Member Spotlight: Celebrating James Garner, 2025–2026 State Facilitator of the Year

We’re excited to celebrate James Garner, who has been named a 2025–2026 State Facilitator of the Year by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and the Project WILD Program. This recognition highlights not only his dedication to environmental education, but also the energy and care he brings to youth experiences and educator trainings.

James serves as the Outdoor Programs Coordinator with Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, where he creates opportunities for both youth and adults to connect with the natural world in meaningful ways. Since becoming a KAEE Facilitator in 2023, he has quickly made an impact, leading workshops in Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, and Project WET with a style that is thoughtful, inclusive, and deeply engaging.

One of the things that stands out most about James is how naturally he brings learning to life. During a Project WILD training at Camp Shantituck in 2024, he used the surrounding landscape as a teaching tool, turning the camp itself into an extension of the classroom. Participants left not only with new knowledge, but with a sense of excitement and confidence. In fact, several were inspired to continue their own environmental education journeys and pursue additional training, a testament to the lasting impact of his work.

His approach is grounded in a strong foundation of sustainability and respect for the environment. James consistently weaves Leave No Trace principles into his teaching, encouraging others to think not just about what they teach, but how they interact with the spaces around them. This perspective is shaped by his academic background in Sustainability from the University of Louisville, as well as his experiences studying abroad in Costa Rica, both of which continue to influence his work today.

At the heart of it all, James is passionate about helping people find their own connection to nature. Whether through scientific inquiry, creativity, or reflection, he encourages learners to engage with the environment in ways that feel personal and lasting. It’s this ability to inspire curiosity and care that makes him such a deserving recipient of this award.

We’re grateful to have James as part of the KAEE community and look forward to seeing the continued impact of his work across Kentucky and beyond. 

Images by John Nation.

Kentucky Senate Honors KAEE’s 50th Anniversary

This year is a big one for the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE). As KAEE celebrates 50 years of impact, that milestone is now being recognized at the state level through Kentucky Senate Resolution 177 and Senate Resolution 182.

Adopted on March 26, 2026, the resolutions honor KAEE’s long-standing commitment to advancing environmental education across the Commonwealth. What started in 1976 as a fully volunteer-led organization has grown into a statewide network supporting educators, students, and communities through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

Over the years, KAEE has played a key role in shaping environmental education in Kentucky. From helping inform the creation of the Kentucky Environmental Education Council in 1990 to supporting legislation that expanded funding for environmental education and conservation, the organization has consistently been part of the bigger picture. The resolutions also included co-sponsors Senator Gerald A. Neal (D), Senator Matthew Deneen (R), Senator Reginald L. Thomas (D), Senator Robin L. Webb (R), and Senator Keturah J. Herron (D), reflecting a shared commitment to this work across the aisle.

The resolutions also highlight the many ways KAEE continues to show up today, whether that’s through programs like Kentucky Green Schools, professional development opportunities, or partnerships with educators and organizations across the state. Even through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, KAEE has continued to grow and adapt, reaching more communities and expanding its impact.

At its core, this recognition is about people. The educators, partners, board members, and volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy over the past five decades to make environmental education more accessible and meaningful in Kentucky. The Senate specifically commended those individuals and encouraged continued collaboration to keep that momentum going.

Looking ahead, the resolutions also point to what’s next, including KAEE’s 2026 Annual Conference in Lexington this November. It’s a reminder that while this milestone is worth celebrating, the work is ongoing and there are still plenty of ways to be part of it.

Fifty years in, this moment is both a celebration and a reflection of the impact KAEE has had and continues to have across Kentucky.