Tree Hill Nature Center presents 2009 T.R.E.E. AWARD

Tree Hill Recognizes Environmental Educators (T.R.E.E.) Award honors a local instructor who has uniquely contributed to understanding and awareness of natural science concepts and issues. The 2009 recipient is Carol Wyninger. This award will be presented at Mayor Peyton’s Environmental Luncheon on Friday, April 3, 2009.

Carol was born in West Palm Beach, Florida and grew up in Lake Worth where she graduated from Lake Worth High School. She is a physician with degrees from three Florida colleges: B.S from University of Florida; M.D. from University of Miami; and M.P.H. from the University of South Florida. Following a career in Public Health and Medicine, Carol retired from full-time medical practice. In 1999 she became a Master Gardener at the Duval County Extension Office and in 2002 received its Outstanding Master Gardener Volunteer Award.

At this award ceremony, she first heard of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP). FMNP is an adult environmental education program that consists of three modules: Freshwater Wetlands, Coastal Systems, and Upland Habitats. The classes consist of 40 hours of classroom presentations, videos, and field trips. The program is of benefit to any citizen who wants to know more about Florida’s natural environment, teachers, and those working in eco-tourism.

Carol decided to return to her “roots” with renewed interest and curiosity in the natural world which she had left behind to pursue her medical career. She soon became a Florida Master Naturalist Program Instructor, the very first in Duval County and the third in the NE Florida Region. In 2003, Carol formed partnerships with instructors in surrounding counties and began recruiting new instructors.

By 2007, Carol had expanded the FMNP to Nassau county and formed partnerships with Tree Hill Nature Center, UNF and MOSH. Through her work and dedication, the NE Region has held 24 classes, representing dozens of graduates since 2003.  Her students have graduated from all three modules and through her intervention, the program is now held in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, and Clay Counties with 10 active instructors.

Because of her commitment and dedication to the FMNP, Carol has been honored for her many achievements including:

·      “Rave Review” Award, 2003

·        NE Region  Facilitator, 2004

·      “Instructor Achievement” Award, 2006

Carol has personally trained all of the staff and instructors of Tree Hill Nature Center and its programs have benefited greatly from this infusion of knowledge. Her enthusiasm and dedication to environmental education is well-recognized throughout our state. This modest, unassuming woman has facilitated a one-person campaign to promote greater understanding of Florida’s fragile systems. Carol has challenged her students to discover and appreciate our natural environment and has made a difference in countless lives. As an exemplary environmental educator, the 2009 Tree Hill Recognizes Environmental Educators Award goes to Carol Wyninger.