FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 4, 2026

Contact: Sarah Grove
(303) 273-9527 ext. 703
[email protected]

The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) has announced the annual Awards for Excellence in Environmental Education (eeAwards). Guided by this year’s theme, Common Roots: Diverse Perspectives for a Sustainable Future, these awards honor the educators, organizations, and programs that are advancing environmental literacy throughout Colorado. By sharing these stories, CAEE aims to not only honor the dedication of these leaders but also inspire others to active stewardship, demonstrating that environmental and outdoor learning is a powerful tool for building a healthier, more sustainable future for Colorado.

At the forefront of this year’s recognitions, Katie Navin will receive CAEE’s highest distinction—the 2026 Enos A. Mills Award for Exemplary Contributions to Environmental Education. Throughout her distinguished career, including her transformative tenure as the Executive Director of CAEE, Katie has been a tireless champion for environmental literacy and outdoor learning in Colorado. Her visionary leadership has bridged communities, fostered statewide collaboration, enabled the passage of key environmental education legislation, and built systemic support for educators across the state. Under her guidance, CAEE has grown into a powerful hub for diverse perspectives to come together, connected by our common roots of environmental stewardship.

“For over 17 years, Katie has been the heart and driving force behind CAEE’s work to strengthen environmental education across Colorado,” said Kathryn Venzor, President of the CAEE Board of Directors. “Her passion, vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment have inspired and engaged our communities with the outdoors for generations to come. Though no single recognition can fully convey our networks’ gratitude to Katie or the depth of her contributions, the Enos A. Mills Award is a fitting tribute to the legacy she built for Colorado and beyond.”

The following organizations and individuals were also selected as 2026 award recipients for their innovative, inclusive, and collaborative initiatives:

Advancing Environmental Literacy Awards 

• Mountain Studies Institute 
• Becca Hatheway & UCAR Center for Science Education

Innovative EE Program Awards

• Outdoor Homeschool Enrichment, Bluff Lake Nature Center
• Foley Graduate Fellowship, Walking Mountains

Outstanding Environmental Educator Award

• Ben Webb, Cal-Wood Education Center

Outstanding Young Environmental Leader Awards

• Aisha O'Neil, Good Trouble Climate Network
• Lucas Gambone, Volunteer for Outdoor Colorado

“Though our awardees work within different communities and contexts, each one embodies the belief that all Coloradans deserve access to natural spaces,” said Lauren Gibson, Executive Director of CAEE. “They push our field forward in our efforts to bring environmental education to new audiences, and we are so grateful for their leadership by example.”

These individuals and programs will be recognized for their contributions to environmental and outdoor learning on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during CAEE’s Annual Advancing Environmental Education Conference.

For more information, visit caee.org/awards or contact CAEE at [email protected].

About the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) 

Environmental and outdoor education experiences are like charging stations that power up learning and enhance skills that will help Coloradans care for our world and sustain it for future generations. For over 30 years, the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education has been supporting the network of over 850 educators in classrooms, nonprofits, nature centers, government agencies, higher education, businesses, and more who build these experiences with opportunities for professional development, generating and sharing new ideas, and community support.  Together, we are wiring up an extensive circuitry of rich contexts and collaborators in environmental and outdoor learning that support ALL schools, families, and communities across Colorado. To learn more about the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education visit www.caee.org.