Leading the Future

Nkauj Nou Vang-Vue

“Taking learning outdoors is an equity strategy — students can show what they know through hands-on exploration.”

As Principal of Lake View Elementary in Madison, Nkauj Nou Vang-Vue champions environmental education as both an instructional strategy and an equity commitment.

Under her leadership, Lake View has developed immersive outdoor learning spaces — gardens, forests, and nature stations — in partnership with families and Groundswell Conservancy. Serving the district’s only Hmong heritage bilingual program, she ensures outdoor learning is accessible and culturally affirming for all students. Her keynote addresses at the Madison Area Green & Healthy Schools Summit have inspired educators statewide. Lake View, once struggling, is now thriving — a testament to her systems-level leadership.

Kimberly Talarico

“Climate education must connect science, health, and equity to truly prepare our students.”

As Climate Education Coach for Milwaukee Public Schools, Kimberly Talarico has advanced climate literacy districtwide. Over four years, she has integrated environmental education into science instruction and developed an eight-module Climate Health & Equity course completed by over 70 educators.

The Medical College of Wisconsin found statistically significant gains in educator confidence and understanding following her course. Kim also supports garden and composting grants, developed experiential science kits, and curated a districtwide Climate Education Collection for K–8 libraries. Her leadership strengthens teachers — multiplying her impact across thousands of students.

Ginny Carlton

“The foundational work continues to support educators across Wisconsin and beyond.”

Ginny Carlton’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Wisconsin environmental education. As one of the original developers of the K–12 Energy Education Program (KEEP), she helped craft the conceptual and curricular foundation that still guides the program today. KEEP has since served thousands of educators and inspired initiatives like LEAF.

Ginny’s leadership spans WAEE, WEEB, NOAA grant administration, legislative reporting, and strategic planning. She has developed university courses, led Project Learning Tree and Project WILD workshops, and collaborated with Sea Grant programs across the region. Her scholarship and governance expertise have shaped green schools efforts statewide.

Waterways Association of Menomonee & Shawano Counties (WAMSCO)

“Through innovative programming and restoration leadership, WAMSCO empowers communities to protect their waters.”

WAMSCO advances environmental stewardship through innovation and community connection. Their mobile environmental education trailer reaches over 1,800 youth and community members annually with hands-on water conservation lessons.

Programs like “Where’s WAMSCO?” — a family-friendly aquatic invasive species scavenger hunt — blend fun and education, drawing over 100 participants in 2025 alone.Beyond education, WAMSCO leads restoration work, including a 10,700-square-foot native planting project and 475 feet of shoreline stabilization at Gibson Island. Their forthcoming community education garden will model sustainable landscaping and stormwater management.

Sarah Vitale

“My work reflects a long-standing commitment to advancing environmental education across Wisconsin.”

Dr. Sarah Vitale, associate professor and hydrogeologist at UW–Eau Claire, has built a career advancing freshwater education across K–12, undergraduate, and public audiences. Since 2018, she has secured 22 grants totaling $1.4 million to support environmental education and water research.

She has taught nearly 1,000 undergraduates, mentored 54 student researchers, led groundwater workshops for educators, hosted environmental science fairs, and connected students to freshwater internships. As Director of the Center for Environmental Research and Scholarship, she strengthens interdisciplinary environmental learning and community engagement. Her work spans drinking water quality, lake health, groundwater storage, and PFAS research.

Amy Workman

“For her sustained two decades of service, her innovative work in ee curricula, and her deeply felt commitment to community and mentorship, Amy Workman is an exceptionally deserving candidate for the Aldo Leopold Award.”

Amy Workman’s career reflects the spirit of the Aldo Leopold Award, a lifelong commitment to connecting people with nature through education, community leadership, and mentorship. For nearly two decades, she has advanced environmental education in Wisconsin through innovative programming, collaborative partnerships, and dedicated service to the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education (WAEE).

As the Director of Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center, Amy’s leadership also extends deeply into her community. She serves on the Baraboo Range Preservation Association, the Baraboo Parks and Recreation Board, and the Baraboo Bike Advisory Council, working to expand conservation efforts and outdoor access throughout the region. Her commitment to collaboration and innovation continues to move the field forward. Recently, she launched a new environmental DNA (eDNA) curriculum highlighted on Wisconsin Public Radio and introduced a climate change education program at Upham Woods. To expand access to these topics, she is partnering with the CWES collection to develop a portable resource box that educators across Wisconsin can use in their own classrooms.

A longtime supporter of WAEE, Amy served eight years on the WAEE Board and played a key role in organizing the organization’s 50th reunion at Upham Woods. Through her leadership, mentorship, and enduring dedication to environmental education, Amy continues to inspire educators and strengthen the field across Wisconsin.