Exploring Environmental Education: A Statewide Analysis of Professional Development Providers in Kentucky

Environmental education providers (EEPs) help equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed to support sustainability, yet limited research documents who delivers environmental education (EE) professional development (PD), whom they serve, and how programming is structured statewide. This mixed-methods survey examined 108 EE organizations operating in Kentucky, focusing on organizational characteristics, target audiences, thematic areas, geographic reach, timing, and delivery formats. Results indicate that EE PD is primarily offered by nonprofit organizations and government agencies, with additional contributions from higher education, extension programs, and businesses. Providers most frequently serve the general public and K–8 learners, while fewer focus on formal educators. Dominant program themes include conservation, outdoor learning, water, and biodiversity, with limited emphasis on green building, transportation, and agriculture. Programming is largely delivered at local and regional scales, most often in person, though hybrid and online formats are also offered. These findings offer a comprehensive snapshot of Kentucky’s EE PD landscape and identify opportunities to expand educator-focused programming, thematic diversity, and flexible delivery models. KEYWORDS: environmental education providers, environmental education, professional development