Garden Club committee receives Richard Johnson Environmental Education Award

The Appalachian Laboratory of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) recently presented the Conservation Committee of the Mountain Laurel Garden Club (MLGC) with the 2026 Richard A. Johnson Environmental Education Award.

“For nearly 30 years, the Appalachian Laboratory has recognized outstanding environmental educators in Garrett and Allegany Counties through the Richard Johnson Environmental Education Award,” said Dr. David Nelson, Appalachian Laboratory Professor and Director.

“Like previous winners, the MLGC Conservation Committee excels in the practice of environmental education, cultivating deep connections to the natural world, inspiring us to become better stewards of our planet, and providing us the skills and knowledge necessary to be those stewards. This commitment to stewardship and to continued environmental learning makes the Conservation Committee the perfect choice for this year’s award.”

The MLGC Conservation Committee, under the leadership of Linda Harris, routinely engages K-12, college, and community learners through varied educational activities, including workshops, planting events, and garden tours, teaching participants about the significance of native plants, pollinator protection, environmentally responsible gardening practices, and environmental stewardship. In support of these initiatives, they actively partner with numerous organizations, including the University of Maryland Extension, the Maryland Native Plant Society, the Hickory Environmental Education Center, Maryland Forestry, the Discovery Center at Deep Creek State Park, Sang Run State Park, Yough Glades Elementary School, Friendsville Elementary School, and Garrett College.

Since 2012, the Conservation Committee has designed and planted many native plant pollinator gardens, rain gardens, wetlands, and meadows. As part of the Maryland 5 Million Tree Initiative, members designed and planted over 200 native shrubs and trees on the Garrett College campus, earning the campus a “Tree Campus” designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. Many of these projects were funded through grants secured by committee members.

“We are fortunate to live in a place like Garrett County where conservation and environmental awareness are a way of life. In that I see an opportunity for education and service to our community,” said Linda Harris, MLGC Conservation Committee Chair.

“We have come to know many amazing partners. They call on us to help them solve problems in their state parks or school grounds. I love that they know we can fix their problems with plants, and that we are always open to their requests. These are the things we thrive on – helping our community partners and collaborating with them on projects. We are grateful for our exceptional community and appreciate the recognition of this important award.”

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 Conservation Committee’s ongoing environmental education activities. The award’s endowment was established through inaugural leadership gifts from AES Warrior Run, Alliance Resource Partners (Mettiki Coal), and First Energy, and over the past two decades, the steadfast support of additional donors has preserved and expanded this philanthropic legacy. 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 Allegany County Public School teachers Matt Kline (2025) and Annie Stark (2023), Allegany College of Maryland Forestry Program Director Marie Miller (2024), and retired professional forester and local historian 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 2027 will open in March 2027.