Johnson Environmental Education Award

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.