LEEF Fall Mini-Conference: Full Schedule

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8:30am EDT

Registration and Check-in

Saturday October 26, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am EDT

Proceed from the parking lot to the Welcome Center; follow the signs to the registration area.
Presenters: Remember to check-in at the presenter desk in the registration area.

Saturday October 26, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am EDT
Lagoon Room

8:30am EDT

Sack Raffle

Saturday October 26, 2024 8:30am - 3:20pm EDT

Lagoon Room

Check out the items displayed on the raffle table, and then select your favorites. All items are worth at least $15 and many are worth much more! Buy raffle tickets and put your named tickets in the specific sacks for the items you would like to have. Raffle ticket prices:

$5 -- 1 ticket $10 -- 3 tickets $20 -- 7 tickets
Named tickets will be drawn just prior to the last session and stapled to the sack. Be sure to check to see if you won the item(s) you wanted! All raffle items must be picked up before leaving the conference site.

Speakers

LEEF Conference Team

Saturday October 26, 2024 8:30am - 3:20pm EDT
Lagoon Room

9:00am EDT

Opening Remarks

Saturday October 26, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am EDT

Lagoon Room

Saturday October 26, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
Lagoon Room

Lecture/Talk

9:30am EDT

Birds! The Gateway to Participatory Science

Saturday October 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

Covered Picnic Tables

Learn how to connect your students to authentic participatory science through bird counts. Participants will receive tips and tools to hold seasonal bird counts at their location. Excite your students with the discovery of what feathered friends visit your campus throughout the year. This presentation will include a short bird count with loaner binoculars.

Speakers

Kathy Rigling

Education Coordinator, Orange Audubon and Wekiva Youth Camp

Kathy is a retired middle school science educator who taught 35 years with Orange County Public Schools. She has been the Education Coordinator for Orange Audubon Society since 2021.She is also the Nature Coordinator for Wekiva Youth Camp where she has been since 2015. She is an avid... Read More →

Saturday October 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Covered Picnic Tables

Interactive

9:30am EDT

Collaborative Interpretation: Implementing a Master Interpretive Plan

Saturday October 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

Lagoon Room

The development and implementation of Brevard Zoo's Master Interpretive Plan in 2022 established new goals and outcomes for guests and volunteers visiting the Zoo. Our Senior Manager of Guest Learning and Interpretation worked with other departments of the zoo to create an interpretive framework that represented the zoo's many conservation, wellbeing, and community initiatives. The MIP made interpretation more consistent and thematic across the Zoo to better facilitate learning through repeated and meaningful encounters with the Zoo's core messaging. The MIP is a useful too to guide informal programs, including animal encounters, guided tours, and learning events. Creating an MIP is also a strong opportunity for multiple departments to collaborate on creating meaningful themes for interpreters to share with visitors and the community.

Speakers

Brandon Eckerd

Interpretation Coordinator, Brevard Zoo / East Coast Zoological Foundation

Brandon is the Interpretation Coordinator at Brevard Zoo. Brandon has worked at three zoos in the past eight years as an ambassador animal keeper, security and grounds officer, and informal educator. His formal education background focuses on husbandry of ambassador animals and zoo/aquarium... Read More →

Saturday October 26, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Lagoon Room

Lecture/Talk, Nonformal Programming

10:30am EDT

Beyond the Basics: Exploring the Butterfly Life Cycle & its Floral Relationships

Saturday October 26, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am EDT

Covered Picnic Tables

We have all taught about a butterfly's life cycle—from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult butterfly—but let’s take a step beyond the traditional approach and delve into the intricate connections between butterflies and the flowers they visit. In this interactive session, we'll explore not just the stages of a butterfly's development, but also the critical role that specific flowering plants play in supporting these beautiful insects.

Speakers

Dawn Miller-Walker

Owner/Program Director, Science Eye & ECO

Dawn is the owner/program director of Science Eye & co-founder/program director of Environmental Conservation Organization. She has over 25 years of experience teaching principals of ecosystems, conservation, ethical angling, and other aspects of plant, animal, aquatic biology, Earth... Read More →

Saturday October 26, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Covered Picnic Tables

Hands on, School/Classroom Program

10:30am EDT

National Geographic’s “Path of the Panther” Educator Guides, Created by Florida Teachers

Saturday October 26, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am EDT

Lagoon Room

This Florida Wildlife Corridor session will ignite curiosity through learning opportunities with Path of the Panther–a ground-breaking conservation campaign and film telling the story of the recovery of the Florida panther and the vital need to protect its habitat. Participants will learn about new, free Educator Guides for middle and high school to adult learning, featuring life science concepts, geography, and STEAM connections to help students connect to real-world issues and problem-solving. This session will showcase the new resources and provide experience with selected activities designed to enthrall students through the astounding yet endangered Florida panther, the vast biodiversity of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and the critical challenges facing the environment as Florida gains 1,000 + residents per day. Path of the Panther is a National Geographic film available on Disney+. These new educator guides, film clips, a film discussion guide, and a podcast series are all available on PathofthePanther.com.

Speakers

Dr. Kerryane Monahan

National Geographic Fellow and Explorer, Indian River State College

Saturday October 26, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am EDT
Lagoon Room

Lecture/Talk, School/Classroom Program

11:30am EDT

Edible Plant Walk

Saturday October 26, 2024 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT

In Front of the Covered Picnic Tables

Learn how to identify abundant and nutritious wild greens, vegetables and seeds! These healthy wild foods are the core of the true Mediterranean Diet.

Speakers

ELC Staff

Saturday October 26, 2024 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT
In Front of the Covered Picnic Tables

Hands on, Non-formal Programming

11:30am EDT

Fostering Nature Connection Through a Sit Spot Routine

Saturday October 26, 2024 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT

Covered Picnic Tables

This interactive presentation puts the spotlight on sit spot routines, which is the practice of observing nature from the same place repeatedly. Through this routine, students of all ages can build a deeper connection with nature, hone their observational skills and practice mindfulness. Katie Caldwell will share what she learned through implementing sit spots at Archbold's Ecology Summer Camp including tips, tools and recommendations for facilitating. Participants will even get the opportunity to practice at their own sit spot!

Speakers

Katie Caldwell

Education Assistant and Community & Culture Coordinator, Archbold Biological Station

Katie is Archbold's Education Assistant and Community & Culture Coordinator.

Saturday October 26, 2024 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT
Covered Picnic Tables

Interactive, Nonformal Programming

11:30am EDT

A Week in the Field: Inspiring Tomorrow's Scientists

Saturday October 26, 2024 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT

Lagoon Room

”A Week in the Field" is a transformative camp offered by Sanibel Sea School, part of the SCCF family, designed to inspire high school students to pursue careers in STEM fields through hands-on, real-world experiences. Join us to learn how to design and implement immersive field programs that connect students with actual environmental research and conservation efforts, fostering practical skills and knowledge, and explore the benefits of partnering with local organizations and scientists to enrich educational programs and provide students with valuable mentorship and real-world insights. With accessibility and inclusivity in mind, we will also discuss our strategies for breaking down financial barriers, ensuring all interested students have the opportunity to participate.

Speakers

Shannon Rivard

Youth Education Director, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (Sanibel Sea School)

Shannon Rivard is an experienced marine science educator with a robust background in informal education and working in the non-profit sector. With a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Biology from the University of Miami and a Master of Professional Science in Marine Conservation... Read More →

Annie Clinton

Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (Sanibel Sea School)

Annie hails from Orlando where she was never too far from a source of water whether it be a lake or ocean. She grew up snorkeling and fishing; finding creatures and learning more about them. Every little thing that swam, jumped, or crawled fascinated her. She went on to receive a... Read More →

Saturday October 26, 2024 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT
Lagoon Room

Lecture/Talk, Nonformal Programming

12:30pm EDT

Lunch Buffet

Saturday October 26, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT

Lagoon Room

Something to fit most appetites: meat, veggie, and glucose-free along with fruits, veggies, and cookies.
Please--if you did not request a vegetarian lunch, do not take those options until you come back for seconds. Also, the first time through the line, take a minimal amount and then come back for extras after the line has gone away.

Saturday October 26, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT
Lagoon Room

1:30pm EDT

Pollinator Race Game!

Saturday October 26, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

Covered Picnic Tables

Audiences and players will learn about different kinds of pollinators. They will also discover some of the challenges they face when collecting pollen and nectar, such as avoiding predators.

Speakers

Jesse Price

Program Coordinator for Alachua County, Alachua County 4-H

Jesse is the program coordinator for Alachua County 4-H.

Saturday October 26, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Covered Picnic Tables

Interactive, School/Classroom Program

1:30pm EDT

How Do You Know Where You Are Going if You Don't Know Where You Are?: EE Landscape Analysis of Florida and the Southeast US

Saturday October 26, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

Lagoon Room

Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Pisces Foundation, the project included a comprehensive study of the environmental education already happening on the ground, enabling the states involved to identify gaps and barriers to access that prevent successful implementation in some areas. The final report provides recommendations and next steps for increasing environmental literacy efforts in the southeast based on an inventory of model programs and initiatives happening nationwide.
This analysis and tailored state recommendations included in the report also equip organizations and schools conducting environmental and conservation-related work in the southeast with the materials they need to address gaps, allocate resources more effectively, and, ultimately, meet the goal of increasing environmental literacy levels and stewardship behaviors.

Speakers

Vicki Crisp

Immediate Past-President, League of Environmental Educators in Florida (LEEF)

Vicki has been active in LEEF for over 35 years and has served as secretary, treasurer, president-elect (twice), president (twice) and past-president (twice)! She is currently co-sharing the role of LEEF immediate past president. As a Florida retired teacher and teacher-trainer... Read More →

Saturday October 26, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Lagoon Room

Lecture/Talk, Administration, Non-formal Programming, School/Classroom Programming

2:30pm EDT

Fascination: Share Tips, Challenges, and a Framework for Helping Learners Respectfully Connect with Wildlife

Saturday October 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

Lagoon Room

This interactive session will explore why people of all ages seek encounters and connections with wildlife, and how environmental educators incorporate this fascination into programs. Participants will get a chance to share tips and challenges with other environmental educators and an educational researcher. The topics covered will include ideas for moving beyond charismatic megafauna, emphasizing respect & appreciation for other living things, teaching for interspecies empathy, and a framework for classifying what makes animal encounters & experiences significant.

Speakers

Bryan H. Nichols

Associate Professor, Florida Atlantic University

Bryan is an associate professor of science and environmental education at Florida Atlantic University. He has taught and been involved in wildlife research from British Columbia to Belize.

Saturday October 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Lagoon Room

Interactive, Non-formal Programming

2:30pm EDT

Florida-focused Climate Education: Building our Community

Saturday October 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

Covered Picnic Tables

At the Spring 2024 LEEF Annual Conference a group of passionate and/or aspiring climate educators came together to share activities and ideas. It was informative and inspiring to participate in a few activities, share our challenges, and envision a path forward. Let's do it again! Those attending this session will participate in a few new student-centered activities, contribute to a state-wide plan, and continue to map our next steps toward building a climate-literate Florida!

Speakers

Heather Skaza Acosta

Director of the Whitaker Center for STEM Education at Florida Gulf Coast University,, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)

Heather is the Director of the Whitaker Center for STEM Education at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she oversees STEM education and outreach year-round, including FGCU faculty and undergraduate research support, K-12 teacher training and out-of-school programming. She connects... Read More →

Saturday October 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Covered Picnic Tables

Interactive, Nonformal Programming

2:30pm EDT

Mapping Justice: Designing Geospatial Tools for Environmental Impact

Saturday October 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

Tidal Gallery

What happens when youth are given the power to tackle environmental challenges in their communities? Explore Mapping Justice, where students learn how to use data, design, and technology for social change. In a showcase of student-led efforts to strengthen climate resiliency in Florida using GIS (Geographic Information Systems), this session will delve into their compelling projects, emphasizing the importance of geospatial technology in addressing climate challenges and social equity issues.

Speakers

Asenette Ruiz

Facilitator and Creative Engineer, trubel&co

Asenette is a facilitator and creative engineer working to bridge STEM and justice for herself, others, and collectives. At trubel&co, she focuses her work on environmental justice and empowering underserved students.

Saturday October 26, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Tidal Gallery

Interactive, Non-formal Programming

3:30pm EDT

Climate Change Education in Florida - Are we on board or missing the boat?

Saturday October 26, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT

Lagoon Room

A conversation with the Florida Climate Education Network to discuss where we are with climate education in Florida, what support or barriers educators are having, and where we would like it to go.

Speakers

Scott Lewis

Director of FCEN, Florida Climate Educators Network

Scott Lewis is an experienced Science and Environmental teacher, having taught students from kindergarten through graduate school. Growing up in Florida, Scott developed a liking for animals and plants in the Sunshine state and an inordinate fondness for its insects. While teaching... Read More →

Saturday October 26, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
Lagoon Room

Interactive, Informal Programming, School/classroom Programming

3:30pm EDT

Mangrove Walk

Saturday October 26, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT

In Front of the Covered Picnic Tables

Take a walk on the boardwalk through the mangrove forest with ELC staff to take an up-close look at the leaves, prop roots, and surroundings.

Speakers

ELC Staff

Saturday October 26, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
In Front of the Covered Picnic Tables

Interactive, Non-formal Programming

3:30pm EDT

Interdisciplinary Social Sciences in Environmental Education

Saturday October 26, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT

Tidal Gallery

This presentation will highlight the value of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences in Environmental Education. In a world where highly interrelated Social, Economic, and Political processes are deeply tied to the growing complexity of environmental issues, environmental sustainability requires a holistic approach that seeks to integrate diverse perspectives across multiple disciplines and epistemological backgrounds. Throughout the presentation, key concepts of Interdisciplinary Research will be related to real-world examples from the micro to the macro level to further expand on the value of Context and the Scientific Method. The course structure, which combines various forms of media in course lectures and collaborative group work, will be presented as a foundation for educators and students to expand on environmental education and to gain a better understanding of complex environmental issues.

Speakers

Elio Fernandez

Doctoral Candidate, Dept. of Urban & Regional Planning, Florida State University

Elio is a doctoral candidate in the department of Urban & Regional Planning Student at Florida State University (FSU). His undergraduate and graduate degrees focused on Environmental Planning. He also been teaching with the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Department at FSU and is... Read More →

Saturday October 26, 2024 3:30pm - 4:20pm EDT
Tidal Gallery

Lecture/Talk, Research-based