Awards

These awards were given April 11, 2026

Finlay­ Johnson Award - the highest award given by the Environmental Education Council of Ohio

This award is in honor of two men, Carl Johnson and Bob Finlay, who were instrumental to the creation, as well as a lifetime of dedication, to the Environmental Education Council of Ohio. The award is presented to an EECO member for making a significant or outstanding contribution to the organization.

Presented to Joshua York (pictured to the right is Mallory Sickle- EECO President)

Nominated by Dough Horvath

Outstanding Environmental Educator in the Field of Formal Education

The award recognizes a preschool, elementary, middle school, high school or college teacher, administrator or curriculum specialist for outstanding contributions to environmental education in Ohio.

Presented to Marisa Saelzler

Nominated by Karen Pryor (pictured to the right is Mallory Sickle- EECO President)

Outstanding Environmental Educator in the Field of Nonformal Education

Each year, EECO presents a nonformal educator for outstanding contributions to environmental education in Ohio

Presented to Jenny Richards

Nominated by Sarah Mill (pictured to the left is Mallory Sickle- EECO President)

The Charley Harper Award:

Charley Harper was a Cincinnati­ based artist known for his wildlife prints, posters and illustrations. In his honor, EECO recognizes artists who have made a significant or outstanding contribution to environmental education in Ohio through various forms of art.

Presented to Cassandra Shawver Dreyfus (to the right is Mallory Sickle- EECO President)  

Nominated by Sue Wintering

Christy Dixon Award - given to a young professional who has contributed significantly to

environmental education in Ohio.

Presented to Stuart Franklin (pictured to the left is Amanda Kriner and to the right is Mallory Sickle- EECO President)

Nominated by Amanda Kriner

Organization Award - given to a business or organization that has made a significant contribution to environmental education in Ohio

Presented to Quarry Farm Nature Preserve

(pictured from the left Martha Erchenbrecher, Laura Coburn, Anne Coburn-Griffis and Mallory Sickle- EECO President.)

Nominated by Bonnie Brooks

Outstanding Volunteer Award - given to a volunteer who has made a significant or outstanding contribution to environmental education in Ohio.

Presented to Ron and Sandy Kelly

Pictured from left - Sandy Kelly, Ron Kelly and Mallory Sickle- EECO President

Nominated by Erin Shaw                                   

Publications Award - given to a publication that has made a significant contribution to the public

understanding of an environmental issue(s).

Presented to the Ohio Stream Guide

Accepting the award is Randy Sanders to the right is Mallory Sickle- EECO President

Nominated by Carolyn Watkins

EECO President's Award- Given to Jason Walker by Mallory Sickle

Lifetime Achievement Award in Environmental Education

Occasionally EECO presents an environmental educator with a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize their lifelong commitment to environmental, outdoor and nature education in Ohio. This is a rare and prestigious recognition given to a member of our EE Community. 

Presented to Julie Stubbs

Nominated by Gia Giammarinaro (pictured to the left is Julie Stubbs and to the right is Mallory Sickle- EECO President)