Association for Nature-Based Education upcoming events

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level I (online - Spring) (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification as an online option! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential. To date, we have certified more than one thousand teachers from all 50 states and 25 countries, each gaining strategies and tools for unique nature-based settings. Now it's your turn!

Our 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting.

SCHEDULE

Tuesdays/Thursdays: Facilitated discussions on key topics
Wednesdays: Cohort meetings and/or Guest Presenters

Course meets live from 4PM - 6PM (PST)/ 6PM - 8PM (CST)/ 7PM - 9PM (EST) on Tuesdays and Thursdays with additional time built in for on-demand content. Wednesdays are reserved for guest presenters and group meeting support. There are a total of six consecutive weeks of online sessions with presenters and within small cohorts. Additional clock hours include a variety of presenters and one-on-one Mentor Meetings. Flexible, self-directed learning will take place centered on outdoor skills and experiences, which you must provide documentation of. Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course.

We are delighted to share this course with our international friends and those who cannot travel for training at this time. Please take a look at this FAQ page and feel free to email programs@anbe.org with questions!

Monthly Member Connection Call - April (Monday, April 27, 2026)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Cozy up at home and connect online with other nature-based educators all over the world! Register today to let us know what's on your mind, then join us live to hear from your fellow teachers, homeschool parents, naturalists and more!

This monthly 1-hour Zoom call is included with ANBE membership of all levels. The schedule for the session is as follows:

Welcome! Opening with a beat of gratitude
Reflection/discussion questions on topics curated by our community
Break out rooms with time to discuss
Closing with a song you can use with your students!
Heads-up on upcoming ANBE events to best support your professional practices

Settle in for a rejuvenating time to pause, reflect, connect, and be inspired.

**Discussion calls will not be recorded, live attendance is required for this interactive experience**

MEET YOUR HOST!

Kirsten Mize (she/her), ANBE Program Coordinator

Goucher College graduate, Kirsten Mize, is delighted to serve the ANBE community as Program Coordinator, curating high-quality training for nature-based educators of all different walks. With a Masters in Education (Focus: At-Risk and Diverse Students) and a Bachelors in Music (Focus: Vocal Performance), Kirsten brings over a decade of diverse teaching experience and pedagogical knowledge to ANBE. She has always had a deep connection with nature and believes strongly in holistic teaching methods, the power of play, and cultivating wonder. When she is not at ANBE, Kirsten works as a voice actor independently from her home studio in Baltimore, Maryland and has lent her voice to musicals, operas, stage plays, podcasts, video games, and radio plays. She also works as a music teacher at The Music Space in Towson, Maryland. But probably her most important job is that of mother to one sweet little boy who has inherited his mother's love for music and the outdoors.

Wilderness First Aid & CPR (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Our partners at the Institute for WildMed are experts when it comes to responding to emergencies. That's why we've teamed up to offer this 16-clock hour, hybrid version of Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification to help you prepare for an outdoor emergency.

HYBRID COURSE FORMAT

The first 8 clock hours of the course is asynchronous, which means you can move through online content at your own pace. The online training must be completed prior to attending the second half of the course, held in person.
Your confirmation email from WildMed will contain a link to the asynchronous, online portion of the training. You can get started right away!
The last 8 clock hours of the course will be held in person at the Carrie Murray Center in Baltimore, MD. You must complete the entire 16 clock hours to receive Wilderness First Aid & CPR certification.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This course is designed for anyone who leads nature-based education and outdoor learning, which may include: teachers and administrators in preschool, childcare, or elementary school settings; naturalists, environmental educators, or outdoor educators; wilderness survival enthusiasts; and parents.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Oliver Reitz is a lead instructor and project manager for Institute for Wild Med. He has a long-held interest in bodies and healing. He got his start in health care as a teenager, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and tutoring students in Anatomy and Physiology. He currently holds a Bachelor's Degree in Health Education and Promotion and is a certified Wilderness First Responder, EMT, and Funeral Director.

Through his work with The Venture Out Project, Oliver has been leading hikes and backcountry trips with the LGBTQ+ community for almost a decade. This work has been essential in his understanding of the outdoors and who belongs there. Oliver believes in increasing access to the outdoors to all people through education, representation, and dissolving barriers to entry.

Massachusetts Outdoor Teacher Retreat (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Spring is in the air! Get re-energized for the end of the school year at this Outdoor Teacher Retreat, hosted by the Birches School! This special event brings together experts in the field of nature-based learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions with options for educators in both upper and lower levels alike.

ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event which can be submitted to Mass. EEC for six (6) continuing education hours in the State of Massachusetts. If you are travelling out of state, please check with your local Department of Ed. to confirm eligibility for clock hours.

Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day.

Note: We strive for zero waste during our events; please bring your canteen for drinks.

Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children of all ages in programs that prioritize nature-based experiences. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, child care settings, and more.

Schedule Outline

Registration and Breakfast
Introductions
Site tour of The Birches School
Morning Workshops
1. Emergent Curriculum OR Embracing our Child Selves
2. PreK - Lower Elementary Math OR Middle - Highschool Climate Action
Lunch
Afternoon Workshops
1. Pre-K - Elementary Science OR Middle - Highschool Science
2. Full Group: Differentiation in the Nature-Based Classroom
Closing Gathering

Workshop Options

Student-driven Climate Action with Melissa Hansen

Going the Distance: Math Lessons in the Natural World with Rina Zampieron

We Contain Multitudes: Emergent Curriculum and the Reggio-Emilia Approach with Mo Abdalah

Seasonal and Emergent Opportunities for Science Learning in your Nature-Based Program with Sarah Thornbrugh

Microbiology for Middle Schoolers with Katherine Parisky

Differentiation in the Nature-Based Classroom with Kim DeLaura

Embracing Our Child-Selves: Being Great Educators Through a Playful Lens with Emily Provencher-Hohen

Differentiation in the Nature-Based Classroom with Kim DeLaura

Click here for full workshop descriptions and presenter bios!

Director's Circle - May (Tuesday, May 05, 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 20:30:00 GMT

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Are you the leader of a Nature-Based program looking to connect and learn with others like you? Then join us to gather (virtually) with fellow nature-based program Directors for a monthly networking circle. Each month will feature a guiding question or two, resources to support your work leading a nature-based program, and plenty of time to connect with peers. We hope you can join us!

**Director's Circles will not be recorded, live attendance is required for this interactive experience**

MEET YOUR HOST!

Emily Woodmansee (she/her), Bluestone Village and Nature Programs

Emily Woodmansee is the Founding Executive Director of Bluestone Village, a nature-based community initiative. Bluestone offers nature-based youth programming, as well as community gatherings to bring young families together outside. Emily lives in NE Pennsylvania with her husband and two young daughters.

D.C. Outdoor Teacher Retreat (Saturday, May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Summer break is almost here! Take a moment to pause and be refreshed at this Outdoor Teacher Retreat hosted by Briya Public Charter School! This special event brings together experts in the field of nature-based learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions geared towards content for children of all ages.

Pending MSDE Continuing Education clock hours. ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day.

Note: We strive for zero waste during our events; please bring your canteen for drinks.

Who Should Attend?

Schedule Outline

Registration and Breakfast
Introductions
Site tour of Briya Public Charter
Morning Workshops
Lunch
Afternoon Workshops
Closing Gathering

Workshop Descriptions

Forest Bathing with Toby Bloom

Storytelling in Action with Kirsten Mize

Schemas in the Outdoors: Understanding Children Thinking Through Natural Play with Susana Robinson and Karla Hernandez

From Garden to Classroom: Recipe Making with Kids with Jillian Fan

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level III (Monday, May 11, 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

If you've made it this far, congratulations for progressing to the capstone Level III Nature-Based Teacher Certification course! This registration is for a hybrid course with monthly online learning (December 2025 - June 2026) followed by a culminating long weekend of training and celebration (Friday July 31st to Sun., August 2nd, 2026).

Our 36-hour capstone course combines deepening nature connection with a well-rounded approach to nature-based education, advocacy, and leadership. Offered as a hybrid course, the format includes online meetings with both live and self-directed time and field assignments that you will complete in your school or program setting. An in-person gathering is held to further learning, sharing, and celebration as a community.

Time commitment for the capstone course is 36 clock hours, plus time required to complete field assignments. Prerequisites: Attendees must complete levels 1 & 2 prior to taking level 3; see web for complete description.

Course Description:
The capstone level of the certification combines deepening nature connection with a well-rounded approach to nature-based education, advocacy, and leadership. The hybrid course format includes online meetings with both live and self-directed time and a professional practicum that you will complete in your school or program setting. The in-person gathering includes further learning and sharing as a community. The time commitment for the capstone course is 36 clock hours, plus time required to complete the practicum.

Topics of Study:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in NBE: How can nature-based programs provide greater access to nature-based education? How can programs increase advocacy and inclusion efforts to support greater access to programs? Discover real life approaches to DEI and consider how to authentically work toward your own DEI policies and daily practices.

Mentoring & Reflective Teaching Practices: We know that the most effective teachers reflect on children’s needs and development in highly individualized ways. Likewise, we will consider how to reflect on our own interactions with children, families, colleagues, and the natural world to maintain a positive growth mindset necessary to thrive as a nature-based teacher. We will also consider the role of utilizing (and being) mentors in our teaching journey.

Financial Planning: Creating, or even just understanding, a program budget need not be complicated! Thoughtful budgets help ensure accessibility to your program with financial assistance and extra gear considerations, but that is only the start. Beyond basic supplies, family events, and guest presenters there are other considerations around liability insurance, gifts for teachers, and a contingency should you need to bring in support staff. These are the tip of the iceberg! Teacher pay is directly related to income and expenses, so this insight is useful whether you are currently a teacher or administrator. This session will examine items to consider in a program budget and get you thinking about how to help fundraise, advocate, and better support your program. fair teacher pay

Assessing Your Program: One of the best ways we can improve the quality of what we offer to our learning communities is to actively engage in program assessment. This session explores several approaches to program assessment and helps you hone in on the values and attributes you most want to evaluate as part of the process.

Spirituality and Human-Nature Connection: One of the reasons families value a nature-based education is because wonder, awe, and curiosity are central to this approach to learning. Together we examine how these attributes support spirituality and help instill a deeper sense of connectedness to the natural world.

Naturalist Knowledge: Nature’s wonders are intricate and complex - we can spend a lifetime discovering them! Integral to our work as nature-based teachers, we will continue to explore the land, building on our naturalist knowledge of local habitats, wildlife, and possible risks to mitigate during outdoor learning. For our in-person gathering, we will incorporate hands-on earth skills as we continue to develop personal nature connection in community as a cohort of teachers.

Creating Your Forest or Nature School (Thursday, May 14, 2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 17:30:00 GMT

If you are starting a new forest or nature-based program (including outdoor preschool, childcare and homeschool classes), this intensive online course can help you get started! We address a range of topics including:

Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
Business planning/determining a business structure
Locations and partners
Licensing considerations
How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
Policies and practices for your parent handbook
Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
Finding and hiring great staff
Marketing your program
Evaluation methods

The format of this interactive course is a combination of facilitated discussion, small group work among participants, and asynchronous independent learning experiences. We provide many templates and resources to help you develop an authentic, placed-based approach to your program. Please note this is not a prerecorded, on-demand course. It is interactive so we can learn together!

Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

SCHEDULE

We’ve designed this online course with a paced structure to help you absorb the material and build your program step by step over six months. The course includes six facilitated online sessions, each held from 1:30–3 p.m. (EST).

Between sessions, you’ll complete self-directed reading and planning activities, which require a minimum of one hour between class meetings. To get the most out of the course, please ensure you can dedicate time to reviewing materials and reflecting on how to apply new policies and concepts to your unique circumstances.

Upon successful completion, you will receive a professional development certificate.

*NEW SELF-PACED OPTION!

Most folks have many nuanced questions when they start a new program, so we always suggest joining the live online course if possible to ask your questions and learn from the experiences of others (schedule above). But...we also know you may be juggling many responsibilities and need the flexibility of a self-paced, on-demand course. For the first time ever, we have decided to offer a new self-paced option! This means we will hold regular class sessions (schedule above) and then follow up with bite-sized video recordings and resources for all of the self-paced learners. You will still experience the content and topics that are covered in the live sessions, but you can do so at your pace.

Additionally, we will include one 30-minute consultation session for each self-paced attendee. This will be scheduled to take place at the conclusion of the course in October and November and is completely optional.

Because this is the first time we are offering a self-paced option, we hope you will provide feedback in real time throughout the course!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course is ideal for anyone establishing a nature-based program, which could be in the form of outdoor preschool, forest school, childcare, home school, or afterschool model. Whether your program is in a rural or urban setting, we offer essential information so you can get right to it! Feel free to reach out to Monica with questions.

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE

Founder/cofounder of three nature preschool programs in Maryland and consultant to countless others starting forest and nature schools in the U.S. and abroad, Monica brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you jump-start your own nature-based program! She is the coauthor of award-winning Nature Play Workshop for Families (Quarto, 2020) and recently released Nature-Based Early Childhood Education (NAEYC, 2025). Monica earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art Educ. (K-12) and Master’s degree in Early Childhood Ed. from Towson University, Baltimore, MD and completed year-long graduate fellowship with UMBC/UMASS in 2024. Monica is deeply engaged in the Outdoor Preschool Licensing pilot, enacted in 2023 in Maryland as she advocates for more equitable access to nature-based education. She is a wife and mother of two and enjoys spending time in nature with her family.

New Jersey Outdoor Teacher Retreat (Saturday, May 30, 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Join us in Blairstown, New Jersey to recharge and get inspired at the close of the school year. This training will awaken your senses, kindle curiosity, and spark more ideas for outdoor learning with young children. This special event hosted by Flourish Nature School brings together experts in the field of nature-based early learning to share ideas and practices with a variety of hands-on sessions in addition to a site tour of Flourish Nature School.

Pending New Jersey State Continuing Education clock hours. ANBE will provide a professional development certificate at the conclusion of the event. Please dress for the weather, as most of this training takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Coffee/tea with lite breakfast and lunch is included, but remember your canteen for drinks throughout the day.

Note: We strive for zero waste during our events; please bring your canteen for drinks.

Who Should Attend?

This training is ideal for educators, caregivers, and others working with children in programs that prioritize nature-based experiences. Our participants work in all kinds of settings, from nature-based schools and forest kindergartens to public schools, traditional preschools, HeadStart programs, childcare settings, and more.

Schedule Outline

Registration and Breakfast
Introductions
Site tour of Flourish Nature School
Morning Workshops
Lunch
Afternoon Workshops
Closing Gathering

Workshop Topics

An Artful Pause with Bryanna Waldron

Wet Felting with Melissa Sheppard

Foraging and Medicinal Wander with Andrew Lovering

Breath Vitality with Jen Lewin

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level III (Monday, June 08, 2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Topics of Study:

Creating Your Forest or Nature School (Thursday, June 11, 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
Business planning/determining a business structure
Locations and partners
Licensing considerations
How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
Policies and practices for your parent handbook
Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
Finding and hiring great staff
Marketing your program
Evaluation methods

Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

SCHEDULE

Upon successful completion, you will receive a professional development certificate.

*NEW SELF-PACED OPTION!

Because this is the first time we are offering a self-paced option, we hope you will provide feedback in real time throughout the course!

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level I (online - Summer) (Monday, June 15, 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Monday/Thursday: Facilitated discussions on key topics
Wednesdays: Cohort meetings and/or Guest Presenters

Course meets live from 11AM - 1PM (PST)/ 1PM - 3PM (CST)/ 2PM - 4PM (EST) on Mondays and Thursdays with additional time built in for on-demand content. Wednesdays are reserved for guest presenters and group meeting support. There are a total of six consecutive weeks of online sessions with presenters and within small cohorts. Additional clock hours include a variety of presenters and one-on-one Mentor Meetings. Flexible, self-directed learning will take place centered on outdoor skills and experiences, which you must provide documentation of. Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course.

Creating Your Forest or Nature School (Thursday, July 02, 2026)

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
Business planning/determining a business structure
Locations and partners
Licensing considerations
How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
Policies and practices for your parent handbook
Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
Finding and hiring great staff
Marketing your program
Evaluation methods

Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

SCHEDULE

Upon successful completion, you will receive a professional development certificate.

*NEW SELF-PACED OPTION!

Because this is the first time we are offering a self-paced option, we hope you will provide feedback in real time throughout the course!

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level I (Maryland) (Monday, July 06, 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

We are thrilled to offer our Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level 1! You will gain a deeper understanding of nature pedagogy and practices as you earn this introductory credential.

This five-day, 36-hour course provides in-depth study of best practices in nature-based early childhood education to prepare you for meaningful outdoor learning experiences. We draw from experienced educators with diverse perspectives to help you hone your own approaches to nature-based ECE. Whether you are in a formal school or childcare setting or working in a nature or forest preschool, this course is designed to meet the needs of early childhood educators working in any setting. (See web for complete description.)

OVERVIEW OF THE WEEK

Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided.

Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided.

Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Off-site tours and workshops; lunch provided.

Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire

Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course; light breakfast and lunch provided.

LODGING OPTIONS

Hotels

The Sheraton

(~20min drive)

903 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204

The Hampton Inn

(~20min drive)

21 W Susquehanna Ave, Towson, MD 21204

The Delta Hotel in North Baltimore

(~8 min drive)

5100 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, 21210

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level II (Maryland) (Monday, July 06, 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

We are excited to learn with you once again during the Level 2: Intermediate Nature-Based Teacher Certification! (Registration is for live, in-person certification.)

This five-day, 36-hour course builds on what you learned during the Level 1 introductory course, diving deeper into best practices and helping you hone approaches to nature-based early childhood education specific to your learning environment. The intermediate course examines more nuanced facets of running a nature-based program, managing/mentoring teachers, and promoting your program. We continue to draw from experienced educators and explore diverse perspectives in NBECE throughout the week. You will also take time to enhance your personal nature connection as an extension of this deep, important work. (Note: Attendees must complete the level 1 introductory course prior to taking level 2; see web for complete description.)

OVERVIEW OF SCHEDULE

Monday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Full day of workshops; light breakfast and lunch provided daily

Tuesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Off-site tours and workshops

Wednesday: 8:30 - 5 p.m.
Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m.; full day of workshops

Thursday: 12 - 8:30 p.m.
Lunch followed by sessions, evening sessions include dinner and campfire

Friday: 8:30 - 4 p.m.
Optional morning yoga at 7:45 a.m. , closing sessions and conclusion of the course.

LODGING OPTIONS

Hotels

The Sheraton

(~20min drive)

903 Dulaney Valley Rd, Towson, MD 21204

The Hampton Inn

(~20min drive)

21 W Susquehanna Ave, Towson, MD 21204

The Delta Hotel in North Baltimore

(~8 min drive)

5100 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, 21210

Growing Climate-Resilient Kids (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Teaching about climate change may seem like a daunting task, but this 15-clock hour course can help! Here we unpack some of the biggest challenges of climate change in the context of the human-nature [dis]connection. We also examine case studies of real people who are making a difference!

Nature-based activities and teaching tools are provided throughout to inspire increased environmental literacy and action around climate change. Alongside a variety of expert guest presenters, attendees will examine the many facets of climate change, environmental justice, circular economies and gift economies, energy use, carbon footprints, and ways to be resilient. Lean in with us as we explore hopeful, positive actions that teachers and students can take to have an impact in their schools and communities.

Upon registration, we'll provide a link to join each session, along with other materials you will need and additional resources. Grab a cup of tea and join us!

COURSE FORMAT & TIME COMMITMENT

Class meets on Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. (EST)
Wed, July 15: 7-9 p.m. plus (1) additional hour of self study

Wed, July 22: 7-9 p.m. plus (1.5) additional hour of self study

Wed, July 29: 7-9 p.m. plus (1) additional hour of self study
Wed, Aug. 5: 7-9 p.m. plus (1.5) additional hour of self study

Wed, Aug. 12: 7-9 p.m. Online class, (final)

Note: Professional development certificate will be provided to those who successfully complete this 15-clock hour course.

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level I (NY) (Monday, July 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

LODGING:

Nearest Airports : Syracruse (SYR) and Ithaca (ITH)

While lodging is not provided as part of this course, there are many hotels in Cortland, NY. Some options include:

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, Cortland, NY

5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Best Western Plus Finger Lakes Inn
5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Hampton Inn Cortland
11 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Lime Hollow's rustic camping area will be open and available to ANBE attendees. The area is a short 1/4 hike from one of our trailheads and approximately a 15 minute hike from the Visitor Center. The site is truly primitive with no running water or electricity. Composting toilets are available, as well as water for washing hands and drinking, firewood, firepit, and plenty of flat space to set up tents and spread out. Outdoor showers will be available before 8am and after 5pm at Lime Hollow's Education Campus.

Click here to reserve a camp site at Lime Hollow!

Daytime childcare is also available through Lime Hollow Nature Center's outdoor, nature camps! All ANBE participants will receive 10% off of summer camp registration and FREE camp after-care while at the conference. Camp days run 8am-3pm with an aftercare option from 3pm-5pm. Children ages 3 to 16 may attend. Registration for camp is first-come, first-serve, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. Camp registration opens February 1, 2025. Use coupon code "ANBE" to reserve. Payment plans are available.

For additional questions regarding onsite camping or child-care options, reach out to Rachel at info@limehollow.org or call (607) 662-4632.

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level II (NY) (Monday, July 20, 2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT

OVERVIEW OF SCHEDULE

LODGING:

Nearest Airports : Syracruse (SYR) and Ithaca (ITH)

While lodging is not provided as part of this course, there are many hotels in Cortland, NY. Some options include:

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites, Cortland, NY

5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Best Western Plus Finger Lakes Inn
5 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Hampton Inn Cortland
11 minutes from Lime Hollow Nature Center

Click here to reserve a camp site at Lime Hollow!

For additional questions regarding onsite camping or child-care options, reach out to Rachel at info@limehollow.org or call (607) 662-4632.

Nature-Based Teacher Certification: Level III (Friday, July 31, 2026)

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Topics of Study:

Creating Your Forest or Nature School (Thursday, August 13, 2026)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
Business planning/determining a business structure
Locations and partners
Licensing considerations
How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
Policies and practices for your parent handbook
Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
Finding and hiring great staff
Marketing your program
Evaluation methods

Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

SCHEDULE

Upon successful completion, you will receive a professional development certificate.

*NEW SELF-PACED OPTION!

Because this is the first time we are offering a self-paced option, we hope you will provide feedback in real time throughout the course!

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE

Creating Your Forest or Nature School (Thursday, September 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
Business planning/determining a business structure
Locations and partners
Licensing considerations
How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
Policies and practices for your parent handbook
Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
Finding and hiring great staff
Marketing your program
Evaluation methods

Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

SCHEDULE

Upon successful completion, you will receive a professional development certificate.

*NEW SELF-PACED OPTION!

Because this is the first time we are offering a self-paced option, we hope you will provide feedback in real time throughout the course!

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE

Creating Your Forest or Nature School (Thursday, October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Honing your vision, mission, and educational philosophy
Establishing program basics like daily rhythm, class sizes, schedules
Business planning/determining a business structure
Locations and partners
Licensing considerations
How to set tuition, compensate staff, and create a program budget
Policies and practices for your parent handbook
Creating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in your program
Safety and risk management, including liability insurance needs
Finding and hiring great staff
Marketing your program
Evaluation methods

Upon registration, we will provide you with a complete list of materials needed for the course. Are you ready to take the leap?

SCHEDULE

Upon successful completion, you will receive a professional development certificate.

*NEW SELF-PACED OPTION!

Because this is the first time we are offering a self-paced option, we hope you will provide feedback in real time throughout the course!

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATOR!

Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, Executive Director of ANBE