Alabama Extension Specialist Nancy Loewenstein has received the 2018 Leadership in Education award presented by Project Learning Tree, one of only five recipients at the PLT’s recent 32nd International Coordinators’ Conference, in Cody, Wyoming.
Project Learning Tree, or PLT, is an environmental education program that educates teachers and youth about forests and the environment. The award recognizes people and also organizations who make significant contributions in their state to PLT and youth environmental education. In Alabama, the Alabama Forestry Association coordinates PLT.
“Dr. Loewenstein’s efforts in environmental education programs have made a big impact in Alabama,” Alabama Cooperative Extension System Director Gary Lemme said. “I, and all of our Alabama Extension family, are proud of Nancy’s accomplishments and also that Project Learning Tree recognized her hard work.”
Loewenstein received the award for her promotion of environmental education. She has played key roles as a teacher, facilitator and leader through Alabama Extension and other groups, and she serves on the Alabama PLT Steering Committee and Alabama Invasive Plant Council as well as others.
“Environmental education helps students understand the role the environment plays in their lives,” said Esther Cowles, senior director of Project Learning Tree. “Nancy brings these ideas to life and equips people with the knowledge and also the skills to meet 21st century needs.”
For more than five years, Loewenstein has helped plan workshops for students, landowners, 4-H volunteers and others throughout Alabama. As an invasive species specialist, Loewenstein integrates PLT’s activities related to invasive species in her outreach programs for natural resource educators and also students.
“I am honored to receive this award from PLT,” Loewenstein said. “It’s been an honor to work with PLT staff in Alabama to bring environmental education to natural resource educators as well as students across the state.”
About Project Learning Tree:
Project Learning Tree’s mission is to advance environmental literacy and also promotes stewardship through excellence in environmental education, professional development and curriculum resources that use trees and forests as windows on the world. For more information, visit Alabama PLT’s website.
Originally published June 18th, 2018.
(Written by Justin Williams)
