NYSOEA

☀️The conference journey begins before the main event!

🥾Learn about our exciting pre-conference activities designed to help participants connect, collaborate, and gain valuable insights ahead of conference registration.

🌱These activities provide the perfect opportunity to build connections, exchange ideas, and maximize your conference experience from day one.

🌲Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course
Challenge yourself in the Adirondack forest canopy with treetop obstacle courses, rope swings, suspension bridges, and ziplines designed for fun, teamwork, and adventure. Participants can choose from a variety of courses suited to different comfort and skill levels while enjoying breathtaking forest views.

🦅Silver Bay YMCA Trail Hike
Explore the scenic trails of Silver Bay with a guided group hike featuring beautiful woodland paths and stunning views of Lake George. This activity is perfect for attendees looking to connect with others while enjoying an active outdoor experience.

🔥Hot Things About Campfires
Join George Steele for an engaging campfire experience exploring safe fire building, meaningful campfire programs, and creative outdoor cooking techniques. This mostly seated session offers practical skills, ideas, and traditions that can be applied to camps, outdoor programs, and community gatherings.

🦝Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center
Discover the natural beauty of the Adirondacks through interactive exhibits, a natural history museum, and a guided hike to a panoramic Lake George overlook. This relaxed outdoor experience combines environmental learning, scenic exploration, and opportunities to connect with fellow participants.

📅 Stay tuned for the full conference schedule and workshop details. We look forward to welcoming you and making the most of this exciting networking opportunity together!

🐣...and don’t forget! Early bird registration begins July 6.

✨Conference Committee Spotlight: Round 4✨

🌳We’re excited to introduce more of the dedicated individuals who are helping create an engaging and memorable experience for all attendees. From coordinating social media posts to supporting event logistics, their contributions make a difference every step of the way.

✨This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Hannah, Conrad, and Dorrie, recognizing the creativity and commitment they bring to the conference team.

💡Committee Fun Fact:
One of the best parts of serving on the conference committee is the opportunity to connect with professionals from different backgrounds and career stages, share new ideas, and collaborate on creating meaningful experiences for attendees. The planning process often sparks new friendships, professional connections, and creative solutions that extend well beyond the conference itself.

This Week’s Icebreaker: 🔥If you had to choose to manipulate one natural element, what would it be and why?🌊

Hannah Young, Mine Kill State Park (Mine Kill State Park)

“I would choose fire. I am a passionate, fiery person (I’m a Leo). Many see fire as destructive, but I see it as life. It warms our homes, cooks our food, and can wipe the slate clean for new growth.”

Conrad Baker, NY State Parks & Historic Sites, Genesee Region (Letchworth State Park, Genesee Valley Greenway State Park, youtube.com/?si=kTQDQpU14A1kUf9I)

”I would go earth. The garden would explode with food to share. Invasives wouldn’t stand a chance. Oh sorry, did your soil temporarily get too acidic?”

⭐️Thank you to Hannah, Conrad, and Dorrie for their contributions to this year’s conference planning efforts. Their work and commitment help support the development of a valuable and successful conference experience for attendees.

✉️If you are interested in volunteering or supporting this year’s conference, please contact [email protected] for more information about available opportunities.

✨ Conference Committee Spotlight: Round 4 ✨

🌳Another week, another chance to meet the amazing people helping shape this year’s conference experience! From behind-the-scenes logistics to creative brainstorming and problem-solving, every committee member plays an important role in bringing the conference to life.

✨This week, we’re excited to spotlight Bradley, Claudia, and Meaghan and celebrate the energy, ideas, and collaboration they bring to the team!

Nature Q&A

🌲🎵 “What is your favorite tree, and what kind of music do you think they would like?” 🎵🌲

Bradley Rickman, Earthworks Center for Youth (Earthworks)

“My favorite tree would have to be an old apple tree. Perfect climbing branches and food for the long stay if need be. If they liked music I believe it would be Caribbean music because of the sweet smell they give off.”

Claudia Nusstein, Genesee County Parks (Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry)

“My favorite tree is the Eastern Red Cedar, or Juniper! I love them because they are a pioneer species. They grow in unique places and are often much older than you would think based on their size. They can make the best out of not great conditions and still grow for hundreds of years. They would definitely like classical music, something old like they are with lots of wind instruments.”

Meaghan Boice- Green, Reinstein Woods (Reinstein Woods)

“My favorite tree is the horse chestnut, because in spring it looks like a Christmas tree covered in lit candles. So it would listen to Christmas music, of course!”

Thank you to Bradley, Claudia, and Meaghan for their leadership, encouragement, and commitment to creating meaningful experiences throughout this year’s conference planning process. For opportunities to volunteer and support this year’s conference, please email [email protected].

⏰ Final Reminder: Workshop Proposals Due June 8! ⏰

👀 Workshop proposal form: form.jotform.com/260966617196066

🌱🌳There’s still time to share your experiences and expertise at the 2026 NYSOEA Conference, “From the Ground Up: Growing Knowledge Through Nature and Community.”

🧠Whether you’re leading a hands-on activity, facilitating discussion, or showcasing innovative programs, we’d love to hear from you.

🌎Help us create an engaging conference experience filled with learning and inspiration for educators across New York State and beyond.

✨Conference Committee Spotlight: Round 3✨

🌳We’re excited to continue highlighting the amazing individuals helping make this year’s conference possible!

💡Did you know? Our conference committee includes multiple subcommittees focused on different aspects of planning and coordination — giving members opportunities to contribute their unique skills, collaborate with others, and get involved in a variety of ways throughout the planning process.

✨This week, we’re showing appreciation for Emilee and Ashawna for their hard work, creativity, and continued dedication behind the scenes. From website design, to EAI advocacy, to planning exciting programs, both of these volunteers have played an important role in shaping the conference experience from the very beginning, and we’re grateful for all they bring to the team. As part of our spotlight series, we’re asking committee members a new icebreaker question each week so you can get to know the personalities behind the planning!

This week’s question:

🦹”Which fictional villian do you *kind of* understand and why?” 🦹

Emilee Nelson, Environmental Educator- Open to Work

“A fictional villain I kind of understand is Dr. Doofenshmirtz from Phineas and Ferb. He’s a passionate inventor and scientist who just so happens to have a lot of bad luck. He’s made to be the villain of the story, but I always loved how he’s so goofy and, at his heart, a good person.”

Ashawna Abbott, Mohonk Preserve ()

“Poison Ivy wants to protect the environment, okay!”

Thank you to Emilee and Ashawna! For opportunities to volunteer and support this year’s conference, please email [email protected].

🌳There’s still time to get involved in this year’s conference!

💡Have a workshop idea, innovative strategy, or experience to share? Be sure to submit your workshop proposal form by June 8.

🧩Help us shape engaging learning opportunities for attendees. We are seeking more requests for all conference strands, but request more submissions in the following categories: Eco-STEM: Science for People and Place, Mud and Movement: Adventure Learning and Wild Play, Outdoors is for All: Equity, Access, and Inclusion.

🌎We’re also inviting exhibitors to be part of this year’s event! This is a great opportunity to showcase your organization, programs, services, or resources while connecting directly with educators, professionals, and conference attendees from across the region. Exhibiting offers valuable visibility, meaningful networking opportunities, and the chance to engage with participants throughout the conference experience.

✨Don’t miss the opportunity to present, connect, and contribute. We can’t wait to see your submissions!

✨Conference Committee Spotlight: Round 2✨

🌳We’re back with another round of conference committee member spotlights! Each week, we’re introducing the incredible people helping bring this year’s conference to life. From educators and students to environmental professionals and leaders in recreation, our committee is made up of passionate individuals working together to create an engaging, inspiring, and memorable experience for all.

💎This week, we’re highlighting Melissa, Christina, and Jon for their creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm in helping organize the conference from the ground up.

✨As part of our spotlight series, we’re asking committee members a new icebreaker question each week so you can get to know the personalities behind the planning!

💭 This week’s question: “What song would play when you walk in a room and why?” 💭

Melissa Papalcure, Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center ()

“’Gymnopédie No. 1’ by Erik Satie, because I love listening to music that is atmospheric, inspiring, and full of mystery. This song always brings a lightness to my heart and makes me want to dance around the room dramatically!”

Christina Tobitsch, Center for the Urban River at Beczak ()

“My anthem is definitely ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ by Whitney Houston! But if I’m entering a room of environmental educators, I’d come in singing along to my Hudson River favorite “River that Flows Both Ways” by Pete Seeger. Both are upbeat and portray my personality!”

Jon Anderson, NYS Parks: Allegany Region ()

“’Hips Don’t Lie’ by Shakira because it always gets the people going. Also, she moved to the United States with no knowledge of English at age 19 to pursue her music career. I find it inspiring that she taught herself English to break into the American music market.”

🎉Thank you to Melissa, Christina, and Jon for bringing liveliness to the team! For opportunities to volunteer and support this year’s conference, please email [email protected].

📍Nov. 5 to Nov. 8, 2026, Silver Bay, NY.

🌳Join educators, outdoor leaders, and changemakers from across New York State for the 58th Annual New York State Outdoor Education Association Conference, Nov. 5-8 in Silver Bay, near Lake George!

🍎As classrooms continue to evolve, educators are finding creative ways to support both academic achievement and student wellbeing.

🌱Outdoor and nature-based education offers powerful opportunities to increase engagement, improve focus, strengthen social-emotional learning, and create memorable experiences that extend far beyond classroom walls.

At this year’s conference, educators will have the opportunity to:
📝 Participate in workshops and keynote sessions focused on pedagogy, curriculum, and experiential learning
🤝 Connect with a statewide network of teachers, outdoor educators, administrators, and community organizations
🔍 Explore ways to integrate outdoor learning into science, literacy, art, physical education, and more
🌳 Discover local resources, partnerships, and nature-based spaces that can support your teaching goals
🔋Recharge your enthusiasm, creativity, and passion for education alongside like-minded educators

🐣🦅Whether you’re new to outdoor education or already incorporating nature into your classroom, this conference offers inspiration, practical tools, and a supportive community ready to help your ideas grow.

🎓NYSOEA also offers CTLE opportunities and conference scholarships to further support classroom educators in expanding access to outdoor learning experiences.

✨Let’s reimagine education to be rooted in curiosity, connection, and the natural world...together!

✨ Conference Committee Spotlight ✨

🌳Each week, we’re excited to highlight the incredible individuals behind our conference’s success. Our committee represents a diverse mix of backgrounds, regions, and career stages all coming together with one shared goal: creating an engaging, memorable, and fun experience for everyone involved! This week, we’re celebrating Pammi and Mauro for their dedication to helping organize this event from the ground up.

✨Get to know our committee members through a new icebreaker question each week, and follow along as we celebrate the people bringing this conference to life.

🐉“What mythical creature do you wish you could meet and why?”

Pammi Price, Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission ()
“I wish I could meet a Forest Sprite, I feel they are like me and we would be fast friends. I’m small, I’m a guardian of plants, animals, soil, water, and air. And most importantly, I LOVE to PLAY in NATURE!”

Mauro Gonzalez Camacho, student at SUNY Oswego ()
“If I could meet any mythical creature, it would have to be the Chupacabra. I’d be interested in seeing what an animal like that would actually look like given the various accounts of its appearance, and wanting to be the first one to tell the real story about this elusive creature.”

For opportunities to volunteer and support this year’s conference, please email [email protected].

🎤We are delighted to share our second keynote speaker for the conference this November, Michale Glennon.

📈✨Michale is transforming data into powerful works of art that inspire insight and imagination.

🏔️Michale Glennon is a wildlife ecologist, fiber artist, and director of Wool and Water, a project of the Adirondack Watershed Institute at Paul Smith’s College. Wool and Water is a collaborative project that blends fiber art with scientific information to create visual representations of changing water quality conditions in the Adirondacks and beyond.

🌧️Knitting, crochet, weaving and other fiber arts are used to illustrate concepts and trends related to our waterways, and to provide inspiration for their protection.

🔬As the Director of Research at the Adirondack Watershed Institute, Michale helps provide leadership to AWI’s scientific research program, support high quality research opportunities for students, and advocate for science in support of the management and stewardship of the natural resources of the Adirondack Park.

👀Conference info in bio!