As environmental and outdoor learning professionals, our work is as rewarding as it is demanding. To sustain our fields, our ecosystems, and ourselves, we need moments to step back, reconnect, and ground ourselves in why we do what we do.

This September 17–18, 2026, the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) invites you to gather at CSU Spur for the 2026 Advancing Environmental Education Conference. Anchored by our theme, Common Roots, this year’s experience goes far beyond standard workshops.

Here are 5 ways that joining us at CSU Spur will recharge your purpose and elevate your practice:

1. Shift Your Lens with Keynote Speaker Dr. Temple Grandin
   Addressing complex environmental challenges—from water scarcity to more frequent wildfires—requires different minds coming together in new ways. World-renowned author, professor, and advocate Dr. Temple Grandin will share insights about the power of Visual Thinking in our conference keynote. You'll gain practical tools to uplift neurodivergent learners, helping you design programs that work towards our shared mission of serving all Coloradans.
2. Experience Community Care in Action (Not Just as a Buzzword)
   Burnout in non-profit, educational, and environmental sectors is real. This year’s schedule intentionally centers Community Care—moving from individual self-care to collective support. From informal morning circles and interactive socials to thoughtful spaces designed for honest reflection, you’ll leave with a stronger support system and a refreshed passion for your work.
3. Dig into Essential Regional Issues: Water & Climate Framing
   Get real-world tools for our state's most pressing ecological conversations. Through our pre-conference Climate Communications Workshop on Wednesday and an exclusive screening of the documentary "Thirsting for a Future" on Thursday, you’ll gain fresh framing techniques to talk about water rights, civic engagement, and climate resilience in ways that bridge divides and inspire action.
4. Meet CAEE’s New Leadership
   This conference marks a pivotal moment of growth for our statewide community! Wake up with us on Friday morning for the Sunrise Member Meeting to meet CAEE’s brand-new Executive Director, hear the latest state and national updates, and provide your own insights into how CAEE can support your needs. 
5. Celebrate 8 Local Champions
   Join us on Thursday evening to celebrate eight 2026 Award Recipients who are setting new standards for outdoor learning in Colorado, inspiring us all to be more thoughtful, inclusive educators. After raising a glass to our awardees, we’ll all transition to a laid-back evening of networking, art, trivia, and bonding time with your fellow EE colleagues.

Register by Friday, September 4 to secure your spot!

About the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) 
Environmental and outdoor education experiences are like charging stations that power up learning and enhance skills that will help Coloradans care for our world and sustain it for future generations. For over 30 years, the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education has been supporting the network of over 850 educators in classrooms, nonprofits, nature centers, government agencies, higher education, businesses, and more who build these experiences with opportunities for professional development, generating and sharing new ideas, and community support.  Together, we are wiring up an extensive circuitry of rich contexts and collaborators in environmental and outdoor learning that support ALL schools, families, and communities across Colorado. To learn more about the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education visit www.caee.org.