A Lifetime of Environmental Education: Dr. David Wicks' Journey and Legacy

David Wicks, an Environmental and Outdoor Educator, is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

Dr. Wicks' career in environmental education spans over three decades, beginning in 1979 with a groundbreaking program that would change the lives of countless students across Jefferson County Public Schools. His vision started with Project Innovative Diversion, an Outward Bound-style initiative designed to engage at-risk students through hands-on outdoor experiences. Dr. Wicks spent up to 150 nights a year camping with students in the breathtaking Red River Gorge, guiding them not just through nature but through life-changing challenges.

As the program grew, it expanded into other environmental education (EE) initiatives based at the Blackacre State Nature Preserve and Otter Creek Park. These programs reached as many as 10,000 students annually, fostering a deep connection to the environment. They also provided professional development for JCPS teachers, helping to spread Dr. Wicks’ passion for nature-based learning across the region.

Dr. Wicks' influence extended beyond the classroom. In the late 1980s, as president of the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE), he played a key role in submitting the landmark proposal, "This Uncommon Opportunity: An Environmentally Literate Kentucky." This proposal laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC), ensuring that environmental literacy would remain a priority in the state’s educational system for generations to come.

Today, Dr. Wicks continues to be a force for environmental education and community engagement. He now leads the boards of two 501(c)3 organizations—River City Paddle Sports and Payne Hollow on the Ohio, both of which are dedicated to connecting people with the natural world in meaningful ways.

Dr. Wicks' legacy is a testament to the power of outdoor education and the lasting impact it can have on both students and communities. His work has inspired generations of Kentuckians to not only appreciate nature but to become active stewards of it.

Leading with Impact: Roberta Burnes’ Dedication to Kentucky’s Environmental Future

Roberta Burnes, Division for Air Quality, Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, is the recipient of the M.K. Dickerson Outstanding Educator Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

For the past 15 years, Burnes has been a dedicated leader in Kentucky’s environmental community, working with the Division for Air Quality in a variety of impactful roles. From serving as an Environmental Scientist Advisor to an Environmental Education Specialist and Internal Policy Analyst, Burnes has consistently leveraged her expertise to improve air quality and promote environmental education throughout the state.

One of Burnes' greatest achievements has been curating and sharing air quality education activities with teachers across Kentucky. Through her work, she’s made it easier for educators to access valuable resources, ensuring that students statewide have a better understanding of air quality issues. She’s also played a key role in making public-facing documents more accessible, helping to inform and engage communities across the Commonwealth.

In addition to her work at the Division for Air Quality, Burnes has been an active member of several professional organizations, currently co-chairing the Public Outreach & Information Committee for the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies. Her leadership in these roles helps ensure that air quality and environmental education remain top priorities in Kentucky and beyond.

Within the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE), Burnes' contributions have been equally impactful. She has served on the Board of Directors, earned the Green Community Leader credential, and co-facilitated a series of Climate Education Workshops. She is also the co-chair of the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Community of Practice, a role she has held since its inception, helping to ensure that environmental education is inclusive and accessible to all.

Burnes' dedication to air quality, environmental education, and community engagement continues to make a lasting impact in Kentucky and beyond.

Empowering Young Minds: Rachel Young Receives Rising Star Award for Excellence in Environmental Education

Rachel Young, a naturalist with Jefferson Memorial Forest (JMF) is the recipient of the Rising Star Award for Excellence in Environmental Education.

Young has quickly made a name for herself by developing and implementing innovative curriculum programs that connect students to the natural world in meaningful ways. In her first year in this role, she took on the challenge of creating outdoor-focused educational experiences that blend storytelling with hands-on learning, all while aligning with the Jefferson County Public Schools' newly adopted English and language arts curriculum.

Young launched a Kindergarten program in the fall of 2023, alongside her JMF colleagues. The program was an instant hit, receiving rave reviews from both students and teachers for its engaging content and approach. By designing story-time lessons that incorporated outdoor activities, Young was able to bring new energy to the classroom and help young students connect with nature through play and exploration.

Her background as a high school teacher gave her a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge, enabling her to create an entirely new curriculum for JMF. One of the highlights of her work came last April, when she directed a week of volunteer activities with Mercy High School students. This hands-on experience allowed Young to test several of her newly developed learning modules, which included gamified activities focused on important environmental topics like invasive species, habitat loss and restoration, and the energy web.

The results were impressive: students were actively engaged, moving, laughing, and answering questions as they learned. The interactive, game-based structure of the lessons kept the students energized and motivated, showing just how powerful experiential learning can be when students are given the opportunity to get outside and apply what they’ve learned.

Young's work at JMF has not only helped shape the curriculum but has also inspired a new generation of students to appreciate the beauty of nature and understand the importance of environmental stewardship.