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 $2,000 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.
2019 Nominations to Open October 2018
Starting in October 2018, the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Appalachian Laboratory will be accepting nominations for the 2019 Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award. Individuals, organizations or projects are eligible for nomination. Nominees should have made significant contributions in environmental education in Allegany or Garrett Counties.
The Johnson Environmental Education award honors those who mentor and inspire our citizens and future leaders in environmental science and stewardship; recognizes excellence in environmental education and in research and public service that support environmental education; and enhances environmental education opportunities for students of all ages. The recipient will be honored in an April ceremony and will receive a plaque and monetary award to advance the environmental education efforts of his/her choice.
To nominate a community member, organization, or project for the Johnson Environmental Education Award please use our nomination form (Form will open in October 2018). If you have any questions, please contact Rhonda Schwinabart, Coordinator of External Affairs, at 301-689-7102 or rschwinabart@umces.edu.
2018 Richard Johnson Environmental Education Award Winner: Liz McDowell
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES)-Appalachian Laboratory is pleased to announce Liz McDowell as the 2018 recipient of the Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award. McDowell has served as a naturalist and resource biologist for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, environmental specialist for the Maryland Department of the Environment, and science teacher at Northern Garrett High School. Additionally, she has written many articles and offered numerous classes, field trips, and public programs on a variety of environmental topics, including her passion: native plants. She has generously given her time and expertise to local environmental groups and events including the Maryland Native Plant Society, Friends of New Germany State Park, Mountain Laurel Garden Club, Northern Garrett Envirothon Team, and the Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival, which she founded in 2014.
