2015 AEOE Spring Conference Workshop Descriptions and Presenter Bios Code (1A, etc.) refers to block number and workshop map location (see map on final page)

WORKSHOP BLOCK 1 (Sat. 10:55 – 11:45) 1A Integrating Residential Outdoor Science School Programs With Education and Environment

Initiative (EEI) State Adopted Model Curriculum Laura Powell

The California Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI) Model Curriculum teaches traditional academic subjects through an environmental lens and is classroom based. The EEI Curriculum stimulates interest in a wide range of environmental topics and serves as a springboard for teachers to connect with resources beyond the classroom. Learn about EEI and how some sites have integrated this versatile curriculum into their outdoor education programs. Explore opportunities for your site to integrate the EEI curriculum and order a free unit.

Education and Environment Initiative (EEI) Teacher Ambassador, Ten Strands EE Consultant, and CREEC Coordinator. Laura has 25 years of experience in education as a secondary social studies and science teacher and an EE consultant. She has a Masters in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning emphasizing EE. She has worked with CREEC Network since its inception linking educators to EE resources.

1C An Introduction to Environmentally Responsible Behavior Change Meghan Kelly

Are you or your organization interested in encouraging environmentally responsible behavior change, but are not sure where to start? Have you started to incorporate behavior change goals into your programs, but would like to achieve them more effectively? Join us for an interactive discussion of the basics of environmentally responsible behavior change including common “myths" and elements of effective behavior change programs, as well as information on research-supported strategies and tips for using them.

Meghan is founder and principal of Green Motivate, which helps organizations design, implement, and evaluate programs with a goal of environmental behavior change. Previously, she was an environmental projects specialist for the City of Oakland. Meghan has an M.S. in Natural Resources and Environment from the University of Michigan, where her focus was on Behavior, Education, and Communication.

1D Cabin Leader Forum Kathleen "Sequoia" Riley

Cabin Leaders are the glue to many outdoor schools. We can't run smoothly without a good group to support us throughout the week. This forum will be structured to share ideas on how to train, support, evaluate, and problem solve issues that arise throughout the week with high school cabin leaders.

Kathleen has worked at San Mateo Outdoor Education for 12 years as the senior naturalist. Sequoia and her husband just welcomed a little boy, Marten Leaf Riley into the world. San Mateo's first Naturalist baby!

1E Making Water Walk: Innovative Solutions to Help Mitigate Water Scarcity Evan Elderbrock & William Goss

How are we planning on coping with California's drying climate? "Making Water Walk" is an introduction to designing landscapes with a focus on soil and water retention and regeneration. From basic rainwater catchments systems to swales and hugelkulture to cell grazing and perennial planting, this lecture aims to outline various management techniques and earthworks projects that can increase the resiliency of California's land and communities.

Evan grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and received a B.A. in Geology from Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Before moving to Sempervirens Outdoor School in September 2014, Evan worked for two years as an educator at the Ecology School in Saco, Maine. Evan has worked on farms in Vermont, Wisconsin and Thailand.

1F Teaching outside the box, what to do when normal isn't working. Kaity Watkins

This workshop will be part lecture and part discussion. The main topic is how to teach when normal doesn't work. I will introduce many of the common learning, behavioral and physical disabilities that our students can have and how to adapt classes for them. We will also talk about the importance of understanding the diagnoses of the student and how to teach and manage the class (when a student has special needs) outside of the box.

I have been in outdoor education since 2011. My undergraduate degrees are in Special Education and in Elementary Education. I love teaching and working with kids, especially kids with behavioral disorders. I believe everyone has the potential to learn and to love learning. I love to crochet too... and will probably be crocheting all weekend.

1G “Black Faces in White Spaces”: Unpacking the myths regarding Black Americans and the “Great Outdoors” John Sanders

This workshop will be an open exchange between naturalists regarding the "3rd Rail in Outdoor Education" Or, How does a White naturalist talk about race without seeming racist or bigoted. We will begin by unpacking some of the historical baggage with respect to Black Americans and their relationship to the land, as well as their cultural and societal isolation, segregation, and disenfranchisement from the land. We will examine the deep personal and physical connections that people of African decent have always had with nature, and how these personal feelings and experiences have shaped current attitudes about the outdoors. We will also explore ways in which new and experienced naturalists can develop cultural currencies, that will enable them to communicate with the growing number of people of color that we serve through our outdoor education programs. This workshop is not for the faint-at-heart, and the dialogue will be frank, be forewarned. You may find yourselves feeling a bit uncomfortable, since this is not a topic that's commonly approached in this kind of setting, but it is one that is long overdue, if AEOE is to remain relevant into the next decade.

BA Biology; MA Marine Science; UCSC, Naturalist @ KEEP Cambria since 2002, Director of Delphinus School of Natural History since 2011.I am also one of the few African American members of AEOE over the last 12 yrs.

1H Phenology in the Outdoor Classroom Gabriel Germanow

What is phenology? Why is it important? And how does it fit into environmental education? These are the questions we'll ask (and answer) during this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn about the study of the timing of biological events. consider its relevance to outdoor education, and practice making phenological observations of their own. Additionally, participants will leave with some concrete tools and ideas for incorporating phenology into their outdoor education program.

Originally from upstate New York, and despite studying economics and religious studies at the University of Virginia, Gabe eventually found his way to California and outdoor education, where he's been working as a Naturalist since 2012. In his free time Gabe loves to hike, ski, cook, and read, and plan the next big trip.

1I Gettin' Kids Talkin' - How to Facilitate Great Discussions Xander Tartter

Ever feel like group discussions in your classes fall flat? Find yourself only hearing from that same handful of students every time you pose a question? In this workshop, we'll discuss and model various discussion strategies that can help get students involved and serve as an excellent debrief to a lesson. Join us whether you have little/no experience or plenty of strategies to share.

Xander moved to California in 2012 for a job as an Intern Naturalist with San Joaquin Outdoor Ed (SJOE). He now works at Walden West and enjoys sharing his love for science and nature with students. When not on trail, Xander likes juggling, playing on a pottery wheel, and spending time outside.

1J So you think you want to be in charge... Emily "Eel" Scavarda

Are you a naturalist that is considering moving up the command ladder but would like to know what your admin team even does with their time? Find out what skills you need to succeed and hear a few tales of what not to do (who doesn't love learning from other peoples mistakes?). All levels are welcome!

Emily has bounced around at different informal education entities including State Parks, Pathfinder Ranch, and Boojum before settling into Camp SEA Lab. With Camp SEA Lab she started as a Naturalist, then advanced to Field Coordinator and is now the Program Coordinator. She loves teaching, kayaking, rock climbing, sunsets and potato chips. :)

1K Field Botany of Northern Coastal California Lizzy Eichorn

Join us on a hike to explore the diverse plant life of Walker Creek Ranch! Learn easy tricks to sight identify native plants of the local area and be part of a discussion on how to creatively and effectively teach field botany skills to all ages.

Lizzy recently started as an Education Program Coordinator with Ventana Wildlife Society in Salinas, CA. Prior to that, she lived in Petaluma working for Point Blue Conservation Science on their watershed restoration team where she gained an in-depth familiarity with the flora of Marin and Sonoma counties.

1L Creating and Using Social Contracts Shannon “Quail” Cueva

Social contracts can be a powerful tool to help create a positive work environment. In this workshop we will model how you can create a social contract where you work and discuss strategies implementing the social contract.

Shannon is the Director at Shady Creek Outdoor School. She is proud to work alongside her husband, Chris "Yeti" Little, and an amazing staff of Naturalists. In her free time she is a librarian and the bass player for the Little Family Band.

1M It's ALL About the Flow: Teaching Between the Lines Mara Dale & Dan Crowley

Improve the effectiveness of your teaching day by connecting your activities in logical and fun ways. In this seminar we will explain the importance of "flow" and give you some techniques and resources that you can use to enhance the lessons you are already doing. Sub topics discussed can include: Games (team building and silly), Jokes and riddles, "pair shares" (using discussion topics) and better use of parent (or teacher) chaperones, as well as topics of interest for the participants.

Mara has taught at Outdoor Schools in the Wild West, between corn & soy in the Midwest, on ice in New England, with sharks in the South and in the (thankfully former) Soviet Union. Currently she holds the position of Mentor Teacher of Pedagogy & Curriculum at NatureBridge's Yosemite campus.

1N Engineering Survival Shelters Sarah Horylev

Many programs incorporate shelter building as part of nature appreciation and connection. During this workshop you will learn how to apply engineering practices from the Next Generation Science Standards to add an academic component to this activity.

Sarah has worked as a naturalist at Foothill Horizons Outdoor School since 2008.

1O The Marine Mammal Example: Teaching in a Student Driven Way Ariel Hunter

My workshop is an example of how to create a more student-driven learning environment. The example lesson incorporates students' observational and critical thinking skills, and provides a discussion style reflection period. The lesson I'll teach involves students' interaction with and responses to marine mammal artifacts (skulls and pelts). It emphasizes the problems these animals face, as well as their conservation. It is intended to be an example of a flexible student driven lesson structure.

I began work as a naturalist at Camp Sea Lab last Fall. I hold a Bachelors in Marine Biology and have worked with several places that promote marine science and conservation to the public. Originally from Los Angeles, I now hail from Santa Cruz and enjoy kayaking, diving, and teaching!

WORKSHOP BLOCK 2 (Sat. 2:10– 3:00)

2A Explore Your Space, Find Your Place! Nicole Carbone

Perfect for educators wanting to learn more about lesson planning. This workshop is a guide for designing place-based curriculum for your outdoor program using the "Understanding by Design" backwards curriculum development approach. We will start with using your place to find appropriate standards and then how to unpack those standards. Next we will walk you through how to use those standards to create place-based lessons.

I started my naturalist career at Walker Creek Ranch as a student and then later in life as an intern. I am constantly inspired by the forest, geology, rivers, and ocean around me. Life took me to many outdoor schools such as WOLF and YMCA Camp Campbell and then to graduate school where my cohort is creating a residential program.

2B Evocative Questioning Laura "Bramble" Barrow

My intent with this workshop is to help newcomers to the field or folks who are interested in sharing perspectives engage their students via evocative questioning. We will use the workshop time to discuss specific questions that we ask our students to elicit thoughtful responses and engage students in discussion. We will also discuss questioning techniques that have worked well for us in science education and challenge course settings.

Laura has been a teacher naturalist at Westminster Woods since Spring of 2010. She had presented workshops on poetry at previous AEOEs, and recently hosted an evocative questioning workshop at the California Challenge Course Network held at Westminster Woods this past November. Laura likes asking questions and being questioned.

2C Waskowitz Environmental Leadership and Service High School- Reengaging Students through Experiential Education for Academic Success. Roberta McFarland

Highline Public School's Waskowitz Environmental Leadership & Service (WELS) program has been an example of K-12 innovation. The yearlong program is for students at risk of educational failure, reengaging them as a scholar and leader. Students serve as leaders for the 6th grade residential program, earning academic credit. A presentation of the WELS program using the logic model framework will provide a glimpse into this powerful program. The workshop will investigate the resources used, the philosophical underpinnings, and the outcomes.

Dr. McFarland serves as the Director/Principal of Outdoor Environmental Education for Waskowitz Outdoor Programs since 1997. An innovator and educational entrepreneur she leads her staff in developing programs that motivate students to find the "magic" by engaging on a diversity journey of people and nature. Starting in a tent with students and currently in an office with a fireplace!

2E Into the Unfathomable Depths of Space Justin Covino

For those with a hunger to begin learning about the night sky. We will talk about ways to locate stars and constellations, while learning awesome facts about individual stars and stellar phenomena. Hope for clear skies at night to use our newly learned skills and to look a little closer at the stars through a telescope.

"Juicetan" enjoys cooking with friends, looking at birds, and trying new things. He may also be seen strumming a guitar or slapping on his thighs in the heat of a jam. Swimming in cold fresh water brings him joy.

2F Nature Nuts and Earthy Tunes Mary Miche

Come and enjoy singing about romping in the swamp, swimming like a frog, working together in the sun and finding your niche in nature. Learn how to use songs to theme your nature walks. Discover how to incorporate music into your science education program.

Mary has been an environmental educator for over 40 years. She has recorded two nature science CDs that have fun and educational songs. She also wrote a book, Nature's Patchwork Quilt, published by Dawn Publications. She teaches distance learning courses about music for teachers through Fresno Pacific University.

2G Raptor Reach Bethany "Echo" Thomas

Have a raptors but are looking for new ideas on how to use them in lessons or care for them? Come to Raptor Reach to have discussions with people from other programs that have raptors. Be ready to share how your raptor program is set-up and grow from hearing how other programs work.

I began my career in environmental education about 5 years ago in Pennsylvania while working on my B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Penn State. Working with kids in the outdoors has brought me loads of joy. I can not wait to learn and grow with everyone this weekend!

2H Having Hard Conversations Chris "Yeti" Little

Are you a leader of staff, students, or volunteers? Would you like to improve your ability to have productive hard conversations when conflict or problems arise? Then this is the workshop for you. You will leave with clear strategies to use for conflict management, and leading people in a positive way.

Chris is the Program Coordinator at Shady Creek O.S. He has a passion for leading staff and students and strives to help others around him shine as educators and individuals. Yeti loves his wife, twin brother Sasquatch, and his crazy dogs. In 2010 Yeti was proud to be recognized as an AEOE Environmental Educator of the Year.

2I All About Solar Power

Greg Martin

Where does most of Earth's energy come from? Learn the truths behind solar power and how your program can incorporate solar into your STEM lessons. Be ready to debunk myths and then get hands on with a solar robot activity.

I am a consultant for SolarCity. I educated homeowners and the public on the environmental and economical benefits for solar power. I used to be an intern at Sierra Outdoor School. I am passionate about saving our planet one solar panel at a time.

2J Gametime... A gateway to connecting in nature! Jason “Sasquatch” Little

Kids are trying harder than ever to feel connected and seen. This workshop puts that attention on our kids and meets them where they are to validate what they might feel inside. We will learn engaging activities that can be utilized NOW! 10 hands on activities which will be briefed, de-briefed and actively preformed. This workshop is for any human that is open to power of interaction. Through engaging in fun and energy, all subjects come to life!

Though my human name is Jason Little, I have gone by Sasquatch for the last decade. I am the Head of Program at Vida Verde, in beautiful San Gregorio. I have been blessed with so many loved ones in this field, including mentors, friends, and even my family. I am very blessed to be in this community!

2K Positive Discipline in the Outdoor Classroom Cara-Alexandra Sundell

Outdoor classroom management is challenging and traditional discipline methods that focus on consequences and negative feedback often aggravate the problems. Positive discipline is a growing student management practice that focuses on conflict resolution, cooperation, learning from mistakes, and kindness yet firmness in teaching. It's more fun for you and more fun for the kids! Learn some easy tools to pull out for when you have that group of kids that just needs a little extra love.

Cara is a teacher, trainer, and curriculum developer with tremendous commitment, and experience in, outdoor education, inquiry learning, leadership empowerment, engaging diverse student populations, and positive discipline, with emphasis on life sciences.

2L Medic Forum Keith Riley

The workshop will be meant to share logistic techniques, as well as an overall discussion on how our different programs handle medications, special needs, dietary issues, first aid, and other emergency procedures

I am the healthcare specialist at San Mateo Outdoor Ed. I have worked there for the past 5 years. I am currently taking prerequisite classes for nursing school.

2M Who Are You? Techniques for Fostering Inclusivity in Outdoor Ed Angela Kemsley

Have you ever felt out of place? Students are often out of their element at outdoor school, especially those who have any kind of difference. In this workshop we will go through a series of exercises to recognize stereotypes in outdoor ed and learn teaching techniques to shatter those stereotypes and foster inclusivity among students and staff.

Angie has many years of experience as a hike leader at Cuyamaca Outdoor School in San Diego. San Diego is a very diverse region so she has had to learn how to deal with many stereotypes over the years. She is also the Inclusivity Committee Chair for AEOE.

2N Marking Things Paul Krafel

Marking things freezes a position in time. By checking back minutes or hours or days later, we discover if that thing is the way it always is or whether it is changing and at what rate. Kids experience that the world is changing all around them.

I helped found and still teach at Chrysalis Charter School, a K-8 science and nature, teacher-led school. Wrote Seeing Nature (Chelsea Green) and made a movie, The Upward Spiral. Keynote speaker at former AEOE conference. National Park naturalist for 7 years.

2O From Campfire to Boardroom; The Path from Naturalist to Executive Director Chris S Cameron

Looking for a pay raise but want to stay in the same discipline? Explore the job and daily life of EE Administration, and discover the skill sets required to run a successful program. Your path to administration might be a direct shot or a windy path! Learn the dramatic differences and responsibilities between "having" a boss and "being" the boss, and see if this type of leadership is for you!

Chris is the Executive Director of Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria. Before that he was a CREEC network coordinator, before that he was a naturalist, before that... Chris loves to mentor staff and encourage them to positions of leadership. His hobby is falconry.

WORKSHOP BLOCK 3 (Sat. 3:10 – 4:40) 3A Ticks and Lyme Disease in California - Get the Facts and Keep Your Community Safe in the Face of

this Growing Epidemic Dan Salkeld

Lyme disease is the fastest-growing vector-borne disease in the United States and tick season is year-round in California. Kids and naturalists need to develop heightened vigilance around ticks and tick bites. This workshop will give administrators and naturalists the latest hard facts on Lyme, plus offer kid-relevant materials that naturalists can use immediately to keep your community safe. Although primarily a research-based entity, Bay Area Lyme Foundation is committed to preventing the spread of Lyme through educational outreach.

Dr. Salkeld, Lecturer & Research Associate, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment Professor, Colorado State University, has been studying the community ecology of wildlife disease, particularly host-parasite systems, and the implications for conservation and public health. His postdoctoral work has focused extensively on Lyme disease in the woodland communities of California and the role of western gray squirrels as a reservoir host. He is also exploring the impacts of land use change on the ecology and emergence of infectious diseases. Dr. Salkeld is a co-author, with Nate Nieto, of the highly publicized Bay Area Tick Study, documenting Borrelia bacteria prevalence in the greater Bay Area. Jo Ellis, Director of Educational Outreach at BAL will offer practical protocols and tools to help protect your programs against the epidemic of Lyme.

3B EE leading the way with Next Generation Science Standards Lynn Barakos & Kevin Beals

The NGSS are a 180 shift from old standards. Emphasis is now on students making observations, asking questions, making explanations from evidence, and focusing on big ideas - yes! By aligning thoughtfully with NGSS, we can dramatically improve experiences for students. BEETLES & ChangeScale will unpack important features of this often intimidating document, and model using them to improve teaching outdoors. Learn how NGSS can provide EE programs with the opportunity raise their profile in the education community. It’s about time!

Lynn is a professional development specialist and senior staff member at UC Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science. She is a developer and instructor for the BEETLES professional learning program and has co-led three institutes for leaders of environmental residential outdoor science schools. She has extensive experience developing and presenting adult learning experiences around inquiry-based science teaching and the NGSS.

3C Oil, More Than Just a Lubricant Dean Thompson

For the past 3 generations the human race has lived in the oil age. What are the costs and/or benefits of this lifestyle. Will it continue? Can it continue? Come hear answers to these questions and increase your knowledge about fossil fuels. Through a combination of lecture and discussion you will gain information key to intelligently discuss and teach about issues such as alternative energy, fracking, offshore oil and our energy future in the face of climate change.

Dean Thompson is Lead Naturalist for KEEP Ocean and has been a wildlife biologist, naturalist and storyteller for over 30 years. Winner of the Howard Bell Award and member of AEOE for over 25 years he has presented at many AEOE conferences. Our reliance on fossil fuels has always been a fascination for him.

3D What Difference do we make?

Jessica Hewitt

What difference does 3-5 days of residential education actually have on students? I will be sharing my masters project regarding this question and related prior research. Come be inspired by learning the tremendous impact that outdoor education has on children.

I attended my first AEOE conference as an intern at Foothill Horizons Outdoor School in 2003. I managed to hang on to a permanent naturalist position and keep learning. As a naturalist, I completed my teaching credential, and recently, my masters (hence the research). I love that laughter, joy, wonder and magic that emanates from the children in nature.

3E Hands-on Human Ecology for the Next Generation Susan Courey

Discover interdisciplinary activities to explore global population trends, carrying capacity, human impacts on environment systems and paths to sustainability. Engage in memorable lessons designed to meet the Next Generation Science Standards and California’s state standards for social studies, math and science.

Susan Courey is an Assistant Professor in San Francisco State University’s Department of Special Education. She is also a volunteer facilitator of workshops using Population Education curricula.

3F Flow Learning: The Art & Science of Sharing Nature with others Gregory M Traymar

Dynamic enthusiasm and focused attention are the two ingredients necessary for deep learning in nature to occur. In this workshop we will practice Flow Learning, an outdoor teaching strategy that guides others to uplifting and deeply meaningful nature experiences. Through Nature Activities that make learning fun and memorable, students will emerge with a fresh and renwed inspiration for teaching.

Greg Traymar is the International Director for Sharing Nature Worldwide. He was personally trained by Joseph Cornell to share these methods around the world. He has given trainings in Austrailia, Canada, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Hong Kong and Thailand.

3G Nature Journaling for Naturalists Emilie "Dipper" Lygren

For centuries naturalists and scientists have explored the world through the pages of their journals. In this workshop, join them. In a workshop focused on our own learning experience we will engage in focused nature study and practice methods to expand our observation. Leave with a heightened ability to learn about any landscape or organism. Deepen your relationship with the natural world through attention. No experience required. Bring a pencil and a journal!

Naturalist, writer, and educator Emilie Lygren loves exploring the world through the pages of her journal. She is a co-author of The Laws Guide to Nature Journaling, a curriculum development specialist with the BEETLES Project, an instructor at Exploring New Horizons at Pigeon Point, and a published poet.

3H Conflict Resolution: Can't We All Just Get Along? Alison "Shade" Irwin

If you believe in peaceful solutions and communicating issues to build a stronger community, than this workshop is for you! Yes, you! In this workshop, we will learn, play with, and practice some effective processes to helping students understand each other, resolve issues, and redefine conflict as a constructive means to a peaceful end. Come ready to share, absorb, get silly, and leave feeling like we really are in this together.

I work at San Mateo Outdoor Education. I love dogs and birds, dancing and singing, and spaghetti and meatballs. Come find me and say hello.

3I Aquatic Life Ann-Margaret Githinji

This class is designed to teach tips and tricks on how to make learning about water and what lives in it more interactive. Topics that will be covered include water chemistry, watersheds, aquatic food chains and a day in the life of a salmon. Many educational games included to make sure students of multiple learning styles benefit. Come and learn more about important topics that everyone should understand, especially during the intense drought.

I was born in Nairobi, Kenya and moved to southern Illinois in 2001. I attended Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois where I completed a BA in Biology and a BA in Psychology in 2012. Currently, I am a Naturalist at Mission Springs Outdoor Education in Scotts Valley, just north of Santa Cruz. During my childhood my parents enabled me to foster a love for the outdoors and nature through Safari trips and exciting days at the game park. Since then, I have always found ways to explore nature and how things work. Today, I am happy to be able to share that love for the outdoors with young minds through education.

3K Pro Scopes: Integrating Outdoor Ed with Technology and Science Katie Andersen

Does technology have a place in Outdoor Education? Come investigate nature using a Pro Scope and decide for yourself. You will be able to use a wireless magnification scope and iPads to "view like a scientist." You will also get a chance to demo a NGSS lesson AND have time to create your own- using appropriate technology for outdoor education. Come to explore and "think like a scientist!"

Katie Andersen is a graduate of Sonoma State University's Environmental Studies department. She is also a credentialed teacher. Katie is currently an Outdoor Education Program Specialist at the San Diego County Office of Ed.'s Camp Cuyamaca, where she has taught for 11 years. She also serves as secretary on the AEOE Statewide Board of Directors. She's a nice lady.

3L Discovering Life Cycles in the Garden Sean Hoppes

Join us in unraveling the mysteries of life in the garden! Catch insects and gather evidence of plant stages to create your own life cycle model. Take home a student activity that can be done in any garden or natural area with flowering plants.

Sean Hoppes has been an educator at Walker Creek Ranch for 7 years. He has spent much time in the garden refining educational experiences for students. His passion is interweaving teamwork, student-centered science learning, and nature appreciation for the best student experience possible.

3N Keeping the Magic Alive Steve Van Zandt

From stories of inspiration and magic to teaching ideas that you can use tomorrow, this workshop is designed to renew your love for the art of teaching. We will look at outdoor ed. guiding principles each with hands on examples to explain, ways to infuse a theme, “Framing� ,“Kinesthetic Focusers� and an understanding of the classics. (This workshop includes past workshops but always with new ideas)

Steve Van Zandt is Site Director of SMOE, singer songwriter, author in the Banana Slug String Band. He has been a k-7 classroom teacher and a naturalist. He has been an outdoor education workshop presenter for over thirty years. He enjoys surfing, river rafting and vegan cooking. He has three children, 25 year old twins and a 27 year old.

3O Wild Edibles: Foraging for Supper Jessica Holloway

In this workshop we will explore the wild and delicious diversity of foods growing right outside your door. We will sample some wild edibles of the area, discuss tools for sharing this fun activity with students and take a hike to learn about the weeds, fungi and seeds all around us. The where, what and how of ethical harvesting will be included. Let's eat!

Jessica Holloway is the Education Assistant for LandPaths' outdoor education program IOOBY (In Our Own Back Yard), which connects over 1000 students in Sonoma County to a public open space near them. She has worked as an outdoor educator for the past 8 years, care-takes a 500 acre preserve and loves nothing more than foraging on the trail with friends.

WORKSHOP BLOCK 4 (Sun. 8:45 – 10:15)

4A Outdoors for All Abilities Erika Weikel

Outdoor Schools and Educators have the unique opportunity to give students with Special Needs a life-changing experience. Too often, instead of excelling and giving students of All Abilities the experience of immersion in nature, students with Special Needs are left behind. They are limited to on-campus adventures, passed between groups, not given an opportunity to bond with one group of peers, given multiple craft projects and not included on hikes. Come learn how to be part of a solution.

I have been working with people of All Abilities for over 18 years in outdoor settings and in schools. Familiar with adaptive kayaking, hiking, climbing, and archery . For the past 10 years I have loved working as an Outdoor Education Program Specialist at Cuyamaca Outdoor School. My BS degree is in Psychology and Biology.

4B 15 Ways to No Complaining Just Sustaining in 2015 Kris Cram

In 15 ways to no complaining just sustaining in 2015 we will look over 15 examples/elements of ways to add methods of sustainability to your location, program, or personal life. We will go over how to get started in each of these areas, ways to keep the cost down (or free), and how some of these could turn into ways to generate revenue.

Kris is from Pine Valley, Ca and enjoys sharing his passion for homesteading, outdoors, and permaculture. 4C Young Citizen Scientists

Nicole Barden

In this workshop we will discuss ways to use citizen science websites and tools in an Environmental Education setting. Citizen science is a way for everyday people to collect real data in their own backyards, parks, and EE campuses. We will be focusing on iNaturalist.org and ebird.org and would love to hear about your favorite citizen science project!

Nicole works as an Environmental Educator at Pepperwood Preserve in Santa Rosa. She leads field trips and visits classrooms of students in 1st-6th grade and also runs a teen internship in the summer. She is also a huge bird nerd!

4D Positive Discipline Bonnie Frieden

For educators who want to be thoughtful about their discipline techniques, this workshop will ask vital questions about the goals we have when we correct student behavior, and whether or not traditional discipline methods truly help us to meet those goals.

We will discuss the theory of Positive Discipline, as well as many practical tools and tips, that can help us to effectively deal with misbehavior while teaching social skills, responsibility, and encouraging students at the same time.

Bonnie is a senior naturalist at San Joaquin Outdoor School who serves as acting director in the evenings. She has been working to improve her discipline style for the past two years. Her workshop is based on the principles laid out by Jane Nelson in her best-selling book, "Positive Discipline".

4G Exploring Creek Critters Bree Arthur & Jessica Holloway

This activity looks at animals that live in streams (aquatic macroinvertebrates) to determine the relative health of a particular waterway. The presence or absence of certain species of macroinvertebrates in a particular stream or river is commonly used by aquatic biologists as an indicator of the level of pollution in that stream. A healthy stream has a mixture of Class 1,2 and 3 organisms.

Since 2006 Bree has worked as LandPaths In Our Own Backyard Education Director. Previously she worked as a Summer Youth Crew Leader and Supervisor in Oregon and spent Oregon summers tracking lamprey in the Willamette River. She loves water and can most often be found in or near it with her husband and son and dogs.

4H Techno Birding: Birding in the 21st Century Ryan Price

Bringing birds into the outdoor education lesson can be an easy and effective way to engage your students. First we’ll learn some bird identification techniques, how to use technology to teach bird adaptations, how to survey for birds around your campus, and then how to use Ebird. We’ll do a bird walk and talk about setting up point-count surveys and how to integrate technology in the outdoor classroom with bird guide apps, bird tunes, birdlog and ebird.

I got into birding around 2009/2010. I Started using Ebird right away to keep my lists for me. I've been avidly birding since then, and have been doing wildlife photography also. I like to teach people about birds, and spent a summer leading birdwalks at Mono Lake. I talk about birds a lot at Camp Green Meadows where I work.

4I The Case of the Disappearing Log Kevin Beals & Emilie Lygren

There are decomposing logs all over the place, and each one is a mystery to be investigated. In this new B.E.E.T.L.E.S. activity, students assume the roles of detectives faced with a nature mystery. Where did the log come from, what’s happening to it? They use evidence from the scene and a Decomposing Log Key to identify possible suspects as they come up with their explanation for what is causing the log to “disappear.�

Kevin is director of B.E.E.T.L.E.S. & 7 year ROSS naturalist. In 27 years at Lawrence Hall of Science, he has authored more than 90 published curriculum guides, children's books, and professional development videos. He has conducted more than 250 professional development workshops, institutes and keynote addresses locally, nationally and internationally. He has recorded 2 science music albums.

4K Old School Botany, New School Teaching: Geeking with Latin and Greek, Plant Lore and More. Jeremy Miller

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi got your tongue tied? We'll go on an old-school native plant walk and blend in new-school teaching as we geek out on plants and take a beginner level romp through Latin and Greek scientific names. Classical botany is still relevant (and fun)! Learn how to learn plants in a way that you will remember and want to share.

Jeremy has been sharing his love of the natural world since his internship at SMOE. Since then he taught both in and out of the classroom, ranging from outdoor school in the Swiss Alps to an 8th grade classroom in the Bay Area. He is presently a lecturer in the Department of Science Education at CSU Chico.

4L Garden Activity Hodgepodge Sean Hoppes

Join us in the garden to compare composting to your digestive system, make your own honeybee observations, catch garden friends and foes, eat like a goat, recall scent memories, make and eat a garden salad, and conduct a scientific mini-investigation! Share your own favorite garden activity in a short discussion at the end.

Sean has been an educator at Walker Creek Ranch for 7 years. He has spent much time in the garden refining educational experiences for students. His passion is interweaving teamwork, student-centered science learning, and nature appreciation for the best student experience possible.

4M Climate 101: Incorporating Climate Change into Environmental Education Dorea "Polaris" Martin

Do you stay away from teaching climate change because it is such a big, overwhelming topic? It's not all doom and gloom--we can empower our students to make a difference! This workshop will break down the science and provide activities that you can use with your students.

Dorea Martin has been an environmental educator for nine years and is a Teacher Naturalist at Westminster Woods. She is a student in Hamline University's MAEd: Natural Science and Environmental Education program and is working on her thesis, "How Can the Relationship Between Climate Change and the Redwood Forest be Incorporated into 5th and 6th Grade Outdoor Education Programs?"

4N Talk BIrdy to Me Ian “Ibis” Gledhill

You know you want to talk birdy. Maybe you have been too nervous in the past. Maybe when the time was right, you let the moment flit away, never to be seen again. Let Ibis guide you into the smooth realm of birdy talk. You can learn birdy, you can be birdy, you can talk birdy! Bring your knockers if you got 'em!

Ibis has been a naturalist for 15 seasons and has worked as a classroom science teacher for two years. Ibis is a founding member of the Woodleaf Legacy Birding Team. The WLBT is birding around the world to raise money for bird education at Shady Creek Outdoor School. Follow "Birding to Awaken Wonder" on facebook to track their progress!

4O The Solution Rises Every Day - Discover Solar Tor Allen

In this workshop, we'll share several fun & engaging activities designed to introduce your students to the prime energy source on Earth, the Sun. Making electricity from sunlight to power motors, fans, radios, music, lights, pumps…will ignite their interest. Cooking food and creating solar art with the sun’s heat will stretch the imagination. Participants will receive a copy of the Your Solar Home Educational Supplement.

Founder & Executive Director of The Rahus Institute, Tor lives/works in a Net-Zero Energy , carbon-neutral, work/live space in Sebastopol, CA. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Tor has over 20 years of experience in the renewable energy field. His current focus is on Solar Schoolhouse, a hands-on, project-based solar in schools program

WORKSHOP BLOCK 5 (Sun. 10:20 – 11:10)

5A Dreaming big -- in pursuit of K-8 goals and standards for outdoor education

Irene Salter & Paul Krafel

What if your outdoor science and nature program lasted 9 years instead of one week? Imagine the possibilities. What foundations would you develop in kindergarten? What would an 8th grader be capable of? Chrysalis Charter School, a K-8 charter school with deep roots in outdoor education, is attempting to write field study standards and guiding questions to answer these questions and more. Come join the discussion and dream big about the future of outdoor science and nature education.

Irene and Paul are the co-administrators (of Chrysalis Charter School). Irene has a wide range of experiences including research scientist, middle school science teacher, university professor, curriculum developer, and teacher of teachers. Paul is one of the founders of Chrysalis and the author of Seeing Nature: Deliberate encounters with the visible world.

5B The Medicine Wheel: A new way to explore common medicinal plants of California Elizabeth Sabo & Bree Arthur

Modern medicines are derived from plants all over the world and California is host to many of them. Learn about common medicinal plants by playing the Medicine Wheel: an interactive game that allows you to apply your senses. Touch, smell, taste, and see some common California plant healers. Discover how to make your own medicines and discuss how we can heal, and be healed by, the natural world around us.

Beth has served as LandPaths' Education Coordinator since 2012. With over a decade of experience in conservation land management and environmental education, she is passionate about connecting people more deeply with the natural world around them through experience, stewardship, wildcrafting, and art.

5C Upcycling and Plastic Pollution Rachel Kippen

How to creatively engage students in resource evaluation by shifting how they define 'waste' through upcycling single-use plastic items.

I am the Program Manager for Save Our Shores, which is a non profit organization based out of Santa Cruz. Our mission is Caring for the Marine Environment through Ocean Awareness, Advocacy and Action. I am extremely passionate about plastic pollution, and the effect it is having on our systems as a whole.

5D Rocks, Animals, Plants, & People: A Social Studies and Science Perspective Bob Pinto

To many times it appears we teach, and our students learn, academic subject areas in isolation. I propose that we can combine elementary grade science and social studies state standards. We will examine local Native American life-ways and learn to integrate them with science concepts in ecology, biology, geology, and botany. Notes, questions, and activities will be encouraged. Ideal for outdoor and indoor instruction.

With degrees in education and forestry and his experimental archaeology experience and ethno-ecology Bob currently teaches and consults in pre-historical material cultures and life ways of native groups in California, Nevada, and Mesoamerica as well as contemporary forestry practices, at schools, museums, and camps. He began his teaching experience at Scicon some years ago.

5E Principles of Resume Building and Design Neil Richardson

This workshop is intended to teach the principles of graphic design and how to apply them to your resume. Many of us work seasonally, and that means applying to many jobs over the course of the year. Learn how to make your resume and other graphic endeavors stand out from the crowd.

I am a naturalist and village leader at San Mateo Outdoor Education.

5G Birds of Prey: Setting up a Raptor Program vs becoming a licensed Falconer Chris Cameron

Study of apex predators, like hawks, owls, and falcons, is critical for understanding how natural systems function. Learn the laws, ethics, costs and responsibilities of setting up a raptor program at your site. Explore the process of becoming a falconer. There will be at least one live raptor at the presentation.

Chris is the Executive Director of Camp Ocean Pines and a licensed falconer. 5H Team Development Through Non-Verbal Communication

Tommy "Spider" McNamara

A team development program where we do the activities as if we're students and discuss them as educators. There is, however, a catch. All the activities will be non-verbally based requiring the use of other forms of communication in order to accomplish our goals.

Tommy is originally from Scituate, Massachusetts but has spent the last five years in California, earning his degree and working at an outdoor school. Currently he lives and works in Sonora, California at the Sierra Outdoor School.

5I What do We Want Our Students Leave With?

Benjamin Nelson

As Environmental and Outdoor Educators we teach natural history and scientific weekly, but what do our students really leave with? What impression has been left on them? This workshop is hoping to focus on the non-scientific, non-outdoor skills that the students develop in their time at our schools. Responsibility, maturity, independence, social skills, and more will be discussed (really whatever we bring up). Please bring pen and paper and I look forward to talking to you there.

5K Nature through a New Lense Jocelyn "Snail" Berkowitz

Through studying aesthetics and human beings' natural draw to what is beautiful, I plan to discuss the importance of nature and our mental/physical health. Through understanding this historical relationship and human tendencies, we can cultivate a deeper connection of students to the outdoors. We will participate in activities that will range from fun and exploratory to observational and introspective to maximize the potential of students outdoor experiences.

Jocelyn studied History of Art, Design and Visual Cultures at the University of Alberta. Through a series of crazy random happenstances, Jocelyn has found herself in the field of Outdoor Education. She taught as a Naturalist in Colorado last year and is currently working as a Naturalist Intern at the Sierra Outdoor School.

5L What is a watershed? Amy "Algae" Glover

Watersheds can be a tricky concept to understand and teach. This workshop will consist of a discussion and a few activities on how to get students to fully understand what a watershed is. The activities will include building your own watershed, mapping your watershed, and a few watershed games.

Amy is a California transplant originally from Michigan. She has a background in Marine Science and is currently working as the field coordinator for Camp SEA Lab located in the Monterey Bay area. She has a passion for teaching, traveling and anything outdoors!

5M How to be an EE lifer! Jesse "Mr. Squid" Robinson

This discussion is meant to provide space for professional naturalists, veteran or otherwise, to share concerns and advice about staying in the business for life. I will model discussion facilitation techniques learned at the BEETLES California Leadership Institute.

Jesse first attended AEOE in 2006, where he met his wife and realized that he'd be a lifer. He is an Environmental Educator for Pepperwood, a private non-profit preserve outside of Santa Rosa. He recently earned an MAT from USF, and has worked as a naturalist for both KEEP campuses and The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre.

5N The Unseen Scene: Find your Ground Lindsay Reich

Intuitively, we all experience the calm and peaceful effect of being out in nature. In the Unseen Scene, we will practice a sequence of activities that reveal the teachings of Tree within our own body. By integrating the Next Generation Science Standards, this workshop fully addresses the heart and mind of Nature. You will learn how to incorporate wellness themes into your outdoor educational teachings, imparting your students with both knowledge and an embodied experience of nature connection.

Lindsay is a Naturalist at the Point Bonita YMCA, and at the forefront of the emerging shift towards a wellness based outdoor educational program. With a background in dance and environmental studies, and training with the Tamalpa Institute, a program in movement based expressive arts therapy, Lindsay brings a new and exciting wellness perspective to the Pt. Bonita Y.

5O Do What You Say: Building Trust Between Students and Adults Tim Camuti

Trust can be built on a ropes course, but is often used to manipulate or break trust between students and adults. Join us to learn techniques to build trust between adults and students through repetition and expectation setting, rather than breaking trust through pressure and manipulation.

Tim has been working through trust issues by climbing since 1990 and working ropes courses since 1996. He has worked ropes courses, summer camps, and been a classroom teacher and Peace Corps volunteer over the last 20 years. He has been at Coloma Outdoor Discovery School since 2009.

Map Key

A – Fireside Room B – Buckeye Room C – Carson Room D – Life Lab E – Muir Room F – Barn

G – Main Amphitheater/ Campfire H – Amphitheater 2 (by ball field) I – Peace Pole J – Buckeye Meadow

K – Ball Field L – Garden M – Maple Lawn N – Horse Tail Meadow O – Tables Outside Dining Hall