Three Arkansas Tech University faculty members shared their work and ideas at the 2026 Arkansas Environmental and Outdoor Education Conference, which took place March 6-7 in Fairfield Bay.
Dr. Brett Stone, associate dean in the ATU College of Education and Health, helped lead a session entitled “Integrating Environmental Education into the Middle School Classroom.”
Offered in collaboration with Dr. Curtis Varnell, the presentation explored how Arkansas middle school standards align with environmental topics and demonstrated lessons teachers can use immediately in both classroom and outdoor learning environments. Topics included Arkansas rocks and minerals, ecology and the ways natural resources connect to the state’s economy.
Dr. Michael Bradley, dean of the ATU Graduate College, and Dr. Jay Post, director of the ATU tourism program and ATU associate professor of tourism, presented “Growing Connections: Place Attachment and Stewardship in Arkansas State Parks.” Their session focused on how meaningful experiences in parks help people develop sustainable connections to the places they visit, which they found often leads to increased stewardship and support for conservation.
The theme of the conference was “Legacy of the Land: 30 Years of Learning, Leading and Preserving Arkansas.”
“Participation in the conference reflects Arkansas Tech University’s broader commitment to serving the region through education, research and community partnerships,” said Bradley. “The university’s mission includes providing life changing educational opportunities through partnerships, research and service initiatives that contribute to the economic, cultural and social well-being of students and the region it serves. By sharing research, teaching strategies and practical experiences with educators from across Arkansas, ATU faculty continue to support environmental education and stewardship of the state’s natural resources.”
For more information about the conference, the Arkansas Environmental Education Association or environmental education programs and resources across Arkansas, contact the Arkansas Environmental Education Association at info@arkansasee.org or visit www.arkansasee.org.
