Georgia PLT Outstanding Educator of the Year
If you’ve ever planted a seed and marveled at the way it pushes through soil and blossoms into a new entity, you’ve shared Apryl Milam’s joy. Milam has been named Georgia Project Learning Tree (PLT) Outstanding Educator of the Year. The award is given annually to a PLT educator who goes above and beyond to create engaging learning experiences that foster students’ appreciation for Georgia’s natural resources.
“We’re planting seeds” for lifelong learning, said Milam, the Forsyth County Water Quality Specialist. She delivers hands-on events that create “Aha!” moments for students of all ages through PLT programs. The Georgia Forestry Commission and University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources manage the award-winning environmental education program. It is designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. Its mission is to advance sustainability through forest-focused collaborations,
Milam’s journey to this milestone began in the West, growing up in California, and then moving to Alaska. It was there that she began sharing her love of the outdoors with tour groups venturing to glaciers and other area natural wonders. She built on her experiences when she moved to Georgia in 2007 and began working at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. In 2019 she attended the Teacher Conservation Workshop, then went on to receive certification in PLT’s early childhood curriculum, followed by advanced training. Milam is credited with reaching more than 9,300 youth in one of the state’s largest school districts.
“I was pretty shocked to receive the award,” said Milam, who especially enjoys “introducing city kids to the outdoors.” Whether it’s identifying tree leaves on a forest trail or splashing through an “Adopt a Stream” activity, Milam said she enjoys inspiring young learners and “seeing the lights go on.”
Find out more at georgiaplt.org and GaTrees.org.
