Ginny Carlton, education outreach specialist, won the WAEE’s Dave Engleson award. (Photo by Bonnie Willison/ASC)
The Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education (WAEE) recently named Ginny Carlton, Wisconsin Sea Grant education outreach specialist, as the winner of the 2026 Dave Engleson Award. The award honors individuals, agencies, and organizations making significant contributions to the field of environmental education. Carlton joins the esteemed company of former award winners like Senator Tammy Baldwin, Tia Nelson, and the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.
“To have my name associated with Dave Engleson’s, especially since many consider him the ‘father’ of environmental education in Wisconsin, is humbling,” said Carlton, who collaborated with Engleson while serving as the administrative specialist for the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board (WEEB).
“This award is special because it honors Dave’s legacy and the aspirations of so many individuals who seek to fulfill the WEEB’s mission of promoting environmental education in all segments of society, setting the stage for ripple effects we may never become fully aware of,” she said.
Carlton joined Sea Grant in 2019 and is responsible for developing, delivering, and evaluating Great Lakes and water science literacy programs for students and teachers across the state. Some of her notable projects include a play about marine debris, workshops for university students and faculty about fashion and microplastics, and recently, a coastal engineering curriculum for middle school students.
Her work in environmental education, however, spans decades. Prior to Sea Grant, Carlton developed online courses for conservation professionals with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension Natural Resources Institute. She was also a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, providing environmental education training to those seeking to become classroom teachers, and was one of the original developers of the K-12 Energy Education Program, a foundational curriculum and set of professional learning resources that continue to guide educators across the state.
“Ginny Carlton’s contributions embody the core values of the Dave Engleson award: leadership, collaboration, support for educators, and a strong dedication to advancing environmental education in Wisconsin,” said the WAEE in a statement about Carlton. “Her impact is evident not only in the programs she has created but also in the educators she has mentored and inspired. With keen attention to detail, she brings a thoughtful perspective to activities and discussions that help propel the work forward.”
We couldn’t agree more. Congratulations, Ginny!
