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Registration is now open!
Download a printable registration form or register online at 2026 EEAI Annual Conference.
Conference Theme Environmental education is an essential tool in preparing today's learners for the world they will encounter following graduation. The career landscape is changing rapidly. Leaders will need to be prepared to balance constantly evolving technological progress with a sound ecological foundation. From Pre-K to grad school, EE can show them how. | Presenter sessions will focus on four tracks to complement our conference setting on BSU's campus. Track 1: Schoolyard to Stewardship - The EE Pathway to Green Careers An exploration of environmental education at every level of learning, from pre-K to university, that demonstrates how each phase of learning can prepare students for the careers of the 21st century.
Track 2: Mutualism - Building Community Connections for a Sustainable Future Strategic partnerships are key to excellent EE programming. Hear from program leaders about how building relationships between schools, community organizations, businesses and government leaders has led to robust learning experiences. Track 3: Growing Green - Outdoor Learning through Agriculture Food can be a great way to introduce a variety of sustainability topics and school gardens are a frequent starting point for outdoor learning. This strand will dig deeper (no pun intended!) into the methods and opportunities for using food and agriculture as the foundation for EE programming. Track 4: Together We Fly - Birds, Bats & Bugs We just couldn't help developing a technical strand based on this favorite Ball State slogan! From telemetry and mist netting to community engagement and citizen science, you'll get a chance to experience hands-on learning activities focused on all of our winged friends.
Find session details and our downloadable conference booklet here. |
| Keynote "The Role of Story Telling for Environmental Education" Dr. Tom McConnell Professor of Science Education Ball State University Department of Biology |
Dr. McConnell's teaching focuses on preparing science teachers at all grade levels, including teacher professional development. He incorporates his passion for our living world into his work with scholars to develop children’s books and digital teaching resources that promote conservation and interest in science careers. These works include the Conservation Tales book series, and a growing collecting of online video-based stories. From snorkeling at Looe Key and filming in the crab lab at Mote Marine in Florida to filming in 360˚ format in the canopy at Kakum National Forest in Ghana, Dr. McConnell will bring a wealth of experiences to the keynote podium as he shares his own tales of travel, teaching, and using tech to tell the stories of conservation initiatives around the world. |
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Pre-Conference Workshop & Field Trips |
| Pre-Conference Workshop - "Any Career Can Be Green" Friday, November 13th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cost: FREE Join DNR Educators Lexi Eiler-Alwine and Kathy Madren as they share activities from Project Learning Tree, Project WET, and Project WILD that can be used to incorporate career exploration into engaging classroom activities for learners of all ages. Participants will get hands-on training in activities that explore careers in forestry, water resource management, conservation, and more - while exploring BSU's Environmental Education Center, Christy Woods and Orchid Greenhouse. |
Field Trip - Daleville Outdoor Learning Lab
Saturday, November 14th, 1:30 PM
Cost: FREE
The Outdoor Learning Lab is owned and operated by Daleville Community Schools, with the objective of getting students learning in nature as much as possible! Participants will tour the 5-acre learning lab and leave with an understanding of all the ways Daleville Community Schools uses the space to foster an appreciation for the natural world among Daleville students and the wider community.
Field Trip - Camp Adventure
Saturday, November 14th, 1:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Step beyond the conference setting and experience one of Muncie’s most unique outdoor learning spaces at Camp Adventure, located approximately 15 minutes from Ball State’s campus. Camp Adventure is a longstanding environmental learning center offering immersive, hands-on programming that helps learners connect with nature through exploration, science, teamwork, and outdoor education. During this field trip, participants will tour the grounds, learn more about the new Forest Academy, a Montessori-inspired program that blends outdoor learning with child-led exploration and hands-on discovery, and hear about Camp Adventure’s dynamic summer camp offerings. Guests will also enjoy enriching experiences such as poetry in nature, birdwatching with the Robert Cooper Audubon Society (RACS), and additional interactive activities designed to inspire curiosity, reflection, and connection. Whether you are passionate about environmental education, outdoor learning, or innovative programming for children and families, this field trip offers a meaningful and memorable opportunity to experience these ideas in action. Learn more about Camp Adventure on its website. https://campadventure.muncie.k12.in.us.
Field Trip - Second Harvest Food Bank
Saturday, November 14th, 1:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Serving 8 counties, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana's mission is to provide help for today by ensuring access to food and resources, and hope for tomorrow by addressing the root causes of food insecurity and building pathways to stability and opportunity. From farm to table, they are working with community partners to make their vision a reality. This field trip will feature a tour of Second Harvest's pantry, warehouse and gardens with a focus on the organization's sustainability initiatives and community partner relationships. This trip will also include a volunteer component, engaging participants in packing donations or other essential tasks associated with Second Harvest's mission. Please note that participants in this field trip will be expected to wear close-toed shoes and clothing appropriate for volunteering in the warehouse. Participants must also submit a release form, available here.
Field Trip - Ginn Woods (Bird Research Station)
Saturday, November 14th, 1:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Ball State's Dr. Kelly Miller will lead a tour through the BSU field station at Ginn Woods state nature preserve with a focus on her research. Dr. Miller studies the behavioral ecology and physiology underlying life-history evolution in wild birds, primarily with respect to mate preferences and parental investment. Of particular interest are the various ways birds manage reproductive trade-offs under different environmental, ecological, physiological, and social conditions. Participants will visit Dr. Miller's nest boxes, learn about the details of her research, and get some birding in! Please note, due to the timing of the visit, participants won't be observing active research - Dr. Miller's research subjects won't be nesting at the time.
Venue & Lodging Thank you to Ball State University for providing an amazing venue for this year's conference! With over a century of history in providing teacher education and preparing graduates to launch into careers, BSU's campus will provide the perfect setting for a conference focused on EE's vital role on the pathway to a green future. |
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Conference events will take place in BSU's Cooper Science building and Environmental Education Center. Attendees can enjoy a stroll through Christy Woods, explore the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, and may even get a private screening in the Charles W. Brown Planetarium! Dinners will be hosted in the Pittenger Student Center and boxed lunches will be provided at the Cooper Science building on Friday and Saturday. Breakfast will be on your own this year, but the hotel we have reserved offers a free hot breakfast starting at 6:00 AM each day.
Rooms are available to reserve at a special rate at the Muncie Hampton Inn using the conference code EEA. Book your room by October 16th to receive our discounted room rate. You can reserve your room online at using our dedicated Booking Link or by calling 765-288-8500. The hotel is about a 10 minute drive from the conference venue, so we encourage carpooling when possible. Conference attendees can use this sheet to coordinate with others interested in sharing lodging or carpooling for the weekend. It is up to conference attendees to use the information on the form to coordinate with one another directly.
Camping options in the area include Mounds State Park, Big Oak Campground, and Prairie Creek Reservoir.
Student Programming Network with current EE professionals. Meet students from schools around the state. Build your resume by presenting your original research. |  |
Get paired with a mentor for the weekend... and beyond! Students and early-career professionals can request to be paired with a professional whose work experience aligns with your interests. We'll provide time during the conference for mentors and mentees to get to know one another, and guidance for continuing your engagement beyond the weekend together.
Present your work in a student poster session. Students can share their projects and research with a professional audience through EEAI's poster session, held alongside the silent auction on Saturday night. Participants are invited to display a poster no larger than 36 x 48 inches that details a current research project, student-led program, internship, field study or other initiative related to Environmental Education. Students should be prepared to give a brief overview of their work and respond to questions posed by other conference attendees. Indicate on your registration form that you'd like to participate. Please note that formats other than posters, including digital presentations, cannot be supported.
Attend the Green Futures panel discussion to hear from current sustainability professionals and how a foundation of environmental education can prepare you for a variety of career opportunities.
Interested in helping to plan student-centered programming at this year's conference? Contact Megan Sharp at msharp@eeai.org.
| The Fun Stuff Our annual conference isn't JUST about learning. We have a lot of fun when we get together, too! |
Join in on long-standing EEAI conference traditions and help us establish some new ones!
Campfire Socials & EEAI's Songwriting Contest/Talent Showcase: The annual talent contest is a conference favorite. Attendees can put their talents on display - singing, poetry, dancing, harmonica playing - whatever your talent is, we want to experience it! An environmental themed presentation is sure to take top accolades, with bonus points awarded if your performance complements the conference theme. Campfires will take place at BSU's Cooper Farm, just minutes from our accommodations at Hampton Inn.
EEAI Awards: Each year, EEAI honors outstanding educators for their service to the field of environmental education in Indiana. Do you know of an educator you'd like to nominate? Visit our awards page to learn more about each of the honors.
Silent Auction: The auction will take place in person on Saturday afternoon and evening. Items need to be dropped off at the registration table no later than 11 AM on Saturday, so we have time to organize the auction before that evening's events.
Free Table: Mugs, curriculum, books, magazine, posters, and more. Bring something to share and take something home!
Hidden Cardinals: Cardinals usually stand out, but this fall they'll be blending in with their surroundings. Find as many as you can for a chance to win some great prizes!
We're looking for 2026 Conference Sponsors! EEAI sponsors and partners help to make our conference a success. If your organization or business would like to support the 2026 conference, please contact Megan at msharp@eeai.org. |
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