Educator Spotlight: Laura Mallard

Laura Mallard, a senior lecturer in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Appalachian State University recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. Laura has been teaching undergraduate geology classes for 25 years. In her personal time, she enjoys beekeeping, sugaring her maple trees, biking, kayaking and making pottery. 

Laura says her favorite part of earning her certification was the networking. “I enjoyed meeting so many enthusiastic and knowledgeable facilitators. I loved learning about nature, critters and environmental issues alongside so many wonderful people. My favorite programs were about salamanders!”

When asked about an experience that stood out for her, Laura says it was learning at Grandfather Mountain. “I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences at Grandfather Mountain -- learning about bears, elk, and salamanders and the BEETLES program. It is such a special place to learn and share the love and wonder of nature.”

For her community partnership project, Laura inventoried plants, animals, fungi and other natural elements of an area used by the High Country Forest Wild School. The school is on land protected from development by the Carolina Climbing Coalition as a wilderness climbing area. In addition to documenting the plants and animals, Laura created identification cards and age appropriate activities that also included the wide variety of habitats and the local forest food web. She packaged the activity cards in lunch box style containers as "nature snacks.

 “The students are excited to learn about their forest in creative and engaging ways throughout the changing seasons. The coalition will benefit from my project because they actively seek more support for their projects to protect wild lands and preserve climbing access. By showing the diversity of the Buckeye Knob Mountain they preserved, it helps them to continue their preservation mission by encouraging more support for future projects.”

Laura says the certification program changed her approach to teaching. “I have changed the way I begin and lead learning opportunities with children. Learning to follow the steps and stages of teaching a group really helped me to better organize activities. I am also learning more and more about the importance of teaching through telling stories. I also feel better prepared to branch out from geology.”

Laura says the program also changed the way she views environmental issues. “Before participating in the environmental educator certification program, I primarily viewed environmental issues from a scientific or factual standpoint — focusing on data about pollution, climate change, and conservation. I tended to think of environmental problems as large-scale, global challenges that required technological or policy-based solutions. This is most likely due to my 20+ years in academia. After completing the program, my perspective has broadened and deepened. I’ve come to understand that environmental issues are not just scientific—they are social, cultural, and ethical as well. The program helped me see the importance of education in fostering environmental stewardship and empowering communities to learn about the science in their local parks, schools, etc. I now recognize that change begins with awareness, engagement, and local action, not just global initiatives.”

Melissa Dowland – Facilitator of Wonder: Celebrating a North Carolina Educator as She Begins a New Chapter

Melissa Dowland recently left her position as the Manager of Teacher Education for the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Over her 20+ year career at the museum, Melissa has shepherded hundreds of educators to some of the most incredible natural areas in North Carolina, the United States, and beyond. She is an institution.

Whether it’s watching a geyser erupt in Yellowstone National Park or examining the rich biodiversity in their own backyards, Melissa has created professional development experiences for educators that have enhanced and reshaped their teaching and, in many cases, their careers, and their lives.

Educator Ginny Mason reflected on Melissa’s impact on her professionally as an educator and personally: How do I count the ways? What words do I pick to describe the impact you’ve had on my classroom, my teaching, my life? Thank you. What an inadequate phrase but it will suffice. Thank you for moments of awe. Thank you for moments of quiet, moments of laughter, moments of listening, moments of inspiration, moments of reflection. Thank you for reminding me that it's okay to be silly, to ask questions, to be well and truly overwhelmed by nature. Thank you for investing so much of yourself into me and other teachers. Thank you for being a facilitator of wonder. Thank you for showing me rocks and butterflies and wolves and mountains and swamps and snakes and bison and wildflowers.

Melissa has also had a profound impact on the landscape of school grounds across North Carolina by helping educators transform their campuses into habitat for wildlife and into outdoor classrooms for students to learn through hands-on experiences with nature.

There are few places in North Carolina that Melissa hasn’t interpreted for students or teachers, from taking the museum’s Junior Curators to the cypress swamps of the Roanoke River to leading educators through the wilds of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Melissa has written that her greatest privilege has been to immerse teachers in nature and to create the sense of wonder that comes from those authentic experiences.

Educator Cheryl Michalec captured what it was like to experience nature with Melissa. Everything with Melissa was a shared experience. She would delight in the adventure just as much as everyone else, listening for owls to respond, hammering leaves, or dashing from the van to capture a view of an elk with a bush stuck on his antlers.

Melissa is also well-known for leading the Educators of Excellence Institutes to Yellowstone National Park. Through these trips Melissa developed a deep love for the park that led her to leave her beloved North Carolina to fulfill a long-time dream of moving to a home on the doorstep of Yellowstone.

Although the environmental education community in North Carolina will miss her, it's a bit comforting to know that she is maintaining her connections to the state by working for the museum part-time as a co-leader for future Yellowstone Institutes, allowing her to continue inspiring educators through the wonders of the natural world.

 

 

 

Educator Spotlight: Julia Showalter

Julia Showalter, an instructor who teaches dendrology and environmental studies at Appalachian State University, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. 

In addition to teaching, Julia also leads outreach for the university’s biology department at community and school events. She says her favorite part of earning her certification was the workshops. “I loved doing the workshops! I really gained a lot by meeting other teachers, learning more about pedagogy related to outdoor education, and I had some wonderful experiences that taught me a lot about different parts of North Carolina.”

When asked about an experience that stood out to her, Julia says it was the Sea Turtle Ecological Adventure for teachers at Fort Fisher Recreation Area led by Gail Lemiec, the Unique Experiences Coordinator at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. “The workshop was an incredible experience that I will never forget. I feel so fortunate that I got to participate and learn so much about sea turtles -- shout out to Gail Lemiec! She was amazing!” 

For her community partnership project, Julia partnered with High Country Forest Wild, a forest school on 35 acres of forest near Jefferson NC, to create tree identification and programming for their students. “More kids from Forest Wild are now getting excited about tree ID.  There are several that have become very interested and are sharing their knowledge with their families and friends. They are now more confident with their trees and are sharing their knowledge as well.”

Julia says the program changed her approach to teaching others. “I am now much better at outreach. I do more hands-on activities, and I let the kids explore and come up with their own answers. I have also started nature journaling with our Costa Rica Tropical Forest Ecology course. This is a great way for students to have more time and a different and more meaningful interaction with different organisms and ecosystems that we see. For my dendrology class, I spend more time with them in groups and discussion and observation rather than lecturing to them. I really feel that it helped me grow in my outdoor teaching!”

She also says the program changed the way she thinks about environmental issues. “I learned a ton about forestry in the state. It was awesome to go to a plywood factory and to see various forest management practices, and I have directly incorporated some of the information into my course. I also learned more about sea turtles than I ever thought I could. The experiential learning really made the information stick too! The BEETLES course also really made an impression, and I have really tried to build that positive relationship between kids and the environment both with my own kids and with my students to improve connection to and stewardship of the environment.”

Melanie Buckingham Recognized for her Contribution to Environmental Education

Melanie Buckingham, Environmental Resources Librarian for the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library in Greensboro, was recently recognized by the Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC) for her contributions to the field of environmental education. Melanie received the 2025 Outstanding Practitioner award which recognizes a member of EENC who works regularly as an environmental educator, lending their skills to the growing body of environmental education as a profession. It recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to EENC through statewide participation, leadership in their region, and being an advocate for high quality education through how they teach, live, and do.

Melanie is widely known in the environmental education community for transforming the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library into a hub for regional and statewide environmental education programming. Melanie offers programs for both the public and for educators who are seeking professional development opportunities. She is one of the top providers of credit experiences for the NC Environmental Education Certification program in the state and is one of just a few facilitators for the program's required--and rigorous--Methods of Teaching Environmental Education workshop. "Our program has more than 800 people actively seeking certification and rarely does a week go by that we don't receive several credit forms with Melanie's signature," notes Marty Wiggins, Program Consultant for the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs. "Without her efforts, our program participants in the greater Triad area and beyond would have to travel much father and would have a difficult time finding quality experiences."

The environmental education programming is a natural fit for the library given its unique location on a 98-acre tract in Price Park. The site includes walking trails, a bird and butterfly meadow, a reading garden, ponds, and wetlands. The library collection has a wonderful selection of nature, gardening and environmental resources for children and adults.

A Certified NC Environmental Educator herself since 2000, Melanie is also a strong supporter of many of the state and national professional development workshops that provide training to teachers, nonformal educators and conservation outreach professionals, facilitating or coordinating many herself or in partnership with other local environmental educators. These workshops have included the Leopold Education Project, Wonders of Wetlands, Project WET, and various Air Quality workshops.

Project Learning Tree's state coordinator Renee Strnad says Melanie has facilitated more than 20 workshops, training over 250 educators across the state. "Melanie has always worked to provide PLT workshops that are tailored to her community and very few of her workshops are the same! She has led PLT workshops that are tied to children's literature books, worked with city planners to bring an urban spin to PLT workshop, and is currently engaged with Greensboro's Office of Sustainability and Resilience to lead a workshop based on the benefits of trees and the ecosystem services they provide. It is always fun when Melanie reaches out and says she has an idea for a workshop, and we work together to figure out what PLT materials will best suit her needs," says Strnad. 

Lisa Tolley, program manager for the NC Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, has seen an increase in the interest in outdoor and nature programming from libraries. "At a time when libraries are finding new ways to be relevant for the audiences they serve, Melanie was one of the first leaders in this movement and continues to show how a library can serve an essential local and regional conservation and environmental education role, while still enhancing the experiences of its community patrons."

The Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch is a branch of the Greensboro Public Library, City of Greensboro, NC. 

The Environmental Educators of North Carolina is a nonprofit professional development organization that supports environmental education and educators across the state. They serve as the state affiliate of the North American Association for Environmental Education.

The North Carolina Environmental Education Certification program is administered by the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs, a state agency within the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. The Office encourages, supports and promotes environmental education programs, facilities and resources and equips educators with the skills and knowledge to improve environmental literacy, stewardship of natural resources in North Carolina.

Educator Spotlight: Cassie Payne

Cassie Payne, the education specialist for the Friends of the Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville recently completed her Environmental Education Certification. As an education specialist, Cassie leads education programs for the center. “Our outreach programs are designed to foster a deep appreciation for the unique plants and animals of the Southern Appalachians. I collaborate with local schools, libraries, and community centers, building long-term partnerships through immersive educational experiences.”

In addition to outreach programming, Cassie offers behind-the-scenes and private tours, that allow visitors to connect with the natural world in a more intimate and impactful way. In her personal time, she enjoys exploring the region through backpacking, trail running, and enjoying time on the river.

Cassie says her favorite part of the certification program has been the opportunity to learn and grow in environmental education alongside the community. “I particularly enjoyed my time during the Criteria II workshops and classes. I’m excited about continuing my educational journey and taking more of these enriching classes in the future.”

When asked about an experience in the program that stood out for her, Cassie says it was the time she spent earning her Forest Kindergarten Certification which earned her credit towards her environmental education certification . “Not only did I gain a wealth of knowledge and practical skills, but I was also deeply inspired by the passionate educators dedicated to creating environments that foster hands-on, experiential learning from a young age. This experience played a pivotal role in shaping my career path and ultimately led me to the WNC Nature Center. It’s incredibly heartening to know there are so many educators committed to introducing environmental education to students at such an early age, and it fills me with excitement for the future of this field.”

For her community partnership project, Cassie piloted the Eco-Watch program in four 5^th grade classrooms in Avery County. “The program provided six in-person programs which I developed based on the NC Standard Course of Study and two field trips to Grandfather Mountain. The program covered the 5th grade weather and ecosystems units. Students' knowledge of related science concepts increased from a pre-program assessment average of 72 percent to a post-assessment average of 86 percent during the piloted year. The program was expanded to four out of the five elementary schools within Avery County's public school system. The program still continues at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.”

Cassie says the program changed her approach to teaching. “As educators, it's easy to fall into familiar teaching patterns, but this program encouraged me to observe and explore new methods ultimately expanding my educational toolbox. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the opportunity to reassess and evolve my own teaching style, making it more inclusive and adaptable to diverse learners.” 

Educator Spotlight: Amelia Gallina

 

Amelia Gallina, a park ranger at Grandfather Mountain State Park recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. As the lead interpretation and education ranger at the park, Amelia is the point of contact for programming and field trip requests. “ I love teaching people about the natural communities and endangered species that call them home on Grandfather Mountain. My main environmental interests are birds, trees, and wildflowers, and I try to offer programming on these topics to help others become passionate about them. In my free time I enjoy hiking and kayaking.”

Amelia says her favorite part of earning her certification was the site visits. “I completed many of my site visits with friends or family, and I enjoyed sharing a piece of my world with them. Getting to see my friends so excited to learn and asking me questions fueled my passion for environmental education.”

When asked about a certification experience that stood out for her, Amelia says it was the teaching component. “All of the teaching stands out to me. I love teaching programs, especially the monthly ranger workshops that I do with The Town of Seven Devils. There is usually a group of people that come to every program, and I love getting to see them each month and teach them something new.”

For her community partnership project, Amelia enhanced the native pollinator garden at Grandfather Mountain State Park. With donations from a nursery and the help of local community organizations, we were able to plant almost 200 plant plugs to increase the diversity in the garden and add a matrix layer for stabilization. We were also able to add signs and plant plaques with pictures and QR codes describing some of the plants. The garden is used to promote planting native species to help pollinators, and many of the plants in the garden are found on Grandfather Mountain, allowing people who aren't able to hike to see some of the diversity the mountain has to offer.”

Amelia says the certification program gave her access to resources. “Participating in the certification program has given me a plethora of new knowledge and skills to help teach others. I've learned new games to play with school groups for field trips, new methods for making online lectures more interactive, and I've learned about new topics that I can now help others learn about as well.”

Amelia says the program also changed her approach to environmental issues. “I have changed the way that I think about teaching future generations. Instead of piling on all of the problems past generations have caused and expecting future generations to solve them, we have to show people the joys in nature first and help them create a connection. We have to teach people about nature and make them comfortable in nature, before we can begin to expect them to fully care about nature.”

DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson Recognizes Jillian Daly, communications specialist for the NC Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve with Environmental Education Certificate

Secretary Reid Wilson visited the NC Coastal Reserve in Beaufort on Sept. 19 to meet with staff and to present Jillian Daly with a certificate for completing the NC Environmental Education Certification Program. As a communications specialist for the NC Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve, Jillian is responsible for communicating science to the public. In her role as a science communicator, she shares information on the reserve’s research, education and stewardship activities.  

“I have the opportunity to engage with folks through our social media channels, lead field trips, participate in public outreach and create accessible materials to share our work. In my free time, you can find me kayaking in the marsh, looking for marine invertebrates, and hanging out with friends in Beaufort, North Carolina,” said Jillian.  

“Completing the NC Environmental Education Certification Program is just another example of Jillian’s dedication to marine science education and to her craft as a science communicator. Her close connections to the coastal conservation and science communities, combined with her talented use of print, video and social media make her an asset to DEQ and to the state as a whole,” noted Secretary Wilson.  

Jillian says her favorite part of earning her certification was participating in workshops like Project WILD offered through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and Project WET (Water Educator for Today) which is coordinated out of DEQ’s Division of Water Resources.  

“These experiences introduced me to new skills and concepts that complemented my background in marine science education,” Jillian said. “It was exciting to expand my understanding of terrestrial ecosystems and explore how to integrate this knowledge into my teaching and outreach efforts.” 

Jillian says she came into the program from a science background but not as a trained educator. She appreciated the opportunity the program presented to connect with people from different backgrounds.  

“I think this certification is special because it recognizes that the folks getting certified come from all types of backgrounds and experiences, and the certification process reflects this,” she said. “It was eye-opening to be in workshops with classroom teachers, homeschool teachers and informal educators alike to hear their experiences. I also appreciate how the certification encourages us to explore environmental education centers around the state instead of only in our community. I learned a lot from visiting different centers that I may not have made time to visit if it weren’t for this certification!” 

For her community partnership project required for certification, Jillian created a day-long coastal environmental educator exchange for coastal educators to share program ideas, outreach materials, experiences in the field and to become a more cohesive community of educators.  

“The day was full of productive conversations, learning, and connection. We have now scheduled this to happen annually, and I look forward to hosting the 2025 Coastal Connections Environmental Educators Exchange here at the Reserve in October,” said Jillian.  

Jillian says the program changed her approach to teaching and changed the way Jillian views environmental issues. 

“I feel well equipped to lead my own environmental education programs independently and have sought out opportunities to create my own lessons and programs using the knowledge I’ve gained throughout the certification program!” she said. Coming from a science background and degrees in Environmental Science and Marine Science, it was helpful to complete this certification and be reminded that environmental issues are not top of mind for everyone. It is easy for me to believe everyone knows about environmental issues and thinks about them as much as me, but when I take a step back from this, I am a more effective teacher and can start with bottom-up teaching methods.” 

The NC Environmental Education Certification Program is  administered by the NC Dept of Environmental Quality’s Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs in partnership with organizations, agencies and institutions of higher learning across North Carolina.  

Educator Spotlight: Sarah Baldwin

Sarah Baldwin, an elementary school teacher at Brevard Elementary School, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. Sarah has taught for over 20 years. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys reading, gardening and live music.

Sarah says her favorite part of earning her certification was the instructional workshops. “I loved all the classes I took. It was interesting to me on a personal level, as well as an educator. I feel very enriched by the knowledge gained during my certification.”

The certification experience that stood out to Sarah was the 2024 Ground Level Ozone: Advanced Air Quality workshop facilitated by Keith Bamberger who is an information and communication specialist with the NC Department of Environmental Quality. “I’ve never had air pollution so succinctly explained. Also waking up to the sun rising over the Smoky Mountains was absolutely breathtaking,” says Sarah.

For her community partnership project, Sarah partnered with Erica Brock, the Youth Services Manager at the Transylvania County Library to create a program called EARTHour. The program took place during the 2024 youth summer reading initiative at the Transylvania County Library and included lessons as well as a day of volunteering at Riverfest. Sarah says she saw a need for more environmental education for students in first to sixth grades. “By working with 3rd graders as a teacher, I recognize the need for more environmental education in the curriculum. I contacted Erica at the library who agreed that the programming I had in mind was valuable in supporting their summer reading program. I was able to teach environmental education to a number of different students with a wide range of ages and backgrounds. I hope these students became excited by these lessons and will continue to learn more about the topics.”

Sarah says that the certification program changed her approach to teaching and the way she views environmental issues. “I feel my knowledge base was broadened and deepened and I hope to bring more environmental education into my own classroom whenever I can. The program also made me aware of many formally unfamiliar local and state resources. I'm humbled by the natural beauty of NC.”

 

 

 

Educator Spotlight: Brianne Godwin

Brianne Godwin, an education and outreach specialist with the Roanoke/Cashie River Center in Windsor recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification.

Brianne works with students and engages the community in events. “I lead students through a variety of science programs related to watersheds, ecosystems, life cycles, honeybees, soils, trees, and so much more. I also get to work with high school students in the area through our Teen Science Cafe program that allows students to explore STEM careers directly from experts who work in a STEM field." She also works with after-school students to develop their observational and critical thinking skills through nature journaling. "We spend our time outside noticing small bits of nature and we share our wonders and connections. The River Center also works closely with the Town of Windsor to provide quarterly community events like the Riverfest in early Spring that celebrates the natural beauty, culture, and people.”

Brianne says her favorite part of the certification program were the instructional workshops. “Each workshop gave me an opportunity to learn a new curriculum, visit an environmental education facility, discuss ideas with other educators, practice lesson implementation, and develop my educator abilities. These workshops became my self-care! I felt rejuvenated after each workshop and was reminded time and again that environmental education is exactly what I want to spend my time doing.”

When asked about an experience that stood out to her, Brianne said it was an experience she had when teaching 5^th grade at a local elementary school before her current position. “I had just taken a Project Learning Tree course and was excited to try out a couple lessons on my students that would support our study of the water cycle. I set up the classroom for the activity,  “Water Wonders” and the students had been prepped on how the activity was run and they got started. After about 10 minutes, I checked in and asked how things were going. Some students were moving to different stations rapidly while others were “stuck” at certain stations. I asked why that was? And a wonderful discussion was created about glaciers and clouds and about why the rain that was currently falling outside could move from place to place faster than water in a glacier. We talked about why rising temperatures could create heavier rainfall. We talked about the influence of fresh water versus salt water on the water cycle. It was so wonderful to see the students’ connection with a natural cycle and to hear their curiosity about this cycle and how humans are influencing it and how it influences humans! Educators always say these are the moments that sustain us, and I couldn’t agree more.”

For her community partnership project, Brianne created a program, “Life of a Honeybee” which explored all aspects of honeybees and was designed to dispel myths and encourage curiosity and intrigue. 

Working with Jean Richter, a retired National Wildlife Refuge biologist and beekeeper, the Cashie Beekeepers Association and the Chowan County Beekeepers, she obtained a honeybee hive, set up bee boxes and an exhibit at the Roanoke/Cashie River Center and provided the programming at local schools, libraries and for the public. The Life of a Honeybee curriculum that Brianne created for the program includes the life cycle of the honeybee, information on how people can help honeybees and the importance of native plants. “We talk about ways to reduce our dependency on pesticides and instead plant native plants that attract other insects that might prey on insects we are trying to kill. Native plants will also provide food sources for many larval stages of other pollinators that increase the biodiversity in a habitat leading to a more balanced and sustainable ecosystem.”

Brianne says the certification program changed her approach to teaching. “I’m much more aware of changing my lessons to be more inclusive for people that have learning differences, sensory or mobility impairments, or language barriers. I do my best to learn from my audiences about how I can better support them.”

Brianne says the program also changed the way she views environmental issues. “My overall feeling of despair regarding the state of the environment has been abated after participating in the certification program. This program has empowered me with the education and experience that I need to make a difference in my community. I truly believe education is key in combating environmental issues. It might not be the quickest or most expansive method, but education is key to lasting engagement.”

Educator Spotlight: Wendi Pillars

Wendi Pillars, a science teacher in Chatham County, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. With three decades of teaching experience both stateside and overseas, she has long been passionate about helping language learners explore science and connect with the outdoors. Her own research experiences in remote regions deepened her commitment to empowering students to be curious, comfortable outside, and ready to make a positive impact.

Her favorite part of the certification was connecting with passionate educators and discovering new parts of North Carolina. “I LOVED meeting like-minded people and learning from locals about their landscapes. It made me feel like an insider to the wonders of each place,” she says.

For her community partnership project, Wendi launched a rain garden initiative at Jordan-Matthews High School, where she taught science and led the Environmental Alliance Club. Supported by the Piedmont Conservation Council and other community organizations, several groups of her students conducted water quality testing over time, performed site analyses, and researched native plants to design a garden that benefits both the environment and their learning. She now teaches science at Silk Hope School, carrying forward her passion for hands-on environmental education with elementary students.

Wendi says the long-term rain garden project raised awareness about water quality and sediment issues while giving students authentic, hands-on learning experiences. “Through water testing and site analysis, students explored real environmental challenges and developed a deeper understanding of human impact,” she explains. “They tested water quality, measured campus surfaces, researched native plants, and used resources like catalogs and agricultural sites to design a garden that supports the local ecosystem.”

The certification program also shifted her teaching. It affirmed and elevated the value of her community-based teaching and strengthened her advocacy for making environmental education essential. “It gave me language and perspective to frame these projects as powerful drivers of student learning and community connection. I also approach teaching with a stronger focus on systems thinking to help students recognize the relationships between human actions, environmental health, and community resilience.” She is now considering becoming a facilitator to expand environmental education in her community.

Wendi says the program also changed the way she views environmental issues. “The program helped galvanize my desire to advocate for teaching environmental issues by understanding them as interconnected challenges that require collaborative solutions. We have much work to do to include consistent environmental learning in all grades in NC, and for it to be incorporated in the science standards with a spiral effect, continually building upon knowledge with each passing year. I’ve also become more optimistic about the role of education in addressing these issues: even small, local projects can spark awareness, build partnerships, and create ripple effects in a community. Now more than ever I view environmental challenges not just as obstacles, but as opportunities to empower learners to contribute meaningfully to their own places.”

Educator Spotlight: Sarah Coffey

 

Sarah Coffey, an air quality educator for the Triad Air Awareness Program in Forsyth County, recently completed the NC Environmental Education Certification. Triad Air Awareness is a local agency partner of the NC Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Air Quality's NC Air Awareness program. Sarah is responsible for providing education and outreach with people of all ages about air pollution issues in our state, but her focus is working with middle and high school age students. In her personal time, she likes to dance and is a certified Zumba instructor. She also enjoys hiking, spending time with her husband, family and friends, and being a dog parent to two adorable pit bulls.

Sarah says her favorite part of the certification program was the incredible people she met through the program and the beautiful places she visited. “I never would have seen as much of our state and become as familiar with all the environmental education sites if it weren't for the certification program. The networking I've done while attending environmental education programs has led to both new friendships and professional relationships including collaborations on new programs! It’s been an invaluable experience.”

Sarah says that an experience that stood out for her was the Ground-Level Ozone workshop in the Smoky Mountains, which strongly influenced her community partnership project and the Project WET workshop at Walnut Creek Wetland Center. "I also enjoyed the online workshops offered through the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and all the programs at Kathleen Clay Edwards Library. A big shout out to Librarian Melanie Buckingham for all the environmental education programming that the library offers to educators, and for hosting Triad Air Awareness for several of our programs."

For her community partnership project, Sarah partnered with the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden staff to create an ozone garden in Kernersville. The garden is part of a partnership between the Ciener Botanical Garden and Triad Air Awareness. “I proposed the idea, developed interpretive signage, and made the species selection. In addition to the implementation of the ozone garden, I hosted an event at the Garden called "Ozone Gardening 101." During the program, participants learned about ground-level ozone, the effects of ozone exposure on people and plants, air quality monitoring and the use of ozone gardens as an awareness tool. They learned how to identify ozone damage, and how we can reduce ozone/air pollution in our communities. They also got hands on experience doing data collection at the ozone garden, which I will continue recording and evaluating overtime.”

Sarah says the ozone garden and related programming give people the opportunity to reflect on ways that they can reduce the activities that contribute to ozone pollution in their communities. “It also helps connect them to the natural world since many of the ozone sensitive species like tulip poplar and black cherry are very common, and they could observe these plants on a quick walk outside or in their own backyard. In addition, the Ciener Botanical Garden is a North Carolina Environmental Education Center and a place where many students visit on field trips and other community members visit for adult programming. The Ozone Gardening 101 Program was eligible for Criteria II, III, and renewal credits, and there were a few attendees who were working towards their environmental education certification who found this program very useful.” Sarah’s work and her project were recently highlighted by a local media outlet, the High Point Enterprise, in an article Kernersville woman shares passion for air quality.

Sarah says participating in the program changed her approach to teaching. “I think the biggest change in my approach has been focusing on teaching others knowledge and skills to come to their own conclusions about an environmental issue rather than telling them what to think. I am sure almost everyone in the program feels the same passion that I do for protecting our environment. It can be hard not to wear the advocate hat at the same time I am wearing my educator hat, but the program has taught me how much more effective it is to provide a quality learning experience for participants to develop their own perspectives.”

She also says the program changed the way she views environmental issues. “I am a trained scientist who had limited experience in the field of environmental education or education, generally, before this position. I am so grateful for the ongoing training that I received through the certification program as I learned the ropes in my role as an air quality educator. I learned to appreciate the role of education even more especially when educating students. Changing attitudes through quality participatory learning is probably the most long-lasting, impactful tool for protecting our environment. Understanding nature not only motivates people to want to save it, but they are also more likely to realize how a deeper connection to nature makes their lives more fulfilling as well. I think I underestimated the power of education before this program.”

Educator Spotlight: Trish Reed

Trish Reed, a former middle school science teacher who has an “encore” post-retirement career as an interpretive park guide with Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. Trish develops and presents a variety of informal and formal programs that educate participants about Grandfather Mountain State Park’s ecological value and its unique flora, fauna, weather, geology and geography.

Trish says her favorite part of the certification program was networking with other educators. “I enjoyed meeting face-to-face a variety of fellow environmental educators including rangers, naturalists, educators, and volunteers who are so passionate and dedicated to their role in educating people about their specific forest, park, reserve, or science center. Everyone I met was highly invested in conserving, preserving and promoting their natural workplace in a positive and enthusiastic manner.”

When asked about an experience that stood out to her Trish says her most memorable experience was her visit to Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in eastern North Carolina. “The conservation work being done there by both staff members and volunteers is impressive and demanding. We were given a tour of the refuge by a delightful, knowledgeable, and dedicated volunteer ranger who drove us throughout the reserve. He pointed out the best locations to view the variety of wintering waterfowl. We had the rare opportunity to witness a murmuration, (a new word for me!), where thousands of tundra swans were flying together in a whirling, ever-changing direction and pattern for half an hour. It was an awe-inspiring moment for me. We also had the rare privilege to see a red wolf in the wild and wandering through the preserve. These were amazing first-time experiences for me that I will always remember.”

For her community partnership project, Trish developed two programs for the residential community where she lives in western North Carolina. “The first program, Living Wild and Wise focused on how our community can live safely with the native wildlife including bears, racoons, foxes, snakes, etc. The second program, What's the Buzz? Native Plants and Pollinators educated residents as to the reasons that invasive plants can harm native gardens and how residents can easily add native plants to their gardens that will also support local insects. Program participants learned about the importance of native wildlife and plants, and how they can support them by making small, easy lifestyle changes at home.”

Trish says the program changed the way she approached teaching. “Participating in the certification program has led me to realize that if we want to educate and effect positive environmental change using the tools of environmental education, it will require a patient, persistent, and gentle approach to influence people's ingrained opinions and lifestyles. I continue to calmly and patiently educate visitors about positive behaviors that will best support our conservation efforts at the nature park where I work. For example, I respectfully remind guests not to pick flowers, stay on designated trails, don't squash insects because you fear them, etc. I've come to realize that some visitors view our nature park more as an amusement park, so they treat it with less respect than it deserves. My goal is to continue to help them understand that these beautiful, yet limited resources, are for everyone to enjoy and participate in the stewardship of this beautiful conservation park.  

When asked if the program changed the way she thinks about environmental issues, Trish says it showed her the importance of environmental education. “Participating in the certification program has made me realize the vital importance of environmental education in the U.S., and the need for a professional certification to ensure that the field has talented and highly trained educators to support and promote it. I've come to understand that many people, whether they come from rural, suburban, or urban areas have a superficial understanding of and appreciation of nature, and the urgent need to support it through preservation and conservation as our nation continues to develop and exploit our limited resources. I believe that our role as environmental educators is important now and is crucial for future generations. As Baba Dioum said, ‘In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.’ My role is to teach.”

Learning the Language of Impact - My Mentorship with the Lady Cardinal Program at DEQ

Guest Blogger, Samara Tarek, Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program

This summer, I’m participating in the Lady Cardinal Mentorship Program, a four-week, full-time internship that places high school girls in state government agencies across North Carolina to explore careers in public service and STEM. Currently, I’m working at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Through this experience, I’ve had the opportunity to explore many different areas of government, education, communication, and science.

Each week, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a different division. I’ve seen how much effort goes into the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the state government running. Whether it’s hiring future leaders, sharing information with the public, or building educational programs, it’s clear everyone I’ve met truly cares about the people and places they serve.

My first week was with the Human Resources division. I worked on a project to help DEQ improve how it connects with students across the state. Right now, DEQ primarily works with select  colleges for outreach and recruiting. Alongside them, my purpose was to help expand that reach.

I created a database of all the colleges and universities in North Carolina and surrounding states. I researched each school’s background, programs, and student communities to help DEQ find connections between those schools and its work. The goal of the project was to make it easier for DEQ to connect with students who may have been out of reach. Especially students at rural or underrepresented campuses who have not heard about state internship or job opportunities before. It felt rewarding  to know this project could help more students access careers in environmental work. 

In the second week, I joined the Public Affairs division. One of my main tasks was reviewing the DEQ website to find broken links, outdated pages, or missing information. I went through a long list of web pages in a database and helped update anything that needed fixing.

Though the task seemed simple at first, beneath the surface, I learned the  importance of communication. A working website helps the public understand what DEQ does and how to access its services. Fixing a link or updating a document may not seem like a big deal, but it makes a real difference for someone trying to get information. This week helped me appreciate how much thought goes into public communication and digital accessibility.

In my third week, I joined the Environmental Education team within Public Affairs. They may be a small group, but the work they do reaches students, teachers, and communities all over North Carolina. What stood out to me most was how personal they made the experience. They took time to ask about what I care about and where I see myself in the future.

I shared my interest in pediatrics and helping underserved communities. They supported me in reaching out to nonprofits and pediatricians at UNC Health and Duke Health, which opened doors I didn’t expect from an internship in environmental work. Those moments showed me how outreach, education, and public service can connect across so many fields, even ones like healthcare.It also made me think more deeply about my own student organization, Akash Choya Shopno, which means Dreams That Touch the Sky in Bengali. I started it to support students in Bangladesh who want to pursue science or medicine but face barriers like limited resources or guidance. We offer free tutoring, study materials, and guest speaker sessions, all led by volunteers.

Working with the Environmental Education team helped me see how much work goes into making programs that actually support learning. It inspired me to find better ways to help students through Akash Choya Shopno.

Throughout the Lady Cardinal program, I took part in several enrichment activities that deepened my understanding of science, leadership, and global connections. At Biogen, I explored genetics through hands-on activities, learning about traits, pedigrees, and how genetic manipulation is used in pharmaceuticals. I also had the opportunity to attend the Governor's Reception at the Executive Mansion, where I met Governor Josh Stein and gained insight into state leadership. Another memorable experience was meeting with students from Algeria, which allowed me to learn about different cultures and exchange perspectives on education and public service.

This internship taught me a lot about how the government works and how many different paths there are to making a difference. I learned new skills, met inspiring people, and found connections between my own interests and public service. It was a meaningful experience that I’ll carry with me moving forward.

If you want to learn more about Akash Choya Shopno or get involved, you can email akashcshopno@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram at @akashcshopno.

Educator Spotlight: Heather Bariso

Heather Bariso, coastal educator for the Bald Head Island Conservancy recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. Heather co-manages the education department with the director of education and helps with program and exhibit design. She provides a wide diversity of programs. “I facilitate programs and tours such as fishing and kayaking experiences, hands-on reptile encounters, and I lead nighttime turtle walks to show the public nesting sea turtles! I am also the caretaker for our ambassador animals. In my free time, I enjoy running, reading and looking at my fish tanks.”

Heather says her favorite part of the certification program was the opportunity to learn and explore. “My certification has taken me to many different education facilities and nature trails around the state. As someone who comes from out of state, it was such a joy to experience all the different natural wonders NC has to offer! My favorite place I was able to visit was the PocosinLakes National Wildlife Refuge where we got to see thousands of tundra swans! On the same journey, we got to visit the Red Wolf Center, and I saw a wolf for the first time! I really enjoyed getting to meet all the wonderful educators who are also working to obtain their certifications. I have made many new friends along the way, and I am so thankful for the connections I was able to make across the state. We were able to bounce ideas off one another based on how we each run our facilities and left each workshop with new programs and skills.”

When asked about an experience in the program that stood out for her, Heather says it was the week-long Environmental Education Workshop at the Eastern 4-H Center in Columbia. “I had just started full-time at my job and was so nervous, yet excited, to get my foot in the door of environmental education. This conference was a fully immersive experience and all my fellow participants were so friendly and wanted to make it a safe space for everyone to learn. Even after the learning ended, our cohort would hike, bird, and explore the surrounding area together which created a very fun learning environment. Seeing firsthand how different everyone's journey and experience has been, really taught me that there is no set way to be an environmental educator and took a lot of the pressure away!

Heather says the experience was even more meaningful because her supervisor, Jennifer Wiggen, the director of education and engagement was also in the process of obtaining her certification encouraged her to join. “We were able to enjoy lots of nature adventures together and fully explore Columbia while visiting every single outdoor park, waterway, and trail it had to offer!”

For her community partnership project, Heather hosted an Earth Day Festival on Bald Head Island. “I partnered with local community organizations and state entities to promote native pollinators and resources that people could implement in their gardens. This included Bald Head Island organizations and visiting organizations like Bee City USA, Sandbar Oyster Company, the Museum of Coastal Carolina, and many more! The event affected the community positively because it allowed everyone to come together and learn in a celebration of pollinators with free resources and activities! We are already discussing how to expand the event for next year to allow for an even bigger celebration.”

Heather says the program also led to changes in her approach to teaching. “When I first started my certification, I was brand-new to environmental education and only had a few internships under my belt. This certification has given me the tools and resources that allowed me to gain confidence in my own teaching. Throughout the classes and workshops, I was given tools to better engage my audience and use language that encapsulates various audiences.”

When asked how the program changed the way she thinks about environmental issues, Heather says it made her more aware of some of the challenges and barriers to environmental education. “One of the challenges that stood out the most to me was accessibility. We try to make our programs as accessible as possible, but the Island itself is not that accessible of a place, especially for those with mobility limitations. Because of the resources I had access to through the course, I decided to modify our birding program so anyone can do it. I even gave a presentation about accessible birding that highlighted the program Birdability, the Cornell Lab’s Merlin birding App, and programs that people can use to bird at home! The certification program really helps offer ways to tackle these issues one step at a time which can then lead into larger scale change.” 

Educator Spotlight: Elizabeth Trott

Elizabeth Trott, the botanical garden and exhibit content curator at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification.

Elizabeth says her goal is to present inspiring, research-based and compelling programs that connect park visitors to the amazing natural resources on the mountain. “We develop and present a variety of daily programs, guided hikes, interpretive tables, and special events. I am constantly striving to enrich our gardens and enhance our overall biodiversity. I always want to increase the educational opportunities in our gardens and make all our educational opportunities accessible to everyone.”

When asked about her favorite part of the program, Elizabeth said it was the variety of programming throughout the state. “I was stunned to find out how many incredible learning opportunities are constantly happening all over our state. I tend to stay up here in the mountains, and this program motivated me to attend fascinating programs in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions. Even though I have finished my hours, I'm still constantly taking more classes just for the enrichment.”

Elizabeth says the experience that stood out to her was a workshop with Brian Bockhahn, regional education specialist for North Carolina State Parks. “When I took the Storytelling in Environmental Education class with Brian Bockhahn from NC State Parks, I was somewhat out of my comfort zone, and I was so glad I took it. Storytelling and that more fun, casual method of engaging with kids is certainly not a strong suit for me, but he gave us so many tools and strategies. It made me branch out and become more comfortable with songs, art and storybooks.”

For her community partnership project, Elizabeth developed a new class called Introduction to Conservation Education in the High Country. “I created the program for folks who are hired seasonally to work in the area – ideally counselors leading summer camps who don’t have previous training in outdoor education and/or the ecology of the area. In this program, we offer a variety of activities to help folks appreciate nature with the kids they’ll be supervising this summer. We introduce them to some of the key plants and ecological concepts of this area, as well as discussing safety in outdoor education, responsible exploration of the natural world, and methods of engaging with students. They’ll run through some of nature journaling and scavenger hunts we find to be engaging, and they’ll be sent off with a list of resources to help them continue to learn and explore nature during their time in the area. I'm hopeful this can lead to an appreciation of the nature and a love of exploration in our mountains taking root in these summer camps and country clubs. If we can give the counselors tools and resources, they'll become environmental educators whether they planned to or not!”

When asked if the program led to changes in the way she approaches teaching, Elizabeth specifically notes the Methods of Teaching Environmental Education workshop. “I took methods workshop just before I started my first environmental education job, and it gave me so many skills and perspectives that were a huge advantage. I know I want to be accessible and equitable in my teaching, but I didn't have the ability to organize my activities in a way that would make it happen. I'm so glad to have been taught to always try to appreciate diversity in learners. I'm also glad for the reminders to constantly strive to make the learning environment productive and safe. It's a constant learning process, not just for the students but for us educators as well.”

She says the program also changed the way she views environmental issues. “I've learned so much nuance about so many issues - recycling, air quality, water cycles, etc. while taking the classes. I've also learned a lot about how important it is to foster a connection - many times even more important than teaching the information.”

📸Photos by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation 

Educator Spotlight: Paige Rans

Paige Rans, an educator for an afterschool program at Piedmont Wildlife Center and a horticulture teacher at Alamance Community College, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification.

When asked about her favorite part of the program, she says it was the workshops. “This was such a fantastic experience all around! I think the best part was going to all the different workshops at different places across the state and even out of the country!”

Paige says the certification experience that stood out to her was the Project Learning Tree Explore Your Environment K-8 Workshop at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. “It's what really drew me in and made me want to learn more and complete this program.”

For her community partnership project, Paige created a reference book for Piedmont Wildlife Center’s counselors. “The resource contains around 26 different environmental education lessons to help teach the campers. The lessons are divided by age and contain all the materials that one would need to complete the lesson. This affects the community by providing a "go-to" for teaching environmental education to young minds with the hopes of instilling the importance of environmental education to adulthood.”

Paige says the program helped her find new resources. “I put a lot of tools in my toolbox! It created the need for hands-on projects when teaching and showed how those types of lessons are the ones that students remember.”

She also says that education is the key to solving many environmental issues. “We need to make people aware of environmental issues, so they understand the need for change.”