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
September 13, 2019
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 14, 2019
Birding Citizen Science Training
Heartland Community College; Normal, IL
9:00am - 11:30am
Cost: FREE - Thank you to Illinois Prairie Community Foundation for financially supporting this program.
Join thousands across North America in providing valuable bird data as a part of Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s citizen science program – Project FeederWatch. Get the training and tools needed to start participating in this program with your nature center, classroom or family. This program will start indoors describing the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project FeederWatch and other birding citizen science programs. Following the indoor instructional period participants will head outside for a birding experience in two different settings. Each participant that is there for the entire class will receive a 1 year annual membership for Project FeederWatch valued at $18.
Participants should bring binoculars (some will be available), a refillable water bottle, appropriate shoes and dress for being outside and bug spray. There will be a moderate walk to the gardens and the pond. Participants with physical limitations should let us know upon registration so arrangements can be made for safe inclusion.
RSVP to Pam Evans - evansp@cusd305.org Program limited to 20 participants so REGISTER TODAY!
September 14, 2019
ENTICE: Aquatic Ecosystems: Lake Michigan Ecology II
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lake Michigan is one of Illinois’ greatest natural resources. Come to this workshop and learn about the complex relationships between the lake and its inhabitants. Part of the workshop will be held indoors at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, but we will also take a hike to conduct activities on the Lake Michigan shore, weather-permitting. Supplemental educational resources will be provided. Although targeted to teachers of grades kindergarten through four, other educators are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com/ to register. Registration deadline: Sept. 5.
September 17, 2019
ENTICE: Illinois Spiders
Cache River Visitors’ Center, Cypress
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.The wonderful world of spiders will be explored in this workshop for educators of grades four through six. Jim Louderman of The Field Museum will lead us as we learn about the spiders found in Illinois, their habits and habitats. Go on a hike to find spiders in the wild. Take part in hands-on activities that can be instantly implemented into your classes. Numerous supplemental materials will be provided. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop but may need to adapt the information as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com/ to register. Registration deadline: Sept. 10.
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 3-5, 2019
Midwest Environmental Education Conference (MEEC)
MEEC is a professional development collaboration between four states (IA, IL, MN, WI) to provide a space for local field studies, educational sessions, training, and workshops focused on environmental, cultural, and historical interpretation and education.
This year's conference will be held at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. The theme “Access Nature: Promoting Inclusion and Diversity in Environmental Education” will explore barriers that prevent educators and learners from accessing natural areas and having valuable learning experiences in the outdoors. Full conference schedule will be posted soon. For more information and to register visit http://meeconference.org/register/
October 5, 2019
ENTICE: Introducing Early Childhood Students to the Nature of Fall
Kendall County Forest Preserve District, Yorkville
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fall is a great season for young children to explore nature! There is so much to see and learn. Join us to discover what nature can tell us in fall. We’ll take a hike to put our knowledge to work and will feature the Field Trip Pack from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. We'll be incorporating animal tracks, animal signs, seeds and changes in leaves, too. We’ll show you how to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Although targeted to grades prekindergarten through two, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You’ll take away numerous resources to use with young children when learning about nature. Professional Development Hours are available. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com/ to register.
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
Nov 7, 2019
Chicago Wilderness Climate Clinic
10am-2pm
Benedictine University, Lisle, IL.
Presenting current trends and forecasts on our rapidly changing climate to build our capacity as educators to inspire action and develop resiliency. Free. Must be a current member of EEAI or CW to register and participate in this workshop. Contact Susie Ingram to register:
northwestregioneeai@gmail.com.
November 23, 2019
ENTICE:Tracks, Scats and Habitats
Starved Rock State Park, Utica
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Often when exploring nature, instead of seeing an animal, we find what it left behind. Join us in this exploration of animal signs and how they relate to habitats. We'll be practicing our skills on an outdoor field trip, too. We'll show you how to incorporate the topic into your lessons and provide resources to help you do so. Although targeted to teachers of grades prekindergarten through four, other educators are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com/ to register.
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
September 13, 2019
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 14, 2019
Birding Citizen Science Training
Heartland Community College; Normal, IL
9:00am - 11:30am
Cost: FREE - Thank you to Illinois Prairie Community Foundation for financially supporting this program.
Join thousands across North America in providing valuable bird data as a part of Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s citizen science program – Project FeederWatch. Get the training and tools needed to start participating in this program with your nature center, classroom or family. This program will start indoors describing the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Project FeederWatch and other birding citizen science programs. Following the indoor instructional period participants will head outside for a birding experience in two different settings. Each participant that is there for the entire class will receive a 1 year annual membership for Project FeederWatch valued at $18.
Participants should bring binoculars (some will be available), a refillable water bottle, appropriate shoes and dress for being outside and bug spray. There will be a moderate walk to the gardens and the pond. Participants with physical limitations should let us know upon registration so arrangements can be made for safe inclusion.
RSVP to Pam Evans - evansp@cusd305.org Program limited to 20 participants so REGISTER TODAY!
September 14, 2019
ENTICE: Aquatic Ecosystems: Lake Michigan Ecology II
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Lake Michigan is one of Illinois’ greatest natural resources. Come to this workshop and learn about the complex relationships between the lake and its inhabitants. Part of the workshop will be held indoors at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, but we will also take a hike to conduct activities on the Lake Michigan shore, weather-permitting. Supplemental educational resources will be provided. Although targeted to teachers of grades kindergarten through four, other educators are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com/ to register. Registration deadline: Sept. 5.
September 17, 2019
ENTICE: Illinois Spiders
Cache River Visitors’ Center, Cypress
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.The wonderful world of spiders will be explored in this workshop for educators of grades four through six. Jim Louderman of The Field Museum will lead us as we learn about the spiders found in Illinois, their habits and habitats. Go on a hike to find spiders in the wild. Take part in hands-on activities that can be instantly implemented into your classes. Numerous supplemental materials will be provided. Teachers of other grade levels are welcome to register for the workshop but may need to adapt the information as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com/ to register. Registration deadline: Sept. 10.
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 3-5, 2019
Midwest Environmental Education Conference (MEEC)
MEEC is a professional development collaboration between four states (IA, IL, MN, WI) to provide a space for local field studies, educational sessions, training, and workshops focused on environmental, cultural, and historical interpretation and education.
This year's conference will be held at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul. The theme “Access Nature: Promoting Inclusion and Diversity in Environmental Education” will explore barriers that prevent educators and learners from accessing natural areas and having valuable learning experiences in the outdoors. Full conference schedule will be posted soon. For more information and to register visit http://meeconference.org/register/
October 5, 2019
ENTICE: Introducing Early Childhood Students to the Nature of Fall
Kendall County Forest Preserve District, Yorkville
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fall is a great season for young children to explore nature! There is so much to see and learn. Join us to discover what nature can tell us in fall. We’ll take a hike to put our knowledge to work and will feature the Field Trip Pack from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. We'll be incorporating animal tracks, animal signs, seeds and changes in leaves, too. We’ll show you how to support the teaching of several of the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards for science and Next Generation Science Standards with your students. Although targeted to grades prekindergarten through two, all educators are welcome to register for the workshop, but the information may need to be adapted, as appropriate. You’ll take away numerous resources to use with young children when learning about nature. Professional Development Hours are available. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com/ to register.
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
Nov 7, 2019
Chicago Wilderness Climate Clinic
10am-2pm
Benedictine University, Lisle, IL.
Presenting current trends and forecasts on our rapidly changing climate to build our capacity as educators to inspire action and develop resiliency. Free. Must be a current member of EEAI or CW to register and participate in this workshop. Contact Susie Ingram to register:
northwestregioneeai@gmail.com.
November 23, 2019
ENTICE:Tracks, Scats and Habitats
Starved Rock State Park, Utica
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Often when exploring nature, instead of seeing an animal, we find what it left behind. Join us in this exploration of animal signs and how they relate to habitats. We'll be practicing our skills on an outdoor field trip, too. We'll show you how to incorporate the topic into your lessons and provide resources to help you do so. Although targeted to teachers of grades prekindergarten through four, other educators are welcome to register and attend the workshop but may need to adapt the materials as appropriate. Professional Development Hours are available. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com/ to register.