Andersen Middle School, Omaha, Nebraska, recipient of one of three 1999 Education Awards, designed to recognize educational programs that are worthy models for others. Over the last 10 years, the school's Environmental Club and its advisor, Libby Putz, have planted hundreds of shrubs, trees, and perennials on the Andersen campus. They have also created an outdoor classroom, butterfly garden, and a pond to help demonstrate the importance of the environment. Cenla Pride Environmental Museum and Camp, Alexandria, Louisiana, winner of a 1999 Education Award for its education and outreach programs. Cenla Pride, in cooperation with Kisatchie National Forest, the Alexandria Mall, and the city of Alexandria, created a hands-on learning museum free to visitors. For the past five years, the organization has also sponsored Project TreeScope, an urban forestry day camp for at-risk teens, located at the museum. Place Middle School in Denver, Colorado, winner of a 1999 Education Award for its environmental restoration work. Originally built on a landfill and almost bare of trees, the school collaborated with the USDA Forest Service, Denver Parks and Recreation, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife to create an outdoor classroom. Today this space gives students, faculty, and others a place to eat lunch, enjoy the environment, and learn firsthand about environmental stewardship. Leaders in tree planting and environmental stewardship from around the country and world were honored by The Arbor Day Foundation at its 27th annual Arbor Day Awards celebration held in Nebraska City, Nebraska, on Saturday, May 1, 1999. Award winners are recognized for their leadership in the cause of tree planting, conservation, and environmental stewardship. The awards ceremony was part of the annual Arbor Day weekend celebration held in Nebraska City from April 30 - May 2. |