Robert Finton Outdoor Educator of the Year Award
The MAEOE Robert Finton Outdoor Educator of the Year Award program will recognize an individual who demonstrates leadership and innovation in environmental and outdoor education. Bob Finton personified enthusiasm, innovation, and excellence in the field of environmental education, and this award will honor his memory by rewarding efforts to strive for these qualities. Nominations are due by 5:00 PM on December 9, 2024.
Criteria:
- Recognition should be given to an individual who is a non-formal practitioner of outdoor education and works “in the trenches” as Bob did.
- The nominee can be a representative, either paid or unpaid, of a Maryland outdoor education center, non-profit organization, service organization, resource agency, education-related business, or other organization whose mission is environmental education. (Classroom teachers are not eligible for this award.)
- The nominee should demonstrate innovation and excellence in environmental education programming. Examples could include:
- A highly successful ground-breaking environmental education effort
- Innovation in developing new interpretive or instructional methods
- Development of a program that reaches new audiences or underserved populations
- Work in a program that promotes or increases conservation practices
- Programming that develops and supports a positive stewardship ethic
- The nominee may not be a sitting member of the MAEOE Board of Trustees
The MAEOE Robert Finton Outdoor Educator of the Year Award will be an annual award and will be presented to the winner each year at the MAEOE Conference.
Honoring Bob Finton: A Legacy of Education, Conservation, and Inspiration
Bob Finton’s passion for science and the environment was evident throughout his life. He graduated from Towson State University with a degree in Biology and began his career in the Education Department of the Maryland Science Center. Known for his engaging stage presence, Bob captivated audiences across the state with dynamic and educational performances.
While at the Maryland Science Center, Bob extended his expertise to the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, enriching their summer camp programs with creative and impactful activities. This connection led him to a pivotal role as Education Coordinator with the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland, part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. In this role, Bob promoted environmental education and stewardship while forging a strong bond with MAEOE, where he became a key contributor to planning the annual conference.
In 2006, Bob was posthumously honored as a “NOAA Environmental Hero.” NOAA recognized his profound contributions, stating, “He made a tremendous contribution in elevating the visibility of the reserve system within NOAA and in establishing the Maryland NERR as a premier research and education venue. Finton combined his love for children, the outdoors, and science with an incredible ability to entertain and engage people.”
Bob’s legacy continues to inspire environmental educators and advocates, embodying the power of passion and creativity in making a difference.
Celebrating Past Honorees: A Legacy of Excellence and Impact
- 2024: Bryan Gomes
- 2023: Jenny Houghton
- 2022: Liz Wist
- 2021: Greg Kearns
- 2020: Kerry Wixted
- 2019: Antonia Bookbinder
- 2018: Curtis Bennett
- 2017: Elaine Raesley
- 2016: Tania Gale
- 2015: John Tapscott
- 2014: Kelly Cox
- 2013: Steve Heacock
- 2012: Martha Shaum
- 2011: Rebecca Beecroft
- 2010: Bart Merrick
- 2009: Ruth Eisenhour
- 2008: Andrew McCown
- 2007: Mary Hoy