Nature-based Learning Symposium 2026
About The Symposium
The 6th annual Nature-based Learning Symposium on August 25th brings educators and their partners together to experience and learn about nature-based learning through engagement with the environment, relationship-building, discussion, and workshops.
Participants will leave with a better understanding of nature-based learning benefits and practices along with resources and relationships that promote this philosophy.
Participants Will
- Learn about nature based education as a way to improve individual and community wellness.
- Build an understanding around how nature based learning can be used to meet content and character goals
- Develop a framework for incorporating nature-based learning into their work
- Create an action plan for implementing nature based learning
Register Today for the Symposium
Symposium Schedule
August 25th 9am-4pm: Learn
The first day of the symposium includes nature immersion, a panel discussion, workshops, “un-conferencing” time, and opportunities to connect with participants.
| 8:30 – 9:00 | Light breakfast and registration |
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Welcome and setting the stage |
| 9:30 – 10:30 | Nature immersion experience |
| 10:30 – 10:45 | Break |
| 10:45 – 11:25 | Panel discussion: An Emerging NBL Ecosystem |
| 11:25 – 12:00 | Breakout discussion |
| 12:00 – 1:00 | Lunch break (bring your own) |
| 1:00 – 2:00 | Workshop sessions #1 |
| 2:00 – 2:15 | Break |
| 2:15 – 3:15 | Workshop sessions #2 |
| 3:15 – 4:00 | “Un-conferencing” – Participant driven conversations |
August 25th 4pm-5pm: Networking Hour
Join Fellow Nature-based Learning Enthusiasts for Ice Cream
At the end of the day we will give participants the opportunity to connect with organizations that engage in and support nature- based learning. Free ice cream for everyone thanks to the Northeast Dairy Association! If you would like to share information about your group, business, or other NBL related activities please reach out contact@rocecology.org
Panelists
Facilitated by: Calvin Eaton, M.S., Educator, Researcher, Entrepreneuer calvineaton.com
Joseph Dean – YMCA of Greater Rochester Sr. Program Director
Stephanie Krause – Anna-Murray Douglass School 12 Parent
Ellie Faugh – Rochester City School District Educator and Coach
Sara Scott – City of Rochester Department of Recreation and Human Services Director of Programs and Park Stewardship
Aryana Powell – FLCEHC & REP Environmental Health Ambassador
Workshop Details
Session 1 , 1:00 – 2:00
- Nature-Based Experiences – Opening doors for autistic students, Jace Pooley and Karen Beck Pooley
- Growing Fruit with Kids, Steph Rawleigh
- Curating Curiosity: Guiding Children’s Discovery of Microplastics, Tori DesRocher
- Binding field notebooks with recycled materials, Ben Rubin
Session 2, 2:15 – 3:15
- Connecting with Raptors, Daena Ford
- Weaving NBL with classroom learning objectives, Anne Marie Matela
- Nature Made Maps: connecting to a sense of place, Angela Cannon-Crothers
- Introduction to Forest Bathing, Lauren Mohn
- SOCA Trails, Dominique Alexandria Simmonds (she/her)
Symposium Details
Guiding Questions
- What is nature based learning and what are the benefits?
- How does nature based learning happen?
- What practices lead to the ability to observe deeply and cultivate inquiry?
- How do we use nature to enhance teaching within our existing educational goals?
- How do we ensure nature based learning is equitable and culturally responsive?
For Educators (broadly defined)
This event is designed for educators of every kind who want to integrate nature based experiences and environments into their well being and/or teaching practices. We invite anyone who is interested to attend.
We Welcome All
We, the planning team firmly believe that the active inclusion of people from varying identities, backgrounds, and perspectives is essential to creating equitable access to holistic and affirming nature based learning experiences. Reach out to let us know how we can accomodate your needs.
585-563-9604
COVID-19 Safety
This event will be outdoors and the risk of COVID-19 transmission is relatively low. Masks are optional and we expect anyone who has tested positive or has come in contact with anyone who has to stay home. We will offer a refund to anyone who needs to cancel due to COVID exposure.
Presented by Rochester Ecology Partners
Rochester Ecology Partners helps all people in the Rochester Region find nature where they live work and play. We do this through nature based learning and community building, particularly with young people.
About the Venue
Durand Eastman Park is one of Rochester’s magnificent parks and a perfect place to engage in activities that build a deeper connection with nature and each other.
The symposium will be held in and around the Magnolia shelter. To get there turn onto log cabin road from Lakeshore Boulevard and keep driving until you get to to the top of the hill.
We encourage car pooling. When you register you can select whether you would like or are offering a ride.
Event Sustainability
Creating an event with a limited environmental impact and a positive impact on the community and economy are important to us.
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, coffee mugs, and utensils. Stations for refill will be available.
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Symposium Sponsors and Supporters
This event is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of our community members.
Pleaser reach out to Chris Widmaier / cwidmaier@rocecology.org / 585-851-1648 for sponsorship options.
2026 Symposium Sponsors
Project Origin
The first nature-based learning symposium was held on September 1, 2021. After a long and weary winter we sat down to imagine how more teachers might be exposed, and in turn expose their students to the power of nature based learning. Throughout the spring and summer of 2021, a working group of dedicated volunteers planned and put on a nature-based learning symposium for 50 educators. In 2022 the effort grew to include 100+ educators as we tried to answer, “What is the opposite of Zoom?”. The success of these two events lead organizers to commit to making it an annual event. This year is our sixth Nature-based Learning Symposium and we are grateful for all that have joined us in growing the nature-based learning movement.