NC Association of Environmental Education Centers

Cost: Less than $40 and includes lunch at the Haw River State Park dining hall as well as morning coffee and light breakfast items!

Registration begins at 8:45. The meeting begins at 9:45 and will conclude at 4 pm.

Speaker: Terri L. White, President and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History. 
Terri is a dedicated champion of the arts, humanities, and sciences, with a career that includes roles at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, the Heinz History Center, and the Carnegie Science Center. As President and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History, Terri brings a wealth of experience exploring the intersection of history and science, with a focus on instilling a strong sense of place through programs and exhibits. An inspirational speaker, Terri will share insights on telling authentic stories and developing new, relevant programs and exhibits that resonate with diverse audiences.

Indoor Concurrent Session Topics will include: It's Adaptable! Inclusive Programming and Materials for Diverse Audiences 🌎 Effective Outdoor Education Group Management, Safety and Preparedness 🌎 Toot Your Own Horn -- Effective Center and Program Promotion on a Low (or No) Budget

Roundtables! You spoke and we listened! Our survey and feedback indicated a need for networking opportunities. We will have guided afternoon roundtable discussions on the following topics: Citizen and Community Science 🌎 AI and other Emerging Technology in EE 🌎 Grants and Funding 🌎 Working with Homeschool Groups; Adaptive Outdoor Programs and Activities (NC State Parks/Waypoint Adventure) 🌎 Staff Recruitment and Retention. You'll also have the opportunity to suggest additional topics at the meeting. 

Outdoor Concurrent Sessions: We also listened when you said there was a need for interpretation skills and natural science content. These outdoor concurrent sessions will be active "nature programs" but will also help you develop and share interpretation skills, on topics including Plant Identification and Interpretation, Reptiles and Amphibians, and Mindful Nature Exploration (Nature Journaling, Letterboxing, Forest Bathing, etc.) 

(As of 12/19/2025. Session topics may be added or updated)
 

NCAEEC is a nonprofit organization that works to foster cooperation among North Carolina's Environmental Education Centers. The membership meets yearly to provide a professional development institute tailored for facility-based environmental education programs. 
There are four objectives that guide the association: 

1. Establish regular and multiple lines of communication among centers;
2. Identify and assist new centers;
3. Build public awareness and support for centers;
4. Develop and promote standards of excellence for centers.

For the purposes of NCAEEC and the online Guide to Environmental Education Centers in North Carolina, a "North Carolina Environmental Education Center" is defined as " facilities that provide quality environmental education for the public, including outdoor experiences, exhibits and programs." An EE Center must be a physical site that is open to the general public in some capacity. It should have regularly scheduled, high-quality environmental education programs, provided by a trained staff that is dedicated to professional development and best practices in environmental education.

NCAEEC draws its membership from facilities identified as "North Carolina Environmental Education Centers" by the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs. Explore the more than 200 facilities on the office's website. The state is also divided into four NCAEEC Regions, each with a representative. Scroll to the bottom of the page for an interactive map of centers.