Geography educators, researchers, students and professionals from across the state will gather at Stanislaus State for the 2025 Conference of the California Geographical Society (CGS), taking place Friday through Sunday.
The CGS conference is a premier annual gathering of geography professionals, students and enthusiasts. Additionally, CGS has a strong emphasis on supporting academic excellence among students, especially students from community colleges and CSUs. This year’s program will feature dynamic paper and poster presentations, field trips exploring the Central Valley’s unique physical and human landscapes, and engaging conversations on contemporary geographic research and education. Many Stanislaus State students will also be sharing their map, poster and paper presentations at the professional forum.
The conference is open to students and professionals alike, making it a unique, inclusive space for mentorship, learning and inspiration. Thanks to funding from the Office of the Provost, Stanislaus State students can attend the conference for $15. They can register in advance or the day of the conference. Sessions will be held throughout Saturday in Naraghi Hall.
The conference will also honor two local K-12 educators with special recognition from the CGS. This year’s recipients are:
• Jill Ogden, Turlock Unified School District, CGS High School Teacher of the Year Award
• Nicole Dickison, Lodi Unified School District, CGS Elementary School Teacher of the Year Award
Austin Stevenot, San Joaquin Valley Field Manager and Director of Tribal Engagement for River Partners, will deliver the keynote address. A passionate advocate for Indigenous land stewardship, Stevenot’s work at the newest State Park, Dos Rios, represents a powerful intersection of ecological restoration and cultural revitalization.
Driven by his Northern Sierra Miwok heritage, Stevenot led the creation of a three-acre Native Use Garden in collaboration with tribal elders. This space cultivates native plants with significant cultural and medicinal value and serves as a place for tribal communities to reconnect with ancestral practices. His work underscores the vital role of Indigenous knowledge in sustainable land management and highlights the importance of restoring not only the land but also cultural rights and connections for future generations.
CGS 2025 will provide meaningful opportunities for scholars, educators and students to come together in a spirit of collaboration and shared inquiry. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, celebrate research and deepen their understanding of the complex geographic issues shaping our world.
