PA Environmental Educators Recognize 2016 Award Winners

The PA Association of Environmental Educators celebrated the great work of educators and educational programs throughout the state.  The award winners will be honored at the PAEE Conference which begins March 14 at The Inn at Pocono Manor.

This year’s award winners are—

— Keystone Award: Roger L. Spotts, Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center. This prestigious award recognizes an educator who has dedicated their life to advancing the quality and opportunity for environmental education in Pennsylvania.   Roger was nominated by his long-time colleague, Karen Boyle, of the Monroe County Conservation District’s Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center.

As the Environmental Education Coordinator, Roger has been a driving force for environmental education in Monroe County and throughout the state, and has been a mentor to thousands of educators at conservation districts and other organizations throughout the state.  In her nomination, Ms. Boyle described Roger as having a ‘passion for educating people of all ages, which inspires, motivates, and energizes those who interact with him no matter the context.’

— Outstanding Environmental Education Program: ​Family Nature Night, Briar Bush Nature Center in Montgomery County.  ​This award recognizes an exemplary or innovative environmental education program which could serve as a model of excellence for educators throughout Pennsylvania.  Family Nature Night was nominated for the Outstanding Environmental Education Program award for their use of innovative practices to reach diverse and underserved audiences, specifically individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The program shows a strong commitment to working within a community to identify needs and to deliver a high quality experience to connect people with nature.

— Outstanding Environmental Educator: Kathy Uglow, Crawford County Conservation District. This award recognizes an educator who has made a significant impact and contribution to the environmental education field in a formal or non-formal setting through innovative or inspiring teaching practices. Kathy was nominated by Wendy Kedzierski, Project Director at Creek Connections of Allegheny College.  In her nomination, Wendy noted the diversity of Kathy’s programs and an exceptional passion that she brings to her work.  Kathy is highly valued as partner and collaborator in her community, with a strong commitment to working with other educators and organizations.

— Daisy S. Klinedinst Memorial Award: Melissa Eldridge, Briar Bush Nature Center. ​The award recognizes an educator with fewer than five years of experience who shows dedication to expanding their involvement with environmental education. Melissa was nominated by Greta Brunschwyler, Executive Director of the Briar Bush Nature Center.  Through her work as an educator and program coordinator, Melissa has shown great dedication to the programs she develops, to the audiences she serves, and to her own learning.

For more information on programs, initiatives, workshops and other special events, visit the PA Association of Environmental Professionals website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates on PAEP activities or Like them on Facebook.

(Reprinted from the March 8 EE Resources newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates on PAEP activities.)

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