Keynote Spotlight: Silas House to Speak at 2026 KAEE Conference

We are excited to announce that Silas House will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 KAEE Conference, taking place November 11 to 13 in Lexington, Kentucky at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream. As we celebrate the 50th KAEE Conference, we look forward to welcoming educators and environmental leaders from across the Commonwealth for a meaningful few days of learning, connection, and inspiration.

A native of Eastern Kentucky, Silas House is a New York Times bestselling author known for storytelling that reflects the people, landscapes, and culture of Appalachia. He is the author of seven novels, including Southernmost and Lark Ascending, the latter of which received the 2023 Southern Book Prize and the Nautilus Book Award. His work often explores themes of place, identity, community, and the relationship between people and the natural world, making his voice especially meaningful for this year’s conference.

Silas House speaking at the Library of Congress, Washington DC, August 2015

In addition to his novels, Silas has written plays, essays, and works of nonfiction, with recent pieces appearing in publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Time. His storytelling extends beyond the page as well, with work in film, music, and public media. He has collaborated with artists across disciplines and served as a commentator for NPR’s All Things Considered, bringing thoughtful perspectives on culture, environment, and community to a national audience.

In 2023, Silas was named Poet Laureate of Kentucky, a role that reflects both his literary impact and his deep connection to the state. He currently teaches at Berea College, where he continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of writers and thinkers.

Silas House’s work is grounded in a strong sense of place and a deep respect for the natural and cultural landscapes of Kentucky. His perspective will bring a powerful and reflective voice to this year’s conference as we honor the past 50 years of environmental education and look ahead to the future.

Join us in Lexington for the 2026 KAEE Conference and be part of this milestone celebration.

Learn more at kaee.org/conference.

Reflecting on KAEE’s 2025 Annual Conference: Three Days of Connection, Inspiration, and Momentum

From November 12 to 14, 2026, the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education community gathered in Owensboro, Kentucky, for an unforgettable three days of learning, collaboration, and connection. This year marked a meaningful milestone as it was our first time hosting the annual conference in Owensboro. The stunning Owensboro Convention Center overlooking the Ohio River became an integral part of the experience, inviting participants to reflect, recharge, and root their work in a meaningful sense of place.

Pre Conference: Kicking Off With Curiosity and Hands On Discovery

The event opened with an engaging pre-conference day filled with field experiences, workshops, and interactive opportunities for professional growth. Participants explored regional environmental challenges, visited local sites, and engaged in hands-on sessions that highlighted conservation efforts, community partnerships, and innovative approaches to environmental education.

The theme “Bridging the Gaps” began to take shape as attendees connected with one another, exchanged ideas, and grounded their learning in the distinct natural and cultural landscape of Owensboro. The pre conference set an energized foundation for the days ahead.

Day 2: A Full Day of Inspiration, Learning, and Riverfront Reflections

Day 2 welcomed attendees into the heart of the conference experience. Throughout the morning and afternoon, participants drew inspiration from the Ohio River, whose presence reminded everyone of the interconnected systems they work to protect. The river’s significance underscored the importance of environmental education in supporting healthy ecosystems and resilient communities.

One of the day’s most memorable moments was the keynote address by Jordan Lubetkin, the Ohio River Basin Director for the National Wildlife Federation. Jordan shared meaningful insight into the essential role of the Ohio River Basin, an area spanning fourteen states and two Tribal Nations and home to more than thirty million people. He highlighted the environmental challenges facing the Basin and the collaborative efforts needed to restore and protect its waters.

Sharing experiences from thirty one community listening sessions held between 2022 and 2023, Jordan discussed the process behind the 2024 report titled Community Priorities for Ohio River Basin Restoration and Protection. His keynote emphasized the importance of decisions shaped by community knowledge and reminded attendees of the critical role environmental educators play in strengthening a more resilient region.

The rest of Day 2 offered more than twenty five opportunities for hands-on learning and

professional collaboration. Sessions centered on access and belonging, community engagement, thriving organizations, and the intersection of education and research. Educators explored inclusive teaching strategies, engaged in conversations about partnership building, and learned new ways to strengthen environmental literacy in Kentucky. The day was filled with energy, practical tools, and meaningful connections.

Day 3: A Day of Celebration, Leadership, and Looking Forward

The final day of the conference featured one of KAEE’s most cherished traditions, the Excellence in EE Awards Ceremony and Panel. This inspiring event honored the 2025 Excellence in EE Award Winners, celebrating individuals and organizations who are advancing environmental education in innovative and powerful ways. Their dedication, creativity, and leadership serve as shining examples of what is possible when passionate people work together to support environmental literacy.

The accompanying panel offered attendees the opportunity to hear directly from awardees, learn about the challenges and triumphs of their work, and gain fresh inspiration from their stories. This gathering served as a heartwarming reminder of the impact environmental educators have across Kentucky and the importance of strengthening this work year after year.

Congratulations, 2025 Excellence in EE Award Winners!

• Joseph Baust, Lifetime Achievement​

• Wesley Bullock, M.K. Dickerson Outstanding Educator

• Willa Dawn Bayne, Rising Star

• Lewisburg School, Kentucky Green School of the Year

• Salato Wildlife Education Center, Outstanding Community Partner

• FoodChain, Outstanding Business

  
  

Day 3 also marked the celebration of forty nine years of KAEE gatherings, a reflection of the strength and resiliency of Kentucky’s environmental education network. Participants left the conference energized and inspired, carrying new ideas, strengthened relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose as they returned to their communities.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the conference came to a close, it was clear that KAEE’s community continues to grow stronger, more connected, and more aligned in purpose each year. Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, volunteered, and supported this gathering. Your dedication is what makes this conference so meaningful and what continues to drive environmental education forward in Kentucky and beyond.

We look forward to another year of collaboration, learning, and impact as we prepare for KAEE’s 2026 conference in Lexington, November 11-13. Stay up to date on all the details at kaee.org/conference.

Inspiration, Place, and Possibility: 2025 Outdoor Learning Symposium Recap

On July 31, 2025, educators from across Kentucky gathered in Whitesburg for the Outdoor Learning Symposium (OLS). It was a full-day professional learning event designed for K–12 teachers and administrators eager to take learning outside the walls of the classroom. Hosted at Cowan Elementary School, the day offered more than just professional development—it was a celebration of place-based, outdoor learning rooted in the unique landscapes and communities of eastern Kentucky.

With a packed schedule of hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and inspiring dialogue, OLS empowered educators with fresh strategies, tools, and connections to support outdoor and environmental learning in their schools.

Ronny Goins, Director of Assessment at Letcher County Public Schools, and a vital partner in hosting the event, shared this reflection:

"It was a great day of collaboration and learning. I truly believe our teachers came away inspired, and with an ample supply of resources and network partners to allow them to bring their ideas to life. I can't wait to see the vibrant learning experiences the students of Letcher County participate in as a result of this symposium!"

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Digging Into the Day: Sessions That Sparked Curiosity

After morning coffee and welcome remarks, participants jumped into their first session of the day:

Taking Learning Outside. For many teachers, getting students outdoors feels intimidating, and this session tackled that hesitation head-on. Participants explored practical tools for managing time, behavior, materials, and content during outdoor learning experiences. They took part in an outdoor lesson themselves and reviewed real examples of Kentucky students engaging in standards-based outdoor learning. Discussions allowed teams to brainstorm how to adapt their own curriculum for the outdoors.

Kentucky Green Schools: In this energizing session, educators explored how to launch a Green Schools program on their campus, which was complete with hands-on investigations, student-led initiatives, and a roadmap for forming a “green team” of student changemakers. With easy-to-access resources and plenty of support, teachers were ready to jumpstart sustainability efforts at their schools.

Flood Preparedness: Using Local Data to Inform Active Learning: This interactive workshop showed how stream monitoring and  local data can help students understand and respond to both drought and high water events in their own communities. Teachers learned how to engage students in hands-on, science-driven investigations that connect water systems, resilience, and action.

Integrating English/Language Arts with Place-Based Learning: This session explored how outdoor experiences can deepen reading comprehension and content knowledge, especially through programs like Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), recently adopted by Letcher County Schools. Teachers spent time getting in Cowan Creek, connecting ELA standards with real-world, nature-based contexts.

River Cowboys Film & Water Education: This workshop featured a screening of the short film River Cowboys: Keepin’ It Wild, which highlights themes of river conservation, community, and resilience. Educators explored a companion discussion guide designed to spark powerful classroom conversations, helping students engage with local waterways, diverse community voices, and the challenges facing Kentucky’s rivers and the people who rely on them.

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George Ella Lyon

The Power of Place

One of the most powerful moments of the day came at noon, when participants gathered to hear from George Ella Lyon, Kentucky’s beloved writer, poet, and educator. Raised near the Cumberland River in Harlan County, Lyon spoke about the power of place, story, and imagination in education. Her keynote wove together personal reflection, poetry, and a celebration of vibrant, outdoor learning rooted in the land and culture of eastern Kentucky.

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Community Partners

The day of learning ended with an opportunity for teachers to connect with partners who can help support them along their outdoor learning journey. Many thanks to the partners who joined us to help round out this inspirational day!

• Kentucky Environmental Education Council

• Kentucky Department of Education

• Kentucky Division of Water

• Kentucky Mesonet

• Kentucky Waterways Alliance

• Pine Mountain Settlement School

• SOURCE Cowan Interns

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The event was hosted by KAEE in partnership with a deeply engaged local planning team and generous sponsors. Many thanks to: Cowan Elementary School and Letcher County Public Schools, The Cooperative Consortium for Transdisciplinary Social Justice Research, Double Kwik, Cowan Community Center, and The Berry Center Farm & Forest Institute.

And a special shoutout to our OLS Action Team:

• Mary Brydon-Miller, University of Louisville

• Valerie Horn, Cowan Community Center

• Vanessa Vanover, Cowan Elementary School

• Ronny Goins, Letcher County Public Schools

• Vivian Bowles, KAEE Board Member & Facilitator

• The KAEE Team

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Looking Ahead

From creekside reading to real-world data, every session offered something meaningful, and the shared commitment to taking learning outside was evident in every conversation.

KAEE is grateful to the educators who joined us and to the partners who helped make it happen. Here’s to more outdoor learning, more collaboration, and a future where every Kentucky student has the chance to learn from the world around them!