Calgary, AB – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Southern Alberta (CPAWS SAB) received the Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) award of excellence for Outstanding Non-Profit Organization for environmental education August 27th. Each year, EECOM recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to environmental learning across Canada.  This work is critical to ensure Canadians are environmentally literate, engage in environmental stewardship and contribute to a healthy, sustainable future. Anne-Marie Syslak, Executive Director for the chapter is thrilled with this accomplishment. “We are honoured to receive this prestigious national award.  Connecting with and understanding the natural world is integral to foster appreciation and caring for the environment.” Since 1997, CPAWS Southern Alberta has been engaged in environmental education, offering school based and adult education programs and hikes. Albertans connect with conservation programs such as species at risk like grizzly bears, trees and forests, water, and parks and wilderness. Their unique programs combining classroom visits with outdoor learning and environmental stewardship have proven to be a successful model. In 2008, they won an Alberta Emerald Award for their efforts.  In 2015, they had surpassed over 100,000 participants reached.  Each year, CPAWS SAB delivers more than 300 programs to over 5000 participants.  Their curriculum linked school programs are designed for grades 2-12. “Our education programs really focus on science, experience and stewardship” says Jaclyn Angotti, Education Director for CPAWS Southern Alberta. “Conservation becomes more meaningful with hands-on learning. Multiple visits and getting students outside are key to bringing learning alive and to our success.” A key component to all the CPAWS programs is the Action Challenge where students or classrooms are invited to engage in positive environmental stewardship initiatives.  CPAWS SAB celebrates action projects and gives out their own awards of excellence at the end of each school year. “It’s inspiring to see when given the opportunity, how much youth care,” says Angotti. “Receiving the EECOM award reflects the great efforts made by our incredible staff, volunteers and funders over the years who support environmental learning and understand the importance of building the next generation of environmental stewards in Canada,” says Syslak. CPAWS provides educational programs for school groups, educators, community groups and new Canadians. For more information, visit cpaws-southernalberta.org/campaigns/education. To support environmental education, visit CPAWS donation page.   -30- Media contacts: Jaclyn Angotti, Education Director 403-232-6686 Anne-Marie Syslak, Executive Director 403-827-4562 Learn more about EECOM awards of excellence Visit the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Southern Alberta Chapter website