Excellence in Environmental Education Awards
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Dinner Sponsor
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Congratulations to our 2023 Awardees:
Ben Rich
Montclair Kimberley Academy Outstanding Environmental Educator in Formal Education |
Robert “Bob” Shay Retired, Somerset County Park’s Environmental Education Center Patricia F Kane Lifetime Achievement Award
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Vicky Allen
The Watershed Institute Outstanding Environmental Educator in Non-formal Education (works with the public) |
Awardee Biographies
Outstanding Environmental Educator in Formal Education: Ben Rich of Montclair Kimberley Academy
Ben is an environmental science and physics teacher at Montclair Kimberley Academy for over ten years and serves as the Sustainability Coordinator, Green Roof Coordinator and certified LEED Green Associate. Ben is constantly on the lookout for systems and structures that the MKA community can put into place to improve sustainability initiatives. He brought the Eco-Schools USA program to the school and has led the students in the completion of audits and action plans that have earned them the Green Flag award multiple times. He leads the way in implementing the school’s recycling and composting program and is a tireless advocate for ensuring that the school is as green as possible, from removing invasive tree species, to the use of planter boxes, to the installation of electric car charging stations, to discussions of energy efficient boilers.
He is also active as a member of his township’s environmental committee where he has worked on a variety of issues including climate change and energy efficiency, including chairing their Climate Action Plan. He also leads a group in Northern NJ known as OASIS - Organizing Action on Sustainability In Schools. He frequently participates at the Essex County Environmental Center assisting with special events and getting students involved and motivated about energy efficient vehicles and new technologies for a more sustainable future. Ben is a proponent and early adopter of electric vehicles and frequently travels across the country by EV.
Outstanding Environmental Educator in Non-formal Education (works with schools): Patrick Evans of Greater Newark Conservancy
Patrick Evans serves as the Farm to School Coordinator at Greater Newark Conservancy. In this role, he plays a huge part in facilitating the Farm to School education programs in Newark, NJ. He provides technical support, program resources, and workshops to schools with the goal of creating sustainable farm to school programs that leave a lasting impact in the community. On top of these duties, he helps mentor the FoodCorps Service Members who provide hands-on gardening and nutrition lessons to students in Newark, as well as running the field trips they host at their Outdoor Learning Center for thousands of students to experience yearly.
His work in Environmental Education only began 3 years ago when he started his first year of service with FoodCorps. With no teaching or gardening background, he jumped right into service working with 12 classes between two schools. His students' excitement and enthusiasm to learn really left their mark on Patrick, as once his service ended, he continued to work in his service community at Greater Newark Conservancy striving to connect every student to their food and gardening.
Outstanding Environmental Educator in Non-formal Education (works with the public): Vicky Allen of The Watershed Institute
Vicky Allen joined the Watershed Institute in 2014 as a part time educator. Before joining the Education Dept at the Watershed, she spent 20 years with Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ where she created and directed environmental outdoor programs at the 4 council properties. She oversaw the 3 summer day camps and was the director at the resident summer camp program. Vicky has maintained membership in ANJEE throughout her Girl Scout and Watershed careers. Vicky graduated from VPISU with a BS in Psychology. Vicky is passionate about gardening and teaching about the environment; she loves trees and their stories. When not at the Watershed, Vicky can be found hiking, geocaching, gardening, and creating either bird house gourds or fairy houses.
Outstanding Environmental Educator in Higher Education: Lauren Madden of TCNJ
Dr. Lauren Madden grew up on Long Island, New York, and spent her childhood summers underwater as much as possible. She went on to earn a BA in Oceanography at the University of New Hampshire, MS in Marine Science from the University of South Carolina, and PhD in Science Education from North Carolina State University. Along the way, she worked as a camp counselor, middle school teacher, educational evaluator, and scientist.
For the past 12 years, Lauren has worked in the department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education at The College of New Jersey, where she was promoted to full professor in 2021. At TCNJ, she launched a 5-course minor and 4-course graduate certificate in Environmental Sustainability Education, helping the college to early NAAEE accreditation. TCNJ is the only institution in NJ and one of just 12 programs on the continent to hold this distinction.
Lauren’s work advocates for scientific literacy and the health of our planet through teaching and learning. Her research has been supported by grants from the New Jersey SeaGrant Consortium, National Science Foundation, and US Environmental Protection Agency. She has written a textbook on Elementary Science Teaching Methods along with more than 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. She was named the 2021 Outstanding Science Teacher Educator of the Year by the Association for Science Teacher Education and served as the inaugural iCAN STEM Role Model Award by the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network. In recent years, her work has focused directly on K-5 climate change education, and she was the lead author on the New Jersey School Boards’ Association & Sustainable Jersey For Schools’ Report on K-12 Climate Change Education Needs in New Jersey. Her expertise in climate change education in New Jersey has been featured prominently in many media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, The Guardian, NPR, and the Star Ledger.
Lauren lives in Lawrenceville, NJ with her husband, twin 10-year-olds, dog, and cat. She loves reading, traveling, baking, spending time with family and friends, listening to live music, and watching the New York Mets occasionally win.
Patricia F Kane Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert “Bob” Shay of Somerset County Park’s Environmental Education Center
I was named Robert Sheldon Shay, raised in Somerville, living near a corridor of woods and meadows along Peter’s Brook which became my childhood “stomping grounds” to encounter the natural world. I became so familiar with the plant and wildlife abounding there, that my elementary teachers gave me opportunities to teach fellow students and teachers during school field trips to that site. I knew that teaching about the natural world, which I began at this young age, somehow, would remain fully enjoyable to me, always.
After failing at a family determined pre-med college curriculum, I was at loose ends. I fulfilled the accurate prophecy of a lifelong neighbor, who had said all along, “Bob, you may not be a doctor, but you will become a teacher of nature.” I attended SUNY College at Cobleskill (1964-1966) earning an Associate Degree in applied Horticulture. The faculty recognized my writing ability which prompted me to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Literature at Rider College, (now Rider University,) between 1966-1968 completing a 4-year degree in 2 years! Then Uncle Sam had a more pressing idea: South Vietnam. I was drafted. Remarkably, I became involved in entomology and epidemiology in a preventative medical unit specializing in ascertaining disease vectors, identifying mosquitoes carrying Malaria, and fleas carrying Bubonic plague.
While in South Vietnam, my dad researched how a son with two distinctly different degrees could merge them into a career. This answer came in a local newspaper article announcing the opening of a new, environmental education center in NJ’s Great Swamp, where I was to become employed in May 1970. The focus of my job was to connect with the schools throughout Somerset County introducing EE lesson plans I customized from 1972 – 1986. While working, I earned a GI sponsored Master’s Degree in Environmental Education from Glassboro State College, (now Rowan University.) I studied under Dr. Thomas J. Rillo; called a “Pioneer in the Environmental Education Movement.” Dr. Rillo was a prodigy of Dr. William B. Stapp; called the “Father of Environmental Education.” Dr. Rillo came to Glassboro State College, (now Rowan University,) from the Univ. of Illinois. He taught me ways to incorporate EE into the curriculum. I gained additional knowledge during five years of landscaping experience, on the side.
With a compass in hand and a measuring wheel, I was a leader in designing and laying out trail systems at Lord Stirling Park, Little Brook Sanctuary, and the Sourland Mountain Preserve which have continued to be used to this day for public recreation and education by all age groups. This included designing the Special Use Trail at Lord Stirling Park increasing visitor access. Recreation programs in the parks was another area I provided for all ages, teaching cross country skiing, leading cycling tours, canoe trips, and guided walks to explore the park’s diverse habitats. And there were times when I acted in Living History Programs.
In 1986 , I was promoted to Dir. of Natural Resources based at the Somerset County Park Office with the responsibility of coordinating activities of three Depts. until 1995: Park Rangers, Horticulture, and Natural Environmental Sciences. I then headed Land Acquisition until retirement in 1998. I have authored three poetry books, and am working on a fourth, with many poems based on my observations and thoughts related to the Natural World. Now... at the age of 80, I humbly thank you for this recognition of my lifetime achievement.
Ben is an environmental science and physics teacher at Montclair Kimberley Academy for over ten years and serves as the Sustainability Coordinator, Green Roof Coordinator and certified LEED Green Associate. Ben is constantly on the lookout for systems and structures that the MKA community can put into place to improve sustainability initiatives. He brought the Eco-Schools USA program to the school and has led the students in the completion of audits and action plans that have earned them the Green Flag award multiple times. He leads the way in implementing the school’s recycling and composting program and is a tireless advocate for ensuring that the school is as green as possible, from removing invasive tree species, to the use of planter boxes, to the installation of electric car charging stations, to discussions of energy efficient boilers.
He is also active as a member of his township’s environmental committee where he has worked on a variety of issues including climate change and energy efficiency, including chairing their Climate Action Plan. He also leads a group in Northern NJ known as OASIS - Organizing Action on Sustainability In Schools. He frequently participates at the Essex County Environmental Center assisting with special events and getting students involved and motivated about energy efficient vehicles and new technologies for a more sustainable future. Ben is a proponent and early adopter of electric vehicles and frequently travels across the country by EV.
Outstanding Environmental Educator in Non-formal Education (works with schools): Patrick Evans of Greater Newark Conservancy
Patrick Evans serves as the Farm to School Coordinator at Greater Newark Conservancy. In this role, he plays a huge part in facilitating the Farm to School education programs in Newark, NJ. He provides technical support, program resources, and workshops to schools with the goal of creating sustainable farm to school programs that leave a lasting impact in the community. On top of these duties, he helps mentor the FoodCorps Service Members who provide hands-on gardening and nutrition lessons to students in Newark, as well as running the field trips they host at their Outdoor Learning Center for thousands of students to experience yearly.
His work in Environmental Education only began 3 years ago when he started his first year of service with FoodCorps. With no teaching or gardening background, he jumped right into service working with 12 classes between two schools. His students' excitement and enthusiasm to learn really left their mark on Patrick, as once his service ended, he continued to work in his service community at Greater Newark Conservancy striving to connect every student to their food and gardening.
Outstanding Environmental Educator in Non-formal Education (works with the public): Vicky Allen of The Watershed Institute
Vicky Allen joined the Watershed Institute in 2014 as a part time educator. Before joining the Education Dept at the Watershed, she spent 20 years with Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ where she created and directed environmental outdoor programs at the 4 council properties. She oversaw the 3 summer day camps and was the director at the resident summer camp program. Vicky has maintained membership in ANJEE throughout her Girl Scout and Watershed careers. Vicky graduated from VPISU with a BS in Psychology. Vicky is passionate about gardening and teaching about the environment; she loves trees and their stories. When not at the Watershed, Vicky can be found hiking, geocaching, gardening, and creating either bird house gourds or fairy houses.
Outstanding Environmental Educator in Higher Education: Lauren Madden of TCNJ
Dr. Lauren Madden grew up on Long Island, New York, and spent her childhood summers underwater as much as possible. She went on to earn a BA in Oceanography at the University of New Hampshire, MS in Marine Science from the University of South Carolina, and PhD in Science Education from North Carolina State University. Along the way, she worked as a camp counselor, middle school teacher, educational evaluator, and scientist.
For the past 12 years, Lauren has worked in the department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education at The College of New Jersey, where she was promoted to full professor in 2021. At TCNJ, she launched a 5-course minor and 4-course graduate certificate in Environmental Sustainability Education, helping the college to early NAAEE accreditation. TCNJ is the only institution in NJ and one of just 12 programs on the continent to hold this distinction.
Lauren’s work advocates for scientific literacy and the health of our planet through teaching and learning. Her research has been supported by grants from the New Jersey SeaGrant Consortium, National Science Foundation, and US Environmental Protection Agency. She has written a textbook on Elementary Science Teaching Methods along with more than 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. She was named the 2021 Outstanding Science Teacher Educator of the Year by the Association for Science Teacher Education and served as the inaugural iCAN STEM Role Model Award by the New Jersey STEM Pathways Network. In recent years, her work has focused directly on K-5 climate change education, and she was the lead author on the New Jersey School Boards’ Association & Sustainable Jersey For Schools’ Report on K-12 Climate Change Education Needs in New Jersey. Her expertise in climate change education in New Jersey has been featured prominently in many media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, The Guardian, NPR, and the Star Ledger.
Lauren lives in Lawrenceville, NJ with her husband, twin 10-year-olds, dog, and cat. She loves reading, traveling, baking, spending time with family and friends, listening to live music, and watching the New York Mets occasionally win.
Patricia F Kane Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert “Bob” Shay of Somerset County Park’s Environmental Education Center
I was named Robert Sheldon Shay, raised in Somerville, living near a corridor of woods and meadows along Peter’s Brook which became my childhood “stomping grounds” to encounter the natural world. I became so familiar with the plant and wildlife abounding there, that my elementary teachers gave me opportunities to teach fellow students and teachers during school field trips to that site. I knew that teaching about the natural world, which I began at this young age, somehow, would remain fully enjoyable to me, always.
After failing at a family determined pre-med college curriculum, I was at loose ends. I fulfilled the accurate prophecy of a lifelong neighbor, who had said all along, “Bob, you may not be a doctor, but you will become a teacher of nature.” I attended SUNY College at Cobleskill (1964-1966) earning an Associate Degree in applied Horticulture. The faculty recognized my writing ability which prompted me to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Literature at Rider College, (now Rider University,) between 1966-1968 completing a 4-year degree in 2 years! Then Uncle Sam had a more pressing idea: South Vietnam. I was drafted. Remarkably, I became involved in entomology and epidemiology in a preventative medical unit specializing in ascertaining disease vectors, identifying mosquitoes carrying Malaria, and fleas carrying Bubonic plague.
While in South Vietnam, my dad researched how a son with two distinctly different degrees could merge them into a career. This answer came in a local newspaper article announcing the opening of a new, environmental education center in NJ’s Great Swamp, where I was to become employed in May 1970. The focus of my job was to connect with the schools throughout Somerset County introducing EE lesson plans I customized from 1972 – 1986. While working, I earned a GI sponsored Master’s Degree in Environmental Education from Glassboro State College, (now Rowan University.) I studied under Dr. Thomas J. Rillo; called a “Pioneer in the Environmental Education Movement.” Dr. Rillo was a prodigy of Dr. William B. Stapp; called the “Father of Environmental Education.” Dr. Rillo came to Glassboro State College, (now Rowan University,) from the Univ. of Illinois. He taught me ways to incorporate EE into the curriculum. I gained additional knowledge during five years of landscaping experience, on the side.
With a compass in hand and a measuring wheel, I was a leader in designing and laying out trail systems at Lord Stirling Park, Little Brook Sanctuary, and the Sourland Mountain Preserve which have continued to be used to this day for public recreation and education by all age groups. This included designing the Special Use Trail at Lord Stirling Park increasing visitor access. Recreation programs in the parks was another area I provided for all ages, teaching cross country skiing, leading cycling tours, canoe trips, and guided walks to explore the park’s diverse habitats. And there were times when I acted in Living History Programs.
In 1986 , I was promoted to Dir. of Natural Resources based at the Somerset County Park Office with the responsibility of coordinating activities of three Depts. until 1995: Park Rangers, Horticulture, and Natural Environmental Sciences. I then headed Land Acquisition until retirement in 1998. I have authored three poetry books, and am working on a fourth, with many poems based on my observations and thoughts related to the Natural World. Now... at the age of 80, I humbly thank you for this recognition of my lifetime achievement.
Categories & Criteria
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- Patricia F. Kane Lifetime Achievement Award
Demonstrate the following:- The nominee has shown a commitment to EE activities for most of his/her professional life.
- The nominee is a current resident of New Jersey.
- The nominees EE activities have proven to benefit residents of the state.
- The nominee’s activities have the potential to be used by others in the field as measured by publication and distribution.
- The nominee’s EE activities emphasized and/or practiced the awareness to action process with those for whom the activities were intended.
- The nominee has evolved into a leader in the field of EE, through vocation or avocation.