On behalf of the Detroit Zoo Education team, we are thrilled to invite you to the Detroit Zoo Teen Conservation Summit!
Get ready to join a dynamic group of young environmental enthusiasts determined to make a difference. Your passion and dedication to protecting our planet are truly inspiring, and we are excited to have you here.
Throughout this summit, you will:
- Engage in exciting workshops
- Hear from expert speakers
- Collaborate on innovative projects
Whether it’s learning about sustainable practices, wildlife conservation, or environmental advocacy, we aim to empower you with the knowledge and tools to drive positive change in your community.
As you explore the Zoo and participate in summit activities, remember that every small action counts toward a larger impact. We encourage you to ask questions, share your ideas, and connect with like-minded peers. Together, we can create a greener, healthier future for all.
The Detroit Zoo Teem Conservation Summit is a free, student-driven program where teams create Conservation Action Plans to create sustainability and conservation-based changes in their communities. Teams will work on their plans throughout the school year with support from Detroit Zoo staff with the intention of presenting their work as a member of a panel discussion or a poster presentation at our spring Teen Conservation Summit on Saturday, April 18th, 2026.
How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. Teams should apply as soon as possible to secure a spot as space is limited. For more information and questions email education@dzs.org.
- Create your team.
- Teams must consist of 4-8 students, one of whom will be the Team Captain that communicates with the Zoo.
- A faculty member in your school district needs to be present as a team advisor.
- We will only be accepting two (2) teams per school.
- If your school is bringing more than one team, each team will need to work on separate projects and submit separate applications. Projects can be complementary of each other but have separate action plans.
- While a max of seven students can attend the Summit on the team, more students are able to work on projects once back in their community.
- Identify conservation/sustainability projects for your school or community.
What is your team passionate about?
- Find projects that your team members care about and make a list of potential projects.
- Decide on your team’s highest priority.
- Describe how it will help your school or community become more environmentally friendly.
- Use the application below to join us.
We look forward to working with each team to create an environmentally-friendly future!
Conference Schedule
Saturday, Nov 15
- 10:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Check-In
- 10:20 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Key Note Speaker
- 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Break Out Sessions with Community Partners
- 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Lunch
- 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Break Out Sessions with Community Partners
- 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Work on Conservation Action Plans
- 3:30-4:00 pm Pitch Conservation Action Plans
Key Note Speaker
Carlee Jackson Bohannon, M.S. Director of Communications at Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)
Carlee Jackson, based in Florida, is a marine biologist researching sharks and sea turtles. Her research explores the complex interactions between sharks and humans with a keen interest in the effects of shark tourism. She co-founded Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) and currently serves as its director of communications, fostering equity and accessibility in shark sciences. Recognized for her contributions, Carlee received the prestigious 2022 Justice in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion award from the Florida Marine Science Educators Association. Her expertise has led her to appear on the National Geographic Channel’s Sharkfest.
Beyond her research and advocacy work, Carlee is an accomplished author, having written two children’s books on sharks and sea turtles. Passionate about education and exposing others to marine topics, Carlee actively communicates her love for marine science across various platforms. She aims to inspire others in hopes to nurture a shared enthusiasm for sharks and the ocean.
Calls for Presenters
In-Person Presentations
- Full Session: 45-minute presentations (includes questions) from one or more speakers. We encourage submissions for interactive or hands-on sessions.
- Posters: Posters will be presented throughout the lunch hour.
Presentation Options:
You have two options. You may bring your own laptop that has an HDMI connection or you may upload your Google Slides (or PDF) presentation to the Detroit Zoo drive link that will be provided.
There will not be time to load your presentation during your scheduled session time. If you need help submitting your presentation, please come to the registration desk at least one hour before your presentation.
Poster Session Information
Presenters will be required to supply their own free-standing tri-fold poster board. The poster will be turned in at event registration and displayed by DZS staff. Please remove your poster prior to leaving the conference at 4:00 pm.
All in-person presenters must register for the conference.
Presentations should focus on relevant topics. Presenters are also encouraged to submit a recording of their presentation to be uploaded for future DZS use.
All in-person presentations must be done on site at the conference.
All in-person presenters need to be registered members of the conference and must use the predetermined facilities for their presentation. Presenters must provide any materials necessary to make their presentation. Corresponding authors who are not attending the conference may be listed but do not need to register.
Proposals will be accepted until October 30th, 2024.
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status no later than November 1st.
Calls for Presenters
In-Person Presentations
-
Full Session: 45-minute presentations (includes questions) from one or more speakers. We encourage submissions for interactive or hands-on sessions.
-
Posters: Posters will be presented throughout the lunch hour.
Presentation Options:
You have two options. You may bring your own laptop that has an HDMI connection or you may upload your Google Slides (or PDF) presentation to the Detroit Zoo drive link that will be provided.
There will not be time to load your presentation during your scheduled session time. If you need help submitting your presentation, please come to the registration desk at least one hour before your presentation.
Poster Session Information
Presenters will be required to supply their own free-standing tri-fold poster board. The poster will be turned in at event registration and displayed by DZS staff. Please remove your poster prior to leaving the conference at 4:00 pm.
All in-person presenters must register for the conference.
Presentations should focus on relevant topics. Presenters are also encouraged to submit a recording of their presentation to be uploaded for future DZS use.
All in-person presentations must be done on site at the conference.
All in-person presenters need to be registered members of the conference and must use the predetermined facilities for their presentation. Presenters must provide any materials necessary to make their presentation. Corresponding authors who are not attending the conference may be listed but do not need to register.
Presenters may submit their program or poster proposal below.
Proposals will be accepted until October 11th, 2024.
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status no later than October 18th.
Breakout Sessions
Information regarding breakout sessions and presenters coming soon!
Registrations
Registration will open in September 2024.
Logistics
Parking
Parking at the Detroit Zoo is included and free for your summit experience.
Upon arrival at the Zoo, participants should enter the parking lot of 10-mile road and proceed to the end of the large parking lot to the member’s only entrance.
Zoo staff will check in participants and direct them to the Ford Education Lobby for event registration/ check-in.
