A Columbus, Ga. educator is being recognized for her enthusiastic leadership in environmental literacy and stewardship. Lauren Johnson of Columbus State University (CSU) has been selected as the 2025 Georgia Project Learning Tree (PLT) Outstanding Facilitator of the Year. This award honors the exceptional service of a PLT facilitator who goes above and beyond to foster learning about, and care for, the natural world.

            Johnson is the Assistant Director and Program Manager at Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center at CSU. She said she originally “found her calling” while working at the Alabama 4-H Science Center before going on to serving in the Peace Corps, getting a Masters in Environmental Education, and then a  Doctorate in Education. In addition, she worked for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ state park system. She earned certification as a PLT Facilitator in 2008.

            “Lauren has led more than 22 PLT events and provided high quality training to nearly 400 educators,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Education Specialist and PLT Georgia Co-Chair Chelsea York. “Beyond workshops, she has served the Georgia PLT Steering Committee and represented our group on the national level. In every task, Lauren has been a trusted voice and helped elevate our mission in the broader environmental education community.”

            Johnson enjoys meeting former students who’ve followed in her footsteps, becoming educators in environmental science. “The curriculum from PLT is so pliable,” said Johnson. “I pull from it all the time and use many of the activities. I hope the passion I have about the environment continues to inspire other teachers and the students for a long time.”

For more information about Project Learning Tree and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.