conference Last day reminders
