1. NAAEE Annual Conference: Imagine If…
 | Date: October 6-9, 2026 Location: Portland, Oregon Description: Registration is open for NAAEE’s Annual Conference and Research Symposium. Join more than 1,000 attendees as they imagine and advance solutions grounded in research and practice, inspired by place, and strengthened through collaboration. With themes from connecting with nature to advancing sustainable communities, this event invites everyone to consider what becomes possible when education drives connection, action, and positive change. For more information and registration, click HERE. |
2. UC Environmental Stewards Statewide Conference
  | Dates: October 9-11, 2026 Location: Santa Barbara Description: UC Environmental Stewards welcomes everyone to join an inclusive and safe setting to learn to be better stewards of our environment. The conference is open to all individuals with an interest in building a more equitable, resilient and sustainable future for California. There will be engaging presentations, hands-on workshops and field trips will highlight local natural history, culture and the environment, with a focus on climate change and climate resilience work in California and participatory science, equity, inclusion and justice in conservation efforts. Register HERE. |
3. Secretary Speaker Series: Sin Miedo-Celebrating Latino Culture, Nature, and Community
 | Dates: October 12, 2026 Location: Virtual Description: California’s public lands hold stories of migration, labor, family, cultural tradition, recreation, and community identity. Latino communities have shaped and cared for the state’s parks, forests, deserts, waterways, and historic places for generations. Yet barriers to outdoor access, changing environmental protections, and fear surrounding immigration enforcement continue to affect how many families experience these shared spaces. During Latino Heritage Month, hear from inspiring Latino leaders who have broken barriers, overcome difficult circumstances, and lead with compassion. We will explore the strength of community and the work underway to create parks and public lands where everyone feels safe, represented, and welcome. Register HERE. |
4. California Farm to School Summit
  | Date: October 14-15, 2026 Location: Sacramento County Description: Presented by First Partner of California Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Center for Ecoliteracy, Alice Waters Institute, National Farm to School Network, and Soil Born Farms. Connect with California’s farm to school community for a vibrant celebration of the people advancing the health of our children, our farms, and our future. Together, we will celebrate California’s leadership, strengthen connections across the state, and build momentum for the future of farm to school. Register HERE. |
5. CAELI COE Community of Practice
 | Date: October 22, 2026 Location: Virtual Description: The CAELI County Office of Education Community of Practice brings together staff in a variety of roles from County Offices of Education (COEs) across the state. They meet every other month for networking, professional learning, and focused discussions on self-selected topics. Register HERE for the COE Community of Practice meeting. |
6. AEOE Regional EE Meetups
  | Date: October 25, 2026 Location: Multiple locations Description: Join environmental and outdoor education professionals from across your region to explore a local site and meet colleagues working in a variety of settings. The event includes networking activities, snacks, and a tour of the site. Make new connections and learn more about a local program in your region! San Diego County: Mission Trails East Fortuna Field Station (San Diego) – Click here to register Los Angeles County: Audubon Center at Debs Park (Los Angeles) – Click here to register (Note that the meetup for this location runs 12-4pm) Greater Sacramento Capitol Region: Effie Yaw Nature Center (Charmichael) – Click here to register Shasta County: Whiskeytown Environmental School (Redding) – Click here to register Humboldt County: Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Loleta) – Click here to register SF Bay Area: Nature Learning Center (Fremont) – Click here to register |
7. Bat Week
 | Date: October 24-31, 2026 Location: International Description: Bat Week is an international, annual celebration designed to raise awareness about the need for bat conservation. Bats are amazing creatures that are vital to the health of our natural world and economy. Although we may not always see them, bats are hard at work all around the world each night – eating tons of insects, pollinating flowers, and spreading seeds that grow new plants and trees. The website has numerous activities, videos, handouts, and other resources to share with students. |
8. CAELI District Community of Practice
| Date: October 29, 2026 Location: Virtual Description: The CAELI District Community of Practice (COP) invites district-focused staff from a variety of roles across California to join a statewide network of leaders, educators, and support staff working to advance environmental literacy and sustainability in schools. Register HERE to register for District Community of Practice meetings |