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.