Author: Sean Williams

CAELI Partner Portal Resources August 2025

1. NAAEE Podcast Series: The World We Want, Episode 11: Through the Lens: EE Efforts from the South Side to San Antonio




Description: Filmmakers James Parker and Juliet Grable have discovered that assumptions about perceived divides often dissolve when people connect over what we share: the planet. In Our Nature investigates how EE proves to be one of the most effective tools for building community and finding common ground. 

In this conversation, James and Juliet reveal how environmental education addresses several interconnected crises of our time: children’s increasing screen time, the loneliness epidemic, declining mental health, and widening social-political divisions. They dive into how meaningful connections—to each other, to place, and to the natural world—can be powerful antidotes to social disconnection. Through immersive, on-the-ground storytelling, they show how EE is uniquely positioned to rebuild trust across gaps in varying lived experiences and identities. Both filmmakers argue that in an age of digital isolation, the need for place-based, community-centered environmental education has never been more urgent.

2. Seeds to Solutions




Description: Why Seeds to Solutions? Students are witnessing environmental changes in their communities, like extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires. Yet, until now, teachers have lacked California-specific instructional resources to address these critical topics. Seeds to Solutions™ changes that, delivering the tools educators need to engage and empower.
Seeds to Solutions™ is a set of free, solutions-oriented instructional resources for grades K–12 on California environmental issues. Developed in response to teacher and community demand, the lessons empower students to address real-world environmental issues, from food waste to water use to wildfire management. Age-appropriate, solutions-focused, and trauma-informed, Seeds to Solutions prepares students to be environmentally literate, engaged community members. Browse the units by grade level.

3. CA Foundation for Ag in the Classroom Teaching Resources




Description:  CA Ag in the Classroom provides a variety of resources to teachers, after-school coordinators, and anyone educating students in grades K-12. The resources can be downloaded or one can order a set at no cost. Resources are listed by type such as Grab Bag, Lesson Plans, Learning About Ag, Fact Sheets, Farm to You, Ag-Bites, Great Reads, Farm to School, School Gardens, Early Childhood Ag, and more! You can also search by subject, keyword or grade level.
These resources are valuable for all educators who want to teach their students about California agriculture, where we grow so much of the world’s food!

4. Project WET Teaching Resources


Description: Project WET activities are science-based. Content experts review the information, and educators and students field test the materials. They are Interactive. Engaging students through questioning and other inquiry-based strategies, educators involve students in hands-on lessons and encourage them to take responsibility for their own learning by seeking answers to real-world problems, playing games to explore scientific concepts, and reflecting, debating and sharing by creating songs, stories and dramas. The activities are 
multisensory. Full-body activities engage the senses, which research shows enhance learning. The activities are also solution-oriented. Project WET believes in linking awareness and education to action and solutions. Explore their resources Here.

5. Children & Nature Network: Learn to Nature Journal with John Muir Laws


Description: Nature journaling offers numerous benefits, including enhanced observational skills, improved mental and emotional well-being, and a deeper connection to the natural world. It can also boost cognitive functions like critical thinking and creativity. Additionally, nature journaling can reduce stress and anxiety, and foster a sense of awe and wonder.

Join award-winning artist, author, educator and scientist, John Muir Laws, for a two-hour hands-on virtual class where he will share his best tips and tricks for nature journaling learned through his 40 years of teaching and illustrating (recorded on June 7, 2025).

News & Events for August 2025

1. Justice Outside Community Workshops: Stronger Teams, Brighter Futures: Become the Place Everyone Wants To Work At


Dates: August 13, 20, and 27, 2025
Location: Virtual
Description: Recruitment and hiring is expensive.
This 3-part training series is for organizations that
want to rethink the way they build and sustain
Their teams—from identifying the most important
skills, to crafting inclusive job descriptions, to
onboarding staff in ways that make them feel
welcome from day one and excited to celebrate
many anniversaries with your organization. When you aim to bring in not just “the best and brightest,” but people who expand your perspective and add real value, you don’t just fill roles—you build a workplace people are proud to be part of. 

Join Justice Outside staff as they explore how to think differently about job qualifications, broaden your candidate pool, interview for practical strengths, and retain staff by fostering a workplace culture that feels good to be part of. Strong teams don’t happen by accident. Let’s create a workplace people want to grow with. 

To register, click Here. If you have any questions, email learning@justiceoutside.org.

2. Justice Outside Bi-annual Conference: Unite and Ignite 2025


Dates:  September 23-24, 2025
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Description: Unite & Ignite 2025 creates a vital space for connection, solidarity, and strategic action. Through inspiring sessions, keynotes, and collaborative conversations, the conference will focus on organizing, mobilizing, and amplifying diverse voices to build collective power for lasting change in outdoor spaces. Attendees at this conference will amplify community voices to transform policies and change who makes decisions about the natural world, connect with leaders redirecting resources to where communities need them most, build networks that center excluded communities in the environmental movement, and transform solidarity into coordinated action for lasting structural change. For more information and to register, click Here.

3. California Coastal Cleanup Day



Date: September 20, 2025
Location: California beaches, creeks, and rivers
Description: Coastal Cleanup Day is California’s largest annual volunteer event. It is an opportunity for people across the state to clean our creeks, rivers, lakes, coast, and shorelines of all kinds, to help restore our environment. Virtually every body of water in California ultimately flows to the ocean, and that water can carry a lot of trash. That’s why Coastal Cleanup Day takes place throughout the state – no matter where you’re cleaning, you are helping to protect our coast and ocean. California Coastal Cleanup Day is organized by the California Coastal Commission in partnership with many NGOs and local government partners around the state. It is part of the International Coastal Cleanup, organized by the Ocean Conservancy, which is the largest volunteer event on the planet!

Join the Trashure Hunt! This year, California Coastal Cleanup Day will become the world’s largest scavenger hunt. Special “trash” items will be hidden at cleanup sites all across the state. If you find one of them, you can redeem it for valuable prizes! Learn more about the 40 year history of California Coastal Cleanup Day. Details to participate can be found Here.

4. AEOE Online Course: Climate Literacy


Dates: August 20 – October 5, 2025
Location: Online – Moodle
Description: This rigorous online course is designed for communicators, educators, and community leaders who want to deepen their understanding of the science behind climate change and evidence-based, equitable solutions needed to address it. Participants will explore how climate systems function, how human actions influence climate, and how climate influences people and other parts of the Earth system. The course combines scientific readings, engaging videos, interactive simulations, systems thinking activities, and data visualizations to support a rich learning experience. While it does not focus on teaching strategies, it provides a strong scientific foundation to support confident, informed engagement with climate education materials. In addition to global climate science, the course incorporates California-based resources and data to ground concepts in real-world examples; while these materials are locally focused, they serve as valuable case studies that offer insights and applications relevant to participants from any region. Click HERE to register.

5. NAAEE 2025 Conference: Forward Together



Dates:  October 30, November 3-6, 2025
Location: Virtual
Description: In the face of unprecedented global challenges, our 2025 virtual conference will highlight how we can move forward by harnessing our collective wisdom and diverse perspectives to create a more just and sustainable future. Environmental education is our foundation—it equips people with the tools to act, encourages new ways of thinking, and leads to positive change. As we confront environmental threats, misinformation, and division, our mission has never been more urgent. Progress depends on collaboration, innovation, and the collective power of educators, learners, changemakers, and communities. Our conference will bring together voices from across the field and around the world. Together we can support more educators, inspire more learners, and create lasting impact. Registration is now open.

CPB Feature for August 2025

Hippo Works is an animation studio founded by cartoonist Denis Thomopoulos to inspire kids about the environment. Hippo Works’ content reaches kids through collaborations with caring brands and organizations. Most recently Hippo Works has teamed with UNICEF and Project Everyone to inspire children everywhere about the UN Global Goals through a comic book series along with the animated adventure “Cool The Climate!’” as well as a School Lunch Composting Program with EcoSafe Zero Waste.

Cool the Climate! features Simon the Hippo and friends who go on a song-filled adventure while learning about the world’s changing climate, the role that carbon dioxide and methane play, and the good green habits we can all develop to help cool the climate. Along their way the animals find out about topics such as the greenhouse effect, the food chain, the three Rs (reducing, reusing, and recycling), composting, and carbon offsetting. Educators can download a kit that includes a half-hour movie, an eBook (with climate action activities and coloring pages), lesson plans with K-8 NGSS and Common Core standards connections, a memory game to reinforce concepts, and the movie soundtrack. 

Hippo Works produces comic books on various topics that teaches students about the UN’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development. These two comic book stories focus on Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being and Goal 13: Climate Action. Simon Says Save the Climate or Kids Fight Smog comic books are available for download.
Hippo Works offers students 21 Steps to Cool the Climate. Steps include learning about 350ppm (the safe level of carbon in the air according to climate scientists), how to calculate your carbon footprint, the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), composting, ways to be energy smart and travel smart, suggestions for changing your diet to reduce your carbon footprint, using less water, growing your own garden, the importance of individual actions, and more! The webpage features fun graphics your students (and adults) will enjoy.

CPB Feature for July 2025


Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

Overlooking Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Sanctuary Exploration Center offers engaging interactive exhibits and programs focused on remarkable marine ecosystems, as well as information on how you can protect this special underwater place by responsibly enjoying its unique habitats and wildlife.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a spectacular outdoor living classroom that can be explored in person or through interactive virtual experiences. It offers a wide array of exciting and engaging educational experiences for all ages including exhibits, field trips, distance learning, lesson plans, posters, and more. Visit the free admission Sanctuary Exploration Center located just steps away from Cowell Beach and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Developed in partnership with the city of Santa Cruz, the center features state-of-the art displays, short films, interactive exhibits, and more. You can explore the sanctuary’s remarkable marine environment and learn your role in protecting our nation’s special underwater places.

Through exploring biological and physical ocean processes, the Sanctuary Exploration Center school field trip program offers exploratory, inquiry-based K-12 education programs on several marine topics. Programs are grade specific, support Next Generation Science Standards to investigate the natural world, and include indoor and outdoor components.

The Center requires a chaperone ratio of 1:6 for grades K-2 and a 1:10 ratio for grades 3-12. Chaperones do not count towards participant maximums. All field trip programs typically run for two hours. Groups larger than 55 students may require a three hour program to ensure meaningful program delivery, however there is a maximum capacity of 65 students per program. Contact them to inquire about fees for your group size, offered in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The programs offered include: 

Grades K-1: Beach Exploration

From large birds and mammals, to small insects and algae, the beach is home to many different creatures. What makes this habitat special, and how can people help keep it safe for the animals—large and small— that call it home? Students will participate in a beach scavenger hunt to explore this ecosystem, then investigate what they found using their senses and science tools.Grades 2-3: Kelp Forest Investigation
Just off the coast, rich kelp forests span from the seafloor to the surface, creating a habitat for many animals just offshore. From land, you can see clues that there is a kelp forest in the water by looking at the kelp wrack left on the beach by waves. Students will participate in a scavenger hunt for as many different types of seaweed as possible and discuss how it serves as a habitat and helps keep our bay healthy.

Grades 3-8: Marine Debris Monitoring
Practice becoming a scientist while helping to protect the sanctuary. Using scientific protocols, students will collect debris, make observations, and keep detailed records. Sanctuary naturalists will lead your students in a discussion on the causes and effects of marine debris and compare your cleanup results with data previously collected.

Grades 5-12: Plankton Discovery
Students will use real oceanographic tools, including microscopes, to assess the current conditions of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Students will engage in field and classroom investigations to understand what physical, biological, and chemical parameters affect marine life and how scientists monitor them. By monitoring these conditions over time, scientists can determine the health of the bay and how changes over time could influence the animals we see.

The Center also offers Distance Learning opportunities. Do you want to connect your students to science, exploration, and engineering? Experience our distance learning programs for grades 2-6 with sanctuary staff delivering live programming and a question and answer session for your students. Their team offers real-time, 45-minute interactive distance learning programs via a two-way video communication platform. These dynamic presentations include in-depth discussion, group activities, and live demonstrations. Each distance learning program will also connect your students to a corresponding virtual activity that can be done independently to “dive deeper” into the themes. Teachers can assign the virtual activities to students to be completed on their own time. Fees apply for distance learning programs, offered in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Contact explorationcenter@noaa.gov for details.

Teachers can access a range of educational resources that support ocean and climate literacy. There are lesson plans, activities, webinars, grant opportunities, and more. Visit the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Center website to learn more.

News & Events July 2025

1. AEOE Environmental Education Certification Program

Dates: Application deadline extended to July 15th
Location: Virtual
Description: The Environmental Educator Certification Program (EECP) recognizes experienced environmental educators for their skills and contributions to the field and draws together stewards and educators of the environment into a structured and effective initiative. The EECP is an 11-month program running August through June in which environmental educators demonstrate their competency through group discussion, individual reflection, submission of assignments, and the completion and presentation of a community action project. Visit the AEOE website to learn more.

2. CAELI Webinar: Green Careers in Arts, Media, and Entertainment

Dates:  July 23, 2025, 3:30-5:00 pm 
Location: Via zoom




Description: This session will explore how K-12 higher education, and informal learning can build green skills and career awareness. Join us to explore eco-friendly opportunities in creative industries. 

RSVP at bit.ly/greencareerart.

3. National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Webinar: Enhancing Interpretation through AI and Conversation

Date: August 14, 2025, 10:00am Pac (2 hours)
Location: Via zoom

Description: Discover how AI can support participatory interpretation by sparking hands-on, sensory-rich, and meaningful visitor experiences. In this 2-hour webinar, explore a practical framework and use generative AI to create site-specific questions and activities that deepen engagement and connection through conversation. Dr. Jacquie Gilson is a lifelong interpreter passionate about training others to create engaging, two-way visitor experiences. She has worked with park and heritage organizations at all levels and completed a Doctor of Social Sciences in 2015, focusing on how inspiration can deepen the impact of heritage interpretation. Registration fee. To register, visit the NAI website.

4. AEOE Online Course: Climate Literacy

Dates: August 20 – October 5, 2025
Location: Online – Moodle

Description: This rigorous online course is designed for communicators, educators, and community leaders who want to deepen their understanding of the science behind climate change and evidence-based, equitable solutions needed to address it. Participants will explore how climate systems function, how human actions influence climate, and how climate influences people and other parts of the Earth system. The course combines scientific readings, engaging videos, interactive simulations, systems thinking activities, and data visualizations to support a rich learning experience. While it does not focus on teaching strategies, it provides a strong scientific foundation to support confident, informed engagement with climate education materials. In addition to global climate science, the course incorporates California-based resources and data to ground concepts in real-world examples; while these materials are locally focused, they serve as valuable case studies that offer insights and applications relevant to participants from any region. Click HERE to register.

5. California Agriculture in the Classroom Conference

Dates:  September 26-28, 2025
Location: Sacramento, CA

Description: The conference is designed for PreK-12 grade educators, administrators, and volunteers to come together to learn and share how to incorporate food and fiber into all curricular areas. From hands-on learning and workshops to engaging guest speakers and field trips, this event is an incredible way to learn how to bring agriculture education into the classroom. Early bird registration available through August 11th.

CAELI Partner Portal Resources July 2025

1. Call to Action Green Careers Report: Educating for a Green Economy


Description: This report is a Call to Action to provide universal access to quality green career education. California needs a statewide strategic plan—a “California Roadmap to Educating for a Green Economy”—and coordinated statewide implementation of this plan to meet the demand for a skilled green workforce and realize our state’s potential for enhanced economic mobility and equity through green jobs. Visit the CAELI website to download the report.

2. AEOE Job Board and NAAEE eeJobs Board





Description: With a flurry of activity this year related to funding cuts and the elimination of jobs, some folks may be searching for new employment opportunities in environmental and outdoor education. If you’re in the hunt for employment or a new career pathway, check out the AEOE Job Board and the NAAEE eeJobs Board.

3. CASE Journal of Science Education, Special Edition on Climate Change: PK-12 Education as a Pillar of the Solution for Bending the Global Warming Curve





Description: Climate change is an urgent problem. Because it is causing new weather extremes and fatal catastrophes, climate change is better termed climate disruption. Bending the curve to flatten the upward trajectory of pollution emissions responsible for climate disruption is essential for protecting billions of people from this global threat. Education must become a pillar and an integral part of the solution. Great article by Dr. V. Ram Ramanathan, a Distinguished Professor of Climate and Atmospheric Sciences, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego.

4. CA Natural Resources Agency: Outdoors for All. Providing Equitable Access to Parks and Nature


Description: California is known around the world for its iconic and beautiful outdoor places. People travel from far and wide to spend time outdoors here, from national and state parks to beaches, mountains, forests, deserts, lakes, and rivers. These diverse environments support health and wellbeing, and the varied climate supports a year-round outdoor lifestyle that has become part of California’s identity. Yet for too many Californians, these places, recreational activities, and their benefits remain out of reach. The Outdoors for All strategy charts progress on equitable outdoor access to date, highlights work underway, and identifies additional actions to realize the promise of a California for All. This strategy outlines pathways that governments, community organizations, philanthropy, private sector, and residents across California can take together to continue increasing access to the outdoors and nature. 

5. Project Learning Tree: All About Wildfires: Causes, Effects, and Educational Activities


  


Description: Wildfires in the United States have become steadily more common in the last few decades. And while some wildfires naturally occur and help keep forest ecosystems healthy, an astounding 84% of wildfires are caused by human-related activities. Wildfires not only devastate lives and destroy property—they also accelerate climate change. There is an important link between wildfire frequency and intensity and varying forest management practices. Whether you are in peak fire season in North America (summer), or any other time of year, it’s always a great time to make your students aware of the differences between healthy and damaging fire, the natural and unnatural ways fires start and spread, the effect of wildfires on the environment, and how to manage and prevent them. This article from PLT covers these topics and includes classroom activities for all grade levels that will give your students a deeper understanding of wildfires.

CAELI Partner Portal Resources June 2025

1. Seeds to Solutions



Description: Seeds to Solutions™ is a set of free, solutions-oriented instructional resources for grades K–12 on California environmental issues. Developed in response to teacher and community demand, the lessons empower students to address real-world environmental issues, from food waste to water use to wildfire management. Age-appropriate, solutions-focused, and trauma-informed, Seeds to Solutions prepares students to be environmentally literate, engaged community members. Seeds to Solutions includes everything needed to teach the topic and guide student investigations. It aligns with CA standards and Environmental Principles & Concepts. It transforms classroom learning into discussions that go beyond school, and it empowers students to explore environmental solutions with confidence. Browse the units by grade level at Seeds to Solutions. 

2. California Urban Tree Canopy Viewer and Change Analysis Tool


A map of the united states AI-generated content may be incorrect.




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Description: CAL FIRE and the USDA Forest Service are proud to announce the release of the California Urban Tree Canopy Viewer and Change Analysis Tool. This interactive mapping tool shows California’s urban tree canopy and how it has changed over time, using 2022 high-resolution (60cm) urban tree canopy for all 2020 Census-designated urban areas in the state of California, as well as canopy-related change between 2018 and 2022. The mapping tool overlays the tree canopy layer with other information, including census data, urban heat severity, and the extent of the wildland urban interface and intermix. These layers provide context to help us understand differences in tree canopy across communities. Understanding the extent and location of existing tree canopy and how it has changed over time can help a community design and implement sound management practices to maximize services such as prioritizing tree planting locations in areas with extreme heat, protecting existing tree canopy to offer community-wide benefits, and identify which tree species protect homes in the wildland-urban interface.

Check out this NEW tool to see how you can use the data with your students!

3. 2025 California Green Ribbon School Awards


A green and white card with text and stars AI-generated content may be incorrect.		Description: The California Green Ribbon Schools (CA-GRS) recognition award honors K–12 schools, school districts, and County Offices of Education that demonstrate exemplary achievement in three key areas: resource efficiency, health and wellness, and environmental and sustainability education. This recognition is part of a broader statewide effort to identify and promote effective practices that enhance student engagement, academic performance, graduation rates, and career readiness.

Twelve of the 39 honorees for 2025 participate in the California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI), a clear demonstration of the strength, innovation, and collective impact of this statewide network. Laguna Beach Unified School District and the San Mateo County Office of Education received Green Achiever recognition, the highest possible. Congratulations! 

Click HERE to see the list of all the honorees.

4. Wordlink – Story.Earth: A New Tool for Planetary Learning



Amazon Region: Mammal Species Richness		Description: Story.Earth brings learning to life through stunning planetary visualizations, interactive digital tools, and NGSS-aligned lesson plans. Students use real-world data to observe patterns of change, think critically, and explore solutions for a sustainable future. With its global perspective, Story.Earth cultivates systems thinking, futures thinking, and environmental literacy. By engaging with maps and globes, students learn core scientific concepts and develop inquiry and analysis skills that are vital for their future roles as informed citizens and planetary stewards.

Ready to explore? Visit Story.Earth and join the movement to educate, empower, and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

5. The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan





The Backyard Bird Chronicles		Description: Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.

“With this book as your guide, embark into the bird world Amy Tan. This is an intimate view, a sort-of love affair with the birds and their behavior, that Amy has come to know over several years. Within the leafy universe of her own backyard, she has quietly beheld, patiently observed, and taken in-depth notations of an extensive array of bird species. In colorful detail, she describes various bird’s behavior, while capturing their beauty in exquisitely rendered illustrations. Species include fearsome predators and watchful prey, long distance migrants and hometown residents. Through her unique insight and gift as an author and artist, Amy exposes a world of intrigue, beauty, even humor about the birds we all share this world with.”
—Keith Hansen, author of Hansen’s Field Guide to Birds of the Sierra Nevada

“Amy Tan’s bird journals can change the way you see the world. They show that stories, mysteries, humor, and beauty are all around us if we take the time to pay attention. They remind us that we never stop learning and growing, and if we put in the work, we can learn and master new skills. These journals invite us to look out of our own windows with fresh eyes and wonder.”
—John Muir Laws, author of The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds

News & Events June 2025

1. California Naturalist CoursesDates: June, July, August 2025
Location: Different locations in California

Screenshot 2023-09-29 at 5.25.28 PM		Description: Whether you are a high school or college student or an environmental education professional seeking your CalNat certification, California Naturalist is offering several courses over the summer to build your knowledge and skills. 

Visit the CalNat website to learn more.
2. California State Parks Week: This is Where you Live!Dates: June 11-15, 2025
Location: In State Parks across California

state parks week		Description:  California State Parks along with partners California State Parks Foundation, Parks California, and Save the Redwoods League, are joining together to celebrate California State Parks Week. The fourth annual celebration theme is “This is Where You Live!”  

There will be more than 170 events and virtual programs at parks across the state. The festivities will also include the 175th year of California statehood. For more information, visit the CA State Parks Foundation website.
3. Monterey Bay Aquarium online course – Ocean Plastic PollutionDates: Course is self-paced
Location: Online

Description: This self-paced online course for educators in grades 3-12 will support you in initiating a plastic pollution reduction project with your students — no matter where you are! 

Do you live like you love the ocean? Are you ready to help your students live like they love the ocean? Join us for an action-based online course that prepares and motivates educators to be part of the plastic pollution solution! Each day, we throw away about 300 million tons of petroleum-based plastic bottles, bags, utensils, packaging and other so-called disposable items. Sadly, this disposable plastic will persist in the environment and may travel throughout the global food web forever.

Sign up for the course to learn about the science behind plastic pollution, discover project ideas for the classroom, and mobilize your students to take action! For more information, email: educatorprograms@mbayaq.org.
4. Teach Climate Network Summer InstituteDates: July 14-15-16, 2025
Location: Virtual

The Teach Climate Network Summer Institute is a virtual, three-day conference focused on climate change education for both formal and non-formal educators.

A group of logos and symbols AI-generated content may be incorrect.		Join Ten Strands, Climate Generation, and 20 regional climate change education leaders from around North America as we practice what it means to teach climate change as an interdisciplinary, justice-centered issue. 

Are you looking for a community of educational professionals and mentors who can support your climate change knowledge and teaching strategies? Our Summer Institute network is full of educators and climate change practitioners doing just that! Discover best practices, activities, lesson plans, and tools that will help you strengthen your climate curriculum and better support your learners. 

Whether you’re a formal classroom teacher or a non-formal educator, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your climate change education skills and connect with like-minded professionals. Plus, scholarships are available.

On July 16, join us for the California Cohort Day, hosted by Ten Strands! Participants will engage in sessions focused on how to integrate trauma informed practices into climate literacy. It also features special presenters from Ten Strands’ Climate Change and Environmental Justice Program.

Register HERE by June 27.
5. NatStart25 Conference: Rooted and ResilientDates: July 14-18, 2025
Location: Virtual in 2025

Description: The Nature-Based Early Learning Conference is organized by the Natural Start Alliance, a project of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). Natural Start is a network of people and organizations that believe that all young children need frequent opportunities to experience, learn from, and care for nature and the environment through high-quality education. The Alliance serves as a backbone organization to focus and amplify the collective impact of the people and organizations that share this common vision.

Registration includes a full year of access to 100+ on-demand sessions, recordings, workshops, and certificates of participation. Register Today.

CPB Feature for June 2025

Island Packers

Island Packers is the concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, providing transportation to the islands from the Ventura and Channel Islands Harbors. They offer Floating Classroom programs to K-12 students, focusing on the unique resources and environmental challenges impacting these offshore islands and the waters surrounding them. Their programs can be tailored to meet the educational goals of the instructors in both science and social science topics, and include subjects like introduced species, endemism, geology, marine resources, Native American inhabitants, human impact, and environmental stewardship. 

Anacapa Island K-12 Education – This true oceanic island offers 360-degree views of the ocean, and East Anacapa is known for its abundant bird population and seasonal wildflowers. Its remote location makes it a perfect spot to cover science and social science themes. 

What makes this destination unique?  East Anacapa Island is one of the most popular destinations for first time visitors to the Channel Islands. This small, rugged island is big on the sights and sounds of a remote island wilderness. Surrounded by sheer cliffs, the top of the island is an ancient wave cut terrace. Anacapa offers spectacular panoramic views from everywhere you journey. The surrounding kelp forests highlight the rich marine resources present in the area. Sometimes you will see dolphins or whales right from the trail. There are always sea lions and seabirds present. From mid-April through June, you can expect to see the nesting activity of Western Gulls and their chicks. Anacapa island also offers a rich cultural history, including the last lighthouse built on the California coast. There are several archaeological sites documenting the presence of the Chumash people.Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island K-12 Education – Mature students and/or smaller groups may want to consider the Pelican Trail hike at Prisoners Harbor. This trail is considered one of the most diverse hikes on the islands. Trail highlights include lush native vegetation and spectacular vistas. Education themes are similar to those described for Scorpion Ranch with an emphasis on restoration and conservation. (Requires special permission and release forms to visit The Nature Conservancy property).

What makes this destination unique? Prisoners Harbor is located where the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) boundaries meet, giving unique access to the Pelican Bay Trail. This trail offers beautiful vistas that overlook the Santa Barbara Channel and all its rich marine diversity. It also traverses several different vegetation habitats, providing the best opportunity to see the most diversity of endemic species of any trail on Santa Cruz. This vegetation provides habitat for many bird species as well, including the endemic Island Scrub Jay, which is found nowhere else in the world. The Harbor area still houses an old ranch storage building and an archaeological site that offer a window into the rich cultural past of this island.

Scorpion Ranch K-12 Education – Located on the east end of the largest island off the California Coast, Scorpion Ranch is a unique location to study science themes such as native and endemic organisms, introduced species, geology, and the marine environment. Scorpion Ranch has a long and interesting history of human activities including the site of one of the largest Chumash villages on the Channel Islands. 

What makes this destination unique? East Santa Cruz Island is rich with cultural history and feels like a step back in time. Old ranch buildings still stand just off the main beach. One building has been converted into a Visitor’s Center. Prior to the ranching era, the Chumash people inhabited this same valley. There are archaeological sites as well as current activities that document their connection to this place they know as “Limuw.” As the largest island in California, there is great diversity in the geology and topography. Starting at the cobblestone beach, moving up to wave cut terraces, and continuing to mountainous peaks. Besides the beautiful vistas that overlook the Santa Barbara Channel and all its rich marine diversity. The island is host to a very unique habitat of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. It is fairly common to see the endemic Santa Cruz Island Fox along the trails at Scorpion.

Wildlife and Whales K-12 Education – This is a non-island landing excursion that focuses on the natural history of this unique marine region, and the various types of wildlife that depend on a healthy ocean. Within the waters of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, over 35 species of marine mammals have been identified. Throughout the year it is possible to see Common Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, Minke Whales, Bottlenose Dolphin, Pacific White Sided Dolphin, Dall’s Porpoise , Humpback Whales, and an occasional pod of Orca. Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions are also common around the harbor breakwaters and Anacapa Island. The islands and surrounding waters are also habitat for at least 60 species of seabirds. Some of the more common sightings of seabirds include Western Gulls, California Brown Pelicans, and several species of cormorants and shearwaters. 

What will students experience? There is always an opportunity to see wildlife in route to the islands. They will brake to see whales and dolphins! Once ashore, students will have a lunch break. After lunch they will take a guided hike with their naturalist. Their naturalists are trained on the unique natural and cultural resources found in Channel Islands National Park and have a large repertoire of activities to reinforce the information they present. Anacapa Island possible science themes include adaptation, habitats, native and endemic organisms. As well as introduced species, research and restoration, marine ecology, and geology. Social science themes may include Native American inhabitants, explorers, and shipwrecks. All trips can be tailored to meet your curriculum goals and objectives. Financial assistance is available

CAELI Partner Portal Resources May 2025

1. ELA Superheroes Podcast


ela superheroes podcast icon     		Description: This podcast collection highlights stories of California TK-12 educators who teach reading, writing, listening, and speaking through the lens of environmental literacy and justice, giving a glimpse into what this type of work might look like in TK-12 classrooms. Each superhero podcast includes a short podcast teaser, a full podcast, and a snapshot of the episode.

Episodes in Series 2: 
Grade band TK-8 – Conversations about Food Waste: A teacher-librarian provides meaningful environmental literacy and language opportunities for multilingual learners with Lorena Sanchez.
Grade band 6-8: Falling in love with nature and fighting for it: Inspiring argument writing through everyday encounters with nature with Jodi Bonk.

Click Here to learn more.

2. Children & Nature Network Research Digest – Therapeutic use of Nature


Research Digest    		Description:  Nature-based therapy, an emerging field in psychology, is based on research findings suggesting that contact with nature enhances various aspects of human well-being and can alleviate and/or prevent some mental health disorders or concerns. The June issue of Research Digest focuses on therapeutic uses of nature and the outcomes documented with various populations. Learn about Nature-Based Therapeutic Approaches and Outcomes, how it is effective with Special Populations, and its role in Prevention and addressing health concerns.

Click Here to learn more.

3. May is Water Awareness Month – Department of Water Resources


Image of California Aqueduct     		Description: DWR offers K-12 teachers free activity books and worksheets to download that are focused on water issues such as water conservation, drought, floods, California’s waterways, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, how water works and why, the water cycle, agriculture and food, and more.

Visit DWR’s K-12 Education Materials page for free downloads.

4. Arbor Day Foundation – Tree Resources


Sunlight through oak tree branchesA close-up of a logo AI-generated content may be incorrect.                 



Description:  Are you wanting to teach your students more about trees or do you want to learn more about trees yourself?  Perhaps you are interested in planting a tree for Mother’s Day. 

The Arbor Day Foundation provides a wide range of Tree Resources. Check them out!

5.  Project Learning Tree – A Guide to Teaching and Learning About Forests

Project Learning Tree – A Guide to Teaching and Learning About Forests
       		Description: PLT’s Forest Literacy Framework translates the language of forests and sustainable forest management into concepts for everyone at any age. The framework offers 100 forest concepts for grades K-12, organized into the following four themes: 1) What is a forest? 2) Why do forests matter?  3) How do we sustain our forests? 4) What is our responsibility to forests?

Whether you are a teacher interested in connecting your students to the trees in your schoolyard, or a forest professional looking for guidance on community outreach to youth, including career days or field site visits, this Forest Literacy Framework helps to lay out age-appropriate concepts, knowledge, and skills surrounding forests and related topics. The framework presents a conceptual structure to increase people’s understanding of forests and it empowers them to take actions that benefit forests and all of us.