Annual Conference

Join Us at the MEEA Annual Conference
MEEA invites environmental educators—both formal and non-formal—as well as students to attend and present at our longest-running professional development event: the MEEA Annual Conference. Hosted in a different Montana community each year, the conference ensures educators from across the state can access this enriching experience.

The Annual Conference features dynamic professional development sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and insights into innovative environmental education programs and initiatives. Don’t miss the chance to connect with EE organization exhibitors and participate in our silent auction, which supports MEEA’s Get ’Em Outside Mini-Grant program.

We’re already looking forward to the 2026 MEEA Annual Conference—coming in March to a new Montana location (TBD)!
Plans are underway for another unforgettable gathering of environmental educators, students, and community leaders. Stay tuned for details—we can’t wait to connect again and continue growing the roots of tomorrow together!

A Huge Thank You for a Powerful 2025 MEEA Conference in Helena

From March 7–9, 2025, the MEEA community came together at Carroll College in Helena for our 33rd Annual Conference. This year’s theme, Roots of Tomorrow, inspired dynamic conversations, sparked new collaborations, and deepened our shared commitment to environmental education across Montana.

We’re incredibly grateful to the presenters, volunteers, exhibitors, field trip leaders, and attendees who made the 2025 conference such a success. Together, we shared knowledge, explored new ideas, and built momentum for a more sustainable future.

2025 MEEA Conference Highlights:

Friday Night – Film Screening at The Myrna Loy
We kicked off the weekend with a special screening of Bring Them Home, a powerful documentary narrated by Lily Gladstone and presented in partnership with Thunderheart Media. With a private reception and reserved seating for conference attendees, this public event highlighted the cultural and environmental themes central to the weekend’s discussions.

Saturday – Sessions, Keynote, and Brewery Social
Saturday was packed with inspiring sessions held at Carroll College’s All Saints Hall, and a keynote address by journalist and environmental storyteller Nick Mott, who challenged and motivated us to think deeply about the intersections of communication and conservation. The day wrapped up with a lively evening social at Lewis & Clark Brewery, where participants relaxed, reconnected, and celebrated a full day of learning.

Sunday – Field Trips Around Helena
On Sunday, attendees chose from three immersive field trip experiences:

  • Montana WILD Tour & Archery – A tour of interactive exhibits followed by archery with Ryan Schmaltz.
  • Snowshoe Hike at Rodney Ridge – Led by Liz Burke (USFS), exploring the FireWorks Curriculum.
  • Sevenmile Outdoor Classroom Walk – A 2-mile hike with Prickly Pear Land Trust focused on floodplain restoration.

Huge thanks to Clearwater Credit Union for sponsoring our 2025 Helena Conference.

REGISTRATION CLOSED

If you need any assistance with your registration, contact Naomi at meeapresident@gmail.com.

Sponsor the 2025 Conference

Wide shot of the annual conference at the University of Montana

The Montana Environmental Education Association invites you to partner with us in building valuable connections among environmental educators throughout Montana. View our partnership packet for opportunities.

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Quotes from previous conference attendees:

“The MEEA conference is consistently one of the best professional development opportunities I participate in. Networking opportunities in Montana for environmental, outdoor, conservation, and place-based educators are few and far between, so the MEEA conference is critical to sustaining and advancing what we all do!”

“As a classroom teacher and nonprofit outdoor educator/ecologist, MEEA’s conference allows me to step back, reflect and put into focus what’s really important in my practice – the process of seeking to understand the people and places that I serve and call home.”

“So many amazing speakers, so much incredible information and resources, and such a great opportunity to connect and network!”

“The MEEA Conference is such a great way to connect with the Environmental Education network across Montana. I truly value the time spent learning new skills, increasing my awareness and meeting a diverse group of providers. You are my people!”

“I value the MEEA conference because it helps me be a continual learning. I really appreciated this year’s conference and how relevant all the presentations were. I enjoying connecting and hearing from experts in this field and related fields. Thanks for this opportunity!!!”