California Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education - AEOE

CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program provides funding for fire prevention projects and activities in and near fire threatened communities. Funded activities include hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and wildfire prevention education with an emphasis on improving public health and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Deadline to apply: July 8, 2026.

For more information, visit: www.grants.ca.gov/grants/fy-2025-26-wildfire-prevention-grants-proposition-4

Did you know AEOE offers professional development courses? These online, asynchronous eeCourses are designed for professionals to complete at their own pace. Our suite of eeCourses are offered in partnership with the NAAEE Affiliate Network, and all courses are eligible for 1-unit of credit from the University of San Diego.

We have two courses in session right now (Accessible by Nature and Climate Literacy). Teaching and Learning Outdoors is our newest addition, and we're looking forward to sharing this brand new course to a limited cohort of 10-12 students this July.

Visit aeoe.org/eeCourses to learn more and register!

Calling all program leaders, managers, and directors - we have a special opportunity just for you! Save the date for AEOE's annual Program Leaders Retreat. This weekend retreat is a time to connect with others in similar roles, gain help from your peers, and strengthen your program while relaxing on the beautiful grounds of Camp Ocean Pines on the stunning California Coast. More details to come.

Stay tuned: aeoe.org/Program-Leaders-Retreat

There are only a couple more weeks to apply for California’s Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP) for the 2026-2027 cohort! Gain recognition for your skills as a certified environmental educator and collaborate with fellow educators across the state.

Learn more and apply today: aeoe.org/EECP
Deadline: June 30th, 2026

Does your school have what it takes to help protect the ocean for the future? Promote ocean and watershed conservation at your school or in your local community by becoming an Ocean Guardian School!

An Ocean Guardian School makes a commitment to the protection and conservation of its local watersheds, the world's ocean, and special ocean areas, like national marine sanctuaries. The school makes this commitment by proposing and then implementing a school- or community-based conservation project. Applications for the 2026 - 2027 NOAA Ocean Guardian School program are now available! Applications are due by July 1st.

Visit sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/ocean_guardian to learn more and apply.

New course alert! AEOE is proud to offer an introductory course to outdoor education: Teaching and Learning Outdoors.

This eeCourse equips educators with the knowledge, skills, tools, and resources to take environmental education learning outdoors. Participants will learn strategies such as managing students outdoors, adapting for the weather, and using technology outdoors.

The course is 6-weeks long, asynchronous, and eligible for credit from the University of San Diego (purchased separately). Our first round for this course begins next month on July 10th. Enrollment is limited to 10-12 people for this first batch to ensure every student gets individualized attention.

Session dates: July 10-August 26

Visit aeoe.org/eeCourses to register!

🌱 BIG WIN: AB 2158 passed the California Assembly Floor!

The Outdoor Learning and Environmental Literacy Act of 2026, sponsored by , passed the California Assembly Floor on 5/27/26 with a strong bipartisan vote of 61-0 and no opposition. Authored by 8 bipartisan, bicameral legislators and supported by 600+ organizations and individuals statewide, AB 2158 establishes a flexible, locally driven framework for outdoor learning in California's TK-12 schools.

⏭️ Next stop: Senate Education Committee, as early as 6/10/26.

Why this matters: Outdoor learning
🧠 Matches medication-level focus for kids with ADHD
❤️ Reduces chronic stress, anxiety, and depression
📚 Improves academic outcomes across subjects
⚖️ Benefits students of color and low-income students the most
💰 Green schoolyards return $3 for every $1 invested

Thank you to our incredible community for donating, spreading the word, and supporting AEOE's Spring Drive to Get Outside! We far exceeded our goal with the help and support of 80 independent donors. Truly, our community is stronger together.

We envision a future in which environmental education's substantial societal value is recognized and invested in widely by policymakers, funders, education institutions, and the general public through our messaging and advocacy work. Together, we can create a future where every child in California has the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with the outdoors. Your support makes this future possible. Thank you!