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Saturday, October 26
 

8:00am CDT

Check-In and Welcome Table
Saturday October 26, 2024 8:00am - 8:30am CDT
Saturday October 26, 2024 8:00am - 8:30am CDT
Discovery Center

8:00am CDT

Morning Activities
Saturday October 26, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Saturday October 26, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Discovery Center Front Patio

9:00am CDT

Welcome and Introduction
Saturday October 26, 2024 9:00am - 9:20am CDT
Saturday October 26, 2024 9:00am - 9:20am CDT
Savannah

9:20am CDT

Keynote Workshop: Connecting Quality Practices to Nature-based Learning Through Defining Philosophy & Policies, Engaging Communities, and Exploring Environments
Saturday October 26, 2024 9:20am - 10:30am CDT
Several authors of the Nature-Based Early Childhood Program Assessment & Guidebook share how to connect quality practices to nature-based learning through defining philosophy & policies, engaging communities, and exploring indoor and outdoor environments.

Download the free PDF version of the Guidebook here!
Speakers
avatar for Jenny Hanlon

Jenny Hanlon

Parent and Family Educator, Stillwater School District
Jenny Hanlon is a Parent and Family Educator through Stillwater School District’s Early Childhood Family Education Program. Throughout her 20+ professional career she has taught at three different nature-based preschool programs. Beyond providing high-quality experiences for children... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge

Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge

Director, University of Minnesota Child Development Lab
Sheila Williams Ridge is a mother of four and works as a Director at the University of Minnesota Child Development Lab School.  She has a bachelor’s degree in biology, a graduate degree in education, and a doctorate in education leadership.  She also has over twenty years of experience... Read More →
avatar for Anna Dutke

Anna Dutke

Nature Preschool Teacher, TOSA, ISD 196
Anna is a Nature Preschool Teacher for ISD 196 and has 10 years of experience supporting & advocating for Nature-based learning & Nature Preschools in public schools. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and an M.Ed in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education. She also... Read More →
avatar for Heidi Faris

Heidi Faris

Heidi Faris has been an Early Childhood educator for the past 9 years. She spent the previous 10+ years in the zoo world where she specialized in connecting families to nature through play experiences. She also trains early childhood professionals on how to engage children in the... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 9:20am - 10:30am CDT
Savannah

10:45am CDT

Collaborating with Local Park Districts to Create a Nature Cooperative
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Oak Leaf Cooperative Schools Northwest teachers Jenna Downing and Liz Gorham will share their experiences collaborating with local park districts to build an outdoor nature preschool and other nature programs.
Speakers
avatar for Jenna Downing

Jenna Downing

Outdoor Preschool and Enrichment Teacher, Oak Leaf Cooperative Schools Northwest
Jenna is the Outdoor Preschool and Enrichment Teacher for Oak Leaf Cooperative Schools Northwest Nature Co-op. She has a Bachelors in Communication Studies with a Minor in Art and a Masters in Elementary Education.  She has been teaching in the Northshore and Northwest Suburbs for... Read More →
avatar for Liz Gorham

Liz Gorham

Preschool and Music Enrichment Teacher, Oak Leaf Cooperative Schools
Liz is a Preschool and Music Enrichment teacher at Oak Leaf Cooperative Schools Northwest Nature Co-op. She has a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in both music and art therapy. She minored in Psychology. Liz has also worked extensively in Special Education throughout... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Founders

10:45am CDT

Where Waters Meet: Dismantling Cultural Appropriation in Nature-based Education
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Camp Fire has made a strategic commitment to address and end cultural appropriation network-wide as an essential first step toward meaningful relationships with local Indigenous communities. This presentation tells the story of Camp Fire’s journey.
Speakers
CK

Catherine Koons Hubbard

Manager of Outdoor and Nature Programming, Camp Fire NHQ
Catherine is the Manager of Outdoor and Nature Programming at Camp Fire NHQ and is the former director of Schlitz Audubon Nature School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Catherine holds an MS ED and is co-author of “Partnering with Nature in Early Childhood: A Guide to Outdoor Experiences... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Cardinal

10:45am CDT

Nature Play: Not Just Woods & White Kids
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Time in natural settings with lush vegetation is proven to have healthy cognitive development. However, due to structural racism lack of safety, and access, not every child benefits. 
Speakers
avatar for Kisa Marx

Kisa Marx

Founder/Executive Director, KidCrew Adventures Early Childhood Program
Kisa Marx is the founder of KidCrew Adventures Early Childhood Program, located in Oak Park, Illinois.  Committed to equity, access, and joy for all children, she now advocates for the rights of children and childhood while collaborating with other educators to incorporate liberated... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Savannah

10:45am CDT

Not Just Another Walk in the Park…or the Zoo
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Join us in conversation on the park bench. Share insights on building STEAM and conservation-minded communities in out-of-school spaces, and we will share ours. Take part in sensemaking even if you don’t feel like jumping into the spotlight.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Lisa-Anne DeGregoria Kelly

Dr. Lisa-Anne DeGregoria Kelly

Senior Manager of Education Strategies and Research, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
With over 20 years of informal science education experience and currently employed as Senior Manager of Education Strategies and Research at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Dr. Kelly earned a Ph.D. in Education, M.A. Ed., and bachelor's degrees in Information Management and Earth and Planetary... Read More →
avatar for Jill Damato

Jill Damato

Manager of Nature Play Programs, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Jill has been part of the Hamill Family Play Zoo team since the exhibit opened over 20 years ago. Starting as frontline staff and now as the Manager of Play Programs, she’s had opportunities to learn and collaborate in informal early childhood education, nature play, and disability... Read More →
avatar for Graig Mason

Graig Mason

Senior Manager, King Conservation Leadership Academy, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
After nearly two decades in formal education as a science teacher, administrator, and curriculum director, Graig joined Brookfield Zoo Chicago in June 2022 as its Senior Manager of the King Conservation Leadership Academy – overseeing the development and delivery of community-based... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Grasslands/Monarch

10:45am CDT

The Blueberry Awards: Great NEW Children's Nature Books!
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Join Evanston Public Library's Blueberry Award committee members for a fun and fast-paced introduction to new children's books about nature connection and environmental stewardship.  The Blueberry Awards books are a great annual resource for you!
Speakers
avatar for Martha Meyer

Martha Meyer

Library Assistant, Evanston Public Library
Martha Meyer is the founder of the Blueberry Awards! As a Library Assistant at Evanston Public Library, she has presented new nature books at Nature Play conferences and other early childhood gatherings. She's led storytime programs and theater programming for kids 0 - 5th grade since... Read More →
avatar for Betsy Bird

Betsy Bird

Collection Development Manager, Evanston Public Library
Betsy Bird has been the Collection Development Manager of Evanston Public Library for the past eight years and is the former Youth Materials Specialist of New York Public Library. She specializes in children’s literature, writing for the School Library Journal blog A Fuse #8 Production... Read More →
avatar for Bridget Petrites

Bridget Petrites

Library Assistant, Evanston Public Library
Bridget Petrites has been working for Evanston Public Library for over a decade in various departments and roles. Her degree in journalism is certification of her curiosity and getting to the bottom of things. When not behind the desk, you can find her outside running, preferably... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Bison Pavilion

10:45am CDT

Art in Nature
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Bringing art outdoors and incorporating natural materials in art projects with preschool-aged students.  We will explore tips for easy ways to bring art outdoors, different ways to use natural materials to create art, and ideas for long-term nature art projects you can try with your preschool students. After our discussion, roll up your sleeves and try your hand at a couple art projects for yourself! 
Speakers
avatar for Melanie Stewart-Clarke

Melanie Stewart-Clarke

Nature Preschool Teacher, Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool
Melanie is currently a teacher at the Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool. She has been teaching environmental education for well over a decade in various settings across the Midwest to audiences of all ages. She has a Master's of Environmental Education from the University of... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Swan Pavilion

11:45am CDT

12:45pm CDT

Growing Innovation on a Classic Foundation
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Nature-based, out-of-school learning in this ever-changing world brings opportunities to innovate on a classic foundation. We challenge ourselves to be critical and creative thinkers as we support conservation leaders of all ages to do the same.
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Reina

Kelly Reina

Manager of Early Childhood Programs, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
avatar for Graig Mason

Graig Mason

Senior Manager, King Conservation Leadership Academy, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
After nearly two decades in formal education as a science teacher, administrator, and curriculum director, Graig joined Brookfield Zoo Chicago in June 2022 as its Senior Manager of the King Conservation Leadership Academy – overseeing the development and delivery of community-based... Read More →
avatar for Kevin Conley

Kevin Conley

Vice President, Education & Community Engagement, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
avatar for Dr. Lisa-Anne DeGregoria Kelly

Dr. Lisa-Anne DeGregoria Kelly

Senior Manager of Education Strategies and Research, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
With over 20 years of informal science education experience and currently employed as Senior Manager of Education Strategies and Research at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Dr. Kelly earned a Ph.D. in Education, M.A. Ed., and bachelor's degrees in Information Management and Earth and Planetary... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Hope

Michelle Hope

Community Engagement Coordinator, King Conservation Leadership Academy, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Cardinal

12:45pm CDT

Moving from Reaction to Reflection - Discussing the Behaviors that Challenge Us
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Speakers
avatar for Beth Wilson

Beth Wilson

Executive Director, Hobson School
Beth Wilson began her career in early education 25 years ago.  She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction specialized in early childhood and environmental education.  Beth has worked as master teacher at Southern Illinois... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Bison Pavilion

12:45pm CDT

Connecting Children & Families to Nature Beyond the Classroom
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
This session focuses on giving families opportunities, activities, and ideas on how to incorporate nature-based learning at home to build the school-home connection.
Speakers
avatar for Heidi Faris

Heidi Faris

Heidi Faris has been an Early Childhood educator for the past 9 years. She spent the previous 10+ years in the zoo world where she specialized in connecting families to nature through play experiences. She also trains early childhood professionals on how to engage children in the... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Founders

12:45pm CDT

Exploring Social-Emotional Learning Through Nature-Focused Children’s Literature
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Participants will learn about children’s picture books that address nature topics through the seasons and social-emotional learning, then apply a social-emotional framework to classic, nature-themed books during hands-on, small group discussions.
Speakers
avatar for Emma Donnelly

Emma Donnelly

Early Childhood Coordinator, Chicago Botanic Garden
Emma has been a nature educator for over a decade and is the Early Childhood Coordinator and Assistant Preschool Director at the Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool. She has her B.S. in Biology from Loyola University Chicago and her M.Ed in Early Childhood Education from the American... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Grasslands/Monarch

12:45pm CDT

Outdoor Play with Children Under 3
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
There are many joys, benefits, and challenges to spending time outdoors with toddlers. During this session, we will troubleshoot together and share ways to keep toddlers safe and engaged socially, physically, cognitively, and emotionally. 
Speakers
avatar for Jenny Hanlon

Jenny Hanlon

Parent and Family Educator, Stillwater School District
Jenny Hanlon is a Parent and Family Educator through Stillwater School District’s Early Childhood Family Education Program. Throughout her 20+ professional career she has taught at three different nature-based preschool programs. Beyond providing high-quality experiences for children... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge

Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge

Director, University of Minnesota Child Development Lab
Sheila Williams Ridge is a mother of four and works as a Director at the University of Minnesota Child Development Lab School.  She has a bachelor’s degree in biology, a graduate degree in education, and a doctorate in education leadership.  She also has over twenty years of experience... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Savannah

12:45pm CDT

Take it Outside: Project WILD & Project Learning Tree Early Childhood Activity Session
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Join EEAI Program Coordinator and Board Members as we explore how Project WILD and Project Learning Tree activities engage students sense of Wonder. Those who attend will get access to online supplemental resources.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Ramos

Michelle Ramos

Program Coordinator, Environmental Education Association of Illinois
Michelle Ramos is the Program Coordinator at the Environmental Education Association of Illinois.  
KT

Karly Tumminello

Director-Curator of the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum, Benedictine University
Karly Tumminello is the Director-Curator of the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University. She has over twenty years of experience in environmental education. She earned her M.A. in Anthropology and Museum Studies Certificate from Northern Illinois University. She is a... Read More →
SI

Susie Ingram

Chief Naturalist, Peoria Park District
Susie has worked in environmental education and natural resources for fifteen wonderful years, and currently she works as Chief Naturalist for the Peoria Park District. She has a B.S. in Biology/Environmental Studies from Illinois Wesleyan University and M.S. in Conservation Biology... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Swan Pavilion

2:00pm CDT

Creating a Culture of Play
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
We will share insights into how we built a strong community of empathetic, kind and caring children. By shifting attention away from teachers, to children and their authentic play and interests, we developed a group that loves to play wildly together
Speakers
avatar for Stacy Niemiec

Stacy Niemiec

Lead Teacher, River Oak Nature Preschool
Stacy has worked with children and families outside, in nature, for over ten years. She has a BS in Environmental Science from UIC and an MS in Child Development from the Erikson Institute with a specialization in preschool- aged child development. After her studies at Erikson, she... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Bethel

Sarah Bethel

Lead Teacher, River Oak Nature Preschool
Sarah has worked in environmental education for the past decade, six of those years focused specifically on early childhood nature education. She has worked inside the classroom as well as in multiple outdoor preschool programs, eventually working as the co-director for an outdoor... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Bison Pavilion

2:00pm CDT

From Dream to Reality: Nature-based Learning for All
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Explore strategies for bringing Nature-based learning into every child’s education (PreK-3rd grade). We’ll begin with identifying key structures for supporting educators, and then we’ll discuss strategies for ensuring the success of all students
Speakers
avatar for Anna Dutke

Anna Dutke

Nature Preschool Teacher, TOSA, ISD 196
Anna is a Nature Preschool Teacher for ISD 196 and has 10 years of experience supporting & advocating for Nature-based learning & Nature Preschools in public schools. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and an M.Ed in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education. She also... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Grasslands/Monarch

2:00pm CDT

Exploring Connections Between Children, Spirituality, Nature, and Community-Building: A multifaith, multidisciplinary dialogue
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
This thought-provoking panel, followed by small group dialogues, we will explore individual and community connections between children, nature, and spirituality; with an emphasis on environmental issues that impact children and their communities.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge

Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge

Director, University of Minnesota Child Development Lab
Sheila Williams Ridge is a mother of four and works as a Director at the University of Minnesota Child Development Lab School.  She has a bachelor’s degree in biology, a graduate degree in education, and a doctorate in education leadership.  She also has over twenty years of experience... Read More →
avatar for Dave Becker

Dave Becker

Minister, Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation & Prairie Circle Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Dave serves as minister for two Unitarian Universalist congregations in Illinois- the Tree of Life UU Congregation in McHenry and the Prairie Circle UU Congregation in Grayslake.  Dave's work in congregational and community ministry builds upon his 15+ year career in social services... Read More →
MP

Margie Pines

Founder, Ta'am Teva Nature Based Preschool
Margie Pines is the founder and director of Ta’am Teva Nature Preschoool. Margie has over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She holds a Nature Based Early Childhood Certificate from Antioch University. She received the 2017 Sue Pinsky Award for Excellence in Jewish... Read More →
GR

Gina Roxas

Executive Director, Trickster Cultural Center
Gina Roxas, a citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and serves as the Executive Director of Trickster Cultural Center. She brings a holistic approach to her work, drawing from traditional teachings passed down by her grandmother and family, as well as her academic background... Read More →
MA

Michael and Amelia Howard

Founders, Eden Place Nature Center & Farms
In the late 1990s, Michael and Amelia Howard led the effort to clean up a three-acre vacant lot near their Fuller Park residence that was piled two stories high with illegally dumped waste. With help from many in the community, the site was cleared of debris and restored into a thriving... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Cardinal

2:00pm CDT

Finding Life and Renewal in Death and Decay in Nature-based ECE
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Death is part of the natural world as evidenced when children find a dead bird near a window, a turkey vulture flying over head, or the class pet snake dies. How can we lean into death as part of the cycle of life in NBECE? 
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Carla Gull

Dr. Carla Gull

Director of the Graduate Program in Environmental Education, Goshen College
Dr. Carla Gull is director of the graduate program in Environmental Education at Goshen College. She has worked for over 20 years as an elementary teacher, professor, outdoor educator, and researcher. Carla hosts the podcast, Loose Parts Nature Play, and is coauthor of books related... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Founders

2:00pm CDT

Growing Caring Kids: Nature Play Groups at Brookfield Zoo
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Experience components of our nature play-based play group, Seedlings. While at the Hamill Family Play Zoo, you'll engage with a variety of sensory activities that are created to model affordable ways caregivers can provide nature play at home.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Damato

Jill Damato

Manager of Nature Play Programs, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Jill has been part of the Hamill Family Play Zoo team since the exhibit opened over 20 years ago. Starting as frontline staff and now as the Manager of Play Programs, she’s had opportunities to learn and collaborate in informal early childhood education, nature play, and disability... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Blazer

Sarah Blazer

Play Programs Coordinator, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
avatar for Erin Rook

Erin Rook

Play Programs Coordinator, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Hamill Family Play Zoo

2:00pm CDT

Make your own Community-led, Kid-Designed Nature Play Space
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
The Chicago Park District has 17 Nature Play Spaces that are each unique to the local ecology and character of the neighborhood. We’ll explore how designing, planting, building, and caring for a Nature Play Space is a reward for the whole community and inspires generations of future nature advocates
Speakers
avatar for Sean Shaffer

Sean Shaffer

Nature Engagement Specialist, Chicago Park District
Sean Shaffer has been working in Informal Education for over 32 years at Kohl Children's Museum, the Chicago Academy of Sciences, and the Shedd Aquarium, and 17 years at North Park Village Nature Center. He is currently the Nature Engagement for the Chicago Park District.  Over this... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Swan Pavilion

2:00pm CDT

Mudpies and Math: Nurturing the Development of Mathematical Big Ideas During Nature Play
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Learn from a child development educator/researcher and mama about how to support child-led learning of attribute, comparison, pattern, change, sets & sorting, spatial reasoning, quantity, and measurement for ages 0-5 while exploring outdoors.  
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Lauren Solarski

Dr. Lauren Solarski

Early Education Consultant, @MathWITHMama
Lauren is a full time Mama and part-time university instructor and early education consultant with 16 years of experience teaching children and adults. She has a PhD in Child Development from Erikson Institute in conjunction with Loyola University, a MS in Education from Northwestern... Read More →
Saturday October 26, 2024 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Savannah

3:00pm CDT

Return evaluations, Continuing Education and Gateways
Saturday October 26, 2024 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Saturday October 26, 2024 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Discovery Center
 
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