Fayette Academy teacher named Conservation Educator of the Year

Each year since 1965, the Tennessee Wildlife Federation (TWF) has honored a select group of leaders in the conservation and stewardship of wildlife and its habitat in Tennessee through the Conservation Achievement Awards (CAA).
“These awards celebrate individuals and organizations who have made truly meaningful contributions to conservation in our state,” said Michael Butler, the Federation’s chief executive officer. “Looking across our history, you can see today’s winners building upon the great work of the ones who have come before them, and we are proud to honor their contributions.”
 The 50th annual CAAs were held Friday, June 5, at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville. Presenting sponsors were Bridgestone Americas and Packaging Corporation of America.
Conservation Educator of the Year, presented for outstanding achievement in educating others on conservation, is Donna Burrus, of Fayette Academy in Somerville. Burrus was a driving force in the establishment of Fayette’s recycling program; the creation of Project Wild, a professional development course for every elementary teacher at the school; the design of a bat study project which engages students in bat conservation; the design, funding, and construction of the school’s outdoor classroom; organizing Earth Day celebrations for pre-kindergarten through six grades; and more.