Congratulations to our 2025 Excellence in Environmental Education Award Winners
Each year, VAEE recognizes leaders who are advancing environmental literacy across Virginia through innovation, dedication, and service.
Our 2025 award recipients represent impactful programming, transformative teaching, sustained advocacy, and emerging leadership. Together, they are strengthening environmental education across the Commonwealth.
Environmental Education Program of Excellence
Elizabeth River Project
The Elizabeth River Project exemplifies what excellence in environmental education looks like in action.
Through hands-on field investigations, deep community partnerships, and measurable environmental outcomes, ERP empowers thousands of students and teachers each year. Their programs integrate rigorous science with real-world restoration efforts, including wetland planting, oyster cultivation, waste reduction, and watershed stewardship.
By connecting learning directly to ecosystem restoration, the Elizabeth River Project demonstrates how education can drive meaningful environmental change.
Page Hutchinson Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year
Emalee Owens
Emalee Owens is a transformative force in nature-based learning.
Her leadership has inspired an entire school community to embrace outdoor exploration, inquiry, and stewardship. Through interdisciplinary experiences such as acorn-ink writing and reflective nature journaling, she helps students form joyful, lasting connections with the natural world.
Emalee elevates student voice, supports colleagues, and models inclusive, developmentally rich environmental education every day.
Exemplary Service to Environmental Education Award
Robin Didlake
Robin Didlake’s dedication has strengthened environmental education across multiple counties and countless classrooms.
A tireless advocate for teachers and students, Robin has led statewide curriculum initiatives, supported Environmental Literacy Plan development, mentored educators, and expanded access to high-quality environmental education programs.
Her impact is deep, sustained, and far-reaching.
VAEE Under 25 Award
Jessie Freeland
Jessie Freeland represents the future of environmental education.
She has delivered more than 180 conservation lessons, reached thousands of learners, expanded programming across schools and libraries, and helped launch Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences in her district.
Her leadership in youth engagement, community outreach, and conservation partnerships reflects both passion and professionalism well beyond her years.
Celebrating Leadership Across Virginia
These award recipients remind us that environmental education thrives because of committed leaders at every level. From nonprofit organizations to classroom educators to emerging professionals, their work advances environmental literacy and strengthens communities throughout Virginia.
Congratulations to our 2025 Excellence in Environmental Education Award winners. We are proud to celebrate your impact.
