Second Nature 2026: Full Schedule

12:45pm CDT

Exploring Connections Between Children, Spirituality, Nature, and Community: A multifaith, multidisciplinary dialogue

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

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.

Moderators

Dave Becker

Minister, Interfaith Chaplain, Educator, Activist, Tree of Life and Prairie Circle Unitarian Universalist Congregations

Dave serves as minister for two Unitarian Universalist congregations in Illinois- the Tree of Life UU Congregation in McHenry and the Prairie Circle UU Congregation in Grayslake. Dave brings with him a wealth of experience from his 15+ year career in social services and 27+ year... Read More →

Speakers

Dr. Sheila Williams Ridge

Director, University of Minnesota Child Development Lab

Sheila Williams Ridge is the Director of the Shirley G. Moore Lab School at the University of Minnesota. She has a BA in Biology and a MA in Education, as well as experience as a business manager and preschool teacher/naturalist. She is a facilitator for the NAEYC Young Children and... Read More →

Margie Pines

Founder, Ta'am Teva Nature Based Preschool

Margie Pines is the founder and director of Ta’am Teva Nature Preschoool. Margie has over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She holds a Nature Based Early Childhood Certificate from Antioch University. She received the 2017 Sue Pinsky Award for Excellence in Jewish... Read More →

Gina Roxas

Executive Director, Trickster Cultural Center

Gina Roxas, a citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and serves as the Executive Director of Trickster Cultural Center. She brings a holistic approach to her work, drawing from traditional teachings passed down by her grandmother and family, as well as her academic background... Read More →

Michael and Amelia Howard

Founders, Eden Place Nature Center & Farms

In the late 1990s, Michael and Amelia Howard led the effort to clean up a three-acre vacant lot near their Fuller Park residence that was piled two stories high with illegally dumped waste. With help from many in the community, the site was cleared of debris and restored into a thriving... Read More →

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

Policy & Advocacy

2:00pm CDT

Nature Within Reach: Supporting Home Childcare Providers in Meaningful Outdoor Practice

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

TBD - Indoor

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.

Speakers

Suzette Salmon

Home Educator, Lil Bebe Academy

Suzette Salmon is the owner of Lil Bebe Academy, a nature-based home childcare certified by the National Wildlife Federation, National Audubon Society, and Monarch Watch. She has a degree in child psychology, is a consultant, and authored Overcoming Home Daycare Burnout and co-authored... Read More →

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

Policy & Advocacy