Community Calendar
The Community Calendar is color coded.
- Dark red – webinars and virtual learning
- Dark blue – workshops and conference
- Light green – community events and student-focused events
May 2025 08may11:00 am12:00 pmCommunity Call May 8Online Learning Gathering Together to Share Resources
Join us for our next free community call on Thursday, May 8 from 11:00 am – noon where Join us for our next free community call on Thursday, May 8 from 11:00 am – noon where we will be gathering together to share resources and ideas on how to navigate change during uncertain times. This will be the third community call this spring. Register for this Community Call About This Call Times of uncertainty or rapid change can both be very challenging and serve as an opportunity to build community. This free virtual meeting is live-only and will not be recorded to allow for candid conversations. For questions, contact Sophia Stephenson at info@arkansasee.org. May 8, 2025 11:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-05:00) May 17, 20251:00 – 4:00 pmFayetteville Public Library – Walker Community Room401 West Mountain StreetFayetteville, AR 72701
Explore our environment through children’s literature, for educators May 17, 2025 Explore our environment through children’s literature, for educators and parents. There are so many children’s books out there that help kids experience nature and our natural world. This hands-on, interactive workshop will utilize Project Learning Tree K-8 activities and related book titles to show ways of inspiring children to be good stewards of the Earth and develop an appreciation for our natural world. Project Learning Tree® (PLT) is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. PLT is an initiative of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. SFI’s MISSION is to advance sustainability through forest-focused collaborations. About the presenter: Registration: https://www.faylib.org/event/12844145 Cost: FREE May 17, 2025 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Fayetteville Public Library 401 West Mountain St June 2025 09junAll Day04augSummer eeCourse - Environmental Education In Your CommunityOnline Learning June 9 – August 4, 2025
This course is designed to help you anchor environmental aims within the context of community interests, issues, This course is designed to help you anchor environmental aims within the context of community interests, issues, and capacities. The course focuses on Key Characteristic 1 of the North American Association for Environmental Education’s Guidelines for Excellence: Community Engagement. This course should take approximately 10-14 hours to complete. PREREQUISITES: REQUIRED MATERIALS: GRADING: IMPORTANT DATES: Three scheduled Zoom meetings are an important part of this course. If you are interested in the course, but have a conflict with the Zoom dates, contact Sophia Stephenson at info@arkansasee.org. COST: AEEA members: $65 June 9, 2025 - August 4, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-05:00) Prescribed Fire for Educators Workshop
June 12-13, 2025
TCT: Prescribed Fire for Educators Workshop
UA Livestock and Forestry Research Prescribed Fire for Educators Workshop June 12-13, 2025 TCT: Prescribed Fire for Educators Workshop UA Livestock and Forestry Research Station 70 Experiment Station Drive Batesville, AR 72501 Join us for this fun, interactive and educational 2-day workshop focusing on the Benefits of Prescribed Fire. With recent wildfires ravaging portions of the West and the debate on forest management to control fuel loads – now is an opportune time to learn more about the benefits and uses of prescribed fire in Arkansas. Participants will learn about forest management, fire weather, habitat restoration, creating a burn plan, tools of the trade, and visit prescribed burn and restoration sites. Registration is limited to 25. Limited overnight single-occupancy hotel lodging is available on a first-come first-reserved basis. Registration is $30 or $80 if lodging is provided. Registration fees are non-refundable. Participants will receive 12 hours of PD, lunch both days, overnight lodging on Thursday (if requested), a $25 Amazon or Walmart gift card, and resources and curriculum for the classroom and educational programs. Visit https://www.arkforests.org/page/TCT for more information and links to register. Space is limited so register early to reserve your spot. Questions, please contact Rob Beadel at rbeadel@arkforests.org. June 12, 2025 8:00 am - June 13, 2025 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) The Forest is Our Classroom
June 19-20, 2025UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources110 University CourtMonticello, AR 71655 The Forest is Our Classroom June 19-20, 2025 From the field to the classroom – natural resources have been a valued part of Arkansas’ agriculture community for years and this workshop will focus on the all-important commodity of forestry. Join us for this unique professional development workshop that will feature tours of the Arkansas Forestry and Wildlife Discovery Farm, UAM’s College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, infrared drone demonstrations, updates on 4-H/CDE Youth Forestry Contests, and much more. This hands-on, interactive workshop sets up to be an amazing opportunity to expand your knowledge of all things natural resources! Registration is limited to 25. Limited overnight single-occupancy hotel lodging is available on a first-come first-reserved basis. Registration is $30 or $80 if lodging is provided. Registration fees are non-refundable. Participants will receive 12 hours of PD, lunch both days, overnight lodging on Thursday (if requested), a $25 Amazon or Walmart gift card, and resources and curriculum for the classroom and educational programs. Visit https://www.arkforests.org/page/TCT for more information and links to register. Space is limited so register early to reserve your spot. Questions, please contact Rob Beadel at rbeadel@arkforests.org. June 19, 2025 8:00 am - June 20, 2025 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Arkansas Timber Industries and Forestry Careers
June 26-27, 2025El Dorado, AR 71730
According to the Arkansas Center for Forest Business report Arkansas Timber Industries and Forestry Careers June 26-27, 2025 According to the Arkansas Center for Forest Business report “2023 U.S. Forestry Economic Contribution by State”, Arkansas’s economy has the second-highest dependence on the forestry industry in the nation and is #1 among Southern states. From genetically enhanced tree seedlings to engineered wood products; science and technology are quickly advancing within the forestry sector and Arkansas’s timber industries are leading the way Join us for this interactive, educational 2-day STEM workshop focusing on some of Arkansas’ forest industries, Arkansas grown forest products, and forestry-related careers. Participants will tour production facilities to learn how Glulam beams and cross-laminated timbers are made, a seedling nursery to learn how genetics improves tree seedling growth, and possibly a facility tour of an oriented strand board (OSB) mill. Participants will also learn about various career opportunities that exist within the forestry sector. Registration is limited to 25. Limited overnight single-occupancy hotel lodging is available on a first-come first-reserved basis. Registration is $30 or $80 if lodging is provided. Registration fees are non-refundable. Participants will receive 12 hours of PD, lunch both days, overnight lodging on Thursday (if requested), a $25 Amazon or Walmart gift card, and resources and curriculum for the classroom and educational programs. Visit https://www.arkforests.org/page/TCT for more information and links to register. Space is limited so register early to reserve your spot. Questions, please contact Rob Beadel at rbeadel@arkforests.org. June 26, 2025 8:00 am - June 27, 2025 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) July 2025 09junAll Day04augSummer eeCourse - Environmental Education In Your CommunityOnline Learning June 9 – August 4, 2025
This course is designed to help you anchor environmental aims within the context of community interests, issues, This course is designed to help you anchor environmental aims within the context of community interests, issues, and capacities. The course focuses on Key Characteristic 1 of the North American Association for Environmental Education’s Guidelines for Excellence: Community Engagement. This course should take approximately 10-14 hours to complete. PREREQUISITES: REQUIRED MATERIALS: GRADING: IMPORTANT DATES: Three scheduled Zoom meetings are an important part of this course. If you are interested in the course, but have a conflict with the Zoom dates, contact Sophia Stephenson at info@arkansasee.org. COST: AEEA members: $65 June 9, 2025 - August 4, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-05:00) July 8, 20259:00 am – 3:30 pmAGFC Arkansas River Valley Nature Center8300 Wells Lake RdFt. Smith, AR 72916
What is a July 8, 2025 What is a Green Job? Green jobs represent one of the fastest growing and changing segments of our global economy. At the same time, today’s youth are seeking rewarding careers that help us move towards more sustainable lifestyles and greener economies. The next generation wants to work with purpose. They want to find a job they can be proud of; they want to feel like they are making a difference in the world. This workshop will provide you with tools and resources to help youth discover careers in sustainable forestry and conservation! Each participant will receive PLT’s Green Jobs: Exploring Forest Careers guide. This guide engages middle- and high-school youth in exploring natural resource careers and includes four hands-on, NGSS aligned, instructional activities to help youth research forestry and natural resource jobs, and practice managing and monitoring forest resources. It is designed for educators, career and guidance counselors, Scout leaders, FFA advisors, 4-H leaders, foresters, and job training advisors to use with learners aged 12–25 in settings ranging from community youth programs and school classrooms to college and career prep. This workshop also features a private tour of International Paper’s Fort Smith Container Plant where educators will get a firsthand look at the process of how cardboard boxes and containers are manufactured. Registration: Visit https://www.escweb.net/ar_esc/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=547486 for more information. Cost: FREE July 8, 2025 9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) AGFC - Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center 8300 Wells Lake Rd July 9, 20259:00 am – 4:00 pmAGFC Arkansas River Valley Nature Center8300 Wells Lake RdFt. Smith, AR 72916
Three quarters of July 9, 2025 Three quarters of the world’s flowering plants and trees depend on pollinators to reproduce. Some scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of animal pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, birds, bats, beetles, and other insects. Join us for this fun, interactive and educational professional development workshop focusing on Arkansas’s pollinators and pollinator habitat. Attendees will participate in Project Learning Tree activities related to the topic of pollinators and also gain background knowledge on Arkansas bees and butterflies and the habitats they need to survive and prosper. Guest Presenter: Leslie Cooper, Arkansas Monarch and Pollinator Coordinator Each participant will receive PLT’s Explore Your Environment K-8 Activity Guide containing 50 interdisciplinary activities correlated to state and national education frameworks (retail value $35). Workshop qualifies for 6 hours of ADE-approved PD. Question? Contact Amber Cobb at amber.cobb@wscstarfish.com Registration: Space is limited. Visit https://www.escweb.net/ar_esc/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=548492 for more information. July 9, 2025 9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) AGFC - Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center 8300 Wells Lake Rd July 31, 20259:00 am – 4:00 pmAGFC Arkansas River Valley Nature Center8300 Wells Lake RdFt. Smith, AR 72916
It’s often assumed July 31, 2025 It’s often assumed that we, as educators, possess all the answers. However, there are times when it’s beneficial to acknowledge our limitations and seek expertise from external sources. Project Learning Tree (PLT) offers exceptional, user-friendly lessons on a wide range of environmental subjects and concerns. Join us for an interactive, hands-on professional development opportunity that will familiarize you with PLT activities from the Explore Your Environment K-8 Activity Guide. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with several local natural resource professionals who can furnish you with valuable content, resources, and ideas for future class field trips and Each participant will receive PLT’s Explore Your Environment K-8 Activity Guide containing 50 interdisciplinary activities correlated to state and national education frameworks (retail value $35). Workshop qualifies for 6 hours of ADE-approved PD plus provides career readiness experiences for educators & counselors. Question? Contact Amber Cobb at amber.cobb@wscstarfish.com Registration: Space is limited. Visit https://www.escweb.net/ar_esc/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=551245 for more information. July 31, 2025 9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-05:00) AGFC - Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center 8300 Wells Lake Rd August 2025 09junAll Day04augSummer eeCourse - Environmental Education In Your CommunityOnline Learning June 9 – August 4, 2025
This course is designed to help you anchor environmental aims within the context of community interests, issues, This course is designed to help you anchor environmental aims within the context of community interests, issues, and capacities. The course focuses on Key Characteristic 1 of the North American Association for Environmental Education’s Guidelines for Excellence: Community Engagement. This course should take approximately 10-14 hours to complete. PREREQUISITES: REQUIRED MATERIALS: GRADING: IMPORTANT DATES: Three scheduled Zoom meetings are an important part of this course. If you are interested in the course, but have a conflict with the Zoom dates, contact Sophia Stephenson at info@arkansasee.org. COST: AEEA members: $65 June 9, 2025 - August 4, 2025 (All Day)(GMT-05:00) September 2025 No Events October 2025 29oct9:00 am2:00 pmGreen Careers ExpoMiddle & High School Student Expo Mark Your Calendars for the 4th Annual Green As a collaboration between the Arkansas Forestry Association Education Foundation, the Arkansas Environmental Education association, and South Arkansas College, we would like to invite students in grades 8-12 to attend this free educational event focusing on Green Careers. Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Mark your calendars and make plans for your 8-12th grade students to join us for the 4th annual Green Careers expo in El Dorado this October. Students and teachers will have the opportunity to interact with exhibitors from local, state, and federal agencies, businesses, industries, and organizations to learn about professions that exist within the environmental, natural resources, and conservation fields. Not sure what the Green Careers Expo is about? Read about the 2024 event or contact Rob Beadel at rbeadel@arkforests.org with any questions. Registration will open in August/September. October 29, 2025 9:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-05:00) El Dorado Conference Center 311 S West Ave, El Dorado, AR 71730Event Details
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Gathering Together to Share Resources
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1:00 – 4:00 pm
Fayetteville Public Library – Walker Community Room
401 West Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
SFI’s VISION is a world that values and benefits from sustainably managed forests.
PLT’s GOAL is to advance environmental education, forest literacy, and career pathways using trees and forests as windows on the world.
With over 29 years in the environmental field, Rob Beadel has been the Director of Forestry Education for the Arkansas Forestry Association Education Foundation since 2008 and serves as the Project Learning Tree State Coordinator. Rob, a Certified Interpretive Guide, has served on several environmental education boards and workgroups at the state, national, and international levels. Rob was honored as the 2015 Conservation Educator of the Year by the Arkansas Wildlife Federation and received the 2021 PLT Gold Star Award for his contributions to PLT and Environmental Education at the National level. Rob is recognized by John Muir Laws as a certified Nature Journaling Instructor.eir own field journal, use their senses to explore our environment, practice basic sketching techniques, and create a unique nature poem. No art skills needed! Materials, supplies, resources and door prizes will be provided.Registration & Cost
Contact: Rob Beadel at rbeadel@arkforests.org.
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June 9 – August 4, 2025
This course runs for 8 weeks, from June 9 – August 4, 2025.
– Intro Zoom meeting: Tuesday, June 10, 7:30 – 8:00 pm (time is tentative)
– Zoom Discussion #1: Date tentatively scheduled for July 8. Date and time to be determined by course participants.
– Zoom Discussion #: Date tentatively scheduled for July 29. Date and time to be determined by course participants.
Nonmembers: $100 Time
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Registration
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UAM College of Forestry, Agriculture, and Natural Resources
110 University Court
Monticello, AR 71655Registration
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El Dorado, AR 71730Registration
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Time
Event Details
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June 9 – August 4, 2025
This course runs for 8 weeks, from June 9 – August 4, 2025.
– Intro Zoom meeting: Tuesday, June 10, 7:30 – 8:00 pm (time is tentative)
– Zoom Discussion #1: Date tentatively scheduled for July 8. Date and time to be determined by course participants.
– Zoom Discussion #: Date tentatively scheduled for July 29. Date and time to be determined by course participants.
Nonmembers: $100 Time
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Event Details
Event Details
9:00 am – 3:30 pm
AGFC Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
8300 Wells Lake Rd
Ft. Smith, AR 72916Registration & Cost
Workshop qualifies for 6 hours of ADE-approved PD plus provides career readiness experiences for educators, career coaches, and guidance counselors. Questions? Contact Amber Cobb at amber.cobb@wscstarfish.com.Contact: Rob Beadel at rbeadel@arkforests.org.
Time
Location
Event Details
Event Details
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
AGFC Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
8300 Wells Lake Rd
Ft. Smith, AR 72916Registration & Cost
Contact: Rob Beadel at rbeadel@arkforests.org.
Time
Location
Event Details
Event Details
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
AGFC Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
8300 Wells Lake Rd
Ft. Smith, AR 72916
outreach.Registration & Cost
Contact: Rob Beadel at rbeadel@arkforests.org.
Time
Location
Event Details
Event Details
June 9 – August 4, 2025
This course runs for 8 weeks, from June 9 – August 4, 2025.
– Intro Zoom meeting: Tuesday, June 10, 7:30 – 8:00 pm (time is tentative)
– Zoom Discussion #1: Date tentatively scheduled for July 8. Date and time to be determined by course participants.
– Zoom Discussion #: Date tentatively scheduled for July 29. Date and time to be determined by course participants.
Nonmembers: $100 Time
Location
Event Details
Event Details
Mark Your Calendars for the 4th Annual Green Career Expo
El Dorado Conference Center
El Dorado, ArkansasTime
Location
AEEA members and partners are invited to submit community events or professional development opportunities.