What is the Excellence in Environmental Education Awards?

Jonee Kulman Brigham is an environmental architect, artist, educator, writer, researcher, and sustainability leader whose career has been dedicated to advancing environmental education. With a background in sustainability consulting, sustainable architecture, and 24 years as a researcher at the University of Minnesota, she has brought a creative, systems-based approach to environmental challenges and learning.  

At the University of Minnesota, Jonee is a Senior Research Fellow in the Minnesota Design Center, and a Fellow of the Institute on the Environment. Throughout her research, outreach, and teaching she takes an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. At the University she co-developed the B3 state sustainability guidelines, team-taught courses in sustainability, co-led research teams studying visual and map-based storytelling in environmental education, and co-leads community design assistance work to educate communities about the design opportunities for a regenerative future.

In 2011 she developed the art-led environmental education curriculum model, Earth Systems Journey, that reveals the integration of the built and natural environments by exploring infrastructure. The model has been used from pre-k through higher ed, exploring water systems and the electric grid in camps, trainings, and classrooms.

Since 2013, she has co-led the development and launch of the Minnesota GreenStep Schools program with a network of partners, advisors, and interns. GreenStep Schools integrates storytelling, resources, and recognition based on a best practices framework for environmental education and environmentally responsible schools across Minnesota.

Known for her thoughtful mentorship, collaborative spirit, and student-centered approach, Jonee creates meaningful learning experiences that empower young people to explore their passions, build confidence, and become environmental stewards. Through her teaching, consulting, and community-building efforts, she has inspired students, educators, and professionals alike, leaving a lasting impact on environmental education in Minnesota.

Elise Amel is a professor of psychology and sustainability leader at University of St. Thomas whose work has significantly advanced environmental education through teaching, mentorship, and campus leadership. Through her Psychology of Sustainability course, she helps students explore the psychological dimensions of environmental behavior and sustainable change, inspiring many to pursue careers in sustainability and environmental advocacy. 

Dr. Amel was also instrumental in founding the university’s Office of Sustainability Initiatives, helping establish a culture of environmental responsibility across campus. As the author of influential books including Psychology for Sustainability and Fostering Sustainability in Higher Education, she has contributed valuable scholarship to the field while continuing to model sustainable living and mentor the next generation of environmental leaders.

Sue Dahl is an experienced environmental educator and naturalist with more than 20 years of leadership in science-based outdoor education, wildlife interpretation, and community engagement across Minnesota. 

Through her long-standing partnership with Oneka Elementary School and her work at Wargo Nature Center, she has developed place-based environmental learning programs, advanced ethical animal care and interpretation practices, and expanded inclusive access to environmental education for diverse audiences. 

Sue is also an active leader in the professional environmental education community through her service with the Minnesota Naturalists’ Association and as a certified Project WET facilitator.

Chiara Carignan is a student leader and environmental advocate who has made a significant impact through sustainability education, climate action, and community engagement. As leader of the Students for Climate Action Club at Roseville Area High School, she helped lead efforts that resulted in Roseville becoming the first Minnesota GreenStep Schools district and high school in the state. 

Chiara has educated peers, school leaders, legislators, and community members through public presentations, State Fair outreach, sustainability workshops, and advocacy for clean energy and environmental initiatives. Her leadership has supported projects including a pollinator garden, thrift exchanges, solar education outreach, and student-led sustainability planning.

Kaitlin Erpestad is a leader in early childhood environmental education and the founding director of Hartley Nature Preschool, where she has guided the growth of a nationally recognized nature-based learning program since 2014. 

Through play-based, outdoor education, Kaitlin has helped more than 1,100 young children develop curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world while advancing innovative approaches to early learning and environmental stewardship. In addition to leading Hartley Nature Preschool, she has contributed to statewide policy discussions, mentored future educators, supported research partnerships with the University of Minnesota Duluth, and championed equity and access in nature-based education. 

Her leadership and advocacy have helped shape the broader field of environmental education in Minnesota and beyond.

Minnesota GreenStep Schools is a statewide sustainability and environmental education assistance and recognition program dedicated to helping K–12 schools and districts reduce environmental impact, improve health and well-being, and expand meaningful sustainability education through collaborative, systems-based change. 

Built on a philosophy of partnership and community-driven learning, GreenStep Schools works closely with organizations including MAEE, Minnesota Department of Education, Youth Eco Solutions, and universities, nonprofits, and state agencies across Minnesota to strengthen environmental education and sustainability initiatives. 

Through program tools and features such as the Green Ribbon Fast Track, GIS-based environmental education training, the Progress Steps Dashboard, and GreenStep Clubs, the organization has fostered a growing network of schools, educators, students, and community partners working together to advance environmental stewardship and sustainability leadership statewide. The free program materials can be found at www.mngreenstepschools.org 

A powerhouse in environmental education, Janine has led transformative programs for over 30 years, from founding T.U.N.E. Camp, to coordinating water and wildlife outreach across Minnesota. As a past MAEE board member and national curriculum co-author, Janine’s impact spans classrooms, rivers, and legislative halls. Her passion for connecting people to nature, especially youth and underrepresented groups, continues to shape the future of conservation education.

For over 20 years, Erin has passionately integrated environmental education into her classroom through citizen science, global fieldwork, and creative curriculum development. From leading long-term water quality studies and planting pollinator gardens to connecting with students in global conservation efforts via her fellowships in Alaska and Canada, Erin inspires the next generation of environmental stewards with hands-on learning, storytelling, and a deep commitment to protecting our planet.

As Director of Sustainability Initiatives, Maria leads with vision and passion, most notably through the Sustainable Communities Partnership (SCP). Her innovative leadership has connected students, faculty, and community partners to tackle real-world sustainability challenges, from transit design to food waste solutions. Through Maria’s efforts, SCP has become a model for integrating academic learning with impactful environmental action, fostering a culture of sustainability on campus and beyond.

As President of the youth-led Green Crew, Marina championed environmental leadership through hands-on projects like the Landfall Tree Equity initiative and Green Summer education program. She designed and installed over 1,200 sq. ft. of native pollinator gardens and empowered peers across several high school clubs to take part in conservation. Now a University of Michigan engineering student, Marina continues to blend sustainability with innovation, inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.

With a mission to make nature accessible to all children, Duluth Preschool has transformed urban schoolyards with nature playscapes, provided outdoor gear to eliminate barriers, and embraced all-weather outdoor play. Through staff training, family education, and partnerships with organizations like the Duluth Nature Play Collaborative, they are national leaders in equitable, nature-based early learning. Their efforts ensure that every child, regardless of background, can explore, play, and grow outside.

For over 30 years, Hamline University has been a cornerstone of environmental education in Minnesota and beyond. Through the Center for Global Environmental Education, accredited graduate and certificate programs, and deep partnerships with nature centers, parks, and organizations like Climate Generation, Hamline empowers educators and inspires learners of all ages. With a strong focus on community, innovation, and global reach, Hamline continues to shape the future of environmental education.

Dawn Bahajak has had a long and impactful career in Minnesota environmental education, including service at the Springbrook Nature Center, the Minnesota Zoo, and for the last couple of decades, as a coordinator of environmental education for the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

Dawn has led many of the DNR's major education initiatives, including leading the Natural Resource Education Committee which guided and developed many impactful EE programs. In partnership with U of M Extension, she also helped spearhead the development of the Minnesota Master Naturalist program, including development of much of the classroom training courses and materials. The last several years, she has served as the coordinator of DNR's presence at the Minnesota State Fair, which is the department's biggest annual outreach effort. Her leadership and efforts have brought many new activities and programs to the State Fair, including the Fish Pond talks, live fish cam, and numerous, rotating education displays, which have reached millions of Minnesotans.

- Summary of nomination by Jeff Ledermann at the Minnesota DNR

Ana is a teacher at North Hennepin Community College where she teaches courses such as Nature and Literature, Environmental Justice and Nature Immersion, and Community Organizing. Ana created the Environmental Justice class through North Hennepin Community College in partnership with many organizations, advocacy groups, and educational institutions, including YMCA Camp Northern Lights.

Ana is known for her drive and passion to create an intentional place for all to grow, learn, and build community. She worked to ensure that her students understood career and internship pathways in many environmentally-focused fields.

“I am fully confident of Ana’s capacity to inspire, grow, and support the next generation of learners and changemakers in this world, through her curriculum and vast community network she has.“ – Daniel O’Brien

“As her student, I have seen first hand the kind of work Ana is doing, and it is powerful, life-changing, and incredibly important.” – Dustin O’Brien

- Summary of nomination by Daniel O'Brien and Dustin O'Brien

Margie has been active in the field of Environmental Education in both formal and nonformal settings for over 30 years. She loves sharing her passion for birds, learning, and the natural world with people of all ages.

Margie joined the Hawk Ridge staff as a Naturalist in 2011 and currently is the Education Director. She also works as a lead passerine bander, as well as with three MAPS stations studying summer breeding birds at Hawk Ridge, Wolf Ridge, and Sugarloaf Cove. 

She also leads naturalist programming for multiple EE based organizations in MN, such as Minnesota Master Naturalists, Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, Hartley Nature Center, Wolf Ridge ELC. She serves as an adjunct member of the University of Minnesota, Duluth Education Department working primarily with student teacher supervision.

“Margie has gone above and beyond with her dedication and passion in the field of environmental education through teaching programs, providing trainings, and fostering partnerships with other nature center providers.” – Janelle Long

- Summary of nomination by Janelle Long

Alyssa Janilla at Kind Roots Early Learning & Care excels in teaching young children about environmental conservation because she has an incredible ability to make learning about the environment accessible and fun. She has developed and implemented engaging, age-appropriate curriculum and activities, seamlessly incorporating Literacy, Art, Math, Music and Stem all together. Alyssa inspires a love for nature and fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world by organizing outdoor experiences and field trips that connect children with their environment.

Alyssa always takes every opportunity to encourage eco-friendly behaviors like the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, as well as other eco-conscious habits like composting. She is a great role model for the young environmentalists she teaches and demonstrates environmentally responsible behavior and practices, serving as a role model for both young children and her colleagues.

“Alyssa is passionate and a dedicated advocate for instilling environmental consciousness in young children, preparing them to be responsible stewards of the planet.” - Annie Berres at Kind Roots Early Learning & Care

- Summary of nomination by Annie Berres

Glacial Hills Elementary School is an environmentally-focused school that embraces project based learning, student-centered instruction, and learning outside the classroom to teach Minnesota State Standards and environmental education. Over the last two years, Glacial Hills has focused on living out this mission and these values while expanding project based learning and environmental education opportunities for all students.

Students gain knowledge about how natural systems function and how human systems interact with and depend on them. All the while, they also gain and demonstrate respect and concern for the earth’s health and participate in environmental stewardship. It is through these experiences that students apply what they have learned into action!

One of the most exciting projects is the outdoor learning center called the Eagles Nest which will be designed and built by 3rd through 6th grade students along with community partners. The school received grants and community donations wot transform two acres behind the school into a learning center, rain garden & butterfly garden with native prairie grasses. This project also allows the students to share their love of the outdoors and mother nature with the community as this center will be open to the public outside of school hours.

- Summary of nomination by Jodee Lund.

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center (ELC) aims to connect people to nature through education and transformative outdoor experiences. Located in rural southeastern Minnesota, they provide outstanding education programs & outdoor adventures to over 16,000 children, adults, and families each year. Eagle Bluff ELC is being recognized for their leadership in the state of Minnesota, helping to advocate for outdoor education through their contributions to the Outdoor 

School for All Bill, and for being a key partner in the successful coordination of the 2023 MAEE Conference. At the annual conference, their staff not only participated on the planning committee, but led engaging sessions at the conference, offered unique outdoor experiences, helped secure donations from local businesses, and provided discount rates that made the conference affordable at all levels. They continue to be a strong supporter of environmental educators across the state. 

- Nominated by the MAEE Board of Directors

My path was set at an early age, collecting butterflies and squashing ants in our suburban back yard. Once I figured out how to stay upright on a bicycle the Minnesota River Valley supplied me with secret springs, Indian mounds, forts and poison ivy.  Our mother was on the City of Bloomington Natural Resources Board, our dad was a Boy Scout leader; so I became an environmentalist like her and a camp-craft wizard like him. 

We went to the Lake every weekend that I wasn’t camping with the Eagle patrol. Earth Day came in 1970 and I found my “thing”. Summer canoe guiding in the BWCA kept me sane and solvent during college years at the U of M earning a biology degree. A fateful internship at the The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in Isabella set my course for the next 40 years There was a slight detour to The Catskills for three years teaching EE and leading more canoe trips into Canada. Then 1981 Jack Pichotta took a chance hiring BJ, my wife, and me as naturalists at The ELC.  

We moved with the Center in 1988 to Finland, MN as it morphed into Wolf Ridge. I worked for years, building trails, study sites, a climbing wall, and a ropes course, I also wrote scads of curricula and taught/tortured visiting students week after week, year after year. I earned a Masters of Education, mentored college interns, was in turn mentored, and worked with a tight, dedicated, fun-loving staff of amazing educators. It was the best job in the whole world. 

Jen Heyer has been an Eden Prairie educator since 2001.  

In 2015, she created a program called Wilderness Wednesday, teaching her kindergarten students outside for the majority of the day. They spend all morning and afternoon outside in the school forest and creek area learning state standards through environmental education.

In 2019, her Wilderness Wednesday program extended to first and second grade students with a Nature Explorer Club that meets after school once a week.

She has partnered with Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District, Safari Club, MN DNR: Project WILD and Project WET, MN DNR: Forestry Department, Minnesota Trappers Association, the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, the Minnesota Tracking Club, and Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN). 

In 2018, she attended the American Wilderness Leadership School in Jackson Hole, WY and has also written two articles for the Minnesota Adventuring magazine.  

Jen presented at the 2019 Minnesota Association for Environmental Education’s Midwest Environmental Education Conference in Minnesota in October. In May 2020, she will be speaking at the Minnesota Kindergarten Association Spring Conference. 

Jen received the 2019 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators and accepted the award in Washington, DC from the Environmental Protection Agency. 

I've been working for the Pine River-Backus School District for 12 years as a middle school science teacher. One of my favorite parts of teaching is designing tasks where the kids get real-world, outdoor experience in the topics we cover. 

Being blessed with a school forest right on site, I take my students to the woods as often as possible - including in the winter! (We have a class set of snowshoes.) Some of my favorite units are a weather project where kids engineer their own weather station to prove a weather pattern they've identified, and the ecology project where kids collect data on various organisms in our forest and create a large presentation on local ecosystem preservation. 

With our town planning to take out the old dam and replace it with a ripple system, we've been having fun researching the difference between the two types of dams and predicting how it will affect our local watershed. In addition to our normal curriculum, we've been working at cleaning up our forest site, and are working our way through a multi-year buckthorn removal project. I also love taking my students to the Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center every spring for outdoor survival training.

Jessie Loftus was born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania and moved to the Twin Cities in 2011. She is true east coaster at heart. Jessie graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in general psychology. 

A passion for the outdoors and helping connect others to nature led her to pursue a career in the environmental education field. She got started on this journey in 2011 during an AmeriCorps term served with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota in the youth outdoors branch. 

Since 2012 Jessie has been working for the City of Saint Paul in many different capacities including her current role as an Education Specialist at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. 

In her role at Como Jessie has taught hundreds of classes to people of all ages, designed and implemented new program offerings that reach previously underserved audiences at Como. 

She champions equity in her daily work and helps thousands of visitors develop an appreciation of the natural world every year. She is a lifelong learner, with a love for family, friends, meeting new people, warm weather, and being her authentic self every day.

Jahir Aquino is currently a senior at Edison High School in Northeast Minneapolis. Jahir began his journey with Spark-Y as a student in the Edible Agricultural School Yard Professional (Easy-Pro) course at Edison. Spark-Y is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers youth through hands-on education rooted in sustainability and entrepreneurship. Spark-Y partners with schools, like Edison, to bring innovative, hands-on STEM programming to the classroom. Jahir joined the Easy Pro class as an underclassman and soon started to show great potential and passion. In the summer of 2018, Jahir was accepted to the Spark-Y Summer Internship Program. 

That summer he worked with other youth to care for and maintain an aquaponics system, school garden, and greenhouse at Edison High School. Jahir may not be outspoken but he always led his team by example, being the first to volunteer for challenging tasks. He was our resident “aquaponics expert” that summer. The following summer Jahir again applied for the internship program after showing so much enthusiasm for aquaponics, growing food, and caring for the environment. 

During his high school career, Jahir has now participated in two summer internships and three in-school programs with Spark-Y. This semester Jahir is again taking the Easy Pro course, this time as a senior and a leader. He has unlocked his potential and shown so much promise for his future. His passion is outmatched only by his kindness and positive outlook. He is truly a special young man with a bright future ahead. Jahir hopes to go to college and study environmental science after graduation. It is youth, like Jahir, who gives us so much hope for the future of our planet.