The featured keynote is David Sobel, noted educator and leader in the place-based education movement. Through his writing, speaking and teaching, Sobel has played a major role in promoting the way students learn about their environment and their place in it.

His areas of expertise include, developmentally appropriate environmental education, place-based education, inquiry science, mapmaking with children, cognitive development and developmental theory, school improvement, children and nature and parenting with nature. He is a longtime faculty member in the Education Department at Antioch University New England.

Registrants can select a Saturday morning and afternoon workshop held in a number of natural settings in which they'll learn how nature-based education benefits children and adults. Workshop sessions are offered on a variety of topics, including, gardening and environmental stewardship, moving from play to nature-based curriculum, designing for natural play, exploring the natural world as artists, history can be found in the woods and more. Lunch featuring locally grown food will be provided.

On Friday, June 24, additional nature-based activity sessions will be also be available to registrants. These will include experiencing a working homestead, nature writing on the Sandy River and exploring local trails in the Carrabassett Valley. Participants should bring their own picnic lunch.

Space is limited on both days, so please submit your registration and payment soon to reserve your space. For cost, registration forms and more information on all sessions, please visithttp://nbeconference.weebly.com/.

For more information, contact Johanna Prince, director of UMF graduate programs in education, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .