
LEARNING CONFERENCE


Nature-based Arts
Conference & Workshops
For Educators
November 7-8, 2025 in Springfield, MO
FEATURED PRESENTERS
Read Bios

DETAILS
The Wild Arts Learning Conference is a unique opportunity for educators to learn about nature-based arts they can use in their programs.
Participants will have daily presentations, engage with hands-on learning workshops and network with fellow educators.
We are hosting for a max of 45 participants, so reserve space, soon!
Daily Workshops
Networking opportunities
Evening presentation
Video access
CONFERENCE FEES
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$195 - Saturday pass (20 tickets available, catered dinner included)
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$375 ($318.75 with Early Bird) - All-conference Access + free access to all video recordings (45 tickets available)
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$215 - Video Recordings Only (payment link TBA)
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPEN NOW
15% OFF until May 16th! Coupon Code: CONF15%
Only available for the full conference pass
NOTE: Registration for all in-person attendees must be paid for and reserved before September 15, 2025 for the purpose of securing materials and catering. For this reason, refunds are not available after September 15.
PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
Included at the Conference
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Art Gardens as a Gateway to the Sciences
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Creating Spaces for Natural Learning from a Montessori Perspective
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Cultivating Awareness of Self and Planet with Herbalism Education as an Art
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Botanical Printing & Natural Dyes
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Wild Clay & Materials Literacy
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Pigments, Paints, Inks & Pigment Sticks
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Weaving the Wild and Natural Fiber Arts
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Place-based Learning, Biomimicry & Becoming a Nature Journalist
Available on Sunday after the Conference
TBA
DAILY SCHEDULE
-- subject to change --
Day 1 - November 7
8:00 am - Coffee and Connection
9:00 am - Brain and Nature-based Hands on Learning with Justine Lines
10:00 am - Creating Spaces for Natural Learning from a Montessori Perspective with Myke Gemkow
11:00 am - Cultivating Awareness of Self and Planet with Herbalism Education as an Art
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12:00 - Break for Lunch
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1:15 pm - Botanical Printing and Natural Dyes with Cina Canada
3:30 - Weaving the Wild and Working with Natural Fibers
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5:00 - Break for Dinner
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-6:30 pm - Materials Literacy and Nature Based Arts Education with Matt Levy
Day 2 - November 8
8:00 am - Coffee and Connection
9:00 - How to Incorporate Wild Clay Activities in the Classroom with Matt Levy
10:30 - Pigments, Paints, Inks and Pigment Sticks with Cina Canada
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12:00 - Break for Lunch
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1:30 - Place-based Learning, Biomimicry & Becoming a Nature Journalist with Lily Urmann (will include outdoor activities and strategies for incorporating more nature-based arts into your programs)
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5:00 - Catered Dinner with Wild Foods by Dylan
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6:30 - Q&A Panel Discussion with Presenters and Farewell
PRESENTER HIGHLIGHTS

Cina Canada is the founder and director of Wild Arts Learning. Her background is in international documentary film and media production, kids nature camps and nature-based arts education. Her current focus is developing the Wild Arts Learning Curriculum for educators and the Wild Arts Learning Center in Springfield, MO. She specializes in facilitating educators and creating spaces and opportunities for kids and adults to connect with the natural world through hands-on experiential learning.

Myke Gemkow is a educator with a background in establishing Montessori schools and programs with an emphasize on optimizing spaces for hands-on learning. He specializes in individualized education, trauma-informed practices, working with neuro-diverse learners, children with learning and emotional differences, and curriculum development. He and his wife Claire run their farm and the Dockley Ranch home school program in Douglas County, Missouri. The are also the founders and organizers of the Highlonesome Music festival at their ranch.

Matt Levy of Matt Levy Ceramics is an artist and educator. Raised in Flagstaff, AZ and educated in Wisconsin and Montana, Matt's connection to the geology around him and the materials found within are the constant driving force in his practice. He is a Materialist at heart, motivated by what can be found in the soil beneath his feet and the rocks he finds in the landscape. He is co-author of the book "Wild Clay: Creating Ceramics and Glazes from Natural and Found Resources."

Justine Lines Justine Lines has been teaching high school biology in the Springfield Public Schools for the past 30 years. She is a strong advocate for hands-on learning, believing that engaging in creative activities enhances hand-eye coordination, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This approach fosters creativity, refines ideas, and promotes a greater enthusiasm for learning when minds and hands work together.
Currently, Justine serves as the director of Glade, the Green Leadership Academy for Diverse Ecosystems, which was developed by the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society (GOAS). This weeklong camp is designed for conservation-minded teenagers in Southwest Missouri and is funded through grants and donations. Its focus is on the prairies of Neosho and Joplin. Additionally, she is a board member of both the Missouri Environmental Education Association and GOAS. Justine has a particular interest in soils and composting in Springfield, which she finds fascinating and considers to be one of the area's most precious resources.

Lily Urmann is a biomimic, educator and nature communicator. She is the creator and host of "Learning from Nature: The Biomimicry Podcast." She specializes in biomimicry, the practice of learning from nature’s forms, processes, and systems to create life-friendly designs that benefit both people and the planet. She is currently a visiting professor at Pratt Institute and runs after-school nature connection programs for the Kiva Center atDenver, CO elementary schools. Her passion lies at the intersection of biomimicry, place-based experiential education, and engaging change-agents in this exciting field.