Awards Program Information
​DSC_0307.JPGWAEE recognizes schools, youth groups, individual students, and educators for outstanding environmental efforts each year. WAEE encourages all members to reach for new heights in environmental education by presenting achievement awards annually. The WAEE Awards program is an attempt to recognize and support outstanding individuals and groups (members and non-members) in their contributions to the field of environmental education.
 
In 2007, the Wisconsin School Forest Awards Program partnered with the WAEE Awards Program. The Wisconsin School Forest Program enhances the use of outdoor classrooms to increase students' learning and environmental literacy. The program is part of the LEAF program and is a partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Division of Forestry and the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education.
 
 
Want to see who has been recognized by WAEE in the past, visit the list of past recipients.

2012 Award Winners

Aldo Leopold Award - Betsy Parker

Betsy has worn the “WAEE Hat” on many platforms throughout the state. She has partnered with the WI League of Conservation Voters to advocate for the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. Betsy is Co-Chair of the WEEB Education Committee and drafted the Wisconsin’s Plan for Environmental Literacy and Sustainable Communities. She served two terms on the WAEE Board of Directors and still serves as Chair of Advocacy Committee today.

David Engleson WAEE Award - Tia Nelson

Tia is the Executive Secretary for the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. She has used her notoriety to call attention to the need for educating children and adults about the natural world. She was instrumental to the effort to reinstate the environmental education consultant position at the Department of Public Instruction; Dave Engleson’s former position.

Earthguard Award - Conserve School

Conserve School is a semester school focused on the theme of environmental stewardship. The curriculum immerses students in environmental history, nature literature, and the science of conservation. Additionally, student leadership projects engage students in active, hands-on activities including community gardens, renewable energy research, and composting and waste management projects. Conserve School is located near Land O’Lakes.


Formal Educator of the Year - Gary Bergstrom

Gary Bergstrom is a 4th grade teacher and leader of the Bloomer Elementary School’s Outdoor Learning Center. The outdoor classroom works to build bridges spanning between child and nature, the elderly and the young,, and book smarts and earth smarts. Gary expanded the Center’s garden project to involve students of all ages in the district. Change Dinner. Change the World.

NonFormal Educator of the Year - Cindy Damrow

Cindy is D.C. Everest’s School Forest Director. She has lead the district in the development of an exciting and engaging environmental education program for the thousands of children in our district. She has obtained grants worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, secured resources and has provided an ongoing vision to teach children about the environment, sustainability, and how to be environmental stewards.

Administrator of the Year - Dirk Hunter

Dirk is the Principal of Summit Environmental Elementary School in Onalaska. Dirk mobilized stakeholders, invigorated and trained his teachers and support staff, and ignited a passion in students and families around environmental education. The school’s EE focus has provided a catalyst for engagement, academic achievement, and an unmistakable feeling of belonging for the students.

Student of the Year - Emily Weaver

Emily Weaver is a former student at the Fox River Academy in Appleton where she was the field team leader for 2 years on the Ravine Team a student led restoration group. Emily leads by example, doing more than what she asks of teammates and never less than her best. The first one to get working, and the last one to quit, Emily lives by the motto “Good conservation takes your head, your heart and your hands.”

Awards Program Information

The WAEE Awards Nomination process is open!   Nominate the outstanding Environmental Educators and Environmental Education supporters in your nature centers, zoo, schools and districts.  For descriptions of each award please see the listing below.
 

2013 Award Nomination is OPEN!

Download the Nomination Materials:   WORD |  PDF
 
 
Aldo Leopold Award

For WAEE members. Presented for long-term, exemplary service to WAEE and the field of environmental education. This is the WAEE's most prestigious honor.
 
Recognition: Paid registration to the WAEE Annual conference, acknowledgement in the WAEE newsletter and on the WAEE website, engraved plaque and formal recognition at the WAEE Awards banquet.
 
David Engleson WAEE Award
 
Renamed in 2007 to recognize David Engleson (pictured right)
For individuals, agencies, and organizations making significant contributions to the field of environmental education as exemplified by David Engleson; founding member of WAEE, author, advocate, teacher, and environmental education leader across the state and nation.
 
Recognition: Paid registration to the WAEE Annual conference, engraved plaque, acknowledgement in the WAEE newsletter and on the WAEE website and formal recognition at the WAEE Awards banquet.
 
Earthguard Award
 
For schools, youth groups and college or university organizations. Presented in recognition of student leadership in developing and conducting outstanding environmental action projects. Schools, classes and youth groups are eligible for nomination. All groups are encouraged to apply.
 
Recognition: Paid registration to the WAEE Annual conference, acknowledgement in the WAEE newsletter and on the WAEE website, framed certificate and formal recognition at the WAEE Awards banquet.
 
Educator of the Year Awards
DSC_0151.JPGFormal Educators
Presented for outstanding, ongoing effort in infusing environmental education into their teaching.
 
Non-Formal Educators
Presented for exhibiting innovative and exemplary effort in providing environmental education opportunities for general audiences.
 
Administrator
Presented for providing ongoing support and active involvement in EE in his/her facility. Administrators of any education-related facility are eligible.
 
Eligibility: PreK-12 grade teachers, professionals and volunteer educators who teach in non-formal settings, and administrators from any education-related facility.
 
Recognition: Paid registration to the WAEE Annual Conference, acknowledgement in the WAEE newsletter and on the WAEE website, engraved plaque and formal recognition at the WAEE Awards banquet.
 
Student of the Year Award
For 6-12 and post secondary students. Presented for outstanding student involvement in the field of environmental education and academic excellence.
 
Recognition: Paid registration to the WAEE Annual conference, acknowledgement in the WAEE newsletter and on the WAEE website, framed certificate and formal recognition at the WAEE Awards banquet.
 

School Forest Awards - sponsored by the Wisconsin K-12 Forestry Education Program (LEAF)
For individuals and organizations who have provided leadership for local school forests. LEAF (the Wisconsin K-12 Forestry Education Program) and WAEE will recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to school forest programs. There are 4 categories in which awards can be presented. Nominees in any category can be individuals or organizations. Categories include:
 
- Teachers (k-12 public or private school teachers, teacher organizations, etc.)
- School administrators (district administrators, principals, curriculum directors, etc.)
- Resource Professionals (extension agents, educational or environmental organizations, college
  faculty, state agency staff, natural resource managers, etc.)
- Community members (citizens, community organizations, etc.)
 

2013 Information coming Summer 2013

 
 
 
Energy Educator of the Year Award - sponsored by the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP)

The Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) recognizes educators who take the extra step to improve energy literacy in Wisconsin through the Energy Educator of the Year Award for formal and non-formal educators. The award includes $1,000 plus $250 worth of resources. Nominating someone or yourself involves completing an entry form and submitting a one-page narrative that details the nominee’s energy education initiatives and outcomes. The entry form can be found on the KEEP website; the form and the narrative should be mailed to the KEEP office. For details visit www.uwsp.edu/cnr/wcee/keep/Networking/index.htm#Energy Educator of the Year Awards. .

 

2011 Award Winners Information