EEASC 2025 Conference: Making Waves

EEASC 2025 Conference: Making Waves

arrow_back View All Dates

8:45am EDT

Conference Welcome

Friday June 20, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am EDT

Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Speakers

Dr. Jeff Steinmetz

Director of the Freshwater Ecology Center & Professor of Biology, Francis Marion University

Jeff got his bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College, and his Ph. D from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagin, where he specialized in aquatic ecology. He has worked at Queens University of Charlotte, University of South Carolina at Sumter, and has worked at Francis Marion... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

9:30am EDT

Naturalist-Guided Walk with Josh Arrants

Friday June 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am EDT

Meet at Front Entrance, Conference Center

Join acclaimed naturalist Josh Arrants on a walk around the Freshwater Ecology Complex campus. Arrants is a nationally known and respected naturalist who has 25 years of experience working with endangered species, monitoring flora and fauna populations, and teaching natural history across the United States. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, he is originally from the Palmetto State. Josh has lived in Montana for 8 years and is on the board of directors of The Glacier Institute, where he served as the immediate past president. He is the instructor of the Master Naturalist of Glacier National Park class, as well as other courses on the flora, fauna, and geology of northwest Montana. Josh owns Arrants Outdoors, an environmental and ecological consulting company that works with corporations, government agencies, and private landowners on permitting, monitoring, and conservation projects. He is also passionate about giving back to the community, creating the Nicole Chadwick Memorial Scholarship through the SC Wildlife Federation and taking part in countless fundraising and educational events for nonprofits and other organizations around the country.

Speakers

Josh Arrants

Arrants Outdoors, LLC

Josh Arrants is a nationally known and respected naturalist who has 25 years of experience working with endangered species, monitoring flora and fauna populations, and teaching natural history across the United States. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, he is originally... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Meet at Front Entrance, Conference Center 3742 N. Williston Rd. Florence, SC 29506

Conference Session

9:30am EDT

SCDES Surface Water Monitoring and State of Water Quality in South Carolina

Friday June 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am EDT

Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

This session will provide an overview of various SCDES routine ambient surface water monitoring programs and a discussion of the status of surface water quality in South Carolina.

Speakers

David Chestnut

Senior Scientist, SC Department of Environmental Services

David Chestnut is currently a Senior Scientist with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, Bureau of Water, where he has worked since 1985. His primary responsibilities at SCDES include the design and oversight of the statewide Ambient Surface Water Quality Monitoring... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

9:30am EDT

Water, Water, Everywhere? Activities for a Thirsty Planet

Friday June 20, 2025 9:30am - 11:15am EDT

Classroom 1, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Just a small fraction of all of the water on Earth is accessible fresh water that we need for agriculture, industry and households worldwide. In this interactive session, engage in interdisciplinary lessons that explore trends in water use, water pollution and conservation efforts in a world of nearly 8 billion people with growing water demands. Activity formats include role-playing and games, and an interactive story on the history of a local river. Receive activities and background materials matched to SC Science Standards.

Speakers

Michelle Jones

Retired science educator

Michelle Jones taught at Hartsville Adult Education Center, and previously taught middle and high school science. In 2009, she was recognized as the Central Savannah River Area Environmental Teacher of the Year and as South Carolina Project Learning Tree’s Outstanding Educator... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 9:30am - 11:15am EDT
Classroom 1, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

10:30am EDT

Emerging Contaminants: The Old, The New and What's Next?

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Speakers

Ray Holberger

Risk Specialist, SCDES

Sandra Snyder

Chemicals of Emerging Concern Specialist, SC Department of Environmental Services

Sandra Snyder has worked in State Government since 2000 as a chemist, environmental health manager and has led the PFAS initiative at SCDES since 2017. Sandra has retired from her position at SCDES but returned part time to continue addressing emerging contaminants in South Carol... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

10:30am EDT

Naturalist-Guided Walk with Josh Arrants

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am EDT

Meet at Front Entrance, Conference Center

Join acclaimed naturalist Josh Arrants on a walk around the Freshwater Ecology Complex campus. Arrants is a nationally known and respected naturalist who has 25 years of experience working with endangered species, monitoring flora and fauna populations, and teaching natural history across the United States. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, he is originally from the Palmetto State. Josh has lived in Montana for 8 years and is on the board of directors of The Glacier Institute, where he served as the immediate past president. He is the instructor of the Master Naturalist of Glacier National Park class, as well as other courses on the flora, fauna, and geology of northwest Montana. Josh owns Arrants Outdoors, an environmental and ecological consulting company that works with corporations, government agencies, and private landowners on permitting, monitoring, and conservation projects. He is also passionate about giving back to the community, creating the Nicole Chadwick Memorial Scholarship through the SC Wildlife Federation and taking part in countless fundraising and educational events for nonprofits and other organizations around the country.

Speakers

Josh Arrants

Arrants Outdoors, LLC

Josh Arrants is a nationally known and respected naturalist who has 25 years of experience working with endangered species, monitoring flora and fauna populations, and teaching natural history across the United States. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, he is originally... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Meet at Front Entrance, Conference Center 3742 N. Williston Rd. Florence, SC 29506

Conference Session

11:30am EDT

EEASC Annual Meeting

Friday June 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Speakers

Keith Willoughby

Executive Director, Environmental Education Association of SC

Keith has been working with the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina since 2022. Prior to EEASC, he served in the non-profit sector for over 30 years. Most of his career has been working with students in residential outdoor education programs. He holds a B. S. degree... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

12:00pm EDT

Central Section Meetup

Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Speakers

Keith Willoughby

Executive Director, Environmental Education Association of SC

Keith has been working with the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina since 2022. Prior to EEASC, he served in the non-profit sector for over 30 years. Most of his career has been working with students in residential outdoor education programs. He holds a B. S. degree... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

12:00pm EDT

Eastern Section Meetup

Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Conference Room, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Speakers

E.V. Bell

Education and Outreach Manager, SC Sea Grant Consortium

Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Conference Room, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

12:00pm EDT

Western Section Meetup

Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Classroom 1, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Speakers

Samantha Hart

Environmental Educator, Conestee Nature Preserve

Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Classroom 1, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

1:00pm EDT

Keynote Address by Josh Arrants

Friday June 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Speakers

Josh Arrants

Arrants Outdoors, LLC

Josh Arrants is a nationally known and respected naturalist who has 25 years of experience working with endangered species, monitoring flora and fauna populations, and teaching natural history across the United States. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, he is originally... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

2:15pm EDT

Bridging Justice & Education: Intersectionality in Environmental Learning

Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Conference Room, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Environmental education is most effective when it acknowledges and addresses the diverse experiences of the communities it serves. This session will explore the critical role of intersectionality in shaping environmental education programs, highlighting how race, class, and historical context impact environmental access and engagement. Participants will gain practical tools for integrating social justice into environmental curricula, fostering inclusive spaces that empower all voices. Through a lens of equity and innovation, we’ll discuss how environmental education can better serve marginalized communities, making waves for a more just and sustainable future.

Speakers

Idreese Foxworth

The United People Project

Idreese Foxworth is the founder of the United People Project, dedicated to environmental justice and community empowerment. A seasoned advocate, Idreese’s work focuses on integrating social equity into environmental education. With experience in sustainable development and community... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Conference Room, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

2:15pm EDT

Distributions of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in South Carolina Surface Waters

Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a broad class of several thousand man-made organic chemicals, are ubiquitous in the environment. These chemicals are an emerging public health concern as they have been found in the blood of animals and humans worldwide. Since 2022, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has been investigating distributions of PFAS in surface waters across the state. This session will provide an overview of the monitoring program and a look into the presence of PFAS in surface waters and aquatic organisms statewide.

Speakers

Matthew S. Baumann

Director, Aquatic Science Division, SC Department of Environmental Services

Matt Baumann has been with South Carolina Department of Environmental Services [formerly DHEC] since 2017. He is currently the director of the Aquatic Science Division in the Bureau of Water. Matt specializes in aquatic field program development and management, marine and freshwater... Read More →

Taylor Shearer

Fisheries Biologist, Aquatic Science Division, SC Department of Environmental Services

Taylor Shearer graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2016 with a Bachelors degree in Marine Science & minor in Environmental Science. Shortly after graduation, she began her career at DHEC as a regional water sampler before joining the Aquatic Biology Section in 2018... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

2:15pm EDT

What Tree is This?

Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

Classroom 1, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Learn and practice how to identify common tree species of South Carolina. You will first learn basic terminology that describes physical characteristics of trees. Then you will go on a forest hike to practice identifying many tree species using a field guide.

Speakers

Matt Schnabel

Education Coordinator, SC Forestry Commission

Matt Schnabel is the Environmental Education Coordinator for the SC Forestry Commission. Mr. Schnabel is a certified teacher in SC and previously taught for Lexington District 1. He also worked as a park ranger for the NC State Parks and at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC.

Leslie Wilson

Assistant Education Coordinator, SC Forestry Commission

Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Classroom 1, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

3:15pm EDT

Stormdrain Art in Your Community

Friday June 20, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Bring beauty and storm water awareness to your community! After having put on Storm Drain Art Contests for two years, let my successes and failures be your guide!

Speakers

Beth Button

District Coordinator, Spartanburg Soil and Water Conservation District

Beth Button grew up spending time at the family cabin on the Susquehanna River where she developed an appreciation for water quality concerns. After graduation from college, she began life as an Environmental Educator, starting right here in SC with the Teaching KATE program out of... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

3:15pm EDT

The Importance of Play

Friday June 20, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT

Conference Room, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

It's not just a playground, It's an outdoor play and learning environment! Come learn about Grow Outdoors South Carolina, a state initiative partnering with the National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Learning Initiative to transform early childhood outdoor spaces into stimulating naturalized environments that spark play and learning. Then, hear a case study of Conestee Nature Preserve’s new playscape. We will share lessons learned from design to implementation. Learn of local initiatives engaging with communities to develop natural learning environments and ideas of nature play elements you can include at your park or school!

Speakers

Brandon Dupree

Senior Landscape Design Manager - Grow Outdoors SC, National Wildlife Federation

Brandon Dupree is the Senior Landscape Design Manager for Early Childhood Health Outdoors at the National Wildlife Federation, where he leads design assistance efforts for the Grow Outdoors South Carolina initiative. With nearly a decade of experience, he specializes in creating play... Read More →

Sarah Whitmire

Board President, Conestee Nature Preserve

Sarah Whitmire currently serves as President of EEASC. For her day job, she serves as the Education Director at Conestee Nature Preserve in Greenville, SC. She has almost 20 years of experience in environmental education and is always excited to share her love of the outdoors with... Read More →

Friday June 20, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Conference Room, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

4:30pm EDT

Social Hour, Exhibits, and Silent Auction

Friday June 20, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Outdoor Green Space

Friday June 20, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Outdoor Green Space 3742 N. Williston Rd. Florence, SC 29506

Conference Session

5:30pm EDT

Awards Banquet

Friday June 20, 2025 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT

Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Friday June 20, 2025 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

Conference Session

Need help? View Support Guides
Event questions? Contact Event Planner

Powered by Sched Event Planning Software

©2025 Sched • About • Privacy • Terms