Press Release: 9 Leaders Recognized for Notable Contributions to the Field of Environmental Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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9 Leaders Recognized for Notable Contributions to the Field of Environmental Education   

[Washington, DC, November 26, 2024] The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) is pleased to honor nine individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions 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 2024 Conference and Research Symposium, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 5–9. 

“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 selected across nine categories. For more information about the 2024 NAAEE Awards, including eligibility requirements, visit https://naaee.org/programs/leadership/awards.  

Please join us in congratulating the 2024 NAAEE Awards for Excellence recipients:

Walter E. Jeske Award: Sue McGuire, director of the Wyoming Association for Environmental Education (WYAEE), 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 Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education is recognized for its service to NAAEE and leadership within the field of environmental education.

Rosa Parks and Grace Lee Boggs Award: Stefan Moss, president of the Environmental Education Alliance (EEA) Board of Directors, 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: Kathryn Tate Stevenson, associate professor at the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, is recognized for her contributions to environmental education through research.

Outstanding Service to EE by an Individual: Heidi McAllister, assistant director at Conservation Education, is recognized for her service and leadership within the field of environmental education.

Outstanding Service to EE by an Organization: The National Center for Science Education is recognized for their service and leadership within the field of environmental education.

Pepe Marcos-Iga Award for Innovation in Environmental Education: Poet and author Aimee Nezhukumatathil 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 and Chair Award for Outstanding Leadership in Environmental Education: Mary Ford, senior director of Roots & Shoots, the youth action program of the Jane Goodall Institute, is recognized for her significant contribution to NAAEE and the field of environmental education.

Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership in Conservation, Education, and Justice: Audrey Peterman, president and co-founder of Earthwise Productions, Inc., is recognized for her tireless work to advance justice, conservation, and 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.