Help Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education celebrate excellence!

Know an outstanding educator, administrator, student, student group, eco-justice advocate, WAEE member, or leader in environmental education? Nominate them for a 2026 WAEE Award!

Award Categories include: 

1. Aldo Leopold Award: For WAEE members. Presented for long-term, exemplary service to WAEE and the field of environmental education in Wisconsin. This is the WAEE’s most prestigious honor and is nominated and awarded by the Board.
2. David Engleson Award: For individuals, agencies, and organizations making significant contributions to the field of environmental education as exemplified by David Engleson, founding member of WAEE, author, advocate, teacher, and environmental education leader across the state and nation.
3. Eco-Justice Award: For individuals, agencies, and organizations taking steps to work towards equity and environmental justice in Wisconsin. Presented in recognition of leadership in developing and implementing programs that are inclusive, culturally relevant, working towards equitable internal practices, and representing the diverse communities in our state.
4. Earthguard Award: For schools, youth groups, and college or university organizations. Presented in recognition of student leadership in developing and conducting outstanding environmental action projects. Schools, classes, and youth groups are eligible for nomination. All groups are encouraged to apply.
5. Student of the Year Award: For 6–12-grade and post-secondary students. Presented for outstanding student involvement in the field of environmental education and academic excellence.
6. Educator of the Year Awards: Eligibility: PreK–12 and Higher Education teachers, professionals, and volunteer educators who teach in non-formal settings, and administrators from any education-related facility.
   1. Formal Educator: Presented for outstanding, ongoing effort in infusing environmental education into teaching.
   2. Non-Formal Educator: Presented for exhibiting innovative and exemplary effort in providing environmental education opportunities for general audiences.
   3. Administrator: Presented for providing ongoing support and active involvement in EE in their facility. Administrators of any education-related facility are eligible. 

Nomination Process: 

Nominations are accepted in the fall annually. Nomination packages must include:

• award Category for Consideration (Choose only 1);
• Summary of Achievements highlighting how nominee embodies award criteria (view nomination rubric to learn more); and
• two letters of recommendation.

Self-nomination is allowed.

Submit your nomination by January 10, 2026!

Learn more and see past winners.

Save the date

We are hosting the Celebration of Excellence in Environmental Education Awards Event in style again with an in-person awards event happening on Saturday, April 11 at Escuela Verde in Milwaukee .