Name: Hope in Action: Youth Environmental Action Summit
Start: 2026-02-28T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-28T13:00:00-05:00
Location: Plant Hall

Hope in Action: Youth Environmental Action Summit

Join us for a day of inspiration and hands-on activities to make a positive impact on the environment.
About this Event

Can one person’s actions make a difference for our natural world? Dr. Jane Goodall thought so - if we all work together. Her mission was to mobilize the collective power of these individual actions.

To honor her legacy and continue her mission, join us on a journey of discovery to conserve our local ecosystems. Children in grades 4-8 are invited to share, envision, and inspire a bright future for Tampa Bay.

Led by local environmental experts, you’ll learn what it takes to have living shorelines, sustainable cities, and clean water. You’ll see real examples of projects you can undertake to make a positive impact for these precious places we all share.

This event is part of Hope in Action 2026, hosted by the University of Tampa and the Roots & Shoots Alliance, a partnership of the Jane Goodall Institute and more than 30 Tampa Bay-area environmental organizations joining forces to support young people who embody hope for our region. Check out related Hope in Action 2026 events here: Tampa Bay Hope in Action 2026 - Roots & Shoots.

Hope in Action is grateful for the support of the University of Tampa, Orlando Health, Surfing's Evolution & Preservation Foundation, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program's Bay Mini-Grant, and Toyota.

Agenda

🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Arrival and check-in
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:20 AM
Welcome & Keynote Presentation: Julie C. Henry & Tasman Henry
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Inspiration Stations #1

Info: What’s happening with our local environment and how can you make a difference? Hear from local environmental experts who will take you on a journey of discovery through our local ecosystems. Learn what it takes to have living shorelines, sustainable cities, and clean water, including examples of projects you can undertake to make a positive impact.

🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Inspiration Stations #2

Info: Repeat of Inspiration Stations offered during previous slot.

🕑: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Environmental Expo & Jane Goodall Tribute (FREE to attend)

Info: The Environmental Expo will feature booths by more than 40 Tampa Bay-area environmental organizations, working to inspire action that supports the health of our natural world.