PA Environmental Educators Announce Winners Of 2019 Awards

On April 1, the PA Association of Environmental Educators announced the winners of their 2019 awards.  They include--

-- Kevin W. Kopp, Keystone Award Environmental Youth Education Services, Inc. Kevin has been a leader for environmental education in for over 35 years through his work as an educator and musician. He created a CD of 14 songs, "Water We Singing About." The album is now officially part of Project curriculum and reaches audiences and beyond. As an educator a K-8 certificate, Kevin presents the environmental based programs he has created, at elementary schools and public events.

-- Julie Travaglini, Outstanding Environmental Educator Award. Julie is the Education Program Director with the Allegheny Land Trust. Combining a passion for the environment with her interests in STEAM education, Julie directs in-school and out-of-school education and professional development programs. Outside of her work with ALT, she serves at the Vice President of Science Tots, a nonprofit which helps connect parents and educators with STEAM resources.

-- Seeds to Sprouts Organic Children's Garden, Outstanding EE Program Award. The Seeds to Sprouts Organic Children’s Garden is a program of the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department that gives children from all backgrounds the opportunity to watch a seed germinate, find a lacewing under a leaf, and get their hands a little dirty in a 30'x30' raised bed garden located at the Angora Fruit Farm in the middle of Antietam Lake Park's 600+ acres. Each program takes place in the garden, focusing on sustainability and environmental issues by connecting the students to the foods they eat in a direct manner.

-- Stephen Bucklin, Daisy S. Klinedinst Memorial Award. Stephen is a Naturalist Educator with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Since starting as a part time educator in 2014, Stephen has become a leader in three key areas: he coordinates the Ecosystem Investigators middle school program, trains and coaches Survival Camp summer counselors, and develops and leads public programs. In every area of his work, Stephen brings a true commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.

The Awards were presented at the PAEE Annual Conference which attracted over 175 participants.

For more information on programs, initiatives, resources and other upcoming events, visit the PA Association of Environmental Educators website.  Click Here to sign up for the PAEE newsletter (bottom of page, left).  Click Here to become a member.  Click Here to support PAEE’s work.

(Photos: Kevin Kopp, Julie Travaglini, (bottom) Stephen Bucklin, Seeds To Sprouts.)