Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery to Receive Outstanding Community Partner Award from KAEE
Elizabethtown, Ky., Aug. 8, 2023 – The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) has announced that Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery in Jamestown is the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Community Partner award as part of the 2023 Excellence in EE Awards. Through the awards, KAEE recognizes those best exemplifying dedication, commitment and influence in the field of environmental education (EE).
Since its establishment in 1975, Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, operated by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, has been actively promoting environmental education for students and individuals.
Initially focused on trout production tours, the hatchery's educational efforts flourished with the introduction of the Visitor/Environmental Education Center in 2006. The interactive center offers self-guided tours that enlighten visitors about Kentucky's mammals, birds, fish, endangered species, karsts and pollination.
Attracting nearly 100,000 visitors annually, the impact of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery extends far beyond its local community, reaching across the state and the country. Educational tours and lessons are provided for numerous visiting groups, including over 40 school groups with approximately 2,500 students each year. Younger students often learn about educational animals and conservation, while older students engage in water quality studies at Hatchery Creek, identifying macroinvertebrates in water samples.
Community events further promote environmental education, such as Earth Day celebrations and Outdoor Adventure Day for fourth grade students. The hatchery hosts fishing derbies and partners with environmental educators to offer professional development opportunities, including workshops on climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.
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“KAEE commends Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery for their exceptional commitment to environmental education, making them the deserving recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Community Partner Award,” said Ashley Hoffman, Executive Director of KAEE. “Their dedication to promoting awareness and appreciation for the environment has had a profound impact, reaching beyond their local community and inspiring countless individuals throughout the state and country. Their efforts exemplify the essence of the Excellence in EE Awards, recognizing those who lead with passion and influence in the field of environmental education."
Awards will be presented during the Excellence in EE Awards Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 15 at the Cave Area Conference Center in Cave City, as part of the 2023 KAEE Conference. The luncheon will also include a panel discussion with the award recipients, moderated by the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Dr. Terry Wilson. The luncheon is set for noon CDT.
For more information about the Excellence in EE Awards, visit www.kaee.org/awards. For more information about the 2023 KAEE Conference and how to purchase tickets, visit www.kaee.org/conference.
To learn more about Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, visit www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/wolf-creek.
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About the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education: Since 1976, the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) has been at the forefront of environmental education in Kentucky, promoting and advocating for environmental education at the national and state levels. KAEE's membership includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, including teachers, administrators, government and agency personnel, business and industry representatives, and private citizens. In 2022, KAEE reached 1,268 educators and impacted over 31,000 students through its programs, events, workshops, webinars, and other educational offerings.
