Association for Nature-Based Education upcoming events

Summer Series: Let's Take This Outside! (Wednesday, May 27, 2026)

Wed, 27 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Looking for a boost to freshen up your teaching practices as you end the school year and look out toward the summer? Well, look no further! This online series will feature guest speakers covering a wide range of topics perfect to take into your outdoor classrooms and beyond. Sessions will meet once a month May - August. Can't make a session? No problem! A recording will be sent in post following each session. Read on for detailed descriptions of each session!

A four (4) clock-hour certificate of completion will be issued at the conclusion of the course to any participants who attend all four sessions live. Check with your department of education to confirm if this course can be used toward continuing education hours in your state!

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

"From Narrative to Nature: Using Picture Books to Launch Science Inquiry" with Susan Richmond

Wednesday, May 27th from 7-8 PM (EST) [1 hr]

With rich language and imaginative illustration, nature-themed picture books provide ideal verbal and visual vocabulary for connecting children to their natural world. In this workshop, award-winning author Susan Edwards Richmond reveals how the inspiration of a single book can create a road map for weeks of scientific and multi-disciplinary curricula. Using examples from her Community Science Counts series, Susan will also suggest a step-by-step method for empowering students to gather and share data from their own hands-on explorations.

"Fostering Healthy Racial Identity in the Early Years" with Denisha Jones

Monday, June 8th from 7PM - 8PM (EST) [1hr]
Using a new framework, this session will explore how to foster healthy racial identity in the early years. We discuss the research on how children's racial learning develops and how early childhood teachers can create environments that affirm healthy racial identity development.

"Nature and Spirituality" with Laura Ritter

Monday, July 20th from 7PM - 8PM (EST) [1hr]

As children connect with the natural world they are developing a life-long capacity to be in meaningful relationships with the entirety of life around them. Consider a moment of awe of in nature, such as the unexpected sight of a rainbow or the fleeting brilliance of a shooting star. Moments like these capture our attention, filling us with a deep sense of wonder, beauty and reverence. As Nature-Based Educators who create opportunities for children to have awe-filled experiences daily, your work contributes deeply to a child’s spiritual health and spiritual foundation. This talk aims to affirm the depth and importance of your work highlighting that nature and spirituality go hand in hand in the developing minds and hearts of our youngest learners.

"The Yummiest Parts of Nature" with Alicia Garcia

Monday, August 24th from 7PM - 8PM (EST) [1hr]

Participants will be introduced to the philosophy and practices of Project Flourish Community while equipping them with practical, adaptable tools to foster essential life skills—like resilience, curiosity, collaboration, and ecological awareness—through food, gardening, and outdoor learning. We'll Identify essential life skills cultivated through food and garden-based learning, design a "food for thought" moment for your own setting and leave with a framework for integrating food + nature into your curriculum!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course is ideal for anyone who facilitates nature-based education and outdoor learning, which may include: teachers and administrators in preschool, childcare, or elementary school settings; naturalists, environmental educators, or outdoor educators; wilderness survival enthusiasts; and parents.

MEET YOUR PRESENTERS

Week #1: Susan Richmond (she/her) - Children's Book Author and Sub Lead Teacher for Mass Audubon

Susan Edwards Richmond is the award-winning author of The Great Pollinator Count, selected as an NSTA-CBC Best STEM Book of the Year. Her other picture books include Bioblitz! Counting Critters, Bird Count, and Night Owl Night, a Massachusetts Book Award Honor Title. Bird Count won the International Literacy Association’s Primary Fiction Award and is a Mathical Honor Book. Susan is also the author of Science Play, an activity book for preschoolers. A passionate birder and naturalist, Susan has taught preschool on a farm and wildlife sanctuary in eastern Massachusetts for more than a decade.

Week #2: Denisha Jones (she/her) - Executive Director of Defending the Early Years

Dr. Denisha Jones (she/her/ella) is the Executive Director of Defending and has spent 20 years working as a professor of teacher education. Her research interests include organizing activist research projects that examine grassroots movements to achieve racial justice in education, documenting the value of play as a tool for liberation with an emphasis on global approaches to play, and collaborating with parents and educators to foster positive racial, ethnic, and cultural identity development in the early years.

Week #3: Laura Ritter (she/her) - BCC, MA, MES

Laura Ritter is a nationally board-certified healthcare chaplain. She has spent the last 14 years supporting staff, patients, and families in hospital, hospice, and palliative care settings. Laura has a master’s degree in environmental studies and former experience in working in the field of environmental health. Her growing career aspiration is to bring support and inspiration to people engaged in environmental and nature-based work so that they continue to do their challenging and sacred work of caring for the earth.

Week #4: Alicia Garcia (she/her) - Founder and Living Arts Director of Project Flourish Community

Alicia is a Home Economics "Edupreneur" and Founder of Project Flourish Community. She is certified for nature-based education, holds degrees in Culinary Arts, Fashion Design and is currently completing credentials for Educational Sciences. Alicia empowers learners, families and school communities to create nourishing meals, resilient homes, and lifelong habits rooted in sustainability, creativity and community care. She considers her kitchen-classroom a joy space for life-connected learning.

*If you are unable to make a session, don't worry! We will record each session to share with all registered individuals.

New Jersey Outdoor Teacher Retreat (Saturday, May 30, 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Join us in Blairstown, New Jersey to recharge and get inspired at the close of the school year. This training will awaken your senses, kindle curiosity, and spark more ideas for outdoor learning with young children. This special event hosted by Flourish Nature School brings together experts in the field of nature-based early learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions in addition to a site tour of Flourish Nature School.

ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event which can be used in some states towards continuing education hours. Please check with you state department of education! Remember to dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included, please bring your canteen for drinks throughout the day.

Note: We strive for zero waste during our events; please bring your canteen for drinks.

Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children in programs that prioritize nature-based experiences. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, childcare settings, and more.

Schedule Outline

Registration and Breakfast
Introductions
Site tour of Flourish Nature School
Morning Workshops
Lunch
Afternoon Workshops
Closing Gathering

Workshop Topics

An Artful Pause with Bryanna Waldron

Wet Felting with Melissa Sheppard

Foraging and Medicinal Wander with Andrew Lovering

Breath Vitality with Jen Lewin

Welcoming Summer! (Monday, June 01, 2026)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

WEBINAR DESCRIPTION

Celebrating the cycles of nature helps us synchronize ourselves with our nature neighborhoods. As the we reach the peak of daylight hours in the northern hemisphere, we'll gather to welcome Summer together. Join ANBE members and friends to embrace nature's annual invitation to tend our inner fires and water the seeds of our creative visions, allowing ourselves to be guided by eco-connection mentors Honey Sweet Harmony through shared moments of deep listening, play, reflection, and regeneration during this online gathering.

With activities that help us feel Summer's energy -- including songs particularly suited to multigenerational, community-style singing -- participants will draw inspiration from this gathering to design activities for your own household, community, and educational programs.

These seasonal gatherings are highly experiential. In order to create a more conducive environment for deep sharing and interactive participation, this event will not be recorded. Please plan to join us live.

Practicing diversity, equity, and inclusion, these online gatherings are designed for maximal accessibility. If you need to eat, drink, move/stretch physically, take a break from looking at the digital screen and just listen, have a youngster of your household present with you, or other forms of flexibility that will make live attendance possible, please know those are supported. Reach out to programs@anbe.org if you have any questions.

To prepare for participation you are invited to bring the following: a candle & matches; a journal/notebook/sketchbook & pencils (regular and colored);

a ‘natureally or allies’ that feel/s right to you personally for this winter celebration - eg. stone, leaf, stick, bone, nut, moss, bark, berries, etc.

To find your natureally/allies, you might try a practice of asking ‘do you want to come to the fall gathering? Listen for a yes/no. Then offer a little gratitude to the source of your natureally - words, a song, a pinch of cornmeal…whatever feels right. This process can be modeled for those you teach/mentor, too.

A bundle of gifts to inspire your own Summer activities will be emailed to all who register.

A certificate of completion will be provided upon request to those who attend the complete event live.

While there is no charge to attend, donations for this event help ANBE continue to offer high quality, accessible programs for everyone.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This online gathering is designed for everyone who guides nature-based education and outdoor learning, which may include: teachers, administrators and board members of schools and childcare providers; parents,grandparents,aunties,uncles, Big Sisters/Brothers/Siblings; community story, song, and movement/dance leaders; naturalists; environmental educators; outdoor educators; wilderness survival enthusiasts; ancestral skills & nature connection mentors; permaculturists, and more!

MEET YOUR GUIDES

Honey Sweet Harmony is an interspecies creativity-catalyzing mentorship constellation. McCadden holds a MA/ABD in cultural anthropology of theatre from the University of Chicago, and BA with honors in Comparative Literature from Hamilton College, as well as mentoring from indigenous elders of Turtle Island. Ki collaborates with many helpers such as animals, plants, trees, and stones! Together kin* are committed to remembering regenerative cultural patterns, and have decades of experience with all ages from toddlers to seniors. Deep nature connection mentors and ancestral skills facilitators, kin specialize in stories, music, and movement, eco-connective healing arts, ceremony facilitation, and grief / peace tending. For over 25 years kin have taught experiential enrichment programs in a diverse range of public and private schools, camps, community centers, spiritual-based and nature-based organizations. Kin have facilitated for the Association for Nature Based Educators (ANBE) webinars and in-person workshops, Village Talk (a weekly phone conference for mentors committed to deep nature connection), Community Song Circles and Story Circles, Ancestor Suppers, solar and lunar phase celebrational gatherings, and many more forms of multigenerational community events inspired by nature’s rhythms. Kin have served as helpers at indigenous peace treaty renewals and peace tree plantings. Kin also offer private mentoring and eco-healing sessions for individuals, families, and organizations. You'll find seasonal Song Groves and activity ideas that kin have cultivated for the ANBE in our blog archives.

(*these nature-kinship pronouns, ki/singular like s/he, kin/plural like they/them, come from Robin Wall Kimmerer)

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WEBINAR DESCRIPTION

Cool winds encourage the first leaves ready to drift down to earth, creature teachers start to gather in their tasty harvests to last through the cold season...

Celebrating the cycles of nature helps us synchronize ourselves with our nature neighborhoods. Join eco-connection mentors Honey Sweet Harmony to honor the coming of Autumn! Participants will be guided through activities that help us feel Autumn's energy - including songs particularly suited to multigenerational, community-style singing. You can then draw inspiration from your participation in this gathering to design activities for your own household, community, and educational programs.

These seasonal gatherings are highly experiential. With a focus on interactions among attendees, we will not be recording.

A bundle of gifts to inspire your own Autumnal activity designs will be emailed to all who register.

A certificate of completion will be provided upon request to those who attend the complete event live.

While there is no charge to attend, donations for this event help ANBE continue to offer high quality, accessible programs for everyone.

Director's Circle - June (Tuesday, June 02, 2026)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:30:00 GMT

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Are you the leader of a Nature-Based program looking to connect and learn with others like you? Then join us to gather (virtually) with fellow nature-based program Directors for a monthly networking circle. Each month will feature a guiding question or two, resources to support your work leading a nature-based program, and plenty of time to connect with peers. We hope you can join us!

**Director's Circles will not be recorded, live attendance is required for this interactive experience**

MEET YOUR HOST!

Emily Woodmansee (she/her), Bluestone Village and Nature Programs

Emily Woodmansee is the Founding Executive Director of Bluestone Village, a nature-based community initiative. Bluestone offers nature-based youth programming, as well as community gatherings to bring young families together outside. Emily lives in NE Pennsylvania with her husband and two young daughters.

Summer Series: Let's Take This Outside! (Monday, June 08, 2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

"From Narrative to Nature: Using Picture Books to Launch Science Inquiry" with Susan Richmond

Wednesday, May 27th from 7-8 PM (EST) [1 hr]

"Fostering Healthy Racial Identity in the Early Years" with Denisha Jones

"Nature and Spirituality" with Laura Ritter

Monday, July 20th from 7PM - 8PM (EST) [1hr]

"The Yummiest Parts of Nature" with Alicia Garcia

Monday, August 24th from 7PM - 8PM (EST) [1hr]

MEET YOUR PRESENTERS

Week #1: Susan Richmond (she/her) - Children's Book Author and Sub Lead Teacher for Mass Audubon

Week #2: Denisha Jones (she/her) - Executive Director of Defending the Early Years

Week #3: Laura Ritter (she/her) - BCC, MA, MES

Week #4: Alicia Garcia (she/her) - Founder and Living Arts Director of Project Flourish Community

*If you are unable to make a session, don't worry! We will record each session to share with all registered individuals.

Creating Your Forest or Nature School (Thursday, June 11, 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

If you are starting a new forest or nature-based program (including outdoor preschool, childcare and homeschool classes), this intensive online course can help you get started! We address a range of topics including:

Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
Business planning/determining a business structure
Locations and partners
Licensing considerations
How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
Policies and practices for your parent handbook
Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
Finding and hiring great staff
Marketing your program
Evaluation methods

The format of this interactive course is a combination of facilitated discussion, small group work among participants, and asynchronous independent learning experiences. We provide many templates and resources to help you develop an authentic, placed-based approach to your program. Please note this is not a prerecorded, on-demand course. It is interactive so we can learn together!

Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

SCHEDULE

We’ve designed this online course with a paced structure to help you absorb the material and build your program step by step over six months. The course includes six facilitated online sessions, each held from 1:30–3 p.m. (EST).

Between sessions, you’ll complete self-directed reading and planning activities, which require a minimum of one hour between class meetings. To get the most out of the course, please ensure you can dedicate time to reviewing materials and reflecting on how to apply new policies and concepts to your unique circumstances.

Upon successful completion, you will receive a professional development certificate.

*NEW SELF-PACED OPTION!

Most folks have many nuanced questions when they start a new program, so we always suggest joining the live online course if possible to ask your questions and learn from the experiences of others (schedule above). But...we also know you may be juggling many responsibilities and need the flexibility of a self-paced, on-demand course. For the first time ever, we have decided to offer a new self-paced option! This means we will hold regular class sessions (schedule above) and then follow up with bite-sized video recordings and resources for all of the self-paced learners. You will still experience the content and topics that are covered in the live sessions, but you can do so at your pace.

Additionally, we will include one 30-minute consultation session for each self-paced attendee. This will be scheduled to take place at the conclusion of the course in October and November and is completely optional.

Because this is the first time we are offering a self-paced option, we hope you will provide feedback in real time throughout the course!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course is ideal for anyone establishing a nature-based program, which could be in the form of outdoor preschool, forest school, childcare, home school, or afterschool model. Whether your program is in a rural or urban setting, we offer essential information so you can get right to it! Feel free to reach out to Monica with questions.

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE

Founder/cofounder of three nature preschool programs in Maryland and consultant to countless others starting forest and nature schools in the U.S. and abroad, Monica brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you jump-start your own nature-based program! She is the coauthor of award-winning Nature Play Workshop for Families (Quarto, 2020) and recently released Nature-Based Early Childhood Education (NAEYC, 2025). Monica earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art Educ. (K-12) and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Ed. from Towson University, Baltimore, MD and completed year-long graduate fellowship with UMBC/UMASS in 2024. Monica is deeply engaged in the Outdoor Preschool Licensing pilot, enacted in 2023 in Maryland as she advocates for more equitable access to nature-based education. She is a wife and mother of two and enjoys spending time in nature with her family.

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level I (online - Summer) (Monday, June 15, 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT

We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification as an online option! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential. To date, we have certified more than one thousand teachers from all 50 states and 25 countries, each gaining strategies and tools for unique nature-based settings. Now it's your turn!

Our 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting.

SCHEDULE

Monday/Thursday: Facilitated discussions on key topics
Wednesdays: Cohort meetings and/or Guest Presenters

Course meets live from 11AM - 1PM (PST)/ 1PM - 3PM (CST)/ 2PM - 4PM (EST) on Mondays and Thursdays with additional time built in for on-demand content. Wednesdays are reserved for guest presenters and group meeting support. There are a total of six consecutive weeks of online sessions with presenters and within small cohorts. Additional clock hours include a variety of presenters and one-on-one Mentor Meetings. Flexible, self-directed learning will take place centered on outdoor skills and experiences, which you must provide documentation of. Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course.

We are delighted to share this course with our international friends and those who cannot travel for training at this time. Please take a look at this FAQ page and feel free to email programs@anbe.org with questions!

Monthly Member Connection Call - June (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Cozy up at home and connect online with other nature-based educators all over the world! Register today to let us know what's on your mind, then join us live to hear from your fellow teachers, homeschool parents, naturalists and more!

This monthly 1-hour Zoom call is included with ANBE membership of all levels. The schedule for the session is as follows:

Welcome! Opening with a beat of gratitude
Reflection/discussion questions on topics curated by our community
Break out rooms with time to discuss
Closing with a song you can use with your students!
Heads-up on upcoming ANBE events to best support your professional practices

Settle in for a rejuvenating time to pause, reflect, connect, and be inspired.

**Discussion calls will not be recorded, live attendance is required for this interactive experience**

MEET YOUR HOST!

Kirsten Mize (she/her), ANBE Program Coordinator

Goucher College graduate, Kirsten Mize, is delighted to serve the ANBE community as Program Coordinator, curating high-quality training for nature-based educators of all different walks. With a Masters in Education (Focus: At-Risk and Diverse Students) and a Bachelors in Music (Focus: Vocal Performance), Kirsten brings over a decade of diverse teaching experience and pedagogical knowledge to ANBE. She has always had a deep connection with nature and believes strongly in holistic teaching methods, the power of play, and cultivating wonder. When she is not at ANBE, Kirsten works as a voice actor independently from her home studio in Baltimore, Maryland and has lent her voice to musicals, operas, stage plays, podcasts, video games, and radio plays. But probably her most important job is that of mother to one sweet little boy who has inherited his mother's love for music and the outdoors.

Creating Your Forest or Nature School (Thursday, July 02, 2026)

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
Business planning/determining a business structure
Locations and partners
Licensing considerations
How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
Policies and practices for your parent handbook
Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
Finding and hiring great staff
Marketing your program
Evaluation methods

Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

SCHEDULE

Upon successful completion, you will receive a professional development certificate.

*NEW SELF-PACED OPTION!

Because this is the first time we are offering a self-paced option, we hope you will provide feedback in real time throughout the course!

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level I (Maryland) (Monday, July 06, 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level 1! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential.

This five-day, 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting. (See web for complete description.)

OVERVIEW OF THE WEEK

Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided.

Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided.

Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Off-site tours and workshops; lunch provided.

Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire

Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course; light breakfast and lunch provided.

LODGING OPTIONS

Hotels

The Sheraton

(~20min drive)

903 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204

The Hampton Inn

(~20min drive)

21 W Susquehanna Ave, Towson, MD 21204

The Delta Hotel in North Baltimore

(~8 min drive)

5100 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, 21210

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level II (Maryland) (Monday, July 06, 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

We are excited to learn with you once again during the Level 2: Intermediate Nature-Based Teacher Certification! (Registration is for live, in-person certification.)

This five-day, 36-hour course builds on what you learned during the Level 1 introductory course, diving deeper into best practices and helping you hone approaches to nature-based early childhood education specific to your learning environment. The intermediate course examines more nuanced facets of running a nature-based program, managing/mentoring teachers, and promoting your program. We continue to draw from experienced educators and explore diverse perspectives in NBECE throughout the week. You will also take time to enhance your personal nature connection as an extension of this deep, important work. (Note: Attendees must complete the level 1 introductory course prior to taking level 2; see web for complete description.)

OVERVIEW OF SCHEDULE

Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided daily

Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Off-site tours and workshops

Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops

Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire

Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course.

LODGING OPTIONS

Hotels

The Sheraton

(~20min drive)

903 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204

The Hampton Inn

(~20min drive)

21 W Susquehanna Ave, Towson, MD 21204

The Delta Hotel in North Baltimore

(~8 min drive)

5100 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, 21210

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level I (NY) (Monday, July 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

LODGING:

Nearest Airports : Syracruse (SYR) and Ithaca (ITH)

While lodging is not provided as part of this course, there are many hotels in Cortland, NY. Some options include:

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, Cortland, NY

5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Best Western Plus Finger Lakes Inn
5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Hampton Inn Cortland
11 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Lime Hollow's rustic camping area will be open and available to ANBE attendees. The area is a short 1/4 hike from one of our trailheads and approximately a 15 minute hike from the Visitor Center. The site is truly primitive with no running water or electricity. Composting toilets are available, as well as water for washing hands and drinking, firewood, firepit, and plenty of flat space to set up tents and spread out. Outdoor showers will be available before 8am and after 5pm at Lime Hollow's Education Campus.

Click here to reserve a camp site at Lime Hollow!

Daytime childcare is also available through Lime Hollow Nature Center's outdoor, nature camps! All ANBE participants will receive 10% off of summer camp registration and FREE camp after-care while at the conference. Camp days run 8am-3pm with an aftercare option from 3pm-5pm. Children ages 3 to 16 may attend. Registration for camp is first-come, first-serve, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. Camp registration opens February 1, 2025. Use coupon code "ANBE" to reserve. Payment plans are available.

For additional questions regarding onsite camping or child-care options, reach out to Rachel at info@limehollow.org or call (607) 662-4632.

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level II (NY) (Monday, July 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

OVERVIEW OF SCHEDULE

LODGING:

Nearest Airports : Syracruse (SYR) and Ithaca (ITH)

While lodging is not provided as part of this course, there are many hotels in Cortland, NY. Some options include:

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, Cortland, NY

5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Best Western Plus Finger Lakes Inn
5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Hampton Inn Cortland
11 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Click here to reserve a camp site at Lime Hollow!

For additional questions regarding onsite camping or child-care options, reach out to Rachel at info@limehollow.org or call (607) 662-4632.

Summer Series: Let's Take This Outside! (Monday, July 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

"From Narrative to Nature: Using Picture Books to Launch Science Inquiry" with Susan Richmond

Wednesday, May 27th from 7-8 PM (EST) [1 hr]

"Fostering Healthy Racial Identity in the Early Years" with Denisha Jones

"Nature and Spirituality" with Laura Ritter

Monday, July 20th from 7PM - 8PM (EST) [1hr]

"The Yummiest Parts of Nature" with Alicia Garcia

Monday, August 24th from 7PM - 8PM (EST) [1hr]

MEET YOUR PRESENTERS

Week #1: Susan Richmond (she/her) - Children's Book Author and Sub Lead Teacher for Mass Audubon

Week #2: Denisha Jones (she/her) - Executive Director of Defending the Early Years

Week #3: Laura Ritter (she/her) - BCC, MA, MES

Week #4: Alicia Garcia (she/her) - Founder and Living Arts Director of Project Flourish Community

*If you are unable to make a session, don't worry! We will record each session to share with all registered individuals.

Creating Your Forest or Nature School (Thursday, August 13, 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
Business planning/determining a business structure
Locations and partners
Licensing considerations
How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
Policies and practices for your parent handbook
Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
Finding and hiring great staff
Marketing your program
Evaluation methods

Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

SCHEDULE

Upon successful completion, you will receive a professional development certificate.

*NEW SELF-PACED OPTION!

Because this is the first time we are offering a self-paced option, we hope you will provide feedback in real time throughout the course!

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE

Summer Series: Let's Take This Outside! (Monday, August 24, 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

"From Narrative to Nature: Using Picture Books to Launch Science Inquiry" with Susan Richmond

Wednesday, May 27th from 7-8 PM (EST) [1 hr]

"Fostering Healthy Racial Identity in the Early Years" with Denisha Jones

"Nature and Spirituality" with Laura Ritter

Monday, July 20th from 7PM - 8PM (EST) [1hr]

"The Yummiest Parts of Nature" with Alicia Garcia

Monday, August 24th from 7PM - 8PM (EST) [1hr]

MEET YOUR PRESENTERS

Week #1: Susan Richmond (she/her) - Children's Book Author and Sub Lead Teacher for Mass Audubon

Week #2: Denisha Jones (she/her) - Executive Director of Defending the Early Years

Week #3: Laura Ritter (she/her) - BCC, MA, MES

Week #4: Alicia Garcia (she/her) - Founder and Living Arts Director of Project Flourish Community

*If you are unable to make a session, don't worry! We will record each session to share with all registered individuals.

Creating Your Forest or Nature School (Thursday, September 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
Business planning/determining a business structure
Locations and partners
Licensing considerations
How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
Policies and practices for your parent handbook
Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
Finding and hiring great staff
Marketing your program
Evaluation methods

Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

SCHEDULE

Upon successful completion, you will receive a professional development certificate.

*NEW SELF-PACED OPTION!

Because this is the first time we are offering a self-paced option, we hope you will provide feedback in real time throughout the course!

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE

Creating Your Forest or Nature School (Thursday, October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
Business planning/determining a business structure
Locations and partners
Licensing considerations
How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
Policies and practices for your parent handbook
Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
Finding and hiring great staff
Marketing your program
Evaluation methods

Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

SCHEDULE

Upon successful completion, you will receive a professional development certificate.

*NEW SELF-PACED OPTION!

Because this is the first time we are offering a self-paced option, we hope you will provide feedback in real time throughout the course!

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE