Annual Conference

Join Dexter Patterson—also known as the Wisco Birder—for a heartfelt and inspiring session exploring birdwatching's power to bring people together. Drawing from his new book Birds of

the Great Lakes, along with his dynamic storytelling and joyful energy, Dexter shares how connecting with birds helped him find healing, purpose, and community. From beginner tips to

inclusive outreach strategies, this talk is perfect for anyone curious about how birding can promote mental wellness, environmental stewardship, and social connection. Discover how the simple act of watching birds can open hearts and build bridges.

Stay Tuned!

Lodging at Beaver Creek Reserve is included in conference registration. Beaver Creek has five rustic, sleeper cabins each accommodate up to 20 people.

View the cabins here.

Alternative lodging arrangements can be made at your own expense at:

Fairfield by Marriott, Eau Claire Chippewa Falls

1666 Princeton Crossing

Eau Claire, WI

Use this link to get the group rate for WAEE Fall Conference - Fairfield

and

Residence Inn by Marriott, Eau Claire

4466 Princeton Ridge Drive

Eau Claire, WI

Use this link to get the group rate for WAEE Fall Conference - Residence Inn

WAEE is committed to making our events accessible and inclusive. We always offer a student scholarship, which is funded from the proceeds of our conference auction from the previous year. This year, the WAEE board also voted to expand the traditional student or senior discount to also offer assistance for anyone facing financial hardship. The opportunities reduce the cost of registration (includes meals), but cannot cover additional expenses such as lodging and travel expenses. Upham Woods has affordable lodging options that are significantly less expensive than local hotels. You can learn more about the opportunities and apply below. 

Educator and Student Scholarships

The Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education (WAEE) is pleased to announce the availability of scholarships for attending WAEE conferences. The goal of the scholarship program is to support educators and students who are interested in environmental education. The scholarship also serves to commemorate a founding member of WAEE, Michael Flitter, who was a champion of EE in Wisconsin, and a friend to students. Scholarships are funded through the annual auction at our conferences. Please support and bid on items to support future scholarships. 

Scholarship requests will be reviewed twice and recipients will be notified within five business days of each review date. The final deadline for all WAEE 2025 Conference Scholarship Request will be posted here when available.

Please register for the conference before applying for a scholarship. Ask to be invoiced and do not pay until scholarship amount has been determined.

Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must be a current WAEE member at the time of application.

Applicants must be employed at a Wisconsin school or EE organization or enrolled at least halftime in a Wisconsin college or university in environmental education, interpretation, education or a related field.

Preference will be given to those presenting at the conference.

During the conference, scholarship recipients must volunteer at least 4 hours with the special events committee on the conference auction or as needed. Scholarship recipients who fail to fulfill their volunteer responsibilities will forfeit their scholarship and be expected to pay WAEE for the full cost of their attendance.

Reduced Registration (Students, Seniors, Financial Hardship)

This discount was previously the reduced senior and student price, but the WAEE board made the decision to offer it to anyone facing financial barriers to attend the conference in an attempt to make the event more accessible.

 Please only submit a discount request if you need it, WAEE is a small nonprofit that relies on conference registration and sponsorship as our largest source of income each year.