Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge’s senior educator, Erin Kiefer, recently received an award for Outstanding Environmental Educator from the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education, the state’s premiere association for environmental education professionals and teachers.
The criteria for the ANJEE award included the nominee’s ability to develop creative, innovative interpretive materials, activities, programs or facilities with an emphasis and practiced the awareness on action-oriented processes. Kiefer was recognized for her excellence in education at Cedar Run through on and off-site school programs, site tours, guided hikes and camp activities with the goal of engaging and inspiring the next generation. Her vast knowledge of New Jersey’s wildlife and habitats enables her to teach important, engaging lessons about the natural world while maintaining the enthusiasm and interest of her students.
“Effective, high quality environmental education for today’s youth, families and adults is not only extremely valuable, it is a necessity,” states Hugh Carola, ANJEE president. “Our organization believes in recognizing the best in our field so that they can serve as role models for others, whether the instruction takes place in classrooms or labs, in parks or on the streets, at home or in the workplace.”
Kiefer began her work at Cedar Run as an intern in 2009 and quickly became a full-time staff member in the education department. She has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Stockton College. When not working, she enjoys hiking, crafting, photography and rock climbing.
“It has been an honor to work with Erin,” said Cedar Run’s Executive Director, Jeanne Gural, “It’s also been an absolute thrill to watch her grow into the dynamic and charming educator she has become. Erin is truly the type of educator this award was meant to honor. She is one of the most creative and dynamic young people we have working for us.”
Kiefer was recognized at the organization’s awards banquet and ceremony held during their 30th Annual Environmental Education Conference, “ANJEE 3.0: E-STEM Indoors and Out” in West Windsor on Jan. 23. To learn more about the award and the conference, visit www.anjee.net/annual-conference.html.
