Annual Conference
Strong Roots, Igniting Change
⸺ November 13 – 15, 2025 ⸺
Beaver Creek Reserve, Fall Creek
Birding is for Everyone: A Journey Through Joy, Nature, and Belonging
Friday, November 14, 2025
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.
Event Overview
Thursday:
- 8:00 - 11:30 Field Trips and Workshops
- 1:00 - 4:00 Registration Opens
- 1:00 - 3:30 Virtual Administrator Sessions
- 2:00 - 4:00 Sense of Place Activities
- 4:00 - Opening Remarks, Keynote Address, Exhibits
- 6:00 - Dinner
- 7:00 - WAEE Member Meeting and Student Social
- 8:00 - Evening Activities
Friday:
- 7:00 - Morning Activities
- 8:00 - Breakfast
- 9:00 - 11:15 - Grounding Remarks and Concurrent Sessions
- 11:15 - Keynote Address
- 12:15 - Lunch, Exhibits, and Silent Auction
- 2:00 - Field Trips and Workshops
- 5:00 - Poster Session, Exhibits, and Silent Auction
- 6:00 - Dinner
- 7:00 - Trivia and Live Auction
- 8:00 - Evening Activities
Saturday:
- 7:00 - Morning Activities
- 8:00 - Breakfast
- 8:30 - 12:00 - Project WILD Educator Workshop
- 9:00 - 11:15 - Grounding Remarks and Sessions
- 11:00 - Exhibits and Silent Auction
- 12:00 - Lunch
- 1:00 - Workshops and Concurrent Sessions
- 3:00 - Keynote Address and Closing Remarks
Order a Conference T-Shirt
Order online by 10/23 to pick up at the conference!
Thursday
Field Trips
Thursday - 8:00 - 11:30 AM
Capacity is limited. Sign up during registration to ensure a spot.
Urban Nature Adventure Tour
Explore Eau Claire’s hidden natural space on this unique Urban Nature Trolley Tour. This tour is an ongoing partnership with the Naturalists from Beaver Creek Reserve and the Chippewa River Trolley Company designed to get people into the great outdoors, even within city limits! Guides will escort you off the trolley on short hikes into four hidden urban forests filled with plant life, rock formations, birds, butterflies, mammals, and more. You’ll hear surprising natural histories, fascinating facts, and maybe even a bird call or two as you explore hidden trails and access points unknown to the vast majority of locals. This tour highlights the ways in which environment, society, and culture intersect and tells the local history of “strong roots, igniting change!”
We’ll traverse concealed trails high above the Eau Claire River near native pollinator habitats, discover low-lying trails near small waterfall rapids along the Chippewa River, explore the new Half Moon Lake Boardwalk Trail to identify wetland and riparian native species, and summit a key peak of local elevation overlooking the historically crucial Dells Pond waterway. Between each point, enjoy open-air trolley transportation with bonus narration, trivia, and more.
Additional Information: Meet at the Local Store in Eau Claire, street parking is available. There is an additional $13 fee added to registration for this field trip.
Capacity: 20
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & WAIVER
The Urban Nature Adventure Tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Participants must sign a waiver before departure, have a reasonable fitness level, and be able to keep up with the group while hiking on some uneven single-track terrain, including some large steps uphill.Those unable to participate in a strenuous walk should not participate.
FOOTWEAR & ATTIRE
Appropriate footwear must be worn (no flip flops) and as well as layers appropriate for the weather (the tour is rain or shine). Tall socks or pants may be a good idea as poison ivy may be alongside trails. If trails are damp, surfaces can be slippery, so please keep this in mind.
FOOD & WATER
Bring your own closeable water bottle, and any snacks must be consumed while off the trolley on trails. Snacks (granola, chips, chocolate, etc) are also available for purchase at the Local Store before the tour.
RESTROOMS, BUGS, & BINOCULARS
There is one bathroom break opportunity approximately 2.25 hours into the 3.5 hour tour, please go immediately before departure. Binoculars and/or ID books for birds, plants, etc are welcome. Bug spray applied before the tour may be advisable. *Final tour locations may change based on conditions, events, or other reasons.
Guided Geomorphology Paddle of the Eau Claire River
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
Connecting Youth with the Ice Age Trail
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
Explore the River Doc Nature Conservancy
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
Administrator Track
Thursday - 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Join us for a half-day virtual track designed especially for administrators to explore program evaluation and community engagement.
Tentative Schedule
1:00 -
Welcome!
1:15 - Program Evaluation
2:30 - Break
2:45 -
Community Engagement
3:30 - Networking
- This track is free for full conference attendees
- $20 for members not attending the full conference
- $40 for non-members not attending the full conference.
More details to come!
Friday
Field Trips
Friday - 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Capacity is limited. Sign up during registration to ensure a spot.
Forest Bathing
Do forests make you think of work? Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku) is a practice of meditation that has been proven to be effective in managing stress. Spend an hour learning a little about this practice, and experiencing how the forests can improve your health. Please dress for the weather, and bring whatever will make you comfortable during your meditation.
Additional Information:
There will be two 1-hour sessions offered (2:00-3:00 PM & 3:00-4:00 PM). If you register for this session, check in at registration to find out which time you were assigned to.
Capacity: 12 people per session
The Rooted in Place: A Justice-Centered Walk Through Nature
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.
Bryophyte Buddies
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
Off-Grid Living
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
Saturday
Educator Workshop
Saturday - 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Capacity is limited. Sign up during registration to ensure a spot.
Project WILD Educator Certification
Take learning outside as a certified Project WILD educator! The Project WILD K-12 Curriculum Guide contains over 80 standards-aligned activities. With WILD Work and In-Step-With-STEM connections, students will learn about wildlife management in a fun, engaging, and thorough manner. Significant portions of the workshop will be spent outdoors. Footwear and attire should be selected for comfort and moderate activity.
Additional Information:
This workshop will be held in the Woodland Room at Beaver Creek Reserve. This session is free to attend, but to receive Project WILD educator certification and printed guides, participants should bring a $50 check payable to FIELD Edventures.
Conference Logistics
Registration Options
Cabin lodging at Beaver Creek Reserve is INCLUDED in registration!

| Type | Non-Member | Member |
|---|---|---|
| Full Conference | $380 | $330 |
| One Day (Fri or Sat) | $250 | $200 |
| Thursday Only Virtual Administrator Track | $40 | $20 |
| Equity Rate* - Full Conference | $165 | |
| Equity Rate* - One Day | $130 |
Members: Log in to receive your member rate:
About Beaver Creek Reserve
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.
Lodging
Lodging at Beaver Creek Reserve is included in conference registration. Beaver Creek has five rustic, sleeper cabins each accommodate up to 20 people.
A tent site is also available at Beaver Creek. Attendees need to provide their own tent.
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 - Reserve by Oct 15th for this rate!
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 - Reserve by Oct 15th for this rate!
Financial Support
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 (including meals and lodging in 2025), but cannot cover additional expenses such as travel expenses.
Lodging at Beaver Creek Reserve is included in registration and WAEE has secured a group rate at two local hotels for those who prefer to secure their own lodging.
Equity Rate
This discount was previously the reduced senior, student, and veteran price, but the WAEE board made the decision to offer it to any WAEE member 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.
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.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be a current WAEE member at the time of application.
- Applicants must be employed at a Wisconsin school or EE-related 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.
The deadline for all WAEE 2025 Conference Equity and Scholarship Requests is October 15, 2025. Recipients must register by October 22nd or forfeit their award.
Auction Donation
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!
Exhibits
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.

| Type | Non-Member | Member |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor - $500+ | Included | Included |
| Nest Level Sponsor | $75 | $75 |
| Non-Profit Organization | $150 | $75 |
| For-Profit Organization | $300 | $150 |
Become a Sponsor!
Sponsorships and in-kind donations help us achieve our mission, provide high-value keynote speakers, and plan exciting, enriching experiences during our conference, all while keeping event costs low for educators. We have a wide range of sponsorship levels and exclusive benefits, and your donation may be tax deductible!
Consider supporting in the following ways:
- Becoming a financial partner
- Donating services (such as printing or advertising)
- Donating goods (such as coffee and snacks for breaks)
- Donating items for our silent or live auction. Auction proceeds support our scholarship fund.
Connect with our Executive Director to discuss sponsorship options or download our sponsorship packet to learn more:
*About the Equity Rate: This deeply discounted rate was previously limited to members who are students, seniors, and veteran. The WAEE board made the decision to offer it to any WAEE member 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. A reduced membership rate is also available for those who need to join to request this rate.
Institutions purchasing registration for employees should use the full rate. A reduced rate is available to organizations who meet two of three following criteria: 1) Cannot afford the conference registration, 2) Primarily work with communities who are economically disadvantaged (more than 75% of those served), and/or 3) Primarily work with populations historically excluded from environmental education (more than 75% of those served).
To receive the equity rate, please complete this form to request a coupon code. The deadline for all WAEE 2025 Conference Equity and Scholarship Requests is October 15, 2025. Recipients must register by October 22nd or forfeit their award.