Rooted in Community and Connection Across CAELI
The CAELI network has stayed busy since our last newsletter, moving through the holidays and into a new year with a shared sense of purpose. Through it all, connection and community continue to ground our work. At Ten Strands and CAELI, we believe that when we show up for one another, we build the strength needed to keep moving forward together.
Since the December quarterly meeting, CAELI leadership has reflected on the many successes of the past year—including CAELI’s 10-year anniversary—while also looking ahead. As we continue to grow, we are refining our efforts by focusing more deeply on a few core initiatives, including our Communities of Practice and upcoming quarterly statewide gatherings.
Below, you’ll find program updates from the start of the new year through March 2026.
Connecting Community-Based Partners to Districts
The January Community-Based Partners (CBP) Community of Practice focused on building strong, lasting partnerships between environmental education providers and school systems. Participants explored models from across the state, including collaborations in Mountain View Whisman, Paso Robles Joint Unified, and National School District, where CBPs support classroom lessons, field experiences, and garden education. Discussion highlighted what helps partnerships succeed, clear district liaisons, aligned scheduling, and sustainable funding. CBPs shared strategies for moving beyond one-time programs toward systemwide access so every student receives meaningful environmental learning. Districts reflected on how partners help advance equity, wellness, and instructional goals while strengthening connections between schools and communities. Catch up on the Building School & District Partnerships meeting and view upcoming meetings here.
Districts Sharing Best Practices, Child Nutrition Services and Green Ribbon Connections
At the February District Environmental Leaders Community of Practice, participants examined how Child Nutrition Services can advance environmental literacy and Green Ribbon Schools priorities. Districts discussed universal meals and kitchen investments supporting scratch cooking, local sourcing, composting, and nutrition education. Examples from Fremont and Encinitas showed whole-system approaches, including zero-waste lunch lines, food donation, and garden-to-cafeteria pathways. Leaders connected this work to the three Green Ribbon pillars: reducing environmental impacts, strengthening health, and expanding sustainability education. The session highlighted new collaboration opportunities for districts, community partners, and county offices working to align food systems with climate-ready schools. Catch up on the Child Nutrition Services meeting and view upcoming meetings here.
Upcoming: County Offices of Education Community of Practice
On February 12, the County Office of Education (COE) Community of Practice will explore how counties can strengthen networks of CBPs to expand equitable access to environmental learning. Participants will review tools from the CAELI CBP Network Toolkit and discuss models for convening partners, tracking impact, and linking districts with local providers. Examples such as San Mateo’s EcoExchange and regional dashboards will illustrate how COEs can coordinate access to outdoor experiences across grade levels. The session will emphasize shared agreements, collaborative planning, and centering equity. COEs will gain practical strategies to serve as regional backbone organizations supporting districts and partners in scaling environmental literacy. Register for the meeting here!
Join Us at the March Quarterly
As the school year continues, we invite you to stay connected with your CAELI community. Each quarter, CAELI hosts virtual statewide gatherings that create space to come together, share updates, and learn from one another alongside environmental education leaders from across California.
The next quarterly meeting will be on March 4 from 9AM–12PM. If you’re new to CAELI or looking to get more involved, we invite you to explore our CAELI Membership Overview and complete the Membership Interest Form to join our community. Note: Existing CAELI members do not need to RSVP. RSVP for the CAELI March Quarterly.
Every day we are reminded that this work is sustained not only by programs and initiatives, but by the people who continue to show up for one another. Thank you for being part of the CAELI network and for the care, thoughtfulness, and commitment you bring to this community. We look forward to staying connected and continuing to learn, grow, and move forward together.
