EEAI Annual Conference
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EEAI is a proud partner in Rethink Outside, a campaign founded by Blue Sky Funders Forum.
"Rethink Outside is a call to action for all who believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy time outdoors, because when people connect with nature we all benefit. Together, we can unify and amplify the growing movement to lift up the benefits of time spent outdoors as a basic human right. In doing so, we can reshape the prevailing public narratives around time spent in nature and engage new partners and allies. " Take the pledge today! 
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EEAI is proud to serve as the Illinois affiliate of the North American Association for Environmental Education. The Affiliate Network promotes collaboration for maximum effectiveness and efficiency and a unified voice for Environmental Education across North America and beyond.
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Welcome!
In 1972 a group of committed and concerned citizens -- both conservationists and teachers -- founded the Environmental Education Association of Illinois. Since that time, members of EEAI have provided leadership on this front at the national, state and community levels. The strength of EEAI comes from the involvement of its members. Their participation in state and regional events raises the profile of environmental education and challenges decision-makers to give environmental literacy higher priority.
Upcoming EventsFUN-Raising Coneflower Painting Party
May 7th; 7:00pm Virtual Event $20 Learn how to paint our signature flower - the pale purple coneflower - with the cheerful guidance of EEAI member Andrea Wallace Noble. Enjoy a fun night chatting with other educators, learning to paint, and helping to fund the brand new EEAI Program Coordinator position. Open to members and non-members. Find all the details, materials needed and registration. RISE Challenge IL Winners
Meet the New Board Members
EEAI would like to welcome 3 new Board Members.
President-Elect Savannah Donovan Please share a bit about your past and current involvement with the field of EE. I have been working to develop and lead environmental programming for a wide array of public participants since 2009 when I started working at the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. I moved to the Urbana Park District in 2013, where I continue to work at the Anita Purves Nature Center. I also served as EEAI’s Chair/Co-Chair of the Public Relations Committee from 2010-2017. I have so much passion and joy for what I do, which is why I chose to complete a MS in Environmental Education & Interpretation from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2014. Recently I have been focusing much more on local climate action by connecting with my community and working to inspire and engage as many people as possible! What is your favorite natural spot within your region and what is your favorite thing to do there? I would have to say that Middle Fork River Forest Preserve (in Champaign County) is my favorite natural spot... because that is where I got married! That preserve supports an amazing diversity of Illinois wildlife, and it is our state’s first International Dark Sky Park. On summer nights, I love starwatching and listening to the frogs calling. (Yes, they have a campground there!) What are some of your favorite hobbies or outdoor activities? When I spend free time outside, my favorite thing is to just follow my three kids (ages 2, 2 & 5) as we slowly wander and discover together. I love to see nature through their eyes, like when it’s their first time noticing some tiny and beautiful detail, shape, or pattern. They inspire me to do everything I can to ensure their generation a more sustainable future. (In sum, I have no hobbies. I have an awesome career and little kids, and that’s enough right now!) What do you hope to contribute to EEAI while serving as a Board member? EEAI has done so much for me during my 13 years in the field. It has provided me with experience, professional development, tools, fun field trips, camaraderie—YOU are my tribe! I feel honored to serve this organization and its members so that others can share my experience. I want all environmental educators to have this kind of support so that we can continue to do the good (and incredibly important!) work that we do. 
Northeast Regional Director
Emily Shanahan Please share a bit about your past and current involvement with the field of EE. I have been in the field of EE for 12 years but my love for nature and the outdoors began at a very early age. I grew up attending nature camps and programs and always wanting to spend my free time outside. I started out as an Environmental Education Camp Instructor for Kendall County Forest Preserve District in high school. I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and studied Environmental Science and Communication. After graduation, I came back to the Kendall County Forest Preserve District and am currently the Environmental Education Program Manager. What is your favorite natural spot within your region and what is your favorite thing to do there? My favorite natural spot in the northeast region is Hoover Forest Preserve. It is located right along the Fox River and has great hiking trails, beautiful creeks, prairies, and forests. Recently, we have been working diligently on prairie restoration for the endangered Rusty Patch Bumblebee which has been found in that area. What are some of your favorite hobbies or outdoor activities? In my free time I enjoy biking, yoga, cooking, exploring new places with my husband, Mike and blogging about our travels. What do you hope to contribute to EEAI while serving as a Board member? I am thrilled to serve as one of the North East Regional Directors for EEAI. By serving on the board I hope to contribute my communication and social media skills as well as planning and executing an excellent conference for 2022. 
East Central Regional Director
Lizzie Van Ert Please share a bit about your past and current involvement with the field of EE. Working at Scovill Zoo has given me many opportunities to share information and educate our visitors on environmental conservation. Last summer our Zoo Crew camp’s theme was conservation! Our 11-13 year old campers got to learn all about the conservation stories of the animals here at the zoo and what they can do to help and take action! At the zoo, we try to plan yearly street cleanups, and always have activities for our visitors on both World Ocean Day and Earth Day. Helping to improve wildlife habitat is a passion of mine. What is your favorite natural spot within your region and what is your favorite thing to do there? My favorite natural spot is probably the parks in and around Decatur. My partner and I like to visit and play disc golf on the weekends. Also, I’ve recently gotten into birding, so I’ve received my binoculars in the mail and am ready to explore and identify some birds! What are some of your favorite hobbies or outdoor activities? Some of my favorite hobbies are: playing disc golf, walking my dogs, kayaking, hiking, and camping. I also look forward to the time when I can get together with friends and visit restaurants! What do you hope to contribute to EEAI while serving as a Board member? I hope to help engage our community in environmental education and conservation. I hope to increase my region’s following and memberships and provide some fun and educational events at Scovill Zoo and other East Central regions with my fellow regional director, Mariah. Is there anything else you would like EEAI members to know about you? I grew up in South Dakota, moved to Oklahoma for grad school, and have lived in Illinois now for a year and a half. I love this area and I love my job at the zoo. I am so thankful that Mariah reached out to me about this amazing group of environmental educators and I am looking forward to being a part of creating positive change in our communities during my time as East Central’s regional director. New Membership Platform!EEAI is excited to announce that we have moved to a new online membership service, Wild Apricot. This new service should allow us to more effectively track our membership and build a stronger network for environmental education in Illinois. Plus, we hope it will be easier to use for you!
If you are currently an EEAI Member please LOG IN TO YOUR MEMBER PROFILE and double check that the information is correct. This will allow us to build out a much more comprehensive member directory and provide more accurate services to our network. Questions? Contact Abbie Enlund for support - executivedirectoreeai@gmail.com Earth Force Illinois
Interested in project-based learning? Want a great new program to implement at a camp or eco-club? Want to increase sustainability at your school? LOOK NO FURTHER!
In 2020 EEAI will be launching a new statewide partnership with Earth Force to bring this project-based, environmental education, civic action focused curriculum program to educators all throughout Illinois. Learn all about this incredible program - EARTH FORCE Educators in Illinois will have access to -
Want to stay up to date on events, resources and news from Earth Force Illinois? Already using this program and want to ask questions or share success stories? JOIN OUR EARTH FORCE ILLINOIS FACEBOOK GROUP! EE in Illinois News to NoteEPA Resources for Teachers
Illinois resides within the federal EPA Region 5 and there are a great deal of resources available for teachers through that office. Take a look at the list of resources that has been created for educators. This is an excellent place to get updated, relevant and factual environmental data about our state and local communities. In addition there are publications available that educators can order to use within their classroom.
Find EPA Publications. Local Illinois EPA also has an extensive about of resources and programs for educators. Including but not limited to; events such as Dive In!, curriculum such as Environmental Pathways, coloring books and student environmental contests.
Illinois EPA Environmental Education Will County Green - Educator ResourcesResources for educators can be found in the most amazing places. Did you know that Will County Green has incredible school-wide, classroom and educator resources? We didn't either! From virtual field trips of recycling centers, classroom composting instructions and sustainability tips for schools there is a lot of great resources on their website.
Stop by their Education Page to check it all out! Illinois Monarch Project
Monarch Summit
This statewide event is going virtual! Join monarch enthusiasts from all over the state for a series of virtual events to launch the implementation phase of the Illinois Monarch Action Plan. Resources for Monarch Action – January 19, 2021 @ 1 – 3pm Engaging Monarch Ambassadors – February 17, 2021 @ 1 – 3pm Spring into Action on the Ground – May 4, 2021 @ 1 – 3pm Professional Development
EEAI is the proud state partner or supporter of the following professional development opportunities:
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