Connecting Through Conferences
Environmental education and conservation themed conferences offer a great opportunity for professional development. They can help connect formal and informal educators with new teaching resources, funding opportunities, technology, and the most up-to-date research on the topics you teach and the pedagogy that informs your methods of instruction.
In the mid-Atlantic region, we are lucky to have many opportunities to engage in and learn about the outdoors and environmental education. Check out some of the upcoming conferences in our area:
2012 Natural Areas Conference
Join conservation professionals from around the country in Norfolk, Virginia for the 2012 Natural Areas Conference, hosted by the Natural Areas Association (NAA) with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils (NAEPPC). This year’s conference will address keeping natural areas programs relevant in today’s world and natural areas resilient in the face of change. Don’t miss the chance to connect with and learn from others working in fields related to natural areas conservation.
- When: October 9-12
- Where: Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Norfolk, Virginia
2012 MAMEA Conference: Aquatic Conservation Science through Research and Education
Join educators from the Mid-Atlantic region to celebrate marine education Chesapeake Bay style. The 2012 MAMEA (Mid-Atlantic Marine Education Association) conference will be held on the campus of the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Horn Point Lab on the shores of the Choptank River in Cambridge, MD. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about all things aquatic during presentations by invited speakers, concurrent sessions and field trips. Saturday’s schedule will also allow time for conference participants to tour the Horn Point Lab facilities during their open house.
- When: October 12-14, 2012
- Where: University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Horn Point Lab in Cambridge, MD
Virginia Naturally’s 2012 Environmental Education Conference
This conference, running from October 25-26, 2012, will bring together education and natural resource personnel to celebrate this year’s theme of “Enhancing Environmental Through Heritage and Biodiversity.” Conference strands will provide opportunities for participants to learn about Virginia’s plant and wildlife diversity, geological history, energy resources, and the cultural significance of the Crooked Road. Environmental policy and laws, and best practices in environmental education will also be covered.
- When: October 25-26, 2012
- Where: Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Virginia.
MAEOE 2013 Annual Conference
The annual MAEOE (Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education) conference is a venue where environmental education professionals come to share their strategies, methods, and best practices with their colleagues. This year, conference strands will focus on Natural History and Natural Sciences, Hot Button Topics, Technology and Environmental Education, Leave No Child Inside, Capacity Building & Outreach, Greening Maryland’s Schools, and Healthy Foods, Healthy People. Be a part of the excitement by improving Environmental Education in Maryland!
- When: February 7-10, 2013
- Where: Princess Royale in Ocean City, Maryland.
PAEE Conference 2013
This year, the PAEE (Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators) Conference will focus on “Peak Experiences: Climbing the Summit of Environmental Education.” Conference strands will address early childhood education, K-12 classroom education, non-formal education (for teaching anywhere from aquariums to zoos!), college environmental science and studies, and science and nature. The conference will also feature Bill B!, the Natural Science Song and Dance Man, and field trips to Pocono sites!
- When: March 15-16, 2013
- Where: Bushkill Inn and Conference Center in Bushkill, PA