Nominations Now Open for 2025 Award
Dr. Richard A. Johnson
Nominations for the Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award are now being accepted. Deadline for nomination is Friday, April 4, 2025. Nominations can be submitted through email to Rhonda Schwinabart at rschwinabart@umces.edu or via the web form.
The Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award honors those who mentor and inspire future leaders in environmental science and stewardship; recognizes excellence in environmental education and in the research and public service that supports environmental education; and enhances environmental education opportunities for students of all ages. Winners receive a monetary award intended to support continued environmental education activities and are recognized at a ceremony and reception held in August,
Nominees are limited to those who have made a noteworthy impact on environmental education in Allegany and Garrett Counties in Maryland. Please see information posted below to learn more about past winners.
Nominators will be invited to attend an informal meeting with the selection committee following the close of the nomination process.
Please contact Rhonda Schwinabart at 301-689-7102 or rschwinabart@umces.edu with any award-related questions.
Submit a Nomination
2024 Winner: Marie Miller
Marie Miller, 2024 Richard Johnson Environmental Education Award winner
Marie Miller is an Associate Professor and the Forestry Program Director at Allegany College of Maryland in Cumberland, Maryland. A native of Allegany County, Marie fostered a love of the outdoors growing up on her family’s farm in Flintstone. Throughout high school, Marie was active in FFA, Envirothon, and attended the Natural Resources Careers Camp which introduced her to career opportunities in natural resources and also helped develop leadership skills.
Upon graduation from high school, Marie completed the forest technology program at Allegany College of Maryland, earning her Associate of Applied Science Degree and then transferred to West Virginia University for her Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources Management. During college, Marie worked several different positions with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service and Park Service which allowed her to meet and be mentored by many different professionals. Marie began employment with Allegany College of Maryland as the forestry technician and earned her Master of Natural Resources degree with a certificate in Geographic Information Systems through Oregon State University E-Campus while working full-time. Eventually Marie gained a position as an associate of professor before becoming the forestry program director in 2018.
In addition to teaching responsibilities at ACM, Marie works tirelessly to promote forestry and natural resources to the local community. Marie is a major supporter of FFA in Allegany County, serves on the county Agriculture Program Advisory Committee, and hosts the MD State FFA Forestry CDE yearly. She also regularly delivers forestry-related programs for people of all ages, from elementary school to adult learners. Marie has been a presenter at Maryland’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman and Maryland Master Naturalist Program, is the Chair of the Allegany County Forestry Board, a member of the Society of American Foresters, curriculum coordinator for the Natural Resources Careers Camp, and is active in the Flintstone School PTA. Marie is always looking for opportunities to partner with the community on projects that will provide valuable skills and career exploration opportunities for young people.
About the Johnson Award
The Environmental Education Award honors the memory of Richard A. Johnson, a well-known orthopedic surgeon in the Allegany County area. He passed away in 1990 leaving a legacy of a caring and dedicated physician, family man, and naturalist. The Laboratory honors his memory through its promotion of environmental education and the people who excel in its practice.
The endowed fund usually provides a $2,500 annual award to recognize local citizens who directly contribute to environmental education. The award, which is meant to aid ongoing environmental education efforts, may be given to individuals or to organizations. The award committe intends for the true beneficiaries to be the students of our community who learn from the activities of the environmental education programs.