BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland Zoo has long been a leader in environmental education, teaching generations of students and families how to protect wildlife and wildplaces. Earlier this spring, the Zoo was awarded a “Maryland Green Center” designation by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE).
The Zoo received this certification after demonstrating its continuous effort to integrate sustainable environmental management practices, environmental education curriculum, professional development opportunities, and community engagement into its daily operations. The award signifies its commitment to developing stewards of the earth and reducing the community’s impact.
“Green Schools provide engaging and effective instruction by integrating environmental learning across all subjects. The results are powerful – we see students leading composting programs, conserving energy, joining environmental clubs, and advocating for what is important to them. These stories give us hope. They remind us that when young people are empowered with knowledge and a connection to the world around them, they become the changemakers we need – not just for the future, but right now,” said Laura Johnson Collard, Executive Director of MAEOE.
“As a Green Center, Maryland Zoo sets a powerful example of what it means to care for our planet,” said Amanda Fabian, Senior Director of Conservation Education at the Maryland Zoo. ”And, we empower schools across the region to do the same.
With this designation, there are now 40 Green Centers and 693 active Maryland Green Schools across the state.
Learn about Maryland Zoo’s educational programming and its sustainability practices.
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