Press Release: 11 Leaders Recognized for Notable Contributions to the Field of Environmental Education 

11 Leaders Recognized for Notable Contributions to the Field of Environmental Education   

[Washington, DC, October 21, 2026] The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) is pleased to honor eleven individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the field of environmental education and to creating more just and sustainable communities around the world. For more than 40 years, NAAEE has presented a variety of awards at its annual conference to champion excellence and impact in environmental education thanks to the tireless efforts of our members, supporters, and affiliate organizations. This year’s awardees were recognized and honored at the NAAEE 2026 Conference and Research Symposium, held in Portland, Oregon, October 6–9.

“This year, we are proud to highlight these extraordinary individuals and organizations whose vision, leadership, and dedication are driving transformative change in communities and the field of environmental education,” said Judy Braus, executive director of NAAEE. “Their work inspires us to continue striving for a healthier and more just planet and a bright future for generations to come.”

These award recipients represent an impressive slate of individuals and organizations from North America and around the world. For more information about the 2026 NAAEE Awards, including eligibility requirements, visit https://naaee.org/programs/leadership/awards.

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 NAAEE Awards for Excellence recipients:

Walter E. Jeske Award: Brock Adler, chair of the NAAEE Advocacy Committee, has received NAAEE’s highest honor given for service to NAAEE and leadership in the field of environmental education.

Outstanding NAAEE Affiliate Organization Award: The New Hampshire Environmental Educators is recognized for its service to NAAEE and leadership within the field of environmental education.

Rosa Parks and Grace Lee Boggs Award: Michael Reed, science curator at the Detroit Zoological Society, is recognized for his leadership in educating and promoting action to support environmental education and environmental justice at the local, state, or global level.

Outstanding Contributions to Research in EE Award: Alberto Arenas, professor of teaching, learning, and sociocultural studies at the University of Arizona and editor-in-chief at the Journal of Environmental Education, is recognized for his contributions to environmental education through research.

Emerging Leader in EE Research: Christopher Jadallah, assistant professor of environmental justice in education at the University of California, Los Angeles, is recognized for his work to advance the field of environmental education and contributing to improved practice, policy, and outcomes.

Outstanding Service to EE by an Individual: Laura Jackman, network manager at the Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network, is recognized for her service and leadership within the field of environmental education.

Outstanding Service to EE by an Individual: Kim Alvin De Lara, 2019 NAAEE 30 Under 30 awardee and environmental educator at Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School, is recognized for his service and leadership within the field of environmental education.

Outstanding Service to EE by an Organization: The Marine Mammal Center and NNOCCI are recognized for their service and leadership within the field of environmental education.

Outstanding Service to EE by a Global Organization: The Taiwan Ministry of Environment is recognized for their service and leadership within the field of environmental education.

Pepe Marcos-Iga Award for Innovation in Environmental Education: Queta González, executive director at the Center for Diversity & the Environment, is recognized for her achievements in using innovation to advance the field of EE. The award is in honor of Pepe Marcos-Iga, an unwavering advocate for the field of EE as NAAEE board member and past president, who passed away in 2018.

Director Award for Outstanding Leadership in Environmental Education: Ian Humphreys, chief executive of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, is recognized for his significant contribution to NAAEE and the field of environmental education.

About NAAEE

For more than five decades, the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) has served as the professional association, champion, and backbone organization for the field of environmental education (EE), working with EE professionals across United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as globally, to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement to create a more equitable and sustainable future. For more information on NAAEE, visit https://naaee.org.