2026 PAEE Annual Conference
From History to Hope - Teaching the Environment Forward
The PAEE Annual Conference is an opportunity to celebrate and grow in the fantastic environmental education field in Pennsylvania!
Join us in person on March 8-10, 2026 for our Annual Conference at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel and Conference Center.
Deadline for registrations is February 4, 2026.
Your registration includes
- field trips (preregistration is required, and details are still being worked out)
- Sunday evening dinner
- Monday breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Tuesday breakfast
Fees (Lodging is not included)
Full Conference - PAEE Member
Full Conference - Non Member
One Day
$335
$400
Mon - $250, Tues - $200
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made on or before February 4 will receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations on or after February 5.
Preconference Workshop
MWEEs, STEELS, and Schoolyard Investigations
Sunday, March 8, 2026
3:00 – 5:00 PM, ACT 48 available; additional $30 fee
The Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) is a key component of the PA STEELS Standards for Environmental Literacy and connects seamlessly across all science disciplines. The schoolyard is an accessible and easy way to bring in MWEEs and cover the STEELS by conducting localized environmental investigations that look at real data, while thinking about those application pieces that make a difference in the watershed community (humans, water, wildlife, and more).
Participants will:
- Learn the fundamentals of the MWEE framework.
- Explore how the schoolyard can have an impact on local watersheds and be a great way to
conduct field investigations. - Connect STEELS standards with hands-on, outdoor learning experiences.
- Learn about environmental issues and outdoor learning.
This workshop will be indoors and outdoors. Please dress for outdoor exploration and the weather! As the event approaches, we’ll reach out with more information.
Pre Conference Field Trips
Sunday, March 8 from 11AM - 1PM - Maple Sugaring
It’s the tastiest time of the year! Join the Codorus State Park educator as we head into the sugarbush to tap a tree and learn how that clear, watery sap gets turned into the sticky sweet syrup! Discover the history and the science behind the process of making maple syrup, as well as the tricks to sharing with your students and groups.
Fee: $5 donation to Friends of Codorus State Park
Maple Syrup will be available for purchase
The theme of this year’s conference – From History to Hope: Teaching the Environment Forward, celebrates the resiliency and perseverance that we demonstrate as educators time and time again. We learn from our history, instill hope wherever we go, and move environmental thinking and literacy forward! We encourage presentations that incorporate experiences and activities from community events, school programs, advocacy work, staff training, and more.
- Implementing STEELS in Formal Classrooms – Are you a formal teacher implementing STEELS in your classroom? We would love to know the creative ways and lessons where you implemented these new standards! Share your journey of navigating STEELS from the good to the …”oops.”
- Adaptive Teaching Strategies & Inclusive Programming – With so many new funding challenges, we are all pressed for finding ways to continue dismantling learning barriers in environmental justice communities and creating safe spaces for all. Tell us about how you navigate times of uncertainty to create programs for all walks of life and abilities.
- Plastic-Free Programming– Beads, pipe cleaners, and other materials have their place in the crafting world yet often end up in landfills. What if we could do better? Have you swapped out non-renewable craft items and tools for something a little greener, or have engaging supply-less activities? Tell us more!
- Cutting Edge Ecology & Land History – Are you an expert in any of the “ologies?” Share your specialized expertise with eager educators looking to brush up on their knowledge of Pennsylvania ecosystems, flora, fauna, fungi, geology, weather, and historic landscapes. Strengthening context leads to better enthusiasm and engagement!
- Portable Pedagogy– Calling all educators who travel to deliver educational programs. Share strategies on transporting and implementing STEELS-based lessons on the go! We would love to hear more about establishing connections with your audiences and partners. Tell us how you can be a valuable resource to formal educators!
Session info: All sessions will be scheduled 45 minutes in length. Submit your proposal! Deadline to submit is September 26, 2025.
CONFERENCE INFORMATION
Registration is open!
Click on a box for additional information
Thank you to our 2026 Conference Sponsors!
