See the Project Learning Tree / Growing Up WILD Trainings page for even more trainings.
More Opportunities Near You
Monthly (Date Changes each month)
NAAEE Monthly Webinar Series
Each month join members of the NAAEE eePro community to hear from educators, researchers and authors on a wide range of topics in environmental education.
Available to EEAI members. Look for more information on your Member Login Page.
Questions? Email EEAI Executive Director Abbie Enlund executivedirectoreeai@gmail.com
July 19, 2019
Asian Carps: Activities for Middle School and High School Students to Support the Teaching of Next Generation Science Standards
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dickson Mounds Museum, Lewistown, IL
Asian carps are nonnative fishes that have invaded the waterways of Illinois and many other states. These species are responsible for enormous economic, recreational and environmental impacts. At this workshop, we'll discuss their life history and provide data to quantify their effects. Containment methods being used in Illinois to keep Asian carps out of Lake Michigan will be examined. Student lessons relevant to Next Generation Science Standards MS-LS2-4 and HS-LS2-7 will be incorporated. Although targeted to middle school and high school educators, teachers of other grade levels are welcome to attend but may need to adapt the information as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available.
August 2, 2019
Illinois Bats
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Barkhausen Cache River Visitors' Center, Cypress, IL
The only true flying mammals will be examined at this workshop for educators of grades one through four. Work with resource professionals as you learn about the life history of bats and their relationships to other species in the environment. Experience hands-on activities that can be instantly implemented into your curriculum. We'll take a short drive to watch bats emerge from their roosts at dusk, too. Take home many Illinois-specific supplemental materials. Professional Development Hours are available. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to attend the workshop, but they will need to adapt the materials to the grade levels taught, as appropriate.
August 5-6, 2019
STEAM and Plants for Diverse Learners
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
$132 members/$165 non-members
Learn how to use horticultural therapy techniques, plants, natural materials, and gardens to promote social/emotional learning and to provide learning accommodations for diverse learners. Teaching methods modeled in this two-day workshop will enable you to connect science, engineering, and art for all learners, while addressing the NGSS and other standards. Gain tips for growing plants in your classroom and garden.
CPDUs: 13, Gateways:13, Graduate credit: 1 (optional; additional fee) Grade level: PreK - 12
August 13-14, 2019
Reflecting on Practice Workshop
Severson Dells Nature Center
A Program of the Chicago Zoological Society
A professional learning program for informal STEM educators. Transform your practice by learning about learning and enhance your visitors' experience by applying the science of learning.
Workshop fee: $100 ($200 stipend provided to participants)
Food provided for participants.
Team of 2 from the same facility recommended.
More details and registration can be found at www.czs.org/rop
August 16-18, 2019
NatureStart Professional Development
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
A Program of the Chicago Zoological Society
Kenosha, WI - Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum
The Chicago Zoological Society is offering a regional model of its NatureStart professional development course. This competency-based training is for teachers and staff from Head Start programs and for informal educators from zoos, museums, and nature centers who provide programs for young children and families. Together, educators will build skills for developing and facilitating nature play experiences for young children in all settings.
Cost: $550 includes NatureStart Toolkit, 18 hours of interactive training, and continental breakfast and lunch each day.
For more information visit Chicago Zoological Society. Registration can found here.
August 19-22, 2019
Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course
The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532
Instructor: Cindy Crosby
Registration Cost: $230 (Certification is an additional $150)
The Morton Arboretum, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), is offering a training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. It is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites.
For more information and to register visit https://www.interpnet.com/nai/nai/_events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=CIG081919
Saturday, August 24
Solar Power Hour
10:30am - 11:30am
Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Mattoon, IL
Solarize East Central IL is a grassroots program that combines volume discounts with community education to make solar power more affordable for property owners (homeowners, farmers, other businesses, etc) in the Lake Land College district. The discounts we will get by pooling our buying power combined with the current state and federal incentives make now a great time to go solar! Get a free, no-obligation site assessment from our competitively selected installer. For more information call (217) 235-4644.
August 28, 2019
EEAI and NAI Professional Development Collaboration with the Rockford Park District
Rockford Park District's Atwood Center and Nicholas Conservatory and Sculpture Garden
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Cost; FREE; all admission fees and lunch will be covered.
Lunch will be provided by Rockford Park District. Please bring your own food if you have special dietary needs.
EEAI and the National Association of Interpretation have teamed up to bring you this special opportunity. In the morning we will meet with Rockford Park District's Atwood Center where they have been providing Environmental Education and Outreach Education for over 60 years. After lunch we will move to the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens where we'll tour the sculpture garden and hear about the programming conducted there. Come learn about how these organizations reach out to teachers, retain teachers, and market successful programs.
To register please fill out this form.
Wednesday, September 11
North West Share-a-Thon
Byron, IL
Join North West Regional Directors geocaching at Bald Hill Prairie Preserve where "Illinois' Biggest Tree" is located! They will also be sharing a "trail mix potluck". Everyone is invited to attend. Contact them at northwestregioneeai@gmail.com for more information.
September 13
Swarovski Waterschool Educator Workshop
Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford, IL
Approximately 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Who: Formal and non-formal 4th - 8th grade educators
Cost: FREE
This program joins the team of global programs along major rivers of the world in Austria, Brazil, China, India, Thailand, and Uganda as the first of its kind in North America. We are looking for 4th-8th grade educators who want to incorporate topics of water and river systems and engage students in community engagement projects.
Register online.
Program being conducted by EEAI Organizational Member - The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center.
September 21-22, 2019
EdVentures for Educators
Touch of Nature Environmental Center
Two-day professional development workshop providing training in Project Learning Tree e-units, hands-on field experiences with Shawnee National Forest scientists, leadership training and skill building with Touch of Nature education staff.
All training, take-home resources, lodging and meals provided free of charge.
Workshop provided through grant funds from Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
Registration is open! Space is very limited so sign up soon.
Check back here for the most up-to-date information.
Wednesday, September 25
17th Annual Environmental Leadership Dinner
5:30 p.m. Reception / 7 p.m. Dinner and Program
Mid America Club, Downtown Chicago
Join Jen Walling, Executive Director of IEC and IEC's network of supporters and friends in celebration of Illinois' 2019 environmental victories at our annual Environmental Leadership Dinner. We'll also take the opportunity to recognize many of the individuals who took action to protect, restore and improve Illinois' environment.
October 25th, 2019
Non-formal Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence Workshop
A program of the North American Association for Environmental Education
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center; Springfield, IL
Facilitator - Dr. Bob Carter
See the flyer for more details.
REGISTER!
October 26th, 2019
K-12 Environmental Education: Guidelines for Excellence Workshop
A program of the North American Association for Environmental Education
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center; Springfield, IL
More information coming soon!
Facilitator - Dr. Bob Carter
See the flyer for more details.
REGISTER!
November 1-4, 2019
Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course
Touch of Nature Environmental Center; 1206 Touch of Nature Road, Makanda, IL 62958
Instructor: Bob Carter
Registration Cost: $265 (Certification is an additional $150)
Touch of Nature Environmental Center, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), is offering a training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. It is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites.
For more information and to register visit https://www.interpnet.com/nai/nai/_events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=CIG110119
NAAEE Monthly Webinar Series
Each month join members of the NAAEE eePro community to hear from educators, researchers and authors on a wide range of topics in environmental education.
Available to EEAI members. Look for more information on your Member Login Page.
Questions? Email EEAI Executive Director Abbie Enlund executivedirectoreeai@gmail.com
July 19, 2019
Asian Carps: Activities for Middle School and High School Students to Support the Teaching of Next Generation Science Standards
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dickson Mounds Museum, Lewistown, IL
Asian carps are nonnative fishes that have invaded the waterways of Illinois and many other states. These species are responsible for enormous economic, recreational and environmental impacts. At this workshop, we'll discuss their life history and provide data to quantify their effects. Containment methods being used in Illinois to keep Asian carps out of Lake Michigan will be examined. Student lessons relevant to Next Generation Science Standards MS-LS2-4 and HS-LS2-7 will be incorporated. Although targeted to middle school and high school educators, teachers of other grade levels are welcome to attend but may need to adapt the information as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available.
August 2, 2019
Illinois Bats
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Barkhausen Cache River Visitors' Center, Cypress, IL
The only true flying mammals will be examined at this workshop for educators of grades one through four. Work with resource professionals as you learn about the life history of bats and their relationships to other species in the environment. Experience hands-on activities that can be instantly implemented into your curriculum. We'll take a short drive to watch bats emerge from their roosts at dusk, too. Take home many Illinois-specific supplemental materials. Professional Development Hours are available. Educators of other grade levels are welcome to attend the workshop, but they will need to adapt the materials to the grade levels taught, as appropriate.
August 5-6, 2019
STEAM and Plants for Diverse Learners
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
$132 members/$165 non-members
Learn how to use horticultural therapy techniques, plants, natural materials, and gardens to promote social/emotional learning and to provide learning accommodations for diverse learners. Teaching methods modeled in this two-day workshop will enable you to connect science, engineering, and art for all learners, while addressing the NGSS and other standards. Gain tips for growing plants in your classroom and garden.
CPDUs: 13, Gateways:13, Graduate credit: 1 (optional; additional fee) Grade level: PreK - 12
August 13-14, 2019
Reflecting on Practice Workshop
Severson Dells Nature Center
A Program of the Chicago Zoological Society
A professional learning program for informal STEM educators. Transform your practice by learning about learning and enhance your visitors' experience by applying the science of learning.
Workshop fee: $100 ($200 stipend provided to participants)
Food provided for participants.
Team of 2 from the same facility recommended.
More details and registration can be found at www.czs.org/rop
August 16-18, 2019
NatureStart Professional Development
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
A Program of the Chicago Zoological Society
Kenosha, WI - Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum
The Chicago Zoological Society is offering a regional model of its NatureStart professional development course. This competency-based training is for teachers and staff from Head Start programs and for informal educators from zoos, museums, and nature centers who provide programs for young children and families. Together, educators will build skills for developing and facilitating nature play experiences for young children in all settings.
Cost: $550 includes NatureStart Toolkit, 18 hours of interactive training, and continental breakfast and lunch each day.
For more information visit Chicago Zoological Society. Registration can found here.
August 19-22, 2019
Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course
The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532
Instructor: Cindy Crosby
Registration Cost: $230 (Certification is an additional $150)
The Morton Arboretum, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), is offering a training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. It is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites.
For more information and to register visit https://www.interpnet.com/nai/nai/_events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=CIG081919
Saturday, August 24
Solar Power Hour
10:30am - 11:30am
Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Mattoon, IL
Solarize East Central IL is a grassroots program that combines volume discounts with community education to make solar power more affordable for property owners (homeowners, farmers, other businesses, etc) in the Lake Land College district. The discounts we will get by pooling our buying power combined with the current state and federal incentives make now a great time to go solar! Get a free, no-obligation site assessment from our competitively selected installer. For more information call (217) 235-4644.
August 28, 2019
EEAI and NAI Professional Development Collaboration with the Rockford Park District
Rockford Park District's Atwood Center and Nicholas Conservatory and Sculpture Garden
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Cost; FREE; all admission fees and lunch will be covered.
Lunch will be provided by Rockford Park District. Please bring your own food if you have special dietary needs.
EEAI and the National Association of Interpretation have teamed up to bring you this special opportunity. In the morning we will meet with Rockford Park District's Atwood Center where they have been providing Environmental Education and Outreach Education for over 60 years. After lunch we will move to the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens where we'll tour the sculpture garden and hear about the programming conducted there. Come learn about how these organizations reach out to teachers, retain teachers, and market successful programs.
To register please fill out this form.
Wednesday, September 11
North West Share-a-Thon
Byron, IL
Join North West Regional Directors geocaching at Bald Hill Prairie Preserve where "Illinois' Biggest Tree" is located! They will also be sharing a "trail mix potluck". Everyone is invited to attend. Contact them at northwestregioneeai@gmail.com for more information.
September 13
Swarovski Waterschool Educator Workshop
Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford, IL
Approximately 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Who: Formal and non-formal 4th - 8th grade educators
Cost: FREE
This program joins the team of global programs along major rivers of the world in Austria, Brazil, China, India, Thailand, and Uganda as the first of its kind in North America. We are looking for 4th-8th grade educators who want to incorporate topics of water and river systems and engage students in community engagement projects.
Register online.
Program being conducted by EEAI Organizational Member - The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center.
September 21-22, 2019
EdVentures for Educators
Touch of Nature Environmental Center
Two-day professional development workshop providing training in Project Learning Tree e-units, hands-on field experiences with Shawnee National Forest scientists, leadership training and skill building with Touch of Nature education staff.
All training, take-home resources, lodging and meals provided free of charge.
Workshop provided through grant funds from Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
Registration is open! Space is very limited so sign up soon.
Check back here for the most up-to-date information.
Wednesday, September 25
17th Annual Environmental Leadership Dinner
5:30 p.m. Reception / 7 p.m. Dinner and Program
Mid America Club, Downtown Chicago
Join Jen Walling, Executive Director of IEC and IEC's network of supporters and friends in celebration of Illinois' 2019 environmental victories at our annual Environmental Leadership Dinner. We'll also take the opportunity to recognize many of the individuals who took action to protect, restore and improve Illinois' environment.
October 25th, 2019
Non-formal Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence Workshop
A program of the North American Association for Environmental Education
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center; Springfield, IL
Facilitator - Dr. Bob Carter
See the flyer for more details.
REGISTER!
October 26th, 2019
K-12 Environmental Education: Guidelines for Excellence Workshop
A program of the North American Association for Environmental Education
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center; Springfield, IL
More information coming soon!
Facilitator - Dr. Bob Carter
See the flyer for more details.
REGISTER!
November 1-4, 2019
Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course
Touch of Nature Environmental Center; 1206 Touch of Nature Road, Makanda, IL 62958
Instructor: Bob Carter
Registration Cost: $265 (Certification is an additional $150)
Touch of Nature Environmental Center, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), is offering a training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. It is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites.
For more information and to register visit https://www.interpnet.com/nai/nai/_events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=CIG110119