Nebraska City, Neb.--Andersen Middle School, Omaha, Nebraska, will receive a National Arbor Day Foundation 1999 Education Award at a special awards ceremony to be held here Saturday, May 1. Education Awards recognize educational programs that are worthy models for others.
Andersen Middle School is recognized for its work over the past decade in transforming its campus into a more beautiful and environmentally educational place. During the past ten years Andersen's Environmental Club and its advisor, Libby Putz, have planted 11 trees, 250 shrubs, and 800 perennials. They have also created an outdoor classroom, butterfly garden, and a pond to help demonstrate the importance of the environment.
Representatives of Andersen Middle School will attend the 27th annual National Arbor Day Foundation Awards banquet to receive the award. The ceremony is part of the Arbor Day weekend celebration held in Nebraska City from April 30-May 2.
Others being honored this year include the other 1999 Education Award winners: Cenla Pride Environmental Museum and Camp, Alexandria, Louisiana, recognized for founding a free, hands-on learning museum and day camp; and Place Middle School, Denver, Colorado, honored for creating an outdoor classroom and transforming its campus, which was built on a former landfill.
The National Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit education organization dedicated to tree planting and environmental stewardship.