The Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education held its annual conference at Upham Woods this past month.  This year’s 2018 WAEE Annual Conference was focused on Equity in Environmental Education.  Over 150 participants coming from a wide variety of organizations connected to environmental education came to Upham Woods over the course of the two day conference. A variety of workshops were offered that focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Early Childhood Education, Innovations in the Field, Farm to School and Nature Center Administration. Attendees had the opportunity to gain professional development as well as meet peers and connect with future partners. Many participants commented on what a great sense of community and collaboration existed over the two days. Highlights of the conference included remarks from Ho-Chunk elder Gordon Thunder, closing remarks from Gordon’s sister Michelle Cloud, an engaging key note speech from Dudley Edmonson , photographer and author of “Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places” (AdventureKeen Publications 2006) and a fantastic panel discussion on how environmental education professionals can work towards equitable access to nature for all children in Wisconsin. Panelists featured WAEE’s inaugural Eco-Justice aware winners Huda Alkaff, founder and director of Wisconsin Green Muslims , and August Ball, founder of Cream City Conservation . Friday evening entertainment included a live band on the basketball court and a Milwaukee Brewers playoff game projected on the big screen! Upham Woods was proud to play host and support the continued growth and advancement of professionals in the field of environmental education.