Do you know a middle or high school student who might like to attend and/or present a workshop at the 2026 NOFA-VT Winter Conference? 

Or perhaps your work sits at the intersection of youth and local food systems, gardening, food security, and systems change, and you'd like to share your farm to school experience through a NOFA-VT Winter Conference workshop?

For our 2026 Winter Conference, NOFA-VT would love to encourage more youth voice and engagement, both in terms of youth Conference attendance (for which we plan to offer a discounted youth ticket) and youth workshop presentation. So while it's early to be planting this seed, we hope it leaves any interested youth plenty of time to consider sharing their knowledge & passion with Conference attendees.

Conference workshop proposal details below. Please help us spread the word!

Now through Sept 1 2025, NOFA-VT is accepting workshop proposals for the 2026 Winter Conference (February 14-15 2026) to be held at the University of Vermont. As many of you know, the conference provides valuable educational opportunities for farmers, homesteaders, gardeners, land managers, educators, students, producers, policy-makers, and other food system activists to participate in this vibrant community event by sharing ideas, resources, and skills. Proposals on topics and issues relevant to food and farming systems, skills and knowledge sharing, and policy and advocacy for systems change are all welcome. The submission deadline is September 1, 2025. Request for Workshop Proposal Form. 

While proposals will not be reviewed until September, our Winter Conference Coordinator, Medina Korajkić (medina@nofavt.org) is available, and cc'd, for any questions you may have in the meantime.

Thank you for helping us to get this word out there, for considering a proposal, or suggesting some ideas that you think would make the Winter Conference amazing!

We're proud to announce that our 2025 Visiting Teacher-Naturalist Program at North Branch Nature Center is open for applications. Perhaps there's someone on your staff or in your community who might be perfect for this opportunity. This program invites teachers and naturalists into the NBNC community for 4-6 days (in the late fall of 2025), and is designed to spotlight the expertise, knowledge, and skills of Black, Indigenous, POC, rural, immigrant, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. This program is designed to help us find experts who can represent identities missing from our current staff, thus broadening the perspectives shared with the NBNC community. The program is well supported, with a generous stipend for the visiting teacher-naturalist, along with financial support for housing, food, transportation, and materials. You can find more information on our website here. Please spread the word and send great people our way!  Learn more here: https://northbranchnaturecenter.org/vtnp/ 

The Wade Institute for Science Education at Manomet Conservation Sciences is excited to share our upcoming Summer PD opportunities, designed for science teachers K-12, educators, and administrators.

Fall 2025

OpenSciEd Professional Learning

**We’re now officially certified to deliver OpenSciEd K–12, including Elementary!**

Elevate your teachers' skills with our interactive professional learning programs on OpenSciEd's high-quality, open-source curriculum.

Our programs offer:

• Certified K–12 PL Provider
• Team includes a former elementary teacher + OSE field test educator
• Customized support tailored to your district's needs
• Years of experience supporting MA districts with OSE implementation

We offer flexible learning formats: face-to-face, virtual (synchronous), or hybrid. For more details or to schedule a program, visit our website (https://www.wadeinstitutema.org/openscied/) or contact us at wadeinstitute@wadeinstitutema.org or 617-328-1515.

Customized Professional Learning Services

Does your school or district need assistance with shifting to inquiry-based and phenomena based STEM instruction? The Wade Institute for Science Education offers interactive professional learning programs to help educators incorporate these strategies into their teaching.

As a Massachusetts Professional Development Point provider and an

OpenSciEd Certified Professional Learning Provider, we can help you:

• Align curriculum with MA STE Framework and NGSS
• Explore using science and engineering practices for instruction and assessment
• Provide relevant scientific content
• Apply inquiry-based teaching strategies
• Develop storylines and phenomena-based units
• Foster hands-on, inquiry-based instruction
• Support school-based science initiatives
• Create inclusive and equitable science learning environments
• Implement OpenSciEd materials

Our sessions can be customized to meet your needs.

For more details or to schedule a program, visit our website (https://www.wadeinstitutema.org/customized-school-services/) or contact us at wadeinstitute@wadeinstitutema.org or 617-328-1515.

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in partnership with NEIWPCC, seeks proposals for projects that conserve land for clean water and healthy ecosystems in the Lake Champlain Basin. 

The intent of this opportunity is to support the acquisition of land or conservation easements. Priority will be given to projects that protect or improve water quality, enhance aquatic, riparian, or shoreline habitat for native species, or provide flood resiliency. 

“Protecting land within the Lake Champlain Basin is one of the most effective long-term strategies we have for improving water quality and enhancing habitat,” said Dr. Eric Howe, Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “This funding opportunity allows us to support partners in permanently conserving vital landscapes that contribute directly to a healthier lake and more resilient communities.” 

Up to $4,000,000 is available to support awarded projects. Each applicant may request a minimum of $100,000 up to a maximum of $4,000,000 for an individual proposal. Multiple proposals will be accepted from a single organization. Eligible organizations are entities authorized by the corresponding State law (New York or Vermont) to hold conservation easements or property titles within these jurisdictions. These entities may include land trusts, not-for-profit organizations, or non-federal/non-state government entities. 

The awarded grants will support projects that advance the goals of the long-term Lake Champlain management plan Opportunities for Action (plan.lcbp.org). This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to Lake Champlain by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Proposals are due at 5:00 PM EST on November 12, 2025. An informational webinar will be offered on Monday, August 11 at 10:00AM (register for this Zoom webinar at this link). Awarded projects are targeted to begin work in April 2026 and must be completed by June 2027. More information, including grant guidelines and applications, is available on the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s website at lcbp.org/grants. 

 

The Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The program works in partnership with federal agencies, state and provincial agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, local communities, businesses, and citizen groups. NEIWPCC—a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality—serves as the primary program administrator of LCBP at the request of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee and administers the program’s personnel, finances, and contracts. NEIWPCC is a program partner of LCBP. For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit https://www.lcbp.org/.

 

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), a NEIWPCC program partner, seeks proposals for wetland and floodplain restoration projects in the New York portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. 

The intent of this funding opportunity is to increase the quantity and quality of wetlands and floodplains in the New York portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. 

“Wetlands and floodplains provide natural water filtration, wildlife habitat, and flood resilience,” said Dr. Eric Howe, NEIWPCC Program Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “This funding opportunity will support on-the-ground restoration work in New York that advances our shared vision of a healthy and resilient watershed.” 

Approximately $1.3 million in funding is available to support awarded projects. Projects up to $1.3 million will be awarded. Multiple proposals may be submitted per eligible organization or entity. 

This grant opportunity is supported by funds awarded to NEIWPCC on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

Proposals are due at 5:00 PM EST on September 18, 2025. Awarded projects are targeted to begin work in March 2026. More information, including grant guidelines and applications, is available on the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s website at lcbp.org/grants.   

-end-

The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program coordinates and funds efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The program works in partnership with federal agencies, state and provincial agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, local communities, businesses, and citizen groups. NEIWPCC—a regional commission that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality—serves as the primary program administrator of LCBP at the request of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee and administers the program’s personnel, finances, quality management and contracts. NEIWPCC is a program partner of LCBP. For further information, contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT at (802) 372-3213 / (800) 468-5227 or visit https://www.lcbp.org/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Date:                   08/05/25 

Contact:              Erin Vennie-Vollrath 

Email:                  erin.vennie-vollrath@dec.ny.gov 
Telephone:         518-897-1267 
Address:              1115 State Rte 86, Ray Brook, NY 12977 
Website:              lcbp.org  

We are asking members to fill out this survey to help us understand how folks are using VEEN - from what is most helpful to least. We also want to know what you'd like to see more of from us. We are always looking for new ways to support the work of educators in Vermont and this is the chance to ask for what you need! 

Fill out the survey here.

In Bloom Early Childhood Education Conference

Antioch University New England hosting early childhood and early elementary teachers to learn about and engage in nature-based education. These conferences can accommodate 100-125 folks and focus on pre-school, kindergarten and the early elementary years (first-third grade). There will be workshops in the morning and afternoon that address what we’ve learned about outdoor learning during the pandemic. Three In Bloom conferences are scheduled this spring in the eastern United States in Delaware, Massachusetts, and Maine.

The In Bloom Boston Conference is being held at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester, Massachusetts on May 6, 2023 from 9am-4pm. 

Wright-Locke Farm in is just 10 miles from downtown Boston. Wright-Locke Farm is an astonishing 383 years old and is being reborn as a community farm for people of all ages. The farm offers certified-organic produce through CSAs and online ordering, educational programs for children and adults, Forest Friends–a nature preschool, hiking trails that lead to conservation land, and special events for the community. Morning and afternoon keynotes will take place in the beautiful new All Seasons Barn. The workshops will take place in the thoughtfully preserved farm buildings, gardens, and woods of the farm. There will be simple morning refreshments and a healthy lunch as part of the registration fee.

Shelburne Farms at In Bloom

One of our VEEN member organizations, Shelburne Farms, will be represented by Aimee Arandia Østensen, Professional Learning Facilitator in Education for Sustainability at Shelburne Farms, and Adjunct Faculty, Antioch University New England.

Amy will be offering a morning workshop called "Showing Up with Reverence" and is the afternoon Keynote Speaker. Her Keynote is called "Unsettling our Relationship to Land." 

Unsettling our Relationship to Land: What does it mean for non-Indigenous educators to responsibly embrace indigenous teachings on relationship to land? As a settler and educator, I’ve been exploring this question in partnership with Winooski, VT Abenaki educator Judy Dow and K-12 teachers across the Northeast. What we’ve learned is transforming my relationship to place. While we nature-based educators readily see the benefits for both learners and teachers, we often neglect to consider the other Who in this dynamic–the Land. What might it look like to center the relationship to the land in our teaching? In this talk, I will highlight stories from the field that emphasize relationship, respect, responsibility, reverence, and reciprocity as ways of being in nature for the benefit of the land, community, and learner.

In Bloom in Boston is organized by the Education Department at Antioch University New England in collaboration with the Boston Outdoors Preschool Network and Wright-Locke Farm.

Learn more and register here!

For the first time in two years we were able to come together again safely for our annual Spring Member Gathering. Audubon Vermont hosted us in their newly renovated Education Barn. It was so wonderful to see familiar faces in the network and welcome some new ones!

We started our gathering with a short hike up the Green Mountain Audubon Center's Hires Trail. It was a beautiful, clear evening so at the peak of the trail we were able to see Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield in the distance. After our hike, we dove into delicious snacks and refreshments provided by our board. Then, it was down to business! We received updates from the board committees and welcomed five new professionals to our board. To conclude our meeting, we brainstormed ideas for mini grants by asking folks to think of what they would put $500-$1000 towards at their own organizations. We received wonderful feedback and hope to offer mini grants soon. 

Thanks to all who attended and to our thriving member network!

Wondering how to spend your Earth Day meaningfully and give back to our beautiful home? Look no further! We've done the work for you by rounding up some regional events that encourage celebration and stewardship of our local environment. 

Earth Day Volunteer Invasive Removal

Friday, April 22, 2022 10:00am – 1:00pm

Muddy Brook Wetland Reserve, Van Sicklen Road, South Burlington

Join WVPD Staff and other volunteers to celebrate Earth Day by helping to improve important shrubland habitat. Parking at trailhead off Van Sicklen Rd. South Burlington. There is limited parking so please reach out to timlarned@wvpd.org if you are planning to attend. Mud Boots recommended! We will plan to get in a couple hours of Invasive ID and removal and then save some time (12-1) for a hike out to a recent shrubland habitat restoration project the Winooski Valley Park District worked with the Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership (CVCP), the City of South Burlington, Audubon VT and US Fish and Wildlife Services to complete. The hike will be dependent on the ground drying out enough for a group to use.

VEEP Conservation Kids

Join Julian Leon from Vermont Energy Education Program to explore how we can use less energy!

This program is geared towards children from Kindergarten to Grade 3. Participants will gain a basic understanding of energy and the importance of conservation and efficiency. Hands-on activities help students explore transportation, basic home appliances, and the difference between human energy and power plant energy, with a focus on simple conservation behaviors that students can do at home or school. 

Registration required.

Vermont Nature Institute of Science (VINS) Earth Day Celebration 

Join the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) as we celebrate Earth Day for two days on Saturday, April 21, and Sunday, April 22, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

In conjunction with Earth Day we are celebrating the Year of the Bird, to mark the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so come to the VINS Nature Center to learn how you can be “bird-friendly & planet-friendly” in your daily life. Simple changes around your house or yard can be bird-friendly and better for our climate. Explore the habitat needs of local animals by building “fairy houses” for them in the woods. Take a guided hike down to the famous Quechee Gorge and marvel at millions of years of geological change. Meet some of our resident raptors and reptiles up close, and learn what you can do to help these majestic creatures thrive in their environments.

All activities are included with general admission to the Nature Center, which is $15.50 for adults; $14.50 for seniors 62 and above; $13.50 for youth ages 4-17; and free for Members and for children 3 and under.

Rutland County Audubon Society Earth Day Marsh Walk

Celebrate Earth Day! Join us for our monthly monitoring of West Rutland Marsh! Meet at the boardwalk on Marble Street at 8 a.m. Go the whole 3.7 mile route or go halfway.

Earth Day March and Rally for All Species

This family-friendly event begins with march participants gathering at Montpelier City Hall at 11am and marching to the Statehouse at 11:30. Costumes focusing on creatures of land, water, or sky are encouraged. Marching music will be led by Brass Balagan.

The rally will feature young people speaking to their concerns regarding threats relating to species extinction - which, if not dealt with effectively, will have a devastating impact on their future. There will be a special focus on pollinators and aquatic life, ie: species that are most threatened at this time in Vermont due to agricultural pesticides and toxic pollutants in lakes, ponds, and waterways. Musical interludes during the rally will feature environment-related songs led by Aro Veno and Friends.

Presented by the Mobilization for Pollinator Survival and VT Military Poisons /PFAS Coalition. Free and open to all.

Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) Earth Day Tips

In the spirit of Earth Day, the Agency will be celebrating all week long. Here are a few tips and activity ideas for each day of the week (April 22-26). 

VT Department of Environmental Conservation Earth Day Photo Contest

How do you take care of Vermont? In celebration of Earth Day later this month, we want to see how you care for Vermont's environment!

Share a photo of your newly planted tree, your commuter bicycle, your roadside trash pick-up haul, your thriving rain garden, or whatever else you do to care for our world to Instagram! 

Be sure to TAG us and use the hashtag #takecareVT and we will feature our fav photo on April 22 (Earth Day!).

UVM Earth Week Events

Join the Department of Student Life, the UVM Eco-Reps, the Student Government Association, and other campus partners for UVM’s annual celebration of the environment, sustainability, and the Earth itself.

Friday, April 22nd marks the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day – and UVM has been there from the beginning. There’s a range of events to pique your interest and deepen your understanding and advocacy around sustainability, ecology, and all things green! Join us for a mix of virtual and in person events that celebrate our progress and successes, continue the learning about a variety of ever evolving issues and explore new ways we can act to create a better future.

The Maine Environmental Education Association is cohosting an exciting event with the Southern Maine Conservation Collaborative!

Relearning Place:

Join us as we gather with Black, Indigenous, other people of color, and folks with white privilege from across the Northeast who are engaged with the land and place through the environment, education, conservation, agriculture, spirituality, medicine, and recreation.

This convening is an opportunity to build relationships with others through the common grounding factor of place within our communities, the environment, the land, and the networks we live and work in. Through our convening, we hope to articulate a collective vision of the future for our communities and our worlds.

We strive to foster a space that addresses the need for BIPOC folks to gather, share resources, and build relationships while also providing folks with white privilege the opportunity to reflect, learn, and contribute.

You can expect to:

We recognize that everyone’s perspective is necessary for creating a just and livable future. This is also an opportunity for white privileged folks to share learnings and identify problematic behaviors within their predominantly white organizations in ways that are often inaccessible to BIPOC folks.

This is an in-person event with an expected size of 30-50 folks.

Dates:  The event is May 31-June 2 held at Ferry Beach Center in Saco Maine.

Cost:  Free for BIPOC folks with stipends to offset travel, suggested donation for white privilege folks.

Application Due March 25