Press Room

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are reflecting on the power of community, connection, and shared purpose. It’s a time of year that reminds us not only of the beauty of the world we live in but also of our collective ability to address challenges and work together to create the world we want. Read more from NAAEE Executive Director Judy Braus.

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. 

Read a message from Judy Braus as we reflect deeply on our collective path forward. Together, we have the power to bridge divides, deepen understanding, and inspire meaningful action. We invite you to continue this journey with us—share your insights, engage with our vibrant community, and remember that even the smallest steps can create ripples of change across the globe.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE), will host its 53rd Annual Conference from November 6–9, 2024, at the Westin Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With more than 1,000 formal and nonformal environmental educators from thirty countries, this conference is one of the largest gatherings of environmental educators in the world.

Taiwan OCA and NAAEE announce the 2024 Youth Innovation Challenge Winners and Finalists. Three winners will receive a $1000 USD prize for their solution, and one member from each winning team will attend the International Conference on Marine Debris, hosted by Taiwan OCA in Taipei from September 23–26, 2024. Open to youth ages 15-30 worldwide, the YIC seeks innovative solutions to protect marine resources. 
 

NAAEE announces its ninth class of innovative leaders under age 30 who are using environmental education (EE) to build more just and sustainable communities around the world. The 30 awardees in the EE 30 Under 30 Class of 2024 range in age from 21 to 30, hail from 19 countries, and work with a wide range of audiences to tackle complex environmental and social issues in their communities.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proudly announces the second class of eeBLUE Young Changemakers Fellows, who will engage in a year-long opportunity to make a difference for the ocean and environment. The eeBLUE Young Changemakers Fellowship supports the goals of the broader eeBLUE partnership, an agreement between the NAAEE and NOAA's Office of Education aiming to increase environmental and scientific literacy to build more resilient communities nationwide.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is excited to announce two new cohorts of grantees as part of its eeBLUE partnership aimed at furthering environmental and science literacy to build more resilient communities nationwide. These grants are part of eeBLUE, a partnership program that supports the mutual environmental education goals of NOAA and NAAEE.

Taiwan OCA and NAAEE have opened submissions for the 2024 Youth Innovation Challenge: Advancing Marine Conservation! This Challenge provides an opportunity for young leaders between the ages 15–30 to share their innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. The YIC seeks solutions that are innovative, feasible, and informed by research. Winning solutions will receive global recognition and a $1,000 USD prize and be invited to attend the YIC award ceremony at the Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration’s marine debris conference in Taiwan in September 2024 (all travel expenses covered)! 

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Affiliate Network has relaunched a pledge campaign called Outside for 5 encouraging teachers, administrators, nonformal educators, youth development leaders, and parents in the United States to engage students and children in outdoor learning for at least five minutes a day, five days a week, or any meaningful amount of time.

The New Hampshire Environmental Educators awarded over $30,000 in NHEE’d to Get Outside grants to 23 schools and organizations for 2024. Schools and nonprofits receive this funding to help their students access the outdoors, whether it is for admission and transportation for field trips to nature spaces, snowshoes for winter exploration, or science tools for outdoor learning.  

New Hampshire Environmental Educators (NHEE) receives a grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation to strengthen the organization's capacity to continue their work towards a New Hampshire where all people value and feel connected to our natural spaces, are environmentally literate, and act as social and environmental stewards in their communities.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are embarking on another groundbreaking five-year eeBLUE partnership aimed at furthering environmental and science literacy to build more resilient communities nationwide. 

Read a message from Judy Braus as we wrap up 2023 and reflect on all that we have accomplished together.

Taiwan OCA and NAAEE announce the winners of the 2023 GEEP Youth Innovation Challenge: Saving Our Seas! The 2023 Youth Innovation Challenge provides an opportunity for young innovators and leaders between the ages 15–30 to share their innovative solutions to protect marine resources and support people of all ages to be engaged stewards for marine conservation. Chosen from 15 finalists, each winner receives a prize of $1,000 for their proposed solutions to address marine issues, including conservation, biodiversity, and marine debris.

NAAEE and Pratt & Whitney today announced the winners of the second annual Pratt & Whitney E-STEM Awards. Fifteen nonprofit organizations in 12 countries were awarded grants totaling $250,000. Each organization demonstrated a remarkable commitment to advancing education programs focused on building science, technology, engineering, and math skills through environmental problem solving (E-STEM) for students ages 11–22.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) is pleased to announce its new class of CEE-Change Fellows, thirty educators and community leaders who are working around the world to address today’s complex environmental and social concerns at local, regional, and national levels. This Fellowship is supported through ee360+, with additional funding from Cedar Tree Foundation.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) announces its eighth class of innovative leaders under age 30 who are using environmental education (EE) to build more just and sustainable communities around the world. The 31 awardees in this year’s EE 30 Under 30 Class of 2023 range in age from 17 to 30, hail from 20 countries, and are working with a wide range of audiences to tackle complex environmental and social issues in their communities.

Mapping the Landscape of Climate Change in Higher Education Policy in the United States is a new comprehensive report from the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and the Monitoring and Evaluating Climate Communication and Education (MECCE) Project on the state of climate change policies in universities and colleges across the country.

Outdoors.com, with Chief Adventurer, Bear Grylls, features the Natural Start Alliance in "Nature Preschools: Is Putting an Emphasis on Outdoors Play The Key To Early Education?".

NOAA empowers youth voices, expanding initiatives for environmental stewardship and conservation through the eeBLUE Young Changemakers Fellowship. YCF supports the goals of the broader eeBLUE partnership, a five-year agreement between NAAEE and NOAA's Office of Education that aims to increase environmental and scientific literacy.

In this article, journalist Mike Magner interviews NAAEE's Sarah Bodor about the importance of No Child Left Inside (NCLI), bipartisan legislation aiming to expand environmental literacy in children across the United States. Check out the article in CQ and Roll Call.

Nature preschools are expanding across the United States and spending more time outdoors, but racial and ethnic disparities in children and educators participating in nature preschools persist. Read the latest report, Nature Preschools in the United States: 2022 Survey, from the Natural Start Alliance.

Journalist Jackie Mader (@jackiemader on Twitter) writes about the growth and benefits of outdoor preschools in the United States and highlights a forthcoming report on the topic by the Natural Start Alliance, in The Hechinger Report and Washington Post.

"Most teachers support teaching students about climate change, survey finds, but many feel unprepared to teach the topic, and they worry about pushback from parents." NAAEE's Executive Director Judy Braus speaks with Ethan Freedman, of ChavoBart Digital Media, for Yale Climate Connections.

This education challenge is being launched on May 22, 2023, the International Day for Biological Diversity. This online event will present the Education Challenge objectives with an opportunity to start a dialogue process to learn from existing good practices and explore collaboration opportunities for the Challenge to be effective. 

Northern Ireland’s inaugural 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers have completed their workshops with Ruairi Brogan, policy officer for sustainable agriculture at RSPB NI from Belfast, selected by class peers to represent Northern Ireland at the North American Association for Environmental Education Conference 2023.

Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) and Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced legislation to bring locally developed, high-quality environmental education programs to more schools nationwide by authorizing federal assistance to states to develop and implement environmental literacy plans.

In nature pre-schools, students spend much of their days outdoors. That could better prepare them for the future. Read "Young kids learn the realities of climate change in forest schools," by Zayna Syed and published in Popular Science. This article features a quote by Natural Start's Emily Van Laan.

Teachers and administrators want to help prepare students for a changing world. Three important steps can get them started. Read a recent op-ed by Judy Braus, NAAEE executive director, and Maya Morales Garcia, chief program officer at Beyond100K, posted in Education Week on April 12, 2023.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Affiliate Network has launched a pledge campaign called Outside for 5 encouraging teachers and educators to engage in outdoor learning for at least five minutes a day, five days a week, or any meaningful amount of time.

Author: Caitlynn Peetz, Media Outlet: EdWeek
"Recent surveys—both from the EdWeek Research Center and the North American Association for Environmental Education—have shown that teachers want to teach about climate change but don’t feel equipped to do so, even as students are bringing up the topic on their own."

Applications are due March 6. NAAEE is seeking 30 young changemakers who are using EE to shape a sustainable and equitable future. Please share your nomination for leaders from any country, sector, or discipline. Help us recognize the inspiring work of young people across the globe!

As we close out 2022, NAAEE Executive Director Judy Braus shares gratitude and reflections on the year.

NAAEE is pleased to honor Professors Robert (Bob) Powell of Clemson University and Marc Stern of Virginia Tech with the 2022 Outstanding Contributions to Environmental Education Research Award, presented at NAAEE’s 51st Annual Research Symposium in Tucson, Arizona.

The Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA), in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) through the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), called on young people aged 15–30 from countries around the world to share fresh ideas to tackle marine debris.

Executive Director Judy Braus reflects on NAAEE's 51st annual International Conference and how good it was to see people in person for the first time in three years—with colleagues joining us from more than 40 countries.

Pratt & Whitney and NAAEE today recognize 12 nonprofit organizations in 10 countries as winners of the first-ever Pratt & Whitney Global E-STEM Awards. The grants bestowed total $250,000 USD.

NAAEE will host its 51st Annual Conference from October 12–15, 2022 at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Arizona. Virtual options are available as well. 

Judy Braus, NAAEE's Executive Director, shares her excitement for connecting in person and online this October at our 2022 annual conference and research symposium in Tucson, Arizona. Read her summer letter.

The NAAEE Affiliate Network has launched Outside for 5, a pledge campaign encouraging educators across the country to engage in outdoor learning for at least five minutes a day, five days a week.

Author: Kimi Waite, NAAEE CEE-Change Fellow; Media Outlet: Grist

NAAEE is pleased to announce its 2022 EE 30 Under 30 Awardees, ages 15 to 30 and from 19 countries. Join us in congratulating these phenomenal young leaders working to build sustainable and equitable communities around the world.

"Mapping the Landscape of K–12 Climate Change Education Policy in the United States" is a new comprehensive report from NAAEE and the MECCE Project on the state of climate change education policy. 

In celebration of World Oceans Day this week, the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP) is excited to announce the launch of the 2022 Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC): Tackling Marine Debris. 

AEOE, in partnership with Ten Strands and the California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI), is pleased to offer the 2022 Environmental Education Organization of the Year Award to Save California Salmon. 

Samsung partnered with NAAEE to present the students with the award and a $10,000 prize package for their sustainability project. Read about the prize winners, Central Falls High School students, who were recognized for their work envisioning ways to transform abandoned areas into sustainable green space within the city.

To get inspired and focus creatively on our work, we hope you can join with us to learn, share, and network at one or both of our annual conferences. 

Samsung partnered with the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) for the first Solve for Tomorrow Sustainability Innovation award, furthering Samsung’s commitment to sustainability. Learn about the winner.

Pratt & Whitney and NAAEE are excited to announce the Pratt & Whitney E-STEM Awards. The awards will grant a total of $250,000 USD to support innovative E-STEM education programs around the world.

Judy Braus, NAAEE's Executive Director, reflects on how EE is a source of "collective effervescence" and what our collective efforts have sparked in 2021. Read her end-of-year letter.

Samsung has extended the deadline for 6–12th grade teachers to apply for the Solve for Tomorrow Contest. Teachers have two weeks left to apply to win technology and classroom supplies using STEM learning to address local issues in a sustainable way. Applications are now due November 15.

The North American Association for Environmental Education announces its 2021 EE 30 Under 30 Awardees.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is excited to award $150K to 10 projects that aim to enhance aquaculture literacy.

NAAEE is pleased to announce its new class of CEE-Change Fellows, thirty educators and community leaders using environmental education and civics education to address today’s complex environmental and social concerns at local, regional, and national levels.

We’re excited to celebrate NAAEE's 50th Anniversary with you and to use it as a time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going, and to announce that the Call for Presentations for our annual conference and research symposium is now open.

NAAEE is pleased to announce its second class of EE 30 Under 30 Changemakers. Twelve leaders from eight countries will receive small grants, professional development, and a community of support to boost their impact, as they implement environmental education projects that build low-carbon economies, create resilient communities, and protect and restore ecosystems.

NAAEE is excited to announce that five new members have joined our board of directors. Our board members play a critical role in our work to use the power of education to help individuals and communities build healthier and more sustainable communities.

Judy Braus, NAAEE's Executive Director, asked colleagues to share takeaways from this year that they want to carry into 2021. Read her latest letter to hear what they had to say.

Read a holiday note from Judy Braus, NAAEE Executive Director.

Dr. Ibram Kendi, author of "How to Be an Antiracist" and one of America’s foremost historians, will kick off an exceptional lineup of conference keynote speakers focusing on addressing racism and promoting civic engagement at NAAEE's 49th Annual Conference.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) is proud to announce its fifth class of 30 leaders under age 30 who are using environmental education to build sustainable and equitable communities around the world.

Over 450 Environmental and Outdoor Education Organizations appeal to members of Congress to support more effective use of nature and outdoor spaces for school districts in reopening.

The Natural Start Alliance is proud to release new research that documents the continued expansion of nature preschools in the United States. Three years after our last report, the number of nature preschools in the United States has more than doubled to an estimated 585 programs, or a 25-fold increase over the past decade.

The NAAEE Affiliate Network released eeGUIDANCE for Reopening Schools, a new publication that offers support for schools and districts as they find ways to safely and equitably reopen for students this fall. 

NAAEE, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and supported by the US Department of Education, is excited to award $2.35 million to 29 environmental education organizations that will partner with NOAA to provide enriching after school watershed-related STEM projects.

NAAEE Executive Director Judy Braus explores the parallels and intersections of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change and highlights the importance of environmental education in addressing both challenges in this essay, originally published by the National Council for Science and the Environment.

NAAEE Board Chair, Charlotte Clark expresses gratitude to volunteers, leaders, and members for the ways they are honoring the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

NAAEE has announced its first class of EE 30 Under 30 Changemaker grantees. Thirteen leaders from eight countries will receive small grants and technical support to implement environmental education projects that build low-carbon economies, create resilient communities, and protect and restore ecosystems.

The latest Environmental Education Research Bulletins are now available on our website. The research bulletins synthesize and summarize research from journals focused on issues pertaining to environmental educators. They are part of our work for our ee360 initiative, which is designed to link research and practice for everyone working in environmental education.

September 2019 Press Release--Share with your networks!

Read this Kentucky Association for Environmental Education blog about Lexington mayor, Linda Gorton's declaration of Environmental Education Week during the NAAEE conference.

Winners were selected from a pool of 175 nominees from dozens of countries

The largest environmental education conference in North America will focus on educating for a just and sustainable future.

Nominations are now open for the 2019 EE 30 Under 30 program, which recognizes 30 leaders under 30 years old from across the globe who are using environmental education to build a sustainable future. Launched on Earth Day, April 22, by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), the call for entries is open until June 3, 2019. Apply or nominate at www.naaee.org/ee30under30

This Education Dive article reports on schools in Philadelphia that are implementing outdoor education to help boost graduation rates. The article references NAAEE’s educational tools, certification, public policy initiatives, and eeWORKS — with specific reference to Stanford’s research synthesis on environmental education outcomes for K-12 students.

NAAEE is mentioned, and Executive Director Judy Braus is quoted in this article about the release of the National Science Teachers Association's newly released Position Statement on "The Teaching of Climate Science". Braus was part of the team that helped draft the NSTA position statement.

Thirty-two outstanding Fellows from around the world have been selected by NAAEE in cooperation with U.S. EPA to help address community environmental and social issues around the world. 

Our 2018 EE 30 Under 30 honorees are champions of energy, water, climate resilience, the Arctic, environmental health issues, and more. They work in 5 continents, 11 countries, and 10 U.S. states/territories, through a variety of approaches including journalism, music, and gardening. Learn more and connect on eePRO and join us at the NAAEE conference to hear from several of this year's honorees.

Today, Underwriters Laboratories and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) announced the winners of the UL Innovative Education Award for 2018. This year's winners are Techbridge Girls, Ocean Discovery Institute, Sweet Water Foundation, the ‘Alalā Reintroduction Community Inquiry Program at San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy, and Groundswell Michigan. The ESTEM partnership program donates its millionth dollar since launching in 2014.

We're delighted to announce the latest Environmental Education Research Bulletin, which is a collaborative project of ChangeScale, NAAEE (ee360), and Dr. Nicole Ardoin at Stanford University. The Research Bulletins synthesize and summarize research from journals on issues pertaining to environmental educators. The bulletins include articles related to environmental education evaluation, sense of place, environmental behavior, teaching practices, and professional development, among other relevant topics.

Deadline: August 3 - NAAEE is proud of the many accomplishments of our members and partner organizations. Each year, we present a variety of awards at our annual conference to highlight outstanding achievements in environmental education. Is there someone you’d like to recognize? Nominate today!

New eeRESEARCH library offers free access to one of world’s largest collections of environmental education and nature connection research

March 2018 note to members from Judy Braus, Executive Director.

The Natural Start Alliance, a project of the North American Association of Environmental Education, along with Eastern Region Association of Forest & Nature Schools, Northern Illinois Nature Preschool Association, and Washington Nature Preschool Association conducted a survey in summer 2017 that identified 250+ nature preschools & kindergartens across the country, showing a 66% increase since the previous year.

Judy Braus updates NAAEE members on the Together for Puerto Rico donation campaign, the Virtual Conference, and more.

Our thoughts are with the people of the Caribbean and US in the path of Hurricane Irma. We continue to be in touch with our conference co-hosts, Para La Naturaleza, and our colleagues at the Hilton Caribe. At this point, the NAAEE Annual Conference and Research Symposium will go on as planned. We are already looking at how we can help support our friends and partners before, during, and after the conference.

Learn about the five winning organizations selected for 2017's UL Innovative Education Award!

The recipients of 2017's NAAEE & Columbia Sportswear Scholarship, teacher Nakeia Wimberly, and administrator, Sarah Sterling-Laldee, are profiled in their local news outlet, the Paterson Press.

Read a note from NAAEE Executive Director, Judy Braus, on what every person can do right now to help support the field of environmental education in the current contentious political climate.

Judy Braus sends a holiday message of hope to NAAEE members, friends, and supporters.

Message to NAAEE members from Judy Braus.

NAAEE has partnered with the Children and Nature Network, researchers at the University of Minnesota, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to launch the Science of Nature-Based Learning Collaborative Research Network. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the Network seeks to synthesize the existing research and conduct exploratory studies on what approaches to nature-based learning work, for whom, how, and under what circumstances. 

Cal Water H2O Challenge, in collaboration with the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), builds on ongoing statewide efforts to conserve water in California.

Environmental leaders announce the creation of a national Superintendents' Environmental Education Collaborative, supported by Upstream Alliance, NAAEE, and Project Learning Tree. The Collaborative will help school districts learn information regarding grant opportunities created by the Every Student Succeeds Act, best practices for creating EE models, and successful implementation stories.

October 5, 4:00 PM PDT--Join this online meeting to discuss ways the group can help and support one another as people interested in EE and technology.

In collaboration with North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), the UL Innovative Education Award program champions excellence and innovation in youth programming that uses the environment as pathway to STEM learning. The winners of the program's second year have been announced.

Our director of policy, Sarah Bodor, is quoted in this article from the Hechinger Report on Oregon's plans for outdoor education as part of the traditional K-12 school curriculum.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) expands board by five members to strengthen and expand the movement and profession. The new board includes the first-ever chief diversity officer and vice president for Walgreen’s, a former Sierra Club president, a former mayor who consults nationally on governance strategies for cities and public service utilities, a leading Duke University educator in campus sustainability, and a science-tech entrepreneur and CEO.

April 15, 2016--Pepe Marcos-Iga writes to NAAEE members about the new Advisory Council and changes to NAAEE Board.

April 8, 2016--California Water Service announces grand-prize winners of 2016 CalWater H2O Challenge.

NEEF’s 12th annual National Environmental Education Week (EE Week), taking place April 17-23, 2016, and sponsored by Samsung, is the nation’s largest celebration of environmental education (EE).

Judy Braus letter to NAAEE members March 21, 2016.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) recognized the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery - The Art Museum for the Environment, which serves art students in Coachella Valley and Riverside County, as the recipient of one of NAAEE’s hallmark annual awards recognizing leadership in the field. At a special awards reception during NAAEE’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, S.C.R.A.P. Gallery received the award for Outstanding Service to EE by an Organization at the Local Level.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky (TMMK) has awarded a grant of nearly $10,000 to the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) for the 2016-17 Professional Environmental Educator Certification course.

Christy Merrick, Director of Natural Start Alliance, is mentioned in this article about the growth of nature-based preschool programs.

Natural Start Alliance mentioned in this article about new nature-based preschools in Michigan.

Natural Start Alliance mentioned in this article about San Antonio Zoo's preschool.

Read about the Natural Start Alliance in the New York Times.

NAAEE Executive Director, Judy Braus, expresses appreciation to members and supporters and looks forward to 2016 initiatives including launch of new website.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) applauds the Senate passage of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act, which replaces No Child Left Behind. The much-anticipated bill includes language that, for the first time, supports opportunities to provide students with environmental education and hands-on, field-based learning experiences. A companion bill overwhelmingly passed the House last week.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) applauds the Senate passage of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act, which replaces No Child Left Behind. The much-anticipated bill includes language that, for the first time, supports opportunities to provide students with environmental education and hands-on, field-based learning experiences. A companion bill overwhelmingly passed the House last week.

New waves of game-changing optimism propelled the largest, most diverse gathering ever of environmental educators in the U.S. at recent North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) conference.

Judy Braus letter to membership, recapping 2015 conference in San Diego, CA.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) recognized the Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) as the recipient of one of NAAEE’s hallmark annual awards recognizing leadership in the field. At a special awards reception during NAAEE’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, MEEA received the award for Outstanding NAAEE Affiliate Organization.

At a special awards reception during NAAEE’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, NAAEE recognized Rue Mapp of Outdoor Afro as the recipient of the Rosa Parks and Grace Lee Boggs Award in recognition of her leadership to educate about environmental justice concerns and promote action that addresses these issues at the local, regional, or global levels.

At an awards reception during NAAEE’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, NAAEE recognized the Prairie Science Class (PSC) as the recipient of the Outstanding Service to EE by an Organization at the Regional Level award, one of NAAEE’s hallmark annual awards recognizing leadership in the field.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) awarded Lisa Bardwell, former president and CEO of Earth Force (www.earthforce.org), as the recipient of one of NAAEE’s hallmark annual awards recognizing leadership in the field. At a special awards reception during NAAEE’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, Bardwell received the award for Outstanding Service to EE by an Individual at the Regional Level.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) recognized Nancy Gillis, a teacher in the Toronto, Canada School District, as the recipient of one of NAAEE’s hallmark annual awards recognizing leadership in the field. At a special awards reception during NAAEE’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, Gillis received The K-12 Educator of the Year Award for her efforts in promoting environmental education and utilizing the environment as a context for learning in her teaching.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), a leader in environmental education, announced 11 hallmark awards, presented to an impressive slate of individuals and organizations from North America and recognizing leadership in the field, during NAAEE’s 44th annual conference in San Diego.

The North American Association for Environmental Education's (NAAEE) recognized Randi Fisher, co-founder and trustee of the Pisces Foundation, with the award for Distinguished Leadership in Environmental Education. One of NAAEE's hallmark honors, the award recognizes an individual who has created systemic change to strengthen the field of environmental education. The award was presented at the opening ceremony of NAAEE's 44th Annual Conference in San Diego.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) recognized Joshua York, a naturalist and education supervisor at Five Rivers MetroParks in Dayton, Ohio as the recipient of one of NAAEE’s hallmark annual awards recognizing leadership in the field. At a special awards reception during NAAEE’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, York received the award for Outstanding Service to EE by an Individual at the Local Level.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) recognized Dr. Alan Reid, an associate professor of education at Monash University as the recipient of one of NAAEE’s hallmark annual awards recognizing leadership in the field. At a special awards reception during NAAEE’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, Reid received the award for Outstanding Contributions to Research in EE.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) recognized Kay Antunez, a long-time California educator in the field of environmental education, as the recipient of one of NAAEE’s hallmark annual awards recognizing leadership in the field. At a special awards reception during NAAEE’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, Antunez received the Walter E. Jeske Award.

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) recognized Agrium, Inc. (www.agrium.com) as the recipient of one of NAAEE’s hallmark annual awards recognizing leadership in the field. At a special awards reception during NAAEE’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, Agrium received the award for Outstanding Service to EE by an Organization at the Global Level.

A new wave of game-changing voices in EE, an inspiring corporate luminary leading the charge in diversity and inclusion, the connections between EE and social justice movements, and the transformative power of story-telling are among the highlights of the 44th annual NAAEE conference.

NAAEE Board President, Pepe Marcos-Iga writes to NAAEE membership about the role of EE in building community.

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced the recipients of 44 “Nature Play Begins at Your Zoo & Aquarium” grants.

Read this article about a local Illinois teacher attending the 2015 National Nature-Based Preschool Conference.

Natural Start Alliance mentioned in this article about Washington's growing outdoor preschools.

Natural Start mentioned in this Forbes article about the STEM gap.