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Project Learning Tree - Florida

Use the environment to engage children in learning – both outside and indoors.
Project Learning Tree-Florida logo

Project Learning Tree - Florida

Use the environment to engage children in learning – both outside and indoors.

PLT Awards

Project Learning Tree applauds all educators, facilitators, and partners whose efforts make our program successful. Each year, Florida PLT recognizes a Partner, Facilitator, and Educator of the Year for their outstanding contributions to the program.

In 2018, The Bill Kleinhans Spirit of Florida PLT award was initiated and is awarded to an individual, group, or organization that exemplifies the essence of Florida PLT, furthering the mission and goals of the program.

National PLT also awards a Leadership in Education Award annually to recognize those who make significant contributions to advance PLT programs and initiatives at the state or regional level.

Congratulations to the 2024 Florida PLT Award Recipients!

Congratulations to Lara Milligan, 2024 Florida PLT Facilitator of the Year; Heather Bevis, 2024 Florida PLT Educator of the Year; and Weyerhaeuser, 2024 Florida PLT Partner of the Year. Thank you for your dedication to Project Learning Tree and environmental education in Florida!

Lara Milligan, 2024 Florida PLT Facilitator of the Year

Lara Milligan headshotLara Milligan is the Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County at Brooker Creek Preserve and Environmental Education Center, where she plays a vital role in programming, including guided tours, nature hikes, summer camps, podcasts, and the Exploring Environmental Education Curriculum Options (ECO) Educator Workshop. Her dedication to wildlife, water, and environmental education stands out, and she shares her expertise through her blog as well. 

Lara earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in natural resource conservation from the University of Florida and is a graduate of the Leadership Institute. Lara is now the lead facilitator for the ECO Educator Workshop, and this past summer marked the 12th year of the popular week-long training. Additionally, she hosts an engaging PLT training at Brooker Creek Preserve each year, where participants experience hands-on activities such as Make Your Own Paper. Lara’s work exemplifies what PLT represents not only in Pinellas County but across the state of Florida. Her commitment to facilitating environmental education in her community and others has made a lasting impact on educators and students alike. 

Heather Bevis, 2024 Florida PLT Educator of the Year

Heather Bevis headshotHeather Bevis is a seasoned PLT educator who has made a profound impact in early childhood education, bringing young children and their families closer to nature through hands-on environmental experiences. She works as a contractor for the Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, playing a vital role in PLT trainings and environmental education programming. Heather created an early childhood education program to connect the youngest children to the natural world, which has since been replicated at other refuges across the country.

Each month, Heather leads a program called Tots on Trails at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge for children aged 18 months to 4 years and their caregivers. This program empowers parents who may feel uneasy about taking their young children outdoors, helping them become more comfortable and confident while making nature accessible and joyful for many families. In addition to her work at the refuge, Heather brings her nature-based preschool program to various preschools in Wakulla and Leon counties each month, reaching hundreds of young children. Her program includes hands-on PLT activities that introduce children to the natural world, many of whom might not otherwise have these experiences. Heather’s passion for environmental education is truly inspirational, motivating both educators and families to connect with nature and cultivate a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

Weyerhaeuser, 2024 Florida PLT Partner of the Year

Weyerhaeuser has been a dedicated supporter of Florida Project Learning Tree since 2019, providing both financial contributions and personnel that have been crucial in expanding the program’s reach across the state. Their support has enabled FL PLT to provide educational materials to hundreds of educators. It also helped fund a partnership with the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium in early 2024, offering resources and stipends to 22 teachers in an area that has historically been difficult to reach.

Beyond financial support, Weyerhaeuser has also played an active role on FL PLT’s Steering Committee, with past representation from Randy Raczkowski and current representation from Sarah Henry, a silviculture forester. Their involvement includes valuable contributions such as Matt Donovan’s participation in a 2020 virtual training for Levy County teachers, where he helped connect the PLT curriculum to real-world forestry practices. FL PLT is grateful for Weyerhaeuser’s continued support and looks forward to further strengthening this important partnership. 

2023 Bill Kleinhans Spirit of Florida PLT Award

Robert Raze, former chair of the FL PLT Steering Committee, was awarded the 2023 Bill Kleinhans Spirit of Florida PLT Award. Over the last three decades, Robert has played a pivotal role in environmental education in Florida, as well as nationally. He has been an anchor for the Florida PLT program, helping to navigate significant changes over the years, as well as to continue to grow the program’s reach and impact. 

Robert never hesitates to say “yes”, helping with all things Florida PLT, including, notably, a significant growth of partnerships with college and university preservice programs across the state. In 2004 when Robert began teaching as a faculty member in the College of Education at St. Petersburg College, he introduced the concept of professional development for preservice teachers through PLT workshops. Robert shared his passion for environmental education with his preservice students. As one student commented, “Dr. Raze made me realize the importance of including environmental education in my practicum experience.” Kimberly J. Hartman, Dean, College of Education, St. Petersburg College, said, “Dr. Raze is extremely committed to environmental education and his expertise is recognized by his students who always give him the highest marks on their evaluations of his teaching.”

Robert’s list of accomplishments over the years in the field of environmental education is extensive and includes serving on many state and national advisory committees, including the PLT Education Operating Committee, as well as nearly 15 years of service on the FL PLT Steering Committee, becoming vice-chair in 2015 and chair in 2020, before retiring in 2023. But most importantly, Robert’s steadfast commitment to and passion for advancing PLT in Florida is an inspiration to all of us fortunate enough to have worked with him. 

2022 National PLT Leadership in Education Award

Congratulations to Janet Schnauss, Elementary Science Specialist for Duval County Public Schools for receiving the 2022 National PLT Leadership in Education Award!

Janet has been a PLT facilitator since 2015, and from 2019-2021, she facilitated seven PLT professional development events for 133 educators in Florida. Read more here.

 

Past Recipients

Meet past recipients of PLT awards

Nominations for Florida PLT Awards

Nominations for PLT Awards are due each year on June 15. Nominate a deserving partner, facilitator, or educator today! Download a nomination form and email the completed form to the Florida PLT Coordinator.