EEASC 2026 Conference Camp Compass: Full Schedule

9:30am EDT

Hands-On Stream Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Certification

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:30am - 4:00pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

**This event requires seperate registration**Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/YJnERvTY3c This training will provide classroom and hands-on instruction for volunteer monitors on how to select a monitoring site, use equipment properly, collect and identify aquatic macroinvertebrates, analyze water quality, enter data, determine stream conditions and practice safety in the...
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Speakers

Lexi Thomason Toole

SC Department of Environmental Services

Lexi Thomason Toole is a Program Coordinator with South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream, supporting volunteer stream monitoring, watershed education, and community engagement initiatives across the state. She works with educators, students, and citizen scientists to promote stewardship and... Read More →

Jaclin DuRant

SC Department of Environmental Services

Jaclin DuRant is the SC Adopt-a-Stream Program Coordinator with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. Based in Anderson, SC, she leads volunteer water monitoring and community science efforts across the state, helping connect communities to watershed stewardship... Read More →

Erin Rosebrock

SC Adopt-a-Stream Program Coordinator, SC Department of Environmental Services

Erin Rosebrock is an SC Adopt-a-Stream Program Coordinator with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, where she supports volunteer water quality monitoring and watershed stewardship initiatives across the state. Erin is passionate about community science and engaging... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:30am - 4:00pm EDT
USC Watershed Ecology Center 8000 Valley Falls Road Spartanburg, SC

Pre-Conference Event, No charge

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

2:00pm EDT

Pre-Conference Event: Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas

LIMITED

Tuesday June 16, 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

**This event requires seperate registration**Register here: https://eeasc.org/event-6636198The Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas is a community science project focused on tracking the bumble bees of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The Southeast is home to a wide range of bumble bee species, making it a great place to learn about and study them. Sadly, about a quarter of bumble bee...
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Tuesday June 16, 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Pre-Conference Event, No charge

9:00am EDT

Pre-Conference Event: Green Step Schools - Innovation and Creativity in Environmental Education

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

**This event requires seperate registration**Register here: https://eeasc.org/event-6636162 Join us for a Green Step Schools (GSS) pre-conference gathering as we celebrate accomplishments and highlight innovative sustainability projects. This is a valuable opportunity for educators and mentors to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen their work in environmental stewardship and sustainability...
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Speakers

Jane Hiller

Green Step Schools Coordinator, Environmental Education Association of SC

Jane Hiller directed Sonoco Recycling’s Education Center for 24 years, served on the board of the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina (EEASC) over 20 years and has coordinated the SC Green Step Schools Initiative since its inception in 2004. A graduate of both... Read More →

Elizabeth (E.V.) Bell

Program Coordinator, EEASC

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 →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Pre-Conference Event, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels K - 12

9:00am EDT

Pre-Conference Event: Nature Journaling Workshop

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Back Patio

**This event requires seperate registration**Register here: https://eeasc.org/event-6636516"Sketch" your imagination and creative muscles and join Beth Burkett for a nature journaling pre-conference workshop. During this session, participants learn how nature journaling can be used in a variety of outdoor spaces, ranging from backyards to public parks, to school grounds, to connect with the...
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Speakers

Beth Burkett

Interpretation and Stewardship Manager, Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Charleston County Park & Recreation Commision

Beth Burkett is the Interpretation and Stewardship Manager for the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission. Beth joined the agency in 2000 as an environmental educator and spent eighteen years teaching children to care for the natural and cultural resources found in their... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Back Patio 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Pre-Conference Event, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

9:00am EDT

Pre-Conference Event: Orienteering with the Palmetto Trail

LIMITED

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Back Patio

Limited Capacity seats available

**This event requires seperate registration**Register here: https://eeasc.org/event-6636581 Join EEASC in partnership with the Palmetto Trail for a dynamic, hands-on orienteering workshop at the 2026 Annual Conference. Led by Midlands Trail Coordinator Furman Miller and Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator Chris Barry, this session will introduce participants to foundational...
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Speakers

Chris Barry

Community Outreach Coordinator, Palmetto Trail

Chris Barry joined the Palmetto Conservation Foundation and the Palmetto Trail team in 2025. Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, he earned a Biology degree from Virginia Tech. Chris enjoys hiking, fishing, gardening, gaming, music, and spending time outdoors with family and frie... Read More →

Furman Miller

Volunteer Midlands Trail Coordinator, Palmetto Trail

Furman Miller joined the Palmetto Conservation Foundation and Palmetto Trail team in 2004. A Newberry native, he studied at Newberry College, the University of South Carolina, and Kennedy-Western University. Furman is active in Scouting, his church community, and enjoys restoring... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Back Patio 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Pre-Conference Event, No charge

12:00pm EDT

Registration

Wednesday June 17, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Rotunda Room 100

Wednesday June 17, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Rotunda Room 100 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

1:30pm EDT

AI: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

Artificial Intelligence (AI) must serve environmental education, not redefine it. Yet most professional development focuses on how to use AI, not whether or when we should. This interactive session examines AI through three lenses: the good, how it might support idea generation and data analysis; the bad, how it can mislead, oversimplify, or weaken authentic connection to people and place; and the...
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Speakers

Laura Beltran

Interpretive Naturalist, Nature Investigations, LLC

Laura Beltran is an interpretive naturalist and Certified Interpretive Guide who has worked in nonprofit and government agencies across the eastern U.S. She leads programs through Nature Investigations, LLC, and writes Reflections from the Field for interpretive professionals. She... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Informal Eductors
All age levels All age levels

1:30pm EDT

Compass and Outdoor Skills

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170

For this session, we will need an indoor space to do the primary compass education, and possibly the knots...if it is really hot out. We will also need outdoor space for the orienteering, setting up shelters and definitely the fire starting. However, if there is inclement weather, all can be done indoors. We will start off with parts of a compass and how to use it, discover...
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Speakers

Beth Button

Watershed Ecology Center

Beth grew up spending weekends and summers at her family cabin on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. She enjoyed animals, all things water and learning about being outdoors. She graduated college with degrees in studio art and elementary education with a specialization in... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

1:30pm EDT

Lessons from the Lorax: Activities for Young Ecologists

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

In this hands-on, interdisciplinary session, I will facilitate classroom activities that help elementary students explore interconnections in nature and introduce concepts of environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management. At the same time, these activities build academic skills in elementary mathematics, science, social studies and English language arts.After a brief introduction...
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Speakers

Brooke Hardin

University of South Carolina, Upstate

Brooke Hardin is Assistant Professor of Elementary Education at University of South Carolina Upstate, where she teaches future teachers. She was formerly a classroom teacher, media specialist and Literacy Curriculum Coordinator. Dr. Hardin is also a volunteer workshop facilitator... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

3:00pm EDT

Break

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

3:15pm EDT

Geocaching - A High Tech Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170

The presenter will talk about the hobby of Geocaching and how to incorporate it into Environmental Education programs. After this short talk, participants will track a nearby cache to get a feel for how to participate.

Speakers

John Ratterree

Operations Coordinator, The Watershed Ecology Center @ USC Upstate

John Ratterree, a retired science teacher currently working at the Watershed Ecology Center at USC Upstate, developed his passion for the outdoors through family camping trips and the Boy Scouts. One of the outdoor hobbies he enjoys is orienteering. Geocaching allows him to combine... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels
about <br>

3:15pm EDT

Slowing Down with Sit Spot: Where Wonder Grows

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

Sit Spot is a deceptively simple practice: participants return regularly to the same outdoor place to observe, reflect, and notice change over time. Yet research with former students reveals that this slow, recurring routine can foster deep environmental connection and long-term care for place. In this session, we will briefly explore key findings about Sit Spot’s enduring impact on holistic...
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Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels
about <br>

3:15pm EDT

Team Ecology Event for all 3rd Graders

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

Team Ecology: An educational adventure for third grade students that brings together a community for the purpose of teaching students about the importance of our environment and their role in protecting its future. This event is entirely run by volunteers and sponsored by local businesses who are investing in the future of our natural resources.

Speakers

Renee Gibbs

Laurens County Conservation District

Renee Gibbs is the District Coordinator for the Laurens County Conservation District.

Tanya Towne

Joe Adair Outdoor

Tanya Towne is a certified teacher and the director of the Joe Adair Outdoor Education Center and a graduate of the PEEC program.

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Informal Eductors
All age levels Elementary School

4:00pm EDT

Break

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

4:15pm EDT

Cramped Camps: Navigating Outdoor Education in Indoor Spaces

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

Within the world of environmental education, the obvious goal is to allow students to spend time in the environment....What do you do when that isn't possible? How do we as educators work to recreate the wonder of being outdoors when we are confined to classrooms, labs, and indoor workspaces? We will explore the effective use of space, thematic learning environments, storytelling, and other...
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Speakers

John Schmid

Spartanburg Science Center

John is the Director of Education at the Spartanburg Science Center and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus in Organizational Leadership. Passionate about thematic design and exhibit development, he integrates storytelling, creative problem-solving, and innovative... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Informal Educators
All age levels Early Childhood/Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School
about John is the Director of Education at the Spartanburg Science Center and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus in Organizational Leadership. Passionate about thematic design and exhibit development, he integrates storytelling, creative problem-solving, and innovative thinking to create engaging lessons and immersive learning environments.

4:15pm EDT

Engaging Older Adults Through Purposeful Workshops

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

Older adults are an eager, curious, and deeply engaged population ready to explore the world in new ways. Many now have the time to dive into environmental and science topics they once set aside—and an added bonus is they can bring grandchildren along for the adventure. Research shows young adults and children thrive socially and emotionally when learning alongside a trusted mentor that helps...
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Speakers

Lucy Woodhouse

Lifelong Learning at Wofford

Lucy Woodhouse has spent 20 years creating programs for older adults across the Carolinas and beyond. Now Director of Lifelong Learning at Wofford, she helped launch the program after leading OLLI at Furman. She’s known for her passion, high energy, creative problem‑solving, and... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Informal
All age levels All age levels

4:15pm EDT

There is an ENVIRONMENT in the Clouds too!

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170

Looking for a new avenue and partner for Environmental Education? It may be right in your city or town and one that you may never think about! Learn how a local non-profit reached out to an airport and developed one of the most creative program for students 16-20 years of age. It is totally scholarship for the students and has touched well over 100 students and counting....
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Speakers

Mary Levens

Spartanburg Science Center

Mary taught for 43 years in public schools, retiring in 2015 to a job at the Spartanburg Science Center. In January 2020, she accepted the position of Executive Director and continues to this day. During her time in the classroom, she used science as the center of her classroom... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels High School, College/University

6:00pm EDT

Members' Family Camp at Goodall Center: Picnic, Mill Tour, Bats

Wednesday June 17, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

**This event is free to our members. There is a $20 fee for non EEASC members to cover the cost of the dinner and the other activities.**Join our members for an evening of food, fellowship, and outdoor exploration at the Goodall Environmental Studies Center. Set along the beautiful Lawson’s Fork Creek, this relaxed “Family Camp” experience is designed to build connections while...
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Speakers

Jennifer Kindel

SC Dept of Natural Resources

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 →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

8:00am EDT

Registration

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Rotunda Room 100

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Rotunda Room 100 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

about <br>

8:45am EDT

Welcome and Logistics

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 150

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 150 160 East St. John Street Spartanburg, SC

about <br>

9:00am EDT

Edible and Accurate Scat Modeling

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170

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,...
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Speakers

Lillian Ledford

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 →

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

9:00am EDT

Exploring NASA Online Resources To Learn & Teach About Earth's Environment.

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

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...
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Speakers

Dr. Edward P Donovan

Adjunct STEM Professor, USC Upstate

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 →

Marilyn Bertok

Clemson University

Sharon Donovan

Retired

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

9:00am EDT

Navigating with Kon-Tiki

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

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.

Speakers

Thomas Mancke

Board member, EEASC/RSWCD

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 →

Thursday June 18, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

10:00am EDT

Break

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:15am EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:15am EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

10:45am EDT

Helping EEASC Navigate EE in SC

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 150

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...
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Thursday June 18, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 150 160 East St. John Street Spartanburg, SC

Plenary Session

11:45am EDT

Central Section Meetup

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

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...
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Speakers

Holly DeVault

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 →

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout

11:45am EDT

Eastern Section Meetup

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170

Speakers

Elizabeth (E.V.) Bell

Program Coordinator, EEASC

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 170 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout

11:45am EDT

Western Section Meetup

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

Speakers

Samantha Hart

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 →

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout

12:15pm EDT

Break

Thursday June 18, 2026 12:15pm - 12:30pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery

Thursday June 18, 2026 12:15pm - 12:30pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

12:30pm EDT

Buffet Lunch

Thursday June 18, 2026 12:30pm - 1:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Greenhouse

Thursday June 18, 2026 12:30pm - 1:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Greenhouse 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

1:00pm EDT

Keynote Address

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Greenhouse

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...
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Speakers

Glenis Redmond

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Greenhouse 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Plenary Session

2:00pm EDT

Break

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:15pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:00pm - 2:15pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

2:15pm EDT

Action For A Cleaner Tomorrow

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Greenhouse

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...
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Speakers

Mary Margaret Mendenhall

Environmental Educator, SC DES

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 →

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Greenhouse 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

2:15pm EDT

Designing Nature: Student-Built Sustainable Gardens

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160

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...
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Speakers

Dr Deborah Ezell

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 Champion

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 →

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 160 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels Middle School, High School, College/University

2:15pm EDT

State of the Bats

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260

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.

Speakers

Jennifer Kindel

SC Dept of Natural Resources

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 260 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Regular

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

3:00pm EDT

Break

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

3:15pm EDT

Conversation Cafés

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Room 150

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...
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Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Room 150 160 East St. John Street Spartanburg, SC

4:15pm EDT

Break

Thursday June 18, 2026 4:15pm - 4:30pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery

Thursday June 18, 2026 4:15pm - 4:30pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Gallery 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

4:30pm EDT

Social Time, Exhibits, and the Silent Auction

Thursday June 18, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Back Patio

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...
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Thursday June 18, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Back Patio 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

5:30pm EDT

Awards Banquet

Thursday June 18, 2026 5:30pm - 8:00pm EDT

The George Center USC Upstate - Greenhouse

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...
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Thursday June 18, 2026 5:30pm - 8:00pm EDT
The George Center USC Upstate - Greenhouse 160 East St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC

9:00am EDT

Native Plant Walk

Friday June 19, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

TBA

Join Rick Huffman for an engaging guided walk exploring the beauty and importance of native plants in South Carolina landscapes. Participants will learn to identify a variety of native species while discussing their ecological benefits, role in supporting wildlife and pollinators, and use in sustainable landscape design. Along the way, Rick will share insights from his extensive experience in...
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Speakers

Rick Huffman

Upstate Chapter President, SC Native Plants

Rick Huffman is an award-winning landscape architect, educator, and advocate for sustainable design and environmental stewardship. A 2025 Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Rick has dedicated his career to connecting people, education, and the environment through... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
TBA

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

9:00am EDT

Project Learning Tree

LIMITED

Friday June 19, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm EDT

USC Watershed Ecology Center

Limited Capacity seats available

**This event requires seperate registration**Register here: https://eeasc.org/event-6695355Project Learning Tree (PLT) workshop is where you will participate in hands-on, multi-disciplinary, and STEM-focused training to integrate environmental education into your curriculum. This workshop will focus on active learning, modeling activities that encourage students to explore, discover, and...
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Speakers

John Ratterree

Operations Coordinator, The Watershed Ecology Center @ USC Upstate

Samantha Hart

Western Section Director, Watershed Ecology Center - USC Upstate

Friday June 19, 2026 9:00am - 3:00pm EDT
USC Watershed Ecology Center 8000 Valley Falls Road Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels Elementary School, High School, Middle School

10:00am EDT

Science Center Tour: Hands-On Learning, Programs, and Community Engagement

Friday June 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

Spartanburg Science Center

Join us as we explore this unique space that excites, engages, and educates students and the public through hands-on learning and discovery. Director of Education John Schmid will lead a tour of the facility and share information about on-site programs, outreach opportunities, and community engagement efforts. Participants will also have the opportunity to share ideas and discuss future...
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Speakers

John Schmid

Spartanburg Science Center

Friday June 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Spartanburg Science Center 200 East St. John Street Spartanburg, SC

Breakout, Hands on

Formal and Informal Educators Formal and Informal Educators
All age levels All age levels

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