The Lake County Forest Preserves’ Environmental Education Manager, Nan Buckardt, was awarded the prestigious President’s Award from the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). NAAEE is a worldwide network of professionals, students and volunteers that promotes a healthy, sustainable environment through education.
The President’s Award is given annually and recognizes outstanding achievement in environmental education. Buckardt was chosen for her work in advancing environmental education with a unique hands-on workshop that helps environmental educators with no formal education background or training to connect with classroom teachers. The workshop was so successful in Illinois that it was expanded and implemented nationwide.
“Teaching people about nature is core to the mission of the Lake County Forest Preserves,” said Bonnie Thomson Carter, Forest Preserve President. “Talented leaders like Nan are why our award-winning educational programs are so popular and successful.”
Buckardt joined the Lake County Forest Preserves in 1984 as a Naturalist. She was later promoted to her current position of Environmental Education Manager where she has been instrumental in producing award-winning programs for school-age children, including Crane Chronicles. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Master’s Degree in Outdoor Teacher Education from Northern Illinois University. She is also a member of the Environmental Education Association of Illinois. Buckardt and her husband, Al, reside in Deerfield with their three children. |
