FERGUS FALLS, MN, October 18, 2015 — The Prairie Science Class (PSC), an education partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Prairie Wetlands Learning Center (www.fws.gov/refuge/fergus_falls_wmd) and The Fergus Falls Independent School District 544, was recently recognized by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), a leader in environmental education, as the recipient of one of NAAEE’s hallmark annual awards recognizing leadership in the field. At a special awards reception during NAAEE’s 44th Annual Conference in San Diego, The Prairie Science Class received the award for Outstanding Service to EE by an Organization (Regional Level).

The PSC mission is to explore the prairie pothole ecosystem and manage the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. Teachers from the Fergus Falls district are stationed at the Learning Center, who coordinate instructional activities with their teaching peers at Cleveland Elementary School. The class also has the assistance of Student Conservation Association interns as well as environmental education specialists from the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.

“For more than four decades, NAAEE has promoted excellence and impact in environmental education thanks to the tireless efforts of our members, supporters, and affiliate organizations,” said Judy Braus, Executive Director. “Our award winners represent bright spots across North America that show progress in our field across multiple disciplines and approaches, from teaching and community engagement to research and environmental justice.” 

This year, 11 award recipients — an impressive slate of individuals and organizations from North America —were selected across 11 categories. For more information about the 2015 NAAEE Awards including eligibility requirements and a full list of winners, visit www.naaee.org/our-work/programs/awards.