EEAI Awards Program - Nominate Someone!
To nominate yourself or another individual for any of the awards described, please fill out the corresponding nomination form.
Simply click the button below to access the nomination form.
Submission deadline is November 30.
Simply click the button below to access the nomination form.
Submission deadline is November 30.
Awards Information
The awards program exists to recognize and encourage excellence in the field of environmental education. Please take a moment to nominate a deserving fellow environmental educator for next year's awards.
Malcolm D. Swan Award for Outstanding Service
The Malcolm D. Swan Award is the Association’s most prestigious honor. This award is presented for long-term, outstanding service and contribution to the field of environmental education in Illinois. It is intended to recognize the efforts of those people who have had a large-scale impact in the field. These efforts may have taken the form of publications produced, legislation created, facilities developed,innovative curricula or programs developed, leadership provided to supporting organizations, funding acquired, or any other major contribution to the field.
Formal Environmental Educator of the Year
This award is presented for outstanding, ongoing efforts in infusing environmental education into the schools curriculum. Teachers from all subjects and grades are eligible.
Non Formal Environmental Educator of the Year
This award is presented for exhibiting innovative and exemplary effort in providing environmental education opportunities for general audiences. Professional and volunteer educators who teach in non-school settings are eligible (e.g. nature centers, zoos, museums, conservation or agriculture agencies, etc.).
Student Award
This award is presented for outstanding, ongoing efforts in developing and leading environmental education projects in their school and amongst their peers. All current high school and higher education students in Illinois are eligible to apply.
All award winners are recognized at the EEAI annual conference, receive a one year paid membership to EEAI and an engraved plaque.
For further information, contact Jennifer Tariq at jtariq@dhnature.org.
Malcolm D. Swan Award for Outstanding Service
The Malcolm D. Swan Award is the Association’s most prestigious honor. This award is presented for long-term, outstanding service and contribution to the field of environmental education in Illinois. It is intended to recognize the efforts of those people who have had a large-scale impact in the field. These efforts may have taken the form of publications produced, legislation created, facilities developed,innovative curricula or programs developed, leadership provided to supporting organizations, funding acquired, or any other major contribution to the field.
Formal Environmental Educator of the Year
This award is presented for outstanding, ongoing efforts in infusing environmental education into the schools curriculum. Teachers from all subjects and grades are eligible.
Non Formal Environmental Educator of the Year
This award is presented for exhibiting innovative and exemplary effort in providing environmental education opportunities for general audiences. Professional and volunteer educators who teach in non-school settings are eligible (e.g. nature centers, zoos, museums, conservation or agriculture agencies, etc.).
Student Award
This award is presented for outstanding, ongoing efforts in developing and leading environmental education projects in their school and amongst their peers. All current high school and higher education students in Illinois are eligible to apply.
All award winners are recognized at the EEAI annual conference, receive a one year paid membership to EEAI and an engraved plaque.
For further information, contact Jennifer Tariq at jtariq@dhnature.org.
2021 Award Recipients
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2021 Awards Ceremony - Written Program
Malcolm D. Swan Award
Stacey Clementz Champaign County Forest Preserve, Homer Lake Stacey has worked in EE for over 15 years. Stacey has developed programs and led over 50,000 of local school children throughout the Forest Preserve district, including teaching about local animals, plants, prairie restoration, birds and even why we use fire in prairies. Stacey has earned several awards, including the EEAI Non-Formal Educator of the Year. Stacey has been part of the leadership for EEAI for the last 15 years, holding the positions of East Central Regional Director, Public Relations Chair, Treasurer, Conference Director, Awards Chair, President, and Past President Stacey’s enthusiasm and passion for not only educating the people of Champaign, but the entire state is endless and determined. Her dedication to making EEAI a solid well run organization, along with her drive to hire our first Executive Director, and to move us toward an extremely comprehensive and professional organization cannot be overstated. Without her tireless work, EEAI would not be where it is today. |
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Formal Educator of the Year
Pam Evans Shiloh School District Pam is a formal educator in East Central Illinois and is a former regional director for EEAI. She is such an advocate for her students and recognizes the importance of getting her kids outdoors and using hands-on science techniques. She is certified in several national curriculums including Swarovsky educator, Project WILD, Earth Force/RISE, Project Learning Tree, and more. She has conducted Stream Discovery with her students and even launched a weather balloon recording valuable data! Just recently she joined NOAA and National Geographic’s GeoChallenge and her students were participating in a school recycling challenge. She has set her sights on a prairie located near her school for more hands-on learning! |
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Non-Formal Educator of the Year
Tom Miller Peoria Park District In over a decade of work with the Peoria Park District, Tom been a passionate camp manager and outdoor educator. In addition to offering family environmental education and living history events at historic Sommer Farm, he runs an all-outdoor summer day camp called Ancient Oaks. He inspires his staff to use the grounds as an outdoor classroom, emphasizing the need for young people to enjoy both structured and unstructured time in nature. At Ancient Oaks, children from age five up canoe, fish, hike, learn to identify native species, build temporary structures from natural materials, and soak in nature in a way that they don't get to experience in other area camps. Tom works tirelessly to ensure that kids get the most out of their time in nature and develop a sense of place in the central Illinois environment. This past year has brought a true test of Tom's innovative skill. Throughout our state's gathering restrictions due to COVID-19, Tom was committed to getting children outside in our area's natural places this summer. He completely restructured camp, which involved an all-time high level of camp staff training and mentoring. He created an enriching and educational haven for young people who had spent most of the past four months inside their homes. |
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Student of the Year
Cheyenne Wendell Student at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana Cheyenne is very active at her university and if the club or committee is about the environment, she has probably been involved at some point of her college career. outdoors. As a child, Wendell gardened with her grandmother and spent time catching bugs or exploring a creek. It is with these formative experiences, I have fueled my passion for protecting the earth and ensuring similar experiences for future generations. To advocate for nature, I became the President for both Fossil Free UIUC and the Students for Environmental Concerns. I am on a handful of other committees at the university that all circle around sustainability, governance, environment, climate change, etc. I strongly believe in being visible to the student population and help lead the charge on student led climate change marches, student led meetings with the university and more. |
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2020 Award Recipients
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Malcolm D. Swan Award
Marge Evans of Mt. Zion, Illinois is this year’s winner of EEAI’s most prestigious award. She has a long history of environmental education and activism in Decatur and Macon County stemming from, as she puts it, “wanting to share my love of nature with others over the years”. Her service includes working with a variety of environmental entities and causes, helping develop organizations, teaching in school settings, publishing books and articles, and facilitating on site instruction. Some of the organizations Marge has helped with include the Macon County Conservation District, Boy Scouts, U of I Extension, Decatur Audubon, and Richland Community College. Marge’s passion for the planet and sharing her love and expertise of nature with others of all ages has kept her active for more than 50 years with hands-on instruction and interpretation. Marge has produced three books including Morelling, Green Heritage, and Growing Green. Now at 90, she continues to serve as a consultant for the Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists and does bird studies for the Decatur Audubon Society. Well done Marge! |
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Formal Educator of the Year Jason Chapman with the Alton School District is this year’s winner. Jason has incorporated environmental education into his classroom and school by studying the Mississippi River and its surrounding watersheds. When learning about the river, his class focuses on water conservation and what effects humans have on the river. They also explore the migration patterns of birds, paying special attention to native species. In his earlier years of teaching, he took advantage of a pond in the school yard and taught his class about the macroinvertebrates and how they can be used to determine water quality. Jason also brings his students to local organizations on field experiences to Pere Marquette State Park, The Nature Institute, Audubon Center at Riverlands, Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, and McCully Heritage Project. He makes sure his students know their local area and encourages their interest in anything outside. Bravo Jason! |
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Non Formal Educator of the Year
Lorrie Ward with the Forest Preserves of Cook County is this year’s winner. Lorrie works as a naturalist with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and has been stationed at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center for the past ten years. Sagawau offers field science programs for adults and high school groups, as well as, adult and family programs to the public. Some of Lorrie’s accomplishments include presenting a session on Geology of Northeastern Illinois at the 2019 Wild Things Conference in a room of 450 attendees, teaching geology workshops to the U of I Extension Services Master Naturalist class, and teaching field science programs like Lichen Lab, a Tree ID series, and an introduction to grasses. Lorrie doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. Sagawau’s Nordic ski program got its start in the 1990s and she is continuing this tradition. Lorrie is a level 1 professional ski instructor. She teaches cross country ski lessons to members of the public and even senior citizens. In addition, Lorrie served her community this year by being on the planning committee for the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Unearth Science Festival. Congratulations Lorrie! |
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2019 Award Recipient
Malcom D. Swan Award for Outstanding Service
Kathleen Gaare-Wiese
The Environmental Education Association of Illinois is pleased to announce the 2019 winner of the Malcolm D. Swan Award. Kathleen Gaare-Wiese, of Creal Springs, Illinois is this year’s winner. Kathleen has always had a personal passion for the natural world and science which she promoted with her students for over 30 years in a formal setting. She continues her passion through volunteer work with the general public, with fellow non-formal educators, and volunteers throughout southern Illinois. Her advocacy and outreach in environmental literacy and education is compounded when we consider all those she has mentored through her involvement in the Scouting community, the Master Naturalist program, the Illinois Science Teachers Association, and as a Project Learning Tree facilitator.
Our winner’s drive comes from recognizing the needs natural resource and environmental education organizations have and being devoted to the communities they serve. Her commitment to the field of science and environmental education through her involvement with them demonstrates her belief that it is her duty and privilege to help and lead where she can. She has a strong belief in the hands-on approach in outdoor education and has reached countless adults and children over her career and helped them see their place in the natural world.
Congratulations Kathleen Gaare-Wiese in receiving this most prestigious EEAI award!
Kathleen Gaare-Wiese
The Environmental Education Association of Illinois is pleased to announce the 2019 winner of the Malcolm D. Swan Award. Kathleen Gaare-Wiese, of Creal Springs, Illinois is this year’s winner. Kathleen has always had a personal passion for the natural world and science which she promoted with her students for over 30 years in a formal setting. She continues her passion through volunteer work with the general public, with fellow non-formal educators, and volunteers throughout southern Illinois. Her advocacy and outreach in environmental literacy and education is compounded when we consider all those she has mentored through her involvement in the Scouting community, the Master Naturalist program, the Illinois Science Teachers Association, and as a Project Learning Tree facilitator.
Our winner’s drive comes from recognizing the needs natural resource and environmental education organizations have and being devoted to the communities they serve. Her commitment to the field of science and environmental education through her involvement with them demonstrates her belief that it is her duty and privilege to help and lead where she can. She has a strong belief in the hands-on approach in outdoor education and has reached countless adults and children over her career and helped them see their place in the natural world.
Congratulations Kathleen Gaare-Wiese in receiving this most prestigious EEAI award!
Past Award Recipients
Malcolm D. Swan Award for Outstanding Service
2015 Recipient: Cindy Harn, Forest Preserve District of Will County
2014 Recipient: Jan Lindenmier, Rockford, IL
2013 Recipient: Michael Jeffords and Susan Post, Illinois Natural History Survey
2012 Recipient: Don Miller, Severson Dells Nature Center
2011 Recipient: Sarah Livesay. EEAI Projects Coordinator
2010 Recipient: Steve Kolsto, Coordinator of Education, Surface Water Section, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
2009 Recipient: Judy Miller, Environmental Programs Manager, Anita Purves Nature Center
2008 Recipient: Robert L. Carter, Instructor-Department of Teaching and Learning-Northern Illinois University
2006 Recipient: Nan Buckardt - Environmental Education Manager, Lake County Forest Preserve District - Deerfield, IL
2005 Recipient: Angela Smith- Director & Naturalist Sugar Grove Nature Center - McLean, IL
2004 Recipient: Mary Rice, Environmental Education Coordinator and Naturalist Schaumburg Park District's Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary.
2003 Recipient: Kathy Andrews, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, IL.
2001 Recipient: Suzanne Saric, US EPA Region 5 Environmental Education Program Manager, Chicago. IL
Formal Environmental Educator of the Year
2017 Recipient: Janet Beach Davis, Heartland Community College
2016 Recipient: John Murray, Clinton Rosette Middle School
2015 Recipient: Sandra Perkins, Triad High School
2014 Recipient: Deborah Perryman, Elgin High School
2013 Recipient: Kristen Camp, K-12 Science and Health Curriculum Coordinator for the Champaign Unit 4 School District
2012 Recipient: Diane Kane, Belvidere School District
2011 Recipient: Caitlin Bouse, Atelierista & Nature Curriculum Specialist for Elmhurst Academy
2010 Recipient: Dr. Jeffrey T. Hoyer, Deerfield High School
2008 Recipient: David E. Brown, 5th Grade Teacher, Baldwin Intermediate School-West
2006 Recipient: Dr. Marylin Lisowski - Professor, Eastern Illinois University, College of Education - Charleston, IL
2005 Recipient: Renae Frigo - Naturalist Supervisor/Interpreter St. Charles Park District
2004 Recipient: Jill Carter, Instructor and Science Department Chair Pekin Community High School.
2002 Recipient: Anita Scott, Teacher/Director Friendship Corner School- Schaumburg, IL
2001 Recipient: Rick Livesey, Herscher High School, Herscher, IL
Non-Formal Environmental Educator of the Year
2018 Recipient: Laura Hall, Juricha-Suchy Nature Museum
2017 Recipient: Patti Brown, The Nature Institute
2016 Recipient: Susan Dombro, Forest Preserves of Cook County
2015 Recipient: Dawn Kovarik, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
2013 Recipient: Stacey Clementz, Champaign County Forest Preserve District
2011 Recipient: Joyce Mitchell, Volunteer at the Wildlife Prairie State Park
2009 Recipient: Pat Sullivan, Owner of the Peace of Earth Environmental Learning Center
2008 Recipient: Lara Darling, Environmental Educator and Volunteer Coordinator,Vermilion County Conservation District
2006 Recipient: Tara Wisnewski - Environmental Education Specialist, Forest Preserve District of Will County - Mokena, IL
2005 Recipient: Sally Patterson- Education Coordinator & Naturalist Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden - Springfield, IL
2004 Recipient: Janet Hawes-Davis, Environmental Education Coordinator Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
2002 Recipient: Sarah Livesay, Champaign County Forest Preserve District (CCFPD)-Champaign, IL.
2001 Recipients: Jill Stites and Char Heckel of the Crane Chronicle Development Team, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Deerfield , IL
2001 EEAI Outstanding Service Award:
Cathy Cunningham, Champaign, IL
2015 Recipient: Cindy Harn, Forest Preserve District of Will County
2014 Recipient: Jan Lindenmier, Rockford, IL
2013 Recipient: Michael Jeffords and Susan Post, Illinois Natural History Survey
2012 Recipient: Don Miller, Severson Dells Nature Center
2011 Recipient: Sarah Livesay. EEAI Projects Coordinator
2010 Recipient: Steve Kolsto, Coordinator of Education, Surface Water Section, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
2009 Recipient: Judy Miller, Environmental Programs Manager, Anita Purves Nature Center
2008 Recipient: Robert L. Carter, Instructor-Department of Teaching and Learning-Northern Illinois University
2006 Recipient: Nan Buckardt - Environmental Education Manager, Lake County Forest Preserve District - Deerfield, IL
2005 Recipient: Angela Smith- Director & Naturalist Sugar Grove Nature Center - McLean, IL
2004 Recipient: Mary Rice, Environmental Education Coordinator and Naturalist Schaumburg Park District's Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary.
2003 Recipient: Kathy Andrews, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Springfield, IL.
2001 Recipient: Suzanne Saric, US EPA Region 5 Environmental Education Program Manager, Chicago. IL
Formal Environmental Educator of the Year
2017 Recipient: Janet Beach Davis, Heartland Community College
2016 Recipient: John Murray, Clinton Rosette Middle School
2015 Recipient: Sandra Perkins, Triad High School
2014 Recipient: Deborah Perryman, Elgin High School
2013 Recipient: Kristen Camp, K-12 Science and Health Curriculum Coordinator for the Champaign Unit 4 School District
2012 Recipient: Diane Kane, Belvidere School District
2011 Recipient: Caitlin Bouse, Atelierista & Nature Curriculum Specialist for Elmhurst Academy
2010 Recipient: Dr. Jeffrey T. Hoyer, Deerfield High School
2008 Recipient: David E. Brown, 5th Grade Teacher, Baldwin Intermediate School-West
2006 Recipient: Dr. Marylin Lisowski - Professor, Eastern Illinois University, College of Education - Charleston, IL
2005 Recipient: Renae Frigo - Naturalist Supervisor/Interpreter St. Charles Park District
2004 Recipient: Jill Carter, Instructor and Science Department Chair Pekin Community High School.
2002 Recipient: Anita Scott, Teacher/Director Friendship Corner School- Schaumburg, IL
2001 Recipient: Rick Livesey, Herscher High School, Herscher, IL
Non-Formal Environmental Educator of the Year
2018 Recipient: Laura Hall, Juricha-Suchy Nature Museum
2017 Recipient: Patti Brown, The Nature Institute
2016 Recipient: Susan Dombro, Forest Preserves of Cook County
2015 Recipient: Dawn Kovarik, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
2013 Recipient: Stacey Clementz, Champaign County Forest Preserve District
2011 Recipient: Joyce Mitchell, Volunteer at the Wildlife Prairie State Park
2009 Recipient: Pat Sullivan, Owner of the Peace of Earth Environmental Learning Center
2008 Recipient: Lara Darling, Environmental Educator and Volunteer Coordinator,Vermilion County Conservation District
2006 Recipient: Tara Wisnewski - Environmental Education Specialist, Forest Preserve District of Will County - Mokena, IL
2005 Recipient: Sally Patterson- Education Coordinator & Naturalist Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden - Springfield, IL
2004 Recipient: Janet Hawes-Davis, Environmental Education Coordinator Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
2002 Recipient: Sarah Livesay, Champaign County Forest Preserve District (CCFPD)-Champaign, IL.
2001 Recipients: Jill Stites and Char Heckel of the Crane Chronicle Development Team, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Deerfield , IL
2001 EEAI Outstanding Service Award:
Cathy Cunningham, Champaign, IL