September 23, 2025
Pictured left to right: Dr. David Nelson, UMCES Appalachian Laboratory Director; Matthew Kline, 2025 Richard Johnson Environmental Education Award winner; and Dr. Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, UMCES President
The Appalachian Laboratory of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science recently named Matthew Kline, science teacher at Mount Savage Middle School, as the 2025 winner of the Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award.
“Dr. Richard Johnson was a committed champion of educational experiences designed to inspire environmental stewardship in future generations,” director and professor of the UMCES Appalachian Laboratory Dr. David Nelson said. “The award we give in his name reflects that commitment, and for three decades, it has recognized and supported the valuable, often overlooked, work of more than twenty-five environmental educators in western Maryland, including K-12 teachers, college instructors, natural resource professionals, and volunteers. ”
“This year’s celebration is especially meaningful for us, as we are recognizing the accomplishments of Mount Savage Middle School science teacher Matthew Kline, who, before becoming a teacher, studied and worked at the Appalachian Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Ray Morgan. While our selection committee of past winners and community members chose Matt as the 2025 winner of the Richard Johnson Environmental Education Award, as his alma mater, we take great pride in his career accomplishments,” Nelson added.
Kline’s interest in the outdoors started at a young age while hunting and fishing with his father. Inspired to pursue a career in biology, he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Biology from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. Following his timeat the UMCES Appalachian Laboratory, he went on to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from Frostburg State University and began teaching with the Allegany County Public Schools.
In addition to teaching science classes at Mount Savage Middle School, Kline also oversees the school’s agriculture program. Under his leadership, the agriculture program has grown from a few raised-bed gardens to include sixteen bed gardens, an apiary of sixteen beehives, an orchard, a high tunnel, and aquaculture and aquaponics projects. Students participating in the program also raise chickens and quail. Through participation in Kline’s agriculture program, students learn about animal husbandry, sustainability, and responsible land use practices. Thanks to the students’ efforts, members of the community have the opportunity to purchase eggs, honey, and vegetables produced and harvested through the program.
“My work as a biologist prior to becoming a classroom teacher provided me with hands-on, real-world experiences that I use and share with my students,” Kline said. “I want my students to develop the same respect and appreciation for the environment I did in those early outdoor experiences with my dad. Receiving this award in recognition of these efforts is truly an honor.”
The Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award provides $2,500 to support further environmental education activities of an organization selected by the winner. This year’s award will support the creation of a nature trail adjacent to Mount Savage Middle School that will add a maple syrup production area to the school’s agriculture program. The endowment supporting the award was made possible through the generous support of AES Warrior Run, Alliance Resource Partners (Mettiki Coal), First Energy, and numerous other donors over the past two decades. A committee of past winners and community members review nominations and select a winner each year.
Recent recipients of the Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award include Marie Miller (2024, Allegany College of Maryland) Annie Stark (2023, Allegany High School), and Francis “Champ” Zumbrun (2022). To learn more about the award and past recipients, contact Rhonda Schwinabart, Coordinator of External Affairs, at 301-689-7102 or rschwinabart@umces.edu or visit www.umces.edu/al/johnson-environmental-education-award.
Nominations for the 2026 award will open in March 2026.
