BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:secondnature2026
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com Second Nature 2026//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T130000Z
DTEND:20261024T133000Z
SUMMARY:Check in and Welcome Table
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Discovery Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:241a7ba23124811a9ea1330489f2e1fa
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/241a7ba23124811a9ea1330489f2e1fa
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T130000Z
DTEND:20261024T140000Z
SUMMARY:Morning Activities
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Discovery Center Front Patio
SEQUENCE:0
UID:29dc9df2a85013cc3a038862d2c73420
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/29dc9df2a85013cc3a038862d2c73420
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T140000Z
DTEND:20261024T142000Z
SUMMARY:Welcome and Introduction
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Savannah
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4911e0e334799a7d1a45f420f2b8987e
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/4911e0e334799a7d1a45f420f2b8987e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T142000Z
DTEND:20261024T153000Z
SUMMARY:Keynote Address
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
LOCATION:Savannah
SEQUENCE:0
UID:51ba485ec9c163b23fc52eb01d740362
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/51ba485ec9c163b23fc52eb01d740362
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T154500Z
DTEND:20261024T164500Z
SUMMARY:All the Classroom's a Stage
DESCRIPTION:Nature preschool classrooms are open spaces like theater stages. With this analogy\, explore strategies for teachers balancing the role of director\, stage hand\, writer\, and actor while supporting the daily routine. The class must go on!
CATEGORIES:ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
LOCATION:TBD - Outdoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:734548402c3888fb8635c49d5b400b06
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/734548402c3888fb8635c49d5b400b06
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T154500Z
DTEND:20261024T164500Z
SUMMARY:Books Break Barriers! The Blueberry Awards\, the Best Kids' Nature Books!
DESCRIPTION:Great nature books break down barriers between kids and the natural world! Learn about award winning nature books to make your critical work easier and gain new insights into book selection to create engagement and avoid climate anxiety in kids.
CATEGORIES:ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
LOCATION:TBD - Indoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:c5dc9daea88607494f2e3001c69a7878
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/c5dc9daea88607494f2e3001c69a7878
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T154500Z
DTEND:20261024T164500Z
SUMMARY:Beyond Access: An Adult-Centric Approach to Removing Barriers to Play
DESCRIPTION:This session centers the adult role in children’s access to play. Through reflection\, dialogue\, and shared practice\, participants explore how adult beliefs\, habits\, and systems shape children’s freedom\, risk-taking\, and belonging.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Indoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b637fbb21f6d4a1e71948d3e5ae76a88
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/b637fbb21f6d4a1e71948d3e5ae76a88
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T154500Z
DTEND:20261024T164500Z
SUMMARY:Cultivating Partnerships for Inclusive Learning in Garden Spaces
DESCRIPTION:Chicago Botanic Garden Nature Preschool has a partnership TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804\, an organization that provides inclusive services for all learners. Participants will learn about this partnership and how to encourage collaboration.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Indoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6c1922b13eefa2c1e3e6b31f98c3fc17
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/6c1922b13eefa2c1e3e6b31f98c3fc17
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T154500Z
DTEND:20261024T164500Z
SUMMARY:Designing for Play: Environmental Affordances that Support Imaginative and Expressive Play
DESCRIPTION:This presentation will explore the dynamic relationship between environmental affordances and play and discuss practical solutions to enhance children's imaginative and expressive play experiences in outdoor spaces.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Indoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:58becefd1f1b04bc23c67e428ca76d17
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/58becefd1f1b04bc23c67e428ca76d17
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T154500Z
DTEND:20261024T164500Z
SUMMARY:Not a Stick! But was a Stick: making toys and tools from sticks
DESCRIPTION:Empower the youngest students to use sticks and simple tools to make toys and tools. we will make magical musical whammy doodles\, Spinning Ron Rons\, mallets\, fairy furniture and more!
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Outdoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:90b18a7b43b3ce81a280365389f3556d
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/90b18a7b43b3ce81a280365389f3556d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T154500Z
DTEND:20261024T164500Z
SUMMARY:Where Learning Breathes: Infant learning outdoors
DESCRIPTION:As a Reggio-inspired and nature-based program\, even our youngest learners spend a significant time outdoors. We will share how we achieve this and provide tips and tricks that you can implement the youngest in your program.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Hybrid
SEQUENCE:0
UID:4b1d03222a9a4c6eef79f4b3649c530c
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/4b1d03222a9a4c6eef79f4b3649c530c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T164500Z
DTEND:20261024T174500Z
SUMMARY:Lunch and Author's Tables
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Bison Pavilion
SEQUENCE:0
UID:8f254b0e53011238b9e902d146d79b78
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/8f254b0e53011238b9e902d146d79b78
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T174500Z
DTEND:20261024T184500Z
SUMMARY:Nature Play: From Toddlers To Teens
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
LOCATION:TBD - Indoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:a3feb9112ab457ec9614da00bd31ec17
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/a3feb9112ab457ec9614da00bd31ec17
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T174500Z
DTEND:20261024T184500Z
SUMMARY:Exploring Connections Between Children\, Spirituality\, Nature\, and Community: A multifaith\, multidisciplinary dialogue
DESCRIPTION:This thought-provoking panel\, followed by group dialogue\, will explore individual and community connections between children\, nature\, and spirituality\; with an emphasis on environmental issues that impact children and their communities.
CATEGORIES:POLICY & ADVOCACY
LOCATION:TBD - Indoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:89b7af28695c9b55b7f7aeaa829bbe74
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/89b7af28695c9b55b7f7aeaa829bbe74
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T174500Z
DTEND:20261024T184500Z
SUMMARY:Breaking Barriers: Navigating Policies and Procedures
DESCRIPTION:Mill Creek Early Childhood Program is dedicated to outdoor adventures beyond a schools' grounds! They'll showcase policies and procedures stamped by the powers-that-be\, plus open a brainstorming session on ideas and strategies for implementation.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Indoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:0019ebec39a1afe6f1af091ad05572b0
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/0019ebec39a1afe6f1af091ad05572b0
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T174500Z
DTEND:20261024T184500Z
SUMMARY:Creating Nature Art with Natural\, Reusable and Repurposed Materials
DESCRIPTION:Creating nature based art doesn’t have to be just sticks\, wood cookies and pine cones. You will discover ways to make art with a limited budget using typical art supplies\, natural materials\, repurposed materials and more!
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Outdoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:d0f01efbc0a1bc83279059c232e53828
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/d0f01efbc0a1bc83279059c232e53828
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T174500Z
DTEND:20261024T184500Z
SUMMARY:Designing for Discovery: Hands-On Nature Play Aligned to Illinois Early Learning Standards
DESCRIPTION:Participants will work in collaborative groups designing standards-aligned nature play activities using natural materials and loose parts. Participants will leave with concrete ideas they can immediately adapt for their own early childhood settings\, as well as tools for planning future standards-aligned nature play experiences with intention and confidence.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Outdoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:b805637f344f2f4f2eda90c5a03e4017
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/b805637f344f2f4f2eda90c5a03e4017
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T174500Z
DTEND:20261024T184500Z
SUMMARY:Oh\, Deer! : Exploring Trees & Me and Growing Up WILD Curriculum
DESCRIPTION:Learn more about EEAI and our diverse continuing education opportunities. Explore several Project Learning Tree activities and create and take home solid examples to immediately implement in your lessons.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Hybrid
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9981f1a0bbd8afed396f6c06b7fa4bc8
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/9981f1a0bbd8afed396f6c06b7fa4bc8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T174500Z
DTEND:20261024T184500Z
SUMMARY:The Classroom Prairie: Restoring Early Childhood Education
DESCRIPTION:Children are expected to do more at an earlier age\, oftn causing unnecessary issues. This session connects basic land restoration principles to early childhood education and shows how prairies are perfect metaphors for successful classrooms.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Outdoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9e6edbf9095ecd29859153321dbf9bf2
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/9e6edbf9095ecd29859153321dbf9bf2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T190000Z
DTEND:20261024T200000Z
SUMMARY:Embracing Nature: Integrating Outdoor Learning Principles into Education
DESCRIPTION:Discover innovative\, practical strategies for integrating nature-based learning into early childhood settings. Explore some of the key elements of authentic nature-based experiences—including sit spots\, loose parts\, and environmental stewardship.
CATEGORIES:ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
LOCATION:TBD - Outdoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e835a6d8d10f83677330e25c248f657a
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/e835a6d8d10f83677330e25c248f657a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T190000Z
DTEND:20261024T200000Z
SUMMARY:Imagination in Action: Teaching Conservation Through Play and Storytelling
DESCRIPTION:Spark curiosity\, wonder\, and empathy in young children through play and storytelling. This hands-on session shows how nature-based\, imaginative experiences make big ideas accessible and inspire children to care for the environment.
CATEGORIES:ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
LOCATION:TBD - Outdoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:27c27007e259ae092d16d549392bf8ae
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/27c27007e259ae092d16d549392bf8ae
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T190000Z
DTEND:20261024T200000Z
SUMMARY:Nature Within Reach: Supporting Home Childcare Providers in Meaningful Outdoor Practice
DESCRIPTION:Home educators working in small or shared spaces will learn realistic ways to bring nature into everyday practice through practical guidance\, gentle mindset shifts\, and relationship-centered approaches that build confidence.
CATEGORIES:POLICY & ADVOCACY
LOCATION:TBD - Indoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:eb333078de09a0e1ba3038036b5451e9
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/eb333078de09a0e1ba3038036b5451e9
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T190000Z
DTEND:20261024T200000Z
SUMMARY:Adopt a Tree: An Accessible\, Multidisciplinary Project
DESCRIPTION:Adopting a class tree is a rewarding experience that builds scientific observation and literacy skills\, emotional development\, and environmental kinship. We will explore ways to get started and maintain student engagement throughout the seasons.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Hybrid
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ae48215a1cc444e70f8b97d82e7684c3
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/ae48215a1cc444e70f8b97d82e7684c3
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T190000Z
DTEND:20261024T200000Z
SUMMARY:Loose Parts Possibilities : How Natural Materials Spark Young Imaginations
DESCRIPTION:Discover the power of nature-based loose parts. Explore how open-ended materials spark curiosity\, problem-solving\, and sensory-rich language while fostering learning\, creativity\, and environmental stewardship.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Indoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:6a0cc6b2186f15455116a55746ae012a
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/6a0cc6b2186f15455116a55746ae012a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T190000Z
DTEND:20261024T200000Z
SUMMARY:Navigating a Changing Climate in Early Childhood Programs
DESCRIPTION:This session will focus on ways to support children and families in a changing climate. We will discuss how programs can find support and guidance to navigate these difficulties and inspire hope and action.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Indoor
SEQUENCE:0
UID:3d26feeec31cdefa74127bec332fc66d
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/3d26feeec31cdefa74127bec332fc66d
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T190000Z
DTEND:20261024T200000Z
SUMMARY:Water Coloring with Natural Pigments
DESCRIPTION:Let’s spend some time water coloring with pigments found in our natural landscape and in our kitchens/classrooms. You will spend time painting and we will walk through the process of making a pigment.
CATEGORIES:SPACES & EXPERIENCES
LOCATION:TBD - Hybrid
SEQUENCE:0
UID:69890117121075219a300cf44bf9e939
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/69890117121075219a300cf44bf9e939
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260902T221751Z
DTSTART:20261024T200000Z
DTEND:20261024T201500Z
SUMMARY:Return evaluations\, Continuing Education and Gateways
DESCRIPTION:
CATEGORIES:
LOCATION:Discovery Center
SEQUENCE:0
UID:bf51a78bcb7636430b561b00cc617f51
URL:http://secondnature2026.sched.com/event/bf51a78bcb7636430b561b00cc617f51
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR