2026 JEPB-UNF Environmental Symposium
Two Events This Year!!
We are pleased to present the annual symposium. With our theme this year, we are making a special attempt to involve the general public with a newly created Citizen Night.
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After review of the 2024 rescheduled event, the Symposium Planning Team decided to change the schedule from a fall event to a spring event. We hope that this change works for everyone. We anticipate that pricing for the event will remain the same. More information on what we have planned for the event is shared below. We look forward to having you join us in February!
Objectives of the Symposium
Too often, community leaders focus on the issues of today, instead of clearly visioning the future. As an aid to seeing the path to the future, the City of Jacksonville’s Environmental Protection Board (JEPB) and the University of North Florida Institute of Environmental Research and Education annually present the Environmental Symposium. The symposium brings together residents, government agencies, utilities and innovators in a forum designed to foster an atmosphere of cooperation in environmental achievement. In addition to opening, lunch and closing general sessions, there are breakout sessions on topics of interest.
Background and Information
Each year the symposium presents a unique opportunity for members of the community to interact with the regulatory agencies responsible for developing and implementing environmental policy. Attendees have an opportunity to better understand environmental goals for our community. The symposium provides valuable opportunities for communication and helps to further the goal of protecting our limited natural resources and improving the quality of life in Northeast Florida.
2026 Symposium Agenda
We have finalized the sessions for the symposium, however we are still finalizing the participants. Below is the schedule for the event. New this year will be a Thursday evening session focused specifically for neighborhood organizations and designed to empower environmental stewardship.
2026 Symposium sessions and schedule (PDF)
NEW EVENT! Thursday Evening Citizen Night
We’re kicking off the symposium with a special Thursday evening event at The Jessie (Jessie Ball duPont Center) in Downtown Jacksonville. This intimate session is designed specifically for neighborhood organizations and community leaders—providing tools, insights, and inspiration to strengthen grassroots environmental stewardship.
What to Expect
Join us for an evening dedicated to helping you understand, protect, and improve the environment you live in. You'll get to engage directly with city personnel, environmental experts, and community leaders who will show you how to use resources to identify and fund projects in your own neighborhood.
The event will include stations where representatives speak on environmental topics. Attendees will learn how to:
- Identify environmental hazards and assets in their neighborhood
- Understand what the Resilient Jacksonville Plan means for citizens
- Build a rain barrel and plant Florida-Friendly Landscaping
- Know what should not go down your drain at home
- Identify grant funding for neighborhood associations embarking on environmental projects
- Recycle the right way
- Learn what work the COJ Environmental Quality Division is doing to protect Jacksonville’s resources
This is your chance to turn ideas into action and help shape the future of your community. Come learn how to protect the places you love and find the resources to make it happen.
Limited Participation
The event is free to attend but limited to 100 participants. Groups are encouraged to send one or two representatives who can share information with others afterward. Youth groups are also encouraged to participate.
Symposium Keynote Speakers
We are excited about our keynote speakers for the symposium, who will share insights on topics of interest to our community.
Opening Session Keynote Speaker
Ashantae Green - COJ Sustainability Officer
Our Opening Session will feature a keynote from the City of Jacksonville's first Sustainability Officer, Ashante Green.
Symposium Luncheon Keynote Speaker
Jothsna Harris - Change Narrative
Jothsna is the founder of Change Narrative, which builds capacity in the climate justice movement through storytelling and advocacy.
Exhibits
Over 30 organizations will participate as exhibitors, sharing environmental projects and ways to get involved.
2026 Symposium Exhibitors
Symposium Partners
We sincerely appreciate the support of these organizations who help make the symposium possible.
Jessie Ball duPont Fund
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Northeast Florida Regional Council
CDM Smith
Halff
NEFAEP
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
University of Florida
Sierra Club Northeast Florida
Past Symposium Information and Proceedings