Environmental Education Association of Alabama

We are so excited to host the 2026 EEAA & SEEA Conference in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama! We'll offer more than 25 interactive, hands-on, and thought-provoking sessions and field trips from folks all across the southeast. These sessions will connect to this year's conference theme, “Tide Together | United for Environmental Education,” and will enhance educators’ abilities to connect people to the natural world and foster responsible stewardship. The three general themes our sessions fit are:

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• Natural History – This theme celebrates the wonders of the Southeast’s rich and diverse landscapes, waterways, and ecosystems. Presentations should provide opportunities for participants to deepen their knowledge, build skills, and spark appreciation for the region’s natural environments. Potential topics include: stories of discovery and exploration in the natural world, the ecological importance of Alabama’s rivers and Gulf Coast, geology of the Southeast, species and habitat identification, biodiversity research and conservation, and strategies for inspiring curiosity and stewardship through natural history education.

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• Non-Formal – This theme highlights the unique role of environmental education outside the classroom. It is designed for professionals working in nature centers, parks, museums, aquariums, botanical gardens, advocacy groups, and other community-based organizations. Sessions may explore best practices for program development, management, and evaluation; strategies for engaging diverse and underserved audiences; building effective partnerships; training and supporting staff and volunteers; integrating advocacy and conservation initiatives; grant writing and funding opportunities; and innovative approaches to water, land, and wildlife conservation programming.

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• Formal – This theme supports K–12 educators in weaving environmental education into their classrooms and curricula. Presentations should equip teachers with practical tools, hands-on activities, and creative approaches that make environmental learning accessible and engaging for all students. Possible topics include: creating and sustaining schoolyard gardens, integrating sustainability practices across subjects, connecting environmental education with the arts and humanities, teaching ecology in urban or resource-limited settings, using inquiry-based and project-based learning, and designing interactive biology and ecology activities that align with standards while fostering real-world connections.