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Wednesday, June 18
 

9:30am EDT

SC Adopt-a-Stream Freshwater Stream Workshop
Wednesday June 18, 2025 9:30am - 3:30pm EDT
Register Here (https://forms.office.com/g/BduaZFf5Zk)
Select "FRESHWATER - [In-Person] Florence - Wednesday June 18th 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Francis Marion University)"
Registration is free!
Max: 20 participants

SC Adopt-a-Stream Freshwater Stream Workshop
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
9:30am - 3:30pm
**BRING YOUR OWN LUNCH**

Francis Marion University Freshwater Ecology Complex
3742 N. Williston Rd.
Florence, SC 29506
Near the intersection of I-95 and SC 327

You do not need to be a scientist, engineer, or water professional to become a water quality monitor! All are welcome to learn how to collect data that can help protect and restore freshwater streams.
This training will provide classroom and hands-on instruction for volunteer monitors on how to select a monitoring site, use equipment properly, collect samples, test water quality, enter data, determine stream conditions and practice safety in the field.

This workshop focuses on physical, chemical and bacteria monitoring. You will learn about stream habitat, pollution sources, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, E. coli and data collection. Once certified as a volunteer water quality monitor, you can adopt a stream to monitor on a monthly basis.

Be prepared to get your feet wet in a shallow stream. You must attend the full workshop to become a certified water quality monitor. Questions? Visit www.scadoptastream.org.
Speakers
ER

Erin Rosebrock

SC Adopt-a-Stream Program Coordinator, SC Department of Environmental Services
Erin graduated from Clemson University in 2022 with a B.S. in Plant and Environmental Sciences and a minor in Theatre. She currently works for the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services in Charleston, SC as a South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream (SC AAS) program coordinator... Read More →
Wednesday June 18, 2025 9:30am - 3:30pm EDT
Classroom 1, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

1:00pm EDT

Project WET: Foundations of Water Education
Wednesday June 18, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Project WET: Foundations of Water Education
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
1:00-5:00pm
Francis Marion University Freshwater Ecology Complex
3742 N. Williston Rd.
Florence, SC 29506
Near the intersection of I-95 and SC 327
Cost: $22 (covers cost of educator guide)
Max: 15 participants
Join this pre-conference workshop to train up on the latest and greatest in water education-- Project WET! Using the new Foundations of Water Education Guide, educators will learn the ins and outs of the Project WET curriculum, how to teach a variety of activities, and how to use the accompanying online resources.
Foundations of Water Education is an educator guide with 12 activities that teach the fundamentals of water literacy. With lessons for grades ranging from early elementary level through high school, there is something for everyone in this guide.
Questions? Contact director@eeasc.org.
Speakers
avatar for Diane Curlee

Diane Curlee

Education Coordinator, Orangeburg Soil and Water Conservation District
Wednesday June 18, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex
 
Thursday, June 19
 

8:30am EDT

Green Step Schools: Innovation and Creativity in Environmental Education
Thursday June 19, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT

Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2025
Location: Darlington Middle School, 150 Pinedale Drive, Darlington, SC 29532
Time: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Join us for a Green Step Schools (GSS) Gathering at Darlington Middle School, where we will celebrate achievements, explore innovative sustainability projects, and tour the Outdoor Environmental Awareness Center! This event is a fantastic opportunity for educators and mentors to network, learn, and share ideas that support environmental stewardship and sustainability education.

Event Schedule
8:30 AM – Sign In & Networking
8:45 – Presentation of School & Mentor Awards
9:15 – Introduction of Exciting New GSS Projects
10:15 – Tour of the DMS Outdoor Environmental Awareness Center
11:15 – Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks
Green Step Schools empowers students to engage in sustainability projects that make a lasting impact on their schools and communities. Learn more at eeasc.org/Green-Step-Schools.

Questions? Contact Jane Hiller at gss@eeasc.org
Speakers
JH

Jane Hiller

Green Step Schools Coordinator, Environmental Education Association of SC
Thursday June 19, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Darlington Middle School 150 Pinedale Drive, Darlington, SC 29532

9:00am EDT

Lynches River County Park Field Trip
Thursday June 19, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Lynches River County Park Field Trip
Thursday, June 19, 2025
9am-12pm
Meet at the Park's Community Building @ 9am
5090 County Park Rd.
Coward, SC 29530
Directions: Do NOT follow GPS directions, as GPS frequently takes you on an unnecessary detour. Use the following instead:
From Hwy 52 South/Irby St:
  1. Turn right onto Old Number 4 Hwy
  2. Go about 2 miles and turn right onto County Park Rd (there are two large park signs here)
  3. Go about 1 mile and enter the main gates of the park
  4. Make the first left into the parking lot and look for the large, round building on your left. 
During this guided tour of Lynches River County Park, participants will explore the Park through a combination of short walks on (mostly) flat paved surfaces and shuttles on the Park’s bus. Following the guided tour, participants will be free to explore the Park on their own and will have free access to the climbing wall (closed toed shoes are required for the climbing wall). Coffee, water, juice and muffins will be available at check-in; please bring a reusable coffee mug and/or water bottle.

Lynches River County Park is a 676-acre park in the heart of Florence County. It is owned and operated by Florence County Parks and Recreation and plays host to more than 170,000 visitors each year. The Park is home to many amenities such as walking trails, picnic shelters, a newly renovated Splash Pad, a canoe and kayak launch, climbing wall and a championship-level disc golf course (opening summer 2025) and the Environmental Discovery Center. The park features scenic views of Lynches River, offering opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. Visitors can also enjoy a canopy walk, playgrounds, and family- and equestrian-friendly campsites as well as equestrian trails and arena space, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Throughout the year, the park hosts educational programs, nature workshops, and community events to engage visitors of all ages.

Questions? Contact Keith Willoughby at director@eeasc.org.
Thursday June 19, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Community Building, Lynches River County Park 5090 County Park Rd., Coward, SC 29530

12:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Conference Welcome
Thursday June 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Welcome to the 2025 EEASC Conference!
Thursday June 19, 2025 1:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

1:15pm EDT

Up the Creek Without a Paddle
Thursday June 19, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Ever find yourself up the creek without paddle? Me too! Join us as we discuss one teacher’s journey on a rather polluted creek and how her students inspired a community to take action. This story not only made ripples in their local community, but they made ongoing waves of change!  
Speakers
LP

Layla Parrish

Student, Cutler Jewish Day School
Layla Parrish is a rising 6th grade student that has attended CJDS from preschool.  She has first hand knowledge and experience with the creek project.  Layla is an environmental steward and continues to lead her peers in the exploration of environmental studies.
VH

Val Hoyt-Parrish

Cutler Jewish Day School
Val Hoyt-Parrish holds a doctorate degree in education and has been teaching at CJDS for 17 years.  She has passion for environmental education, creating and implementing a woods program at her school that includes all grades from preschool-5th grade.  She has earned her PEEC certification... Read More →
Thursday June 19, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex
  Conference Session
  • about Layla Parrish is a rising 6th grade student that has attended CJDS from preschool.  She has first hand knowledge and experience with the creek project.  Layla is an environmental steward and continues to lead her peers in the exploration of environmental studies.

2:00pm EDT

Break
Thursday June 19, 2025 2:00pm - 2:15pm EDT
Thursday June 19, 2025 2:00pm - 2:15pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

2:15pm EDT

Answering the Age-old Question: What Is It? (Part I)
Thursday June 19, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm EDT
Participants will complete numerous hands-on/minds-on activities that introduce them to the creation and use of Dichotomous Keys of living and nonliving things found in South Carolina and the USA. Through the use of Dichotomous Keys (created by the workshop presenter), environmental educators will learn fish external morphology that will enable them to correctly identify the major South Carolina freshwater and saltwater fish.  If time is available, participants will also learn how to use ID keys to identify South Carolina plants, insects, clouds, rocks & minerals and more. This workshop has its roots and is in memory of Rudy Mancke.  
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Edward P. Donovan

Dr. Edward P. Donovan

Other, USC Upstate
Adjunct STEM professor (USC Upstate) and K-12 STEM teacher. Since 1969, he has taught over 31,000 students and presented almost 400 science education workshops in SC, USA and other countries. I have a BS in Sec Ed Bio & Gen Sci (1969), MS in Bio (Entomology, 1975) and PH.D. in Sci... Read More →
Thursday June 19, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm EDT
Conference Room, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

2:15pm EDT

The Wonders of Water Chemistry for Kids
Thursday June 19, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm EDT
Water is a substance that is vital to all life. Understanding why helps students appreciate the importance of protecting this priceless resource. Through hands-on activities the concepts of bonding, cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, and solution become understandable for elementary and older students.  
Speakers
avatar for John Ratterree

John Ratterree

Operations Coordinator, The Watershed Ecology Center @ USC Upstate
John Ratterree is a retired science teacher with over 30 years of experience. His passion is making science more accessible to learners of all ages. He currently works at the Watershed Ecology Center - USC Upstate, serves on the Wofford Life Long Learning Curriculum Committee,  and... Read More →
Thursday June 19, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm EDT
Classroom 1, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

2:15pm EDT

What Tree is This?
Thursday June 19, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm EDT
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
avatar for Matt Schnabel

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.  
avatar for Leslie Wilson

Leslie Wilson

Assistant Education Coordinator, SC Forestry Commission
Thursday June 19, 2025 2:15pm - 3:45pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

3:45pm EDT

Break
Thursday June 19, 2025 3:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Thursday June 19, 2025 3:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

4:00pm EDT

Cultivating Community: The Transformative Power of Food Forests
Thursday June 19, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
This presentation explores the transformative impact of food forests on communities, education, and daily life, emphasizing their role as sustainable, multi-functional ecosystems. It highlights how food forests foster community engagement by creating inclusive spaces for social interaction, cultural exchange, and educational growth. The educational benefits are examined through hands-on learning opportunities, environmental awareness, and intergenerational knowledge sharing. The everyday advantages of food forests, such as improved health, reduced grocery expenses, and contributions to climate resilience, are presented as vital to enhancing well-being. Challenges, like funding and maintenance, are acknowledged with solutions that emphasize collaboration and innovation. By cultivating food forests, communities can plant the seeds for a sustainable and thriving future.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Karls

Amanda Karls

Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Compliance, USC Upstate
Amanda Karls serves as Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Compliance at the University of South Carolina (USC) Upstate. She is a passionate advocate for sustainability throughout higher education institutions. Current sustainability initiatives include the Food Forest, Bee... Read More →
NK

Nick Karls

USC Upstate
Nick Karls serves on the Landscape Services team at the University of South Carolina (USC) Upstate. He is responsible for multiple pollinator habitats, land restoration and conservation, and environmental stewardship. Nick earned his B.A. in Environmental Studies (Land Management... Read More →
Thursday June 19, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Classroom 1, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

4:00pm EDT

Project WILD & PLT Meetup
Thursday June 19, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Come hang with your fellow PLT and WILD workshop facilitators at this informal, yet informational and fun meetup! Facilitators will learn about the latest and greatest changes to the programs, get their hands on some new educational resources, and meet and collaborate with other facilitators.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Schnabel

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.  
BF

Beth Foley

Conservation Education Manager, SC Department of Natural Resources
Thursday June 19, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex
 
Friday, June 20
 

8:00am EDT

8:45am EDT

9:30am EDT

Naturalist-Guided Walk with Josh Arrants
Friday June 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
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
JA

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

9:30am EDT

SCDES Surface Water Monitoring and State of Water Quality in South Carolina
Friday June 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
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
DC

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

9:30am EDT

Water, Water, Everywhere? Activities for a Thirsty Planet
Friday June 20, 2025 9:30am - 11:15am EDT
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
MJ

Michelle Jones

Hartsville Adult Education
Michelle Jones teaches 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

10:15am EDT

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

10:30am EDT

Emerging Contaminants: The Old, The New and What's Next?
Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Speakers
SS

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

10:30am EDT

Naturalist-Guided Walk with Josh Arrants
Friday June 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
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
JA

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

11:15am EDT

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

11:30am EDT

EEASC Annual Meeting
Friday June 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Keith Willoughby

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

12:00pm EDT

Central Section Meetup
Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Keith Willoughby

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

12:00pm EDT

Eastern Section Meetup
Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Speakers
EB

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

12:00pm EDT

Western Section Meetup
Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Speakers
SH

Samantha Hart

Environmental Educator, Conestee Nature Preserve
Friday June 20, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Classroom 1, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

12:30pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Keynote Address by Josh Arrants
Friday June 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Speakers
JA

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

2:00pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

Bridging Justice & Education: Intersectionality in Environmental Learning
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
IF

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

2:15pm EDT

Distributions of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in South Carolina Surface Waters
Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
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
MS

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 →
TS

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

2:15pm EDT

Welcome to the World of Kids Teaching Flood Resilience!
Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Welcome to the world of Kids Teaching Flood Resilience, where youth ages 11-16 take part in a RESILIENCE QUEST with their Teacher Leaders and community STEM mentors to build high impact forms of science literacy. They want to prove that they are not just kids, able to acquire and communicate POWER KNOWLEDGE across five domains: 1) Weather Smart, 2) Place Wise, 3) Storm Surge Smart, 4)  Prep Ready, and 4) Water Safe. WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN WE DON’T KNOW WHAT WE DON’T KNOW? How can science and engineering practices help us build RESILIENCE CAPACITY?  
Speakers
avatar for Merrie Koester, Ph.D.

Merrie Koester, Ph.D.

Science literacy and arts integration specialist, Director, Kids Teaching Flood Resilience, University of SC Center for Science Education
Dr. Merrie Koester is a science literacy and communication specialist for the University of SC Center for Science Education. Founder/director of Kids Teaching Flood Resilience, her work centers the building of research practice partnerships that legitimize and position science literate... Read More →
Friday June 20, 2025 2:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Classroom 1, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

3:00pm EDT

3:15pm EDT

Stormdrain Art in Your Community
Friday June 20, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
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
BB

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

3:15pm EDT

The Importance of Play
It's a playSCAPE not a playground.  Come learn how Conestee Nature Preserve designed and implemented their playscape and how you can include elements in schools, parks, and communities to promote play in nature.  
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Whitmire

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

4:00pm EDT

Break & Set Up for Social Hour
Friday June 20, 2025 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Friday June 20, 2025 4:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Outdoor Green Space 3742 N. Williston Rd. Florence, SC 29506

4:30pm EDT

Social Hour, Exhibits, and Silent Auction
Friday June 20, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Friday June 20, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Outdoor Green Space 3742 N. Williston Rd. Florence, SC 29506

5:30pm EDT

 
Saturday, June 21
 

TBA

Field Trip: The Farm at Florence 1
Saturday June 21, 2025 TBA
Explore The Farm at Florence 1 – A Model for Sustainable Agriculture!
Location: The Farm at Florence 1, 2101 N Williston Road, Florence, SC 29506
Join us on the morning of Saturday, June 21, 2025, for an exclusive tour of The Farm at Florence 1, a cutting-edge educational farm dedicated to hands-on agricultural learning and sustainability. Located in Florence, SC, this innovative farm serves as an outdoor classroom, providing students with real-world experiences in crop production, livestock care, aquaponics, and environmental conservation.
During the tour, you'll discover how the farm integrates STEM education, sustainability practices, and agricultural innovation to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Whether you're an educator, student, or sustainability advocate, this is a fantastic opportunity to see agriculture and education in action!
Experience hands-on learning and sustainability in action!
Don't miss this chance to explore one of South Carolina’s most exciting educational farms!
Saturday June 21, 2025 TBA
The Farm at Florence 1 2101 N Williston Road, Florence, SC 29506

8:45am EDT

Answering the Age-old Question: What Is It? (Part II)
Saturday June 21, 2025 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Participants will complete numerous hands-on/minds-on activities that introduce them to the creation and use of Dichotomous Keys of living and nonliving things found in South Carolina and the USA. Through the use of Dichotomous Keys (created by the workshop presenter), environmental educators will learn fish external morphology that will enable them to correctly identify the major South Carolina freshwater and saltwater fish.  If time is available, participants will also learn how to use ID keys to identify South Carolina plants, insects, clouds, rocks & minerals and more. This workshop has its roots and is in memory of Rudy Mancke.  
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Edward P. Donovan

Dr. Edward P. Donovan

Other, USC Upstate
Adjunct STEM professor (USC Upstate) and K-12 STEM teacher. Since 1969, he has taught over 31,000 students and presented almost 400 science education workshops in SC, USA and other countries. I have a BS in Sec Ed Bio & Gen Sci (1969), MS in Bio (Entomology, 1975) and PH.D. in Sci... Read More →
Saturday June 21, 2025 8:45am - 10:15am EDT
Conference Room, Education Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

10:15am EDT

Break
Saturday June 21, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
Saturday June 21, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex

10:30am EDT

Learning How to Block Print: A STEAM Activity
Saturday June 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Block printing is a fun way to create, recreate and share artwork. In this hands on session, participants will learn how to carve their own blocks and print pieces to share. There will be discussions among participants on how to bring block printing into your classroom or programs. Everyone should come with a marine-themed image in mind that could fit on a 3x4 inch block. The simpler your design, the better! If you don't consider yourself an artist, don't be scared of this session. We'll help you out!
Speakers
avatar for Jaime Thom

Jaime Thom

Assistant Director of Education, South Carolina Aquarium
Jaime Thom is the Assistant Director of Education at the South Carolina Aquarium in charge of the new Boeing Learning Lab at the Maritime Center. She leads school programs, outreach, camps, virtual programs, curriculum, teacher workshops and anything related to schools and students... Read More →
Saturday June 21, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Main Hall, Conference Center, Freshwater Ecology Complex
 
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