How can art help young people understand environmental issues, connect with the natural world, and see themselves as agents of change?

The folks at Bow Seat Creative action for Conservation have spent years exploring that question. Their newly published peer-reviewed chapter, Creative Currents: Art as a Tool for Ocean Literacy, draws on eight years of work with more than 38,000 young people across 142 countries.

The findings make a compelling case for creativity as an essential part of environmental education. Through art, film, poetry, prose, and performance, young people can deepen their environmental knowledge, develop stronger emotional connections, build confidence in their voices, and find hope and motivation to act.

As Bow Seat founder Linda Cabot reflects:

“Creative expression is essential for young people. It fosters critical thinking, deepens curiosity, and cultivates a sense of agency and purpose.”

The research also highlights something environmental educators see firsthand: art and science don't have to live in separate boxes. Creative expression can make environmental learning more engaging, accessible, personal, and memorable—and can help young people transform what they learn into something they care about.

Read Creative Currents: Art as a Tool for Ocean Literacy to explore the research and what it can teach us about the role of creativity in environmental education.

Grand Isle, VT – The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in coordination with NEIWPCC, offers funding for projects that interpret the region’s natural and cultural resources, as well as Artist-in-Residence programs that engage the public through the arts. 

Interpretive projects will further the goals of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) and may fall into one of two categories: the CVNHP Special Program or Core Grant Program. Special Program grants are intended to support multi-jurisdictional or regional initiatives that interpret a “confluence” of any of the CVNHP’s three interpretive themes: Making of Nations, Corridor of Commerce, and Conservation & Community. 

CVNHP Core Grant projects may highlight the above interpretive themes, engage youth in local heritage, support museum and library collections, or sponsor internships at museums and historic sites. 

Artist-in-Residence projects will recruit artists to highlight the basin’s science, culture, and history to build greater public understanding and appreciation. 

Grant Program	Award Amount
CVNHP Special Program	$10,000 to $40,000
Core Grant Program: "Confluence” Interpretive Theme Grants	Up to $10,000
Core Grant Program: Internship Grants	Up to $10,000
Core Grant Program: Collections Grants	Up to $10,000
Core Grant Program: Local Heritage Grants	Up to $5,000 (local); up to $10,000 (regional / multi-jurisdictional)
Artist-in-Residence	Up to $40,000

 
“Both the cultural heritage and Artist-in-Residence grant programs exemplify one of our guiding principles: that appreciation leads to understanding, which leads to greater stewardship,” said Jim Brangan, Interim NEIWPCC Division Director of Lake Champlain Programs. “Through creative projects that interpret our connection to this region, partners are bringing more people into the shared effort to protect and restore the Lake Champlain watershed.” 

Applicants to CVNHP grant programs will first submit a project pre-proposal and a subset of applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal for funding consideration. Pre-proposals are due on October 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., and awarded projects are anticipated to begin work in December 2027. 

Applicants to the Artist-in-Residence grant program will submit full proposals, due on September 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Awarded projects are targeted to begin work in February 2027. An additional RFP for 2027 Artist-in-Residence projects in Québec will be issued separately. 

The CVNHP and Artist-in-Residence grant opportunities are supported by funds awarded to NEIWPCC by the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, respectively, on behalf of the Lake Champlain Basin Program.  

The CVNHP was established by the U.S. Congress in 2006 to recognize the importance of the historical, cultural, and recreational resources of the region and to assist efforts to preserve, protect, and interpret those resources. The National Heritage Area also works to enhance the quality of the tourism economy and to encourage working partnerships among state, provincial, and local governments and non-profit organizations in New York, Québec, and Vermont. 

The 17^th annual CVNHP International Summit will be held in Burlington, Vermont on September 23, 2026. While attendance is not required, the summit hosts a Foundant primer and offers networking opportunities to develop competitive projects for this funding opportunity. Please register at this link. 

The proposal guidelines, list of eligible entities, submission requirements, and an electronic submission application link are available below: 

• CVNHP Grants:  https://champlainvalleynhp.org/resources/grants/ 

• Artist-in-Residence Grants: https://lcbp.org/grants/  

For more information about CVNHP and Artist-in-Residence grants, please contact Jim Brangan at jbrangan@lcbp.org. 

-end- 

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), in coordination with NEIWPCC, seeks proposals for the acquisition of land or conservation easements to benefit Clean Water and Healthy Ecosystems goals. 

The intent of this funding opportunity is to support land conservation projects that protect or improve water quality, enhance 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 Jim Brangan, Interim NEIWPCC Division Director of Lake Champlain Programs. “This funding opportunity allows us to support partners equipped to conserve vital landscapes that contribute directly to a healthier lake and more resilient communities.” 

In February 2026, the Lake Champlain Steering Committee awarded nearly $4.2 million to six land conservation projects that together will conserve approximately 2,312 acres. 

• Vermont River Conservancy will restore a 41-acre floodplain on the North Branch of the Winooski River. 

• Vermont Land Trust will conserve about 227 acres of woodland and agricultural land in the Missisquoi River sub-basin, with critical protections for riparian and wetland areas. 

• Adirondack Land Trust will secure a conservation easement for 945 acres in the highlands above Lake Champlain’s South Bay in the town of Fort Ann, New York. 

• The Nature Conservancy will conserve 684 acres in Vermont’s Rutland County with a working forest conservation easement to be held and stewarded by the Lake Champlain Land Trust. 

• Vermont Land Trust will obtain a conservation easement for 265 acres of managed forest in Middletown Springs, Vermont, with protections for water quality and habitat. 

Up to $3.5 million is available to support awarded projects. Applicants may request between $100,000 and $3.5 million for an individual proposal, and multiple proposals will be accepted from a single organization. 

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

Proposals are due at 5:00 PM EST on December 9, 2026. An informational webinar will be held on August 25, 2026 (register here). Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in February 2027, and the awarded projects are targeted to begin work in May 2027. 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/.

September 24–25, 2026
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, Vermont

Climate education is entering a pivotal moment. Across the Northeast and beyond, educators, nonprofit leaders, community partners, and youth advocates are exploring what relationship-centered climate education can look like in a rapidly changing world.

This fall, the Climate Change Education Collaborative will convene its second annual summit at Shelburne Farms, bringing together educators and partners from across the region to strengthen climate education through connection, collaboration, and collective action.

We're especially excited that Northeastern NAAEE Affiliate organizations will be joining this year's Summit:

• Connecticut Outdoor and Environmental Education Association (COEEA)
• Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA)
• New Hampshire Environmental Educators (NHEE)
• Vermont Education and Environment Network (VEEN)
• Rhode Island Environmental Education Association (RIEEA)

Together, these organizations are part of the larger Affiliate Network of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), a community of more than 20,000 environmental education professionals working to provide "the education we need for the world we want."

What to Expect

Over two days, participants will move through a shared arc of:

• Grounding in where we are today
• Imagining the future we want to create
• Exploring pathways to make that vision a reality

The Summit offers opportunities to strengthen climate education practice, build regional connections, learn from colleagues across the Northeast, and generate ideas for supporting one another's work.

September 24: Optional Pre-Summit Workshop

The pre-summit workshop focuses on strengthening climate education practice, policy, and regional collaboration. Sessions include:

• NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence: Educating for Climate Action and Justice, facilitated by Bora Simmons, PhD, and Joan Haley, EdD
• Strengthening Climate Education Through Policy, Infrastructure, and State-Level Pathways, facilitated by Sarah Bodor (NAAEE) and Liz Soper (National Wildlife Federation)
• Regional conversations focused on sharing successes, identifying needs, and exploring opportunities for collaboration

Participants can also join an evening dinner and community gathering.

September 25: Summit Day

The Summit Day experience includes:

• Networking and relationship-building with climate education leaders from across the Northeast
• A facilitated visioning experience inspired by Solarpunk principles and future-focused thinking
• Participant-led conversations and collaborative design sessions focused on:
  • Action-oriented climate education projects
  • Network strengthening and partnerships
  • Reflection, renewal, and sustaining ourselves in this work

Registration Information

Thanks to support from a private funder and Shelburne Farms, registration is being offered at a reduced rate of $50.

Optional add-ons include:

• Pre-Summit Workshop: $25
• Dinner: $20
• Lodging: $50–$100

Registration deadline: September 4, 2026

Accommodations are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include rooms at the Shelburne Farms Inn and residential houses on the farm.

Financial assistance is available for those who need support to attend.

Register Today

Registration is now open:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/climate-education-collaborative-summit-tickets-1987822540730

Whether you're a classroom educator, nonprofit professional, community partner, youth advocate, or climate education leader, this Summit offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with purpose, strengthen regional relationships, and help shape the future of climate education in the Northeast.

We hope to see you at Shelburne Farms this September!

Where Creativity Meets Environmental Action

Through seed funding up to USD $2,500, peer support, and capacity building programs, the Fellowship empowers youth around the world leveraging the creative arts to safeguard the ocean, waterways, and climate.  Who Can Apply? Young people worldwide ages 16-24, who are starting or working on projects addressing concerns related to the ocean, waterways and/or climate issues through a creative arts lens  Individuals, groups, or organizations  New or emerging projects less than two years old If selected, you will receive: Funding up to USD $2,500  Access to a community of other Fellows and Capacity Building Programs  Support from the Future Blue Youth Council and Bow Seat staff    Submit by August 30th @11:59pm ET

Apply Now

Attend the True Blue Fellowship Info Session!

Join us to learn more about the True Blue Fellowship from program alumni, hear about their experiences, and discover what makes a strong application. Whether you're considering applying or simply want to learn more, this session is a great opportunity to ask questions and gain insights directly from past Fellows and Bow Seat staff.  Saturday, August 8 | 10:00–11:00 AM ET

Register Here

Get Inspired by the Success of The 2025 True Blue Fellows!

The 2025 True Blue Fellowship Year in Review highlights the inspiring projects and milestones of the 2025 Fellows, who made a difference in their communities through their innovative ocean and climate projects. Explore their impact, and imagine what your own project could achieve.

Read the Report

Vermont Education & Environment Network (VEEN) Joins Fund IRL to Support Youth in Real Life

Young people don’t just need less screen time. They need more opportunities to connect in real life.

Community-based supports, like afterschool and youth development programs, help create environments where young people build relationships, develop confidence, and feel a sense of belonging as they find their footing in the world.

But too many young people still don’t have access to these kinds of opportunities.

Cost, transportation, and limited availability continue to create barriers, especially in underserved communities.

At the same time, social media lawsuits are moving forward across the country. If these cases result in settlements, they could create a significant opportunity to invest in youth development programs at scale.

What matters now is how those funds are used—and whether they reach programs that support young people directly.

That’s why Vermont Education & Environment Network (VEEN) is part of the Fund IRL coalition.

Across Vermont and the region, we see firsthand the impact that hands-on environmental education, outdoor learning, and youth leadership opportunities can have on young people. Experiences that connect youth with caring mentors, their communities, and the natural world help build resilience, belonging, and a sense of purpose. Additional funding could expand access to these opportunities, ensuring that more young people—regardless of where they live or their family's income—can participate in meaningful real-world learning experiences.

We have seen this before. Without clear planning, large settlement funds can be redirected or diluted.

Fund IRL is working to ensure that any potential funding is invested in programs that provide real-world connection, mentorship, and opportunity for young people.

This is a moment to act early and shape what comes next.

Join the Coalition: FundIRL.org.

VEEN is excited to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of this year's Youth Climate Leaders Academy (YCLA) participants! Hosted by our organizational member, the Vermont Energy Education Program, YCLA empowers high school students across Vermont and New Hampshire to design and implement projects that address real-world climate challenges in their schools and communities.

Throughout the year, student teams identified climate-related issues they care about, developed solutions, collaborated with peers and mentors, and turned their ideas into meaningful action. Their creativity, leadership, and commitment to building a more sustainable future are truly inspiring.

We encourage you to explore this year's student projects and celebrate their achievements in the latest YCLA newsletter:

Youth Climate Leaders Academy Newsletter

Interested in getting involved? YCLA is open to students in grades 9–12 and provides educators and youth with the resources, mentorship, and support needed to develop impactful climate action projects. The 2026 Kick-Off Retreat will take place December 4–5, 2026, with registration opening this September.

Learn more about the Youth Climate Leaders Academy and how to participate at:

VEEP Youth Climate Leaders Academy

Are you a young adult passionate about the outdoors, leadership, and building a more inclusive outdoor community?

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is accepting applications for its Emerging Leaders Summit (ELS)—a leadership development and stewardship experience that brings together young adults from across the eastern United States to learn, connect, and give back to the Appalachian Trail.

Who should apply?
Young adults ages 18–30 who:

• Are interested in Appalachian Trail stewardship and conservation
• Want to develop leadership skills and build community
• Are passionate about creating welcoming and inclusive outdoor spaces
• Have any level of outdoor experience (no prior experience required)
• Come from a variety of educational, professional, and volunteer backgrounds

Priority will be given to applicants living in the eastern United States and those received by July 31st.

Participants will engage in hands-on stewardship projects, shared outdoor experiences, leadership development activities, and networking with peers who care about the future of our public lands and outdoor spaces.

Learn more and apply:
Emerging Leaders Summit Application

Questions? Contact: ELS@appalachiantrail.org

This is a great opportunity for college students, recent graduates, early-career professionals, and emerging leaders looking to deepen their connection to conservation, stewardship, and outdoor leadership.

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.

To help share this announcement, view the NAAEE 2026 Promo Toolkit. Thank you!

The True Blue Fellowship empowers young people around the world, who are using creativity to drive environmental action. Through funding of up to USD $2,500, peer support, and capacity-building opportunities, Fellows receive the resources they need to grow projects that safeguard the ocean, waterways, and climate.

Eligible applicants:

• Ages 16–24 worldwide

• Individuals, groups, or organizations

• New or emerging projects less than two years old

• Projects addressing ocean, waterway, and/or climate issues through a creative arts lens

Selected Fellows receive funding, access to a global community of peers, and support from the Future Blue Youth Council and Bow Seat staff.

Applications are due by August 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Learn more and apply here: https://bowseat.org/programs/true-blue-fellowship/