VT Education and Environment Network upcoming events

Well-Being through Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshop (15 Sep 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join Outdoor Learning School & Store for this FREE virtual workshop for an overview of how educators and healthcare practitioners can better understand and support kids’ mental health through outdoor activities and to learn practical, low-pressure ways to support both student and teacher wellbeing through simple outdoor routines and experiences.

This workshop will cover nature as co-therapist, benefits of sensory awareness activities, and how risk and challenge can be leveraged to reduce anxiety. With increasing demands, diverse learning needs, anxious students, and constant curriculum pressures, many teachers are looking for approaches that calm the classroom without adding more to their plate.

This workshop explores how outdoor learning can support regulation, focus, connection, and inclusion—for students and educators—through predictable routines, short activities, and flexible structures that work in real school settings. Participants will experience and plan Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) focused outdoor practices that reduce stress, support diverse learners, and create space to breathe, reset, and reconnect with learning.

Learn more and register here: https://outdoorlearning.com/event/nature-connection-and-mental-health/

Climate Education Collaborative Summit (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Climate Education Collaborative will convene its second summit at Shelburne Farms on September 24–25, 2026, bringing together educators, nonprofit leaders, community partners, youth advocates, and other stakeholders from across the region to strengthen climate education through connection, collaboration, and shared learning.

The Summit takes place on September 25, with an optional pre-Summit workshop, dinner, and lodging available on September 24. Participants will explore climate education best practices, policy and infrastructure supports, regional collaboration opportunities, and collective visions for the future of climate education in the Northeast.

VEEN is excited to join fellow Northeastern NAAEE Affiliate organizations at this year's gathering:

Connecticut Outdoor and Environmental Education Association
Maine Environmental Education Association
New Hampshire Environmental Educators
Rhode Island Environmental Education Association
Vermont Education and Environment Network

Registration is $50, with optional add-ons for the pre-Summit workshop, dinner, and lodging. Financial assistance is available.

Registration deadline: September 4, 2026

Learn more and Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climate-education-collaborative-summit-tickets-1987822540730

NAAEE 2026 Conference & Research Symposium (6 Oct 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Registration is now open for the NAAEE 2026 Conference (October 6–9) & Research Symposium (October 6–7), hosted by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) in partnership with the Environmental Education Association of Oregon. In times of change, imagination matters. This year’s theme of “Imagine If…” invites us to pause, look beyond current constraints, and consider what becomes possible when education drives connection, action, and positive change. We’ll explore how we can build on the momentum already underway across our field—and what more becomes possible when environmental education is fully leveraged to shape a more just, resilient, and sustainable world.

The Annual Conference and Research Symposium offer inspiring and thoughtful keynotes, a rich variety of workshops, presentations, symposium panels, discussions, bright spots, and posters, along with great opportunities for networking, growth, and change.

NAAEE is committed to making this in-person experience accessible to all, with financial aid and scholarships available. Check the conference website for information.

Youth Environmental Science (YES!) Summit (16 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The much-loved Youth Environmental Science (YES) Summit is back at Vermont 4-H! The one-day youth-led event connects high schoolers with environmental topics, including hands-on workshops, discussions, networking, and action steps to carry forward beyond the summit. We are looking for engaging folks who would like to host an interactive 45-minute workshop related to environmental science, climate change, natural resources, and stewardship for a high school audience.

If you are interested, please fill out our workshop proposal form: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=879356&

Questions? Camille Kauffman, camille.kauffman@uvm.edu, 4-H UVM Extension

Supporting Risky Play Virtual Workshop (10 Nov 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join Outdoor Learning School & Store for this FREE virtual workshop that will offer clarity on what risky play is and is not, particularly when supervising other people’s children as a professional educator in group learning environments.

Drs. Brussoni and Zeni will offer guidance for creating conditions and building capacity for risky play in schools, which serves to support the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth of children. Bring your questions!

Learn more and register here: https://outdoorlearning.com/event/supporting-risky-play-in-schools/

How to Be Hopeful Virtual Workshop (8 Dec 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join Outdoor Learning School & Store for this FREE virtual workshop to hear author and expert Dr. elin kelsey explain the importance of being hopeful and offer tips on where to look for motivation in difficult times and how we can share this with students of all ages.

With the existential threat of climate change, it’s only natural to feel overwhelming emotions of anxiety, fear, or anger. But at the same time it is critically important to find sources of hope that can allow us to imagine a better future and work towards it.

Learn more and register here: https://outdoorlearning.com/event/how-to-be-hopeful/