Second Nature 2026: Full Schedule

9:20am CDT

Keynote Address

Saturday October 24, 2026 9:20am - 10:30am CDT

Speakers

Jessica Fong

Jessica Fong is an equity‑centered educator, researcher, and community advocate who has spent more than fifteen years strengthening early childhood, dual language, and nature‑based learning across Chicago. Born in Chicago and of Guatemalan heritage, she began her teaching journey... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 9:20am - 10:30am CDT
Savannah

Accessibility & Inclusion

10:45am CDT

All the Classroom's a Stage

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

TBD - Outdoor

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!

Speakers

Madeline Cole

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
TBD - Outdoor

Accessibility & Inclusion

10:45am CDT

Books Break Barriers! The Blueberry Awards, the Best Kids' Nature Books!

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

TBD - Indoor

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.

Speakers

Martha Meyer

Library Assistant and Blueberry Award Founder, Evanston Public Library

Martha Meyer is a library paraprofessional in the Early Learning and Literacy Department at Evanston Public Library, specializing in both infant/toddler literacy and on theater programming for elementary school kids. She spent years sharing new nature books with local preschool teachers... Read More →

Betsy Bird

Collection Development Manager, Evanston Public Library

Betsy Bird is the Collection Development Manager at Evanston Public Library, a published author of books for both kids and adults, and a blogger for School Library Journal. Librarians across the country rely on her book recommendations. She's served on national award committees and... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
TBD - Indoor

Accessibility & Inclusion

12:45pm CDT

Nature Play: From Toddlers To Teens

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT

TBD - Indoor

Speakers

Brenda Rivera

Early Childhood Programs Coordinator, Lincoln Park Zoo

Brenda Rivera is the Early Childhood Coordinator at Lincoln Park Zoo, where she focuses on nature-play based programming. With over 6 years of experience facilitating programs for toddlers and their adults, she also supports zoo volunteers and interns in creating meaningful moments... Read More →

British-Amber Thomas

Community Engagement Coordinator, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

British-Amber is an emerging voice in conservation, bringing over three years of experience as a Community Engagement Coordinator at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. With a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Central State University and certification as an Interpretive Guide through the... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
TBD - Indoor

Accessibility & Inclusion

2:00pm CDT

Embracing Nature: Integrating Outdoor Learning Principles into Education

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

TBD - Outdoor

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.

Speakers

Alysa Meeks

Director, The Nest Nature School

Alysa Meeks is the current Director of The Nest Nature School in Boerne, TX. She holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, OH and has been in Early Childhood for 14 years, with 8 of those years being in Nature-Based programs... Read More →

Emily Smith

Certified Trainer, Texas Early Child Professional Development System

Emily Smith holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. She is a certified nature educator through Association for Nature Based Education and a registered trainer through Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System. She has been in education for... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
TBD - Outdoor

Accessibility & Inclusion

2:00pm CDT

Imagination in Action: Teaching Conservation Through Play and Storytelling

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

TBD - Outdoor

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.

Speakers

Emily Shatoff

Community Engagement Coordinator, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Emily has seven years of experience in informal science education at zoos and museums. She has a B.S. in Middle Childhood Education from Miami University and is pursuing a master’s in Biology through Project Dragonfly. Emily is also a Certified Interpretive Guide, which she uses... Read More →

Saturday October 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
TBD - Outdoor

Accessibility & Inclusion