Join Beaver Creek Reserve Naturalists for a paddle exploring the Eau Claire River and how it was formed. During this paddle you will gain an in-depth understanding of what makes the Eau Claire River unique and enjoy the beauty that surrounds it! Location is TBD. Kayaks, paddles, and livejackets are provided.

Additional Information: Meet at the Wise Nature Center at Beaver Creek Reserve.

Capacity: 13

The Ice Age Trail Alliance believes strongly in sharing this natural story with tomorrow’s leaders through immersive, hands-on experiences.We'll share information about specific ways to get students outside (on the Ice Age Trail or other green space), along with tips and hints on planning and implementing your own trip. Join us on a walk and talk to learn more! 

Additional Information: We will travel to the the Ice Age Trail in the Cornell area, 30-35 minutes travel time from Beaver Creek.

Capacity: 25

Hear a firsthand account of the history and development of the River Doc Nature Conservancy, a district wide environmental education program in the Rice Lake Area School District. Walk away with the basic tools to implement a hands-on/minds-on environmental education program that improves children's cognitive development, buffers the impact of life stress on students, and reduces antisocial behavior such as violence, bullying, and absenteeism.

Additional Information: Meet at River Doc Nature Conservancy in Rice Lake.

Capacity: n/a

The Road Map uses conservation stories to illustrate how scientists, elected officials, and the public can work together to solve issues. Your students and community will discover how science informs policy, how laws, rules and regulations are made, and how everyone can engage in the process.

Presenters: Kate Reilly and Dolly Ledin

Kate’s work as an environmental educator, which started in high school, has focused on increasing natural resources literacy and stewardship. She has developed programs, training events, and curricula for a variety of NGO’s, and federal and state agencies, applying tested environmental education and social science research to community-based conservation needs. As an Environmental Education Specialist and Program Manager at the University of Wisconsin-Extension (retired), Kate worked closely with Extension colleagues across the country to help natural resources professionals educate the public more effectively and to increase citizen involvement in solving conservation issues. She developed the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program with the help of a dedicated group of Wisconsin environmental educators and was the first executive director of the program. Kate is a member of the Wisconsin’s Green Fire Science Advisory Committee and works on evaluation and outreach projects.

Location: Outdoor Classroom

Capacity: 50

What birds live in our communities, and how do they get what they need to live? Let’s go outside and try three updated PLT activities that help elementary students learn about the world outside their door and gain understanding about the interconnectedness of nature. Participants will get a free e-book.

Presenter: Nicole Filizetti

Nicole has been with the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education since 2013, assisting with professional development for the LEAF K-12 Forestry Education Program and serving as the state coordinator for Project Learning Tree. She delights in getting teachers out into the woods. Nicole has a B.S. in Biology/Ecology, a secondary science teaching certificate, and an M.S. in Science Education from Northern Michigan University. She is headquartered in Minocqua, where she misses more fish than she catches but really doesn’t mind.

Location: Auditorium

Capacity: 20

Transforming your EE programs but overwhelmed by standards and educational jargon? Unsure how to help teachers see the relevance of EE? Explore Wisconsin’s EE standards connected to the 3-dimensional learning outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards and other content areas to provide a fresh framework for novice or experienced formal and non-formal educators.

Presenter: Victoria Rydberg-Nania

Victoria is passionate about transformational change in schools. Serving as the environmental education and service-learning consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Victoria works with educators and organizations to increase capacity for equitable, authentic learning experiences through meaningful place-based education. She co-founded FIELD Edventures, a non-profit dedicated to taking learning outdoors and designed and led a project-based, environmental school for seventh and eighth-grade students. She is the author of “Hands-On, Feet Wet: The Story of River Crossing Environmental Charter School” and editor of “Hands-on, Earth Math: Digging Deeper into Environmental Topics.” 

Location: Main Lodge

Capacity: 130

Share in a journey of transitioning from city life to a fulfilling off-grid lifestyle in the heart of Wisconsin. With storytelling that feels like a chat by the wood stove, David blends humor and wisdom, offering a unique perspective on sustainable living.

Presenter: David Welder

David R. Welder is an Osseo-based environmental engineer, artist, and naturalist, and author of “Forth to Basics: A Guide to Goin’ Off Grid”. For 8 years and counting, he and his wife, Veronica, have embraced a life of simplicity, frugality and self-sufficiency, demonstrating how to enjoy the beauty of nature while leaving a light ecological footprint. More info at forthtobasics.com.

Location: Outdoor Classroom

Capacity: 60

Hear from Wildlands Charter School—the school located at Beaver Creek Reserve.

Presenter: Andrew Johnson

Location: Meet Outside CSC

Capacity:

Disability inclusion benefits all! Join UW-Madison Extension's Youth with Disabilities Champions to learn practical strategies for creating inclusive spaces. This hands-on session explores tools like "Paths to Disability Inclusion" and accessibility kits, empowering you to help young people of all abilities thrive. Get ready to enhance your inclusive practices!

Presenter: Rachael Lewandowski Sarette

Rachael Lewandowski-Sarette master’s degree work focused on accessibility in the outdoors. She was named one of NAAEE’s 30 under 30 in 2024 for this work and continues to emerge as a leader in this space. She was part of a team that recently published “Paths to Inclusion,” guide to increase opportunities for disabled youth: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/4h-resources/paths-to-inclusion/



Location: Woodland Room

Capacity: 25

No leaves? No problem! Winter is the perfect time to discover trees and shrubs in a whole new way. Learn to identify many native species by their unique bud and bark characteristics, and gain a fresh appreciation for the beauty and variety of our winter woodlands.

Presenter: Jim Schwiebert

Jim is a retired naturalist from Beaver Creek Reserve, though he still enjoys teaching classes there today. His career has included work with the Wisconsin DNR in both fisheries and wildlife, a decade as a forester for Chippewa County, a few years as a teaching assistant, and, finally, as a naturalist at Beaver Creek. His passions include a variety of interests—leading programs on foraging, winter and summer tree identification, snowshoe lacing, butterflies, and invasive species management, among others. Jim loves to hike, canoe, kayak, fish, camp, and search for edible plants and mushrooms—really, anything that gets him outdoors.

Location: Savannah Room

Capacity: 20

This hike is inspired by the work of Outdoor Afro — a national network that celebrates and uplifts Black leadership in nature. We’ll explore the trail together not just for the beauty of the land, but with an awareness of how our identities, histories, and relationships with nature shape our experiences. While Outdoor Afro centers Black joy and connection to nature, this walk invites us all to consider our own roots, stories, and responsibilities.

Explore the beauty of two hidden gems, Beaver Creek Reserve and Big Falls County Park! Catch some late-changing trees or fall colors, discover plants and animals along the way, and explore the unique geology of Big Falls where the Eau Claire River has eroded through the landscape over time. We will take a short break at the falls itself to check out geologic features and admire its beauty this time of year. This hike is 2.5 miles round trip. Please wear long pants and hiking shoes, and bring water for the trek. The terrain is rugged and unpaved, with some rocky and thinner sections of trail along the way.

For this on-site field trip at BCR participants will be exploring the often overlooked world of mosses and lichens. You'll walk away with a new appreciation for the little parts of the ecosystem we usually don’t pay attention to. Brittany will provide moss maps. 

Capacity: 20

Hosts David and Veronica, WI Certified Master Naturalists, have been living (comfortably) off-grid for 8 years on 20 acres of oak and maple forest at the northern edge of Wisconsin’s driftless region. The workshop will start and finish with group Q & A and will include an informal tour of the buildings and surrounding forest. Those wishing to can hike 1/4 mile to a small creek. It’s a walking and talking “show-n-tell” education for all ages. Those who wish to hike the trails should be prepared with water-resistant footwear.

Additional Information: We will carpool (max 12 vehicles) to the site about 25 miles from BCR.

Capacity: 30

Participants will learn how to identify, sustainably harvest, and safely use common, wild plants and trees that are found across Wisconsin. We will teach attendees how to make an antibiotic ointment, soothing balm, and needle tea blend that they will get to take home.

Presenters: Licia Johnson and Jenna Richardson

Licia has been a naturalist and education director at the North Lakeland Discovery Center for 18 years. She has more recently been delving into her indigenous roots (her mom is a tribal elder at the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe) and how to use plants and trees in a traditional and medicinal way. Jenna has been a naturalist at the Discovery Center for 2 years, but has worked across the country as a naturalist and guide for 5 years. She has been enamored by plants and their abilities to heal for the past 15 years.

Jenna Richardson grew up in the Ohio River Valley where she spent her childhood walking creek beds in search of salamanders and crayfish. She was often found in the woods with leaves in her hair. In 2013 she received her BS in Science in Communication and Anthropology and then began traveling the contiguous United States. During that time, she spent 2 winters working as a Naturalist Guide/Ski Instructor based out of the Snow Lodge Ski Shop where she found fulfillment in sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural world. In 2019 she found her way back to the Midwest and worked as a Naturalist Guide at Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters outside of the Boundary Waters where she enjoyed working with children. Jenna began working at the Discovery Center as a Seasonal Naturalist in May of 2023. Her hope is to increase North Lakeland's children’s program offerings, and to continue to inspire people, of all ages, to make meaningful connections to the natural world around them.

Location: Woodland Room
Capacity: 12

Materials Fee: $10

Students will learn about habitat restoration, how to identify native plants, and why we collect seeds for invasive species management. They will then collect seeds and learn how to process different types of native seed for revegetation of degraded areas on Lynden’s grounds.

Presenter: Esther Portnoy

Esther Portnoy works as an Associate Land Manager at the Lynden Sculpture Garden located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She grew up on the east side of Milwaukee and received her Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Environmental Sciences from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 2019. She enjoys spending time on the River Greenway which connects over 840 acres of parks’ lands in the county. When she isn’t out working, she enjoys gardening, reading comic books, and playing with her two cats.

Location: Meet at backside of nature center

Capacity: 15

An analysis of the eco-anxiety of college students in an introductory natural resource class at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point through an optional survey.

Presenters: Grace Anderson and Gretchen Bruegger

Grace is a student at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point studying conservation and community planning. My time in classes has led me to many opportunities in work and this past spring led me to get involved in undergraduate research under some wonderful professors

Roving interpretation is intended as a spontaneous interaction with visitors in an informal nature. This practice is widely used, but actual research on the topic and its effectiveness is lacking. This student research project was intended to determine if starting a roving interpretation program at Schmeeckle Reserve would be worthwhile.

Presenters: Emily Sinclair and Adasyn Bullard

Emily is a student at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point studying Forest Recreation with a minor in Forest Managemen and also finishing up certificates in Invasive Species Management and Environmental Education. I am finishing my final semester at the University and will graduate December 2025. I have worked as a Naturalist/Educator Fellow for Schmeeckle Reserve for one year and am currently their Recreation Coordinator. I am also involved in the UWSP Fire Crew and just finished serving as their Public Information Officer. I decided to add an Environmental Education certificate during my senior year after I fell in love with interpretation during my time as a Naturalist/Educator Fellow. I am passionate about helping others enjoy their time outdoors, which is why I chose Forest Recreation, and Environmental Education has fueled that even more.

Join the middle and high schools students from Wildlands Charter School at Beaver Creek Reserve to explore learning in a project-base environmental research school!

Although Wisconsin doesn’t mandate teaching about the climate, things are heating up in climate education! Learn about the state’s climate education resources, access free courses to increase your own knowledge, and explore NAAEE’s Guidelines for Climate Education. Connect with the Teach Wisconsin Climate Network and find out how you can get involved!

Presenters: Becca Franzen and Victoria Rydberg-Nania

After earning her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Becca worked in varied roles at environmental education centers and camps for people with disabilities. Seeing a need to better connect with local communities, Becca went back to school for a Masters degree in Human and Community Resources. She then completed her doctorate degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Science Social Studies and Environmental Education Integration from Northern Illinois University. Becca teaches courses in foundations of environmental education, environmental education methods, environmental issues and investigations and graduate seminar. Her research focuses on pre-service teacher education in environmental education and environmental literacy.

Victoria is passionate about transformational change in schools. Serving as the environmental education and service-learning consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Victoria works with educators and organizations to increase capacity for equitable, authentic learning experiences through meaningful place-based education. She co-founded FIELD Edventures, a non-profit dedicated to taking learning outdoors and designed and led a project-based, environmental school for seventh and eighth-grade students. She is the author of “Hands-On, Feet Wet: The Story of River Crossing Environmental Charter School” and editor of “Hands-on, Earth Math: Digging Deeper into Environmental Topics.”

Location: Hobbs Observatory

Capacity: 50

Author Rebecca Hogue Wojahn and Sea Grant Librarian Anne Moser recount the conservation success story about one remarkable (and plenty peculiar) species of fish and share how attendees can help protect these incredible creatures now. Based on their new book Saving Our Sturgeon: Protecting Wisconsin's Ancient Fish from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press.

Presenters: Rebecca Wojahn and Anne Moser

Rebecca Hogue Wojahn is an author whose books celebrate the natural world with a dose of wonder and pinch of humor. She is an outdoor enthusiast, completing the Wisconsin Master Naturalist training in 2023. When not writing, she teaches in a high school library in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Location: Citizen Science Center

Capacity: 40

From field notebooks to canvases, having spaces to record our observations, questions, and ideas can enhance our experiences outdoors and inspire us to act for our environment. In this session, we’ll explore short snippets from new multimedia projects that showcase these creative acts and do some recording and making ourselves.

Presenter: Mia Forslund

Mia Forslund is an Education Engagement Specialist with PBS Wisconsin Education. In her role, she collaborates with team members, partner organizations, and educators to develop and share educational media resources for Wisconsin educators and learners. She grew up in Wisconsin and loves that she now gets to work on projects that reach Wisconsin classrooms and communities and offer opportunities to learn something new every day.

Location: Citizen Science Center

Capacity: 40

Do you want solar panels for your nature center or school? Do you already have solar and are looking to integrate renewable energy into your outreach? Attend this session to share success stories, learn about funding opportunities, and discover KEEP resources to support energy education in outreach and the classroom.

Presenter: Samara Hamzé

Energy and climate educator, plant ecologist, mother (of humans and chickens), ad lib cook, & yogini are some of my roles. I’ve always lived in cities, yet love being in nature and feel comfortable and safe there. My heart will forever be in Lebanon, but my roots have taken hold in the Upper Midwest, running all the way to the shores of Lake Superior.

Location: Woodland Room

Capacity: 70

Forest and energy topics add up to powerful climate learning opportunities for students! Learn how solar energy, building efficiency, carbon cycling, urban tree canopy and sustainable forest management lessons work together to help students make sense of the big picture of climate change, while also optimizing opportunities for place-based learning.

Presenters: Nicole Filizetti and Gina Smith

Based in many parts of the state, staff of the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, but share the goal of helping educators bring meaningful place-based learning opportunities to their students. We work with formal K-12 teachers, early childhood educators, pre-service teachers, as well as non-formal educators from many different settings.

Location: Main Lodge

Capacity: 25

Explore the powerful properties of conifer trees! We will be starting the class foraging on a hike and ending the class making pine needle tea and a pine chest rub to help with congestion in the upcoming winter months.

Presenters: Grace Bowe and Ali Bowe

Grace Bowe is going into a second term at Beaver Creek Reserve as an Americorps Environmental Educator. I am passionate about sharing my love of nature by teaching through a holistic lens. Outside of work I enjoy hiking, skiing, being on the water, and knitting.

Location: Outdoor Classroom

Capacity: 20

Materials Fee: $10

At the end, participants will be able to: Identify three key overwintering habitat types essential for Wisconsin native bees and beneficial insects. Explain how "Leave the Leaves" practices support pollinator conservation throughout winter months. Plan one specific habitat modification for their home, school, or workplace setting. Access extended learning resources through BCR's QR-coded trail system for continued education.

Presenters: Jane Mohler, Ron Waits, Cindy Harper

Jane Mohler champions pollinator conservation and native habitats, Ron Waits is a dedicated biologist and woodsman, and Cindy “Harper” is a passionate pollinator steward and native plant enthusiast. Together, they blend practical expertise and a deep love for the natural world as faculty for the “Leave the Leaves” interactive workshop, offering evidence-based, hands-on strategies to help participants support native insects and local biodiversity at home. (Co-sponsored by the Chippewa Valley Biodiversity Partnership, WI Master Naturalists, and the Pollinator Partnership) 

Location: Hobbs Observatory

Capacity:

Wildlands High School Students will be showcasing their posters.

Presenters: Wildlands Charter School Students

Location: Fire Pavilion

Capacity:

Growing vegetables for food pantries, picking up litter, sharing environmental poems, composting food waste, planting trees, organizing panel discussions, installing solar panels, and more! Hear how a church green team has been educating community members and taking action for 25 years. Be inspired to make change through your own communities.

Presenter: Kendra Liddicoat

Kendra Liddicoat is an associate professor of environmental education in the College of Natural Resources at UWSP. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on environmental science, environmental education, social science research, and inclusive practices.

Location: Citizen Science Center

Capacity: 40

Description coming

Presenter: Angela Rivera

Angela Rivera is the Education Coordinator for Lussier Family Heritage Center. Angela spent the last 19 years in various education roles, including formal education as a middle school teacher, Outreach Specialist for a waste district, and multiple outdoor education roles. She has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's in Environmental Conservation from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Location: Woodland Room

Capacity: 70

This session will cover outreach activities we developed as part of an NSF grant at UW Oshkosh to help people of all ages better understand good algae versus harmful algal blooms (HABs). As weather permits, we will be both outside and inside doing activities in relation to water quality.

Presenter: Shannon Davis-Foust

Shannon has her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from UW-Milwaukee and has widespread interests in native and invasive species, habitat restoration, aquatic ecology, and reconnecting people with nature. She presently teaches courses at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in Biology and Environmental Studies.



Location: Citizen Science Center

Capacity: 20

Navigate and integrate Wisconsin Standards for Science and the Next Generation Science Standards into your organization’s environmental education curriculum! Having a deeper understanding of the pacing, skills, and concepts that the students and teachers who visit your facility are working on in their science classes will foster more impactful learning experiences outside the classroom while they are out gaining hands-on experience out in nature. Participants are encouraged to bring along a lesson plan or two to practice aligning their curriculum to the science standards. This workshop will serve as a good refresher for our formal teachers, and a great introduction to curriculum design for those educators that teach in our outdoor interpretive spaces. Equip yourself to be on the same team as your partnering districts and help visiting teachers meet their curriculum goals by joining this session!

Presenters: John Muetz and Wendy Nelson

Wendy Nelson is an Education Consultant representing CESA 10, and John Muetz is a Beaver Creek Reserve Naturalist.

Location: Auditorium

Capacity: 160 

Full Conference Registration includes:

• Cabin lodging at Beaver Creek Reserve for Thursday and Friday nights
• Thursday dinner
• Friday breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Saturday breakfast and lunch

Members: Log in to receive your member rate:

2025 Conference FAQ

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Q: I submitted a session proposal, will I hear about that soon?
A: Yes! Presenters should have already received an email from the conference committee (annualconference@waee.org). Presenters will receive a discount code to use with registration. 

Q: Is financial support available?
A: Yes! First, WAEE members already get a discounted conference rate. Be sure to log in when registering to access your member rate. Second, WAEE offers an "Equity Rate" for any member who cannot afford the full conference price. Third, WAEE offers full and partial scholarships for any member. Request the equity rate or a full or partial scholarship using this form before you register. 

Q: Why are field trips part of registration this year? 
A: Field trips and workshops with limited capacity or additional fees are included in the registration so you can be sure to hold your spot. Information about these sessions are on the website. On Thursday there are only field trips. On Friday, there are field trips and workshops being offered during the same time. You don't need to select a field trip for Friday during registration if you intend to attend one of the workshops. 

Q: Will there be an auction this year? 
A: Yes! We will have both a silent auction and live auction. Our auctions raise money each year for our scholarship fund. You can help by donating an auction item and bidding early and often! We anticipate having our silent auction also available online for those who can't attend the event. 

Q: Can my organization exhibit? 
A: Yes! We have 12 spaces available for exhibitors, so don't wait! WAEE Organizational Members and sponsors get a discounted rate. Reserve your spot today. 

Beaver Creek Reserve offers 400 acres of diverse habitats to explore filled with a variety of plants and animals. Upland woods, river bottom forests, wetlands and savannah areas are all found at Beaver Creek Reserve. Bordered by the Eau Claire river with two small trout stream that run through the property, there is an abundance of flora and fauna to be discovered.

Nearly 9 miles of hiking trails wind their way through our 400 acres. When visiting Beaver Creek Reserve make sure to stop at the Wise Nature Center first. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT Beaver Creek Reserve

Your generous donation in support of the silent auction will provide scholarships to make this professional development opportunity accessible to current and future environmental educators throughout Wisconsin. In 2023, this fund supported more than 30 educators. 100% of auction proceeds go to scholarships! 

If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation to our auction, please fill out this interest form. Thank you!

We invite businesses, non-profits, governmental agencies and more to exhibit at the annual conference! Share products and services in an energized setting with nearly 200 educators from across Wisconsin. Spaces are limited so register early to claim your spot. Registration link will be posted here when available. Exhibitor opportunities are also available by becoming a sponsor.

Exhibitors are welcome to attend conference sessions if they are registered. Exhibitors can register to attend conference sessions above.