Taboo is titillating. Engage learners with a hands-on wildlife ecology activity that uses measurement and modeling to recreate accurate scat samples from edible, classroom-safe dough. Participants will practice the full activity, discuss extensions for different grade levels, consider accommodations for allergies and diverse learning needs, and explore ways to integrate the lesson into STEM, natural resources, and environmental education programs. Leave equipped with a ready-to-use, standards‑aligned activity that sparks curiosity and invites learners to investigate the natural world.
4-H Youth Development Agent, Clemson Extension - Oconee 4-H
Lil Ledford came to Oconee 4‑H in 2024 from a background in archaeology and over a decade of experience teaching outdoor environmental education at Blandy Experimental Farm. She now creates hands-on STEM and natural resources programs that make science accessible, engaging, and... Read More →
Come and experience several NASA created environmental related games to gain a greater understanding of the planet Earth and its place in our solar system. Participants will also explore numerous NASA environmental online resources to learn about the Earth's atmosphere, water resources, land use, weather & climate, and much more. Time will also be spent comparing Earth's with its closest planet neighbors - Mars and Venus.
Dr. Donovan is a veteran STEM educator with more than 50 years of teaching experience spanning grades 4 through graduate school. A NASA Educator and current Adjunct Science Education Professor at USC Upstate, he has delivered over 400 professional workshops and presentations focused... Read More →
Learn about a real history-changing trip while you learn to make a compass so easy even an adult can dot it! All materials supplied, but if you already have a nature journal, you may want to bring it along to capture the essence of the voyage.
Tom Mancke has been the Naturalist-in-Residence at a large independent school in Columbia for 38 years. He has been an observer and "user" of nature ever since he was a child, and enjoys sharing this passion for Natural History with others, as long as he can tell a good story and... Read More →
Join members of the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina Board of Directors and staff for an interactive update on the current work, direction, and future of EEASC. This session will highlight key programs and initiatives, including Green Step Schools, PEEC, professional development opportunities, regional meetups and partnerships advancing environmental literacy across South Carolina. Participants will also learn more about recent board activities, strategic priorities, and opportunities to become more involved in the organization through committee work, leadership roles, and board service. Whether you are a longtime member or new to EEASC, this session is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, share ideas, and help shape the future of environmental education in South Carolina.
Connect with environmental educators and partners from your region during these informal EEASC sectional meetups. These gatherings provide an opportunity to network, share ideas and resources, discuss regional opportunities and challenges, and strengthen connections within the environmental education community across South Carolina. Whether you are a classroom teacher, nonformal educator, agency partner, student, or volunteer, sectional meetups are a great way to build relationships and learn more about how to become involved with Environmental Education Association of South Carolina programs and activities in your area.
EEASC Central Section Director, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, UGA
Holly is an Environmental Educator with the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. With degrees in Biology and Horticulture, she is passionate about native plants, school gardens, and environmental outreach. Holly enjoys connecting people with nature through hands-on education, live animal... Read More →
Connect with environmental educators and partners from your region during these informal EEASC sectional meetups. These gatherings provide an opportunity to network, share ideas and resources, discuss regional opportunities and challenges, and strengthen connections within the environmental education community across South Carolina. Whether you are a classroom teacher, nonformal educator, agency partner, student, or volunteer, sectional meetups are a great way to build relationships and learn more about how to become involved with Environmental Education Association of South Carolina programs and activities in your area.
Elizabeth “E.V.” Bell is Program Coordinator for the EEASC, supporting Green Step Schools and statewide professional development programs. Formerly with the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, she developed the nationally recognized Palmetto Environmental Education Certification... Read More →
Connect with environmental educators and partners from your region during these informal EEASC sectional meetups. These gatherings provide an opportunity to network, share ideas and resources, discuss regional opportunities and challenges, and strengthen connections within the environmental education community across South Carolina. Whether you are a classroom teacher, nonformal educator, agency partner, student, or volunteer, sectional meetups are a great way to build relationships and learn more about how to become involved with Environmental Education Association of South Carolina programs and activities in your area.
Western Section Director, Watershed Ecology Center - USC Upstate
Samantha Hart is an environmental educator with the Watershed Ecology Center at University of South Carolina Upstate. She holds degrees in Forest Resources and Environmental and Natural Resources from Clemson University and has experience in environmental field research, soils instruction... Read More →
We are honored to welcome Glenis Redmond as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Environmental Education Association of South Carolina Conference. A poet, teaching artist, performer, and imagination activist, Glenis is Greenville, South Carolina’s inaugural Poet Laureate and a 2025 recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Through poetry, storytelling, and reflections on place, community, and the natural world, Glenis inspires audiences to listen deeply, observe closely, and reconnect with the stories that shape our lives and landscapes. Her work explores themes of heritage, resilience, culture, and the beauty of the South Carolina environment. She is the author of numerous acclaimed works, including Over Yonder: A Poet’s Exploration of South Carolina State Parks I, The Song of Everything: A Poet’s Exploration of South Carolina State Parks II, The Listening Skin, and Praise Songs for Dave the Potter. Grounded in the power of words, human connection, and sense of place, Glenis’s keynote will challenge and encourage attendees to see environmental education through a creative and deeply personal lens. Her words and experiences are sure to inspire educators, advocates, and lifelong learners alike.
This session explores lessons from Action For A Cleaner Tomorrow, a SC curriculum supplement that helps students explore their Environment with hands-on activities.Participants will receive the "Action" notebook, aligned to the SC Science Standards, along with Environmental Posters. Lessons on Recycling, Composting, Air, Water, Energy and Litter Prevention are presented.The "Action" lessons integrate the Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) and follow the 5E Model.The "Action" lessons supports the Conserve, Protect and Restore steps to the Green Steps projects.
Mary Margaret Mendenhall is the Teacher Trainer for the Action For A Cleaner Tomorrow Environmental Curriculum.Her passion and enthusiasm for Recycling and the Environment is evident in the way she presents pertinent information to teachers.Mary Margaret has a BS and MED from Winthrop... Read More →
Designing Nature: Student-Built Sustainable Gardens highlights how students transformed a school courtyard into a living outdoor classroom through interdisciplinary learning and hands-on design. Agriculture, engineering, astronomy, art, and environmental science classes collaborated to plan and build a native-plant garden that supports biodiversity and sustainability. Students mapped the local watershed, created light-intensity maps using astronomy concepts, designed artistic features such as murals, and applied agricultural practices to establish healthy native plant systems. This session shares how real-world problem solving, design thinking, and cross-disciplinary collaboration empowered students to build a functional, beautiful, and sustainable space while developing scientific, technical, and creative skills.
Science Teacher/ Robotics Coach, Blue Ridge High School
Dr. Deborah Ezell is a STEM educator at Blue Ridge High School who brings engineering, marine science, and sustainability to life through hands-on learning. She leads robotics teams, develops PLTW engineering programs, and guides students in real-world projects—from ROV design to... Read More →
Melissa Campion is a science educator dedicated to engaging students through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. She focuses on connecting classroom science to real-world environmental and sustainability topics while encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and curiosity in the... Read More →
Join State Bat Biologist, Jennifer Kindel, to learn more about the state of South Carolina’s 15 species of bats and what the SCDNR bat program has accomplished thus far. Then we’ll ask for your help and ideas, and provide some of our own, to better educate South Carolinians on the importance of these fascinating and beneficial creatures in decline.
Jennifer Kindel serves as the SCDNR State Bat Biologist and manages federally funded bat projects to understand, manage, and protect populations of our state's secretive and beneficial flying mammals. She grew up on a farm in Oregon, received her master's in Wildlife Biology from... Read More →
Conversation Cafés are informal networking spaces designed to help conference attendees build deeper connections and continue meaningful conversations sparked throughout the conference. Whether you met someone during a session, field experience, meal, or networking event, this is your opportunity to sit down, share ideas, exchange resources, collaborate, and connect with others who share your interests and passions in environmental education. Come enjoy relaxed conversation, new perspectives, and the community that makes Environmental Education Association of South Carolina conferences so special.
Join us for one of the most fun and social parts of the conference! Social Time, Exhibits, and the Silent Auction are the perfect opportunity to relax, reconnect with friends, meet new colleagues, and celebrate the amazing environmental education community across South Carolina. During the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to visit with EEASC conference sponsors and exhibitors whose generous support helps make the conference possible. Be sure to stop by, learn about their organizations and programs, and thank them for investing in environmental education across our state. You can also browse and bid in the Silent Auction featuring unique items, outdoor gear, educational resources, artwork, experiences, and more — all while supporting the work of Environmental Education Association of South Carolina. Whether you are bidding on your favorite item, networking with colleagues, or simply enjoying great conversation, there is something for everyone during this lively conference tradition!
Join us for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and community at the EEASC Awards Banquet. Each year, Environmental Education Association of South Carolina recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations, schools, and partners who have made significant contributions to environmental education and stewardship across South Carolina. The banquet provides an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work being done throughout the state while enjoying fellowship with colleagues and friends from across the environmental education community. From innovative educators and dedicated volunteers to impactful programs and community leaders, the awards highlight the passion, creativity, and commitment that continue to strengthen environmental literacy in South Carolina. Come celebrate this year’s honorees, reflect on the impact of environmental education, and enjoy an evening filled with connection, appreciation, and inspiration.
