2026 LEEF CONFERENCE

Wakulla Wild: From Springs to Shore

Teaching and Learning in Florida’s Living Systems


March 27-29, 2026

Wakulla Environmental Institute, 170 Preservation Way, Crawfordville, FL 32327


LEEF conferences have been held annually since 1981. The annual conference schedule alternates between two mini-conferences (single day) and one, longer annual conference (2-3 days).  The goal is to provide events that are responsive to members' various schedules.  

As affiliates of the Southeastern Environmental Education Association (SEEA) and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), LEEFers are encouraged to attend their annual conferences as well.  




Join us as we gather in beautiful North Florida for the 2026 Annual LEEF Conference on Friday, March 27, 2026 - Sunday, March 29, 2026 at  Wakulla Environmental Institute in Crawfordville, Florida. This is your chance to to share best practices in PreK12 education, spark new ideas, network with your fellow environmental educators, and discover exciting new research. 


Check out more about the Wakulla Environmental Institute here 

Conference Location: Wakulla Environmental Institute, 170 Preservation Way, Crawfordville, FL 32327

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in supporting LEEF's mission to train educators, bolster community engagement, build collective impact, and continue our efforts in ensuring that environmental education is incorporated into Florida's classrooms? Join us in becoming a conference sponsor.  Click Here for Sponsorship Levels

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Friday, March 27, 2026

  • Registration Check-In
  • Workshops (fee-based)
  • Field Trips (fee - based)
  • Poster Sessions
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Evening Networking

Saturday, March 28, 2026

  • Registration Check-In
  • Silent Auction
  • Concurrent Sessions
  • Luncheon
  • Memorial Tree Planting
  • Dinner & Keynote Speaker
  • Member Meeting & Awards
  • Networking

Sunday, March 29, 2026

  • Continental Breakfast 
  • Workshops 
  • Concurrent Sessions
  • Closing Session
  • Networking
  • Board Meeting (Post-Conference)


BECOME A CONFERENCE PRESENTER


Share Your Voice at the Conference

The League of Environmental Educators in Florida (LEEF) invites educators, researchers, students, and environmental professionals to submit proposals to present at our upcoming LEEF Conference.

This is your opportunity to inspire, connect, and lead by sharing your innovative ideas, successful programs, and effective teaching strategies with the broader environmental education community.

Who Should Submit?

We welcome proposals from:

  • Environmental educators (formal, non-formal, and informal)

  • Scientists and researchers

  • Outdoor and nature-based educators

  • Community leaders and youth educators

  • Artists, storytellers, and curriculum developers

  • Students and emerging professionals

Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or new to sharing your work, LEEF encourages diverse voices and perspectives from across Florida and beyond.


Session Formats

Choose the format that best fits your content:

  • Workshop (90-120 minutes): Hands-on, interactive sessions that engage participants.

  • Presentation (45 minutes): Lecture-style with Q&A, ideal for sharing research or program highlights.

  • Lightning Session (15 - 20 min): Fast-paced presentations designed to highlight key ideas, success stories, or innovative practices. Great for sharing a concise overview, a single project, or sparking interest in a larger conversation.

  • Panel Discussion (60 minutes): Collaborative sessions with 2–4 speakers exploring a shared topic.

  • Poster Session: Perfect for students or visual displays of research and projects.

  • Outdoor Sessions: Field-based or nature-integrated learning experiences.

Suggested Topics

We are particularly interested in proposals that explore:

  • Sustainability 

  • Innovative environmental education practices

  • Climate & Weather

  • Place-based education and community partnerships

  • Technology in EE, Data Science, AI & Computer Science

  • Environmental Civic Action/ Citizen Science 

  • Conservation & Restoration

  • Environmental policy and advocacy

  • Mental Health & Wellness in Nature

  • Environmental Stewardship

Don’t see your topic listed? Surprise us—we’re open to fresh, creative ideas!

Deadline to Submit: September 30, 2025

Submit Your Proposal Here: https://forms.gle/NB75piosf4D2fW3UA

Please contact us at leef.florida@gmail.com with any questions about the proposal process or the conference.


REGISTRATION DETAILS

Registration Details - Coming Soon!

Scholarships: If you are seeking financial scholarship assistance to attend, please contact the conference chair at past.president@leef-florida.org or leef.florida@gmail.com.


FIELD TRIPS & WORKSHOPS

Schedule is subject to change as we get closer to event date. Stay tuned for more updates!

Gulf Specimen Marine Lab

Wakulla Springs Boat Excursion

St. Marks NWR for Lighthouse Tour 

St. Marks NWR  Birding Tour

LODGING

Hotels In the Area:

Best Western Wakulla Inn & Suites

3292 Coastal Hwy #98, Crawfordville, FL 32327•(850) 926-3737

Distance from Conference Site: 3.2 miles




Wildwood Inn

3896 Coastal Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327

Website:  https://www.thewildwoodinn.com/

Distance from Conference Site:  3.2 miles


The Lodge at Wakulla Springs

550 Wakulla Park Dr. Crawfordville FL 32327

Website:  https://thelodgeatwakullasprings.com/

Distance from Conference Site:  12 miles



PREVIOUS CONFERENCES

2025 SPRING MINI-CONFERENCE

UF/IFAS AUSTIN CARY FOREST

GAINESVILLE, FL


2024 FALL MINI-CONFERENCE

ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

VERO BEACH, FL


2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK

APOPKA, FL 


Spring 2025 Mini-Conference: March 22, 2025, Austin Cary Forest, Gainesville, FL

Fall 2024 Mini-Conference: October 26, 2024, Environmental Learning Center, Vero Beach, FL

Annual Conference: March 22-24, 2024: Wekiwa Springs State Park Youth Camp, Apopka, FL 

Virtual Conference:  April 1, 2023:  Spring into the new year with LEEF!

Annual Conference: April 1-3, 2022: Florida Elks Youth Camp, Umatilla, FL

Virtual Conference: April 22 - 24, 2021: Celebrating our roots in EE as we grow forward!

Annual Conference: March 27-29, 2020: Florida Elks Youth Camp, Umatilla, FL (Canceled due to Covid 19)

Spring 2019 Mini-Conference: March 16, 2019, The Silver River Museum, Ocala (2019 Report.pdf)

Fall 2018 Mini-Conference: October 6, 2018, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples (2018 Report.pdf)


Founded in 1983, the League of Environmental Educators in Florida is the professional association for individuals and organizations dedicated to the cause of environmental education in Florida. We are the state affiliate for North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), an organization that brings together those interested in the study and enjoyment of our natural world and one that has promoted excellence in environmental education throughout North America and the world for over four decades.  

The League of Environmental Educators in Florida is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

© 2021by the League of Environmental Educators in Florida.


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