Carly Wise is one of three educators who were recently recognized for their dedication and passion to environmental education. At the 2025 AEEA Conference, Carly was presented with an award for being an Outstanding Environmental Educator in Formal Education. Pictured above Carly Wise presented with Outstanding Educator Award by AEEA Board President, Monica Woods. Heather Pitman, AEEA Board Member, made the award announcement.
Learn more about Carly below.
by Stephanie R. Lewis
Inspiration
Carly Wise’s journey into outdoor education is shaped by a series of meaningful experiences that have left lasting impressions. From the mentorship of a passionate teacher to memories of wonderful childhood adventures, her story illustrates the power of connection with nature and with those who guide us.
In Carly’s early years as a teacher, she was fortunate to have a remarkable mentor, Heather Pitman. While Carly taught fourth grade, Heather was the fifth-grade science teacher who introduced her to the joys of teaching science and the outdoors. “Heather was the best science teacher!” Carly recalls. But it wasn’t just Heather’s expertise that left a lasting impact. She was also a source of endless encouragement, inspiring both Carly and her students.
Advice to Someone Who Wants to Explore the Outdoors
Carly believes in getting connected with others who share a love for nature. Social media groups, local organizations, and community events offer opportunities to learn, and discover new ways to engage with the environment.
Connection to the Outdoors Growing Up
Carly’s connection to the outdoors was influenced heavily by her grandpa Da. He had dedicated many years of his life as the director of the Arkansas State Plant Board. It was the adventures he shared with Carly that left a lasting imprint on her. “I was always outside,” she reflects, “but my adventures were different because of him.” From testing fire ant pesticides behind a toy store to collecting grasshoppers on sprawling farmland in Lonoke, Da turned every outing into an opportunity to learn and explore.
One of Carly’s fondest memories was collecting over 300 different species of grasshoppers for a college project her cousin was working on. The excitement of the hunt was matched only by the mishap that followed. They had soaked the bugs in alcohol and acetone, which resulted in an unfortunate spill that ruined her grandparents’ dining room table. Despite the chaos, it was the thrill of experimentation that Carly remembers most.
Her childhood wasn’t just filled with scientific exploration, it was also a time of simple pleasures in the outdoors. Carly fondly remembers planting flowers with her grandfather, particularly snapdragons, whose bright colors and unique shapes captivated her as a child. As she grew older, she developed a love for sunflowers, drawn to their towering presence and the warmth they symbolized. Summers spent fishing at the lake and swimming at Lakewood Pool with friends further deepened her connection to the natural world. “Those were carefree days,” Carly recalls, “filled with laughter and sunshine.”
Advice for New Environmental Educators
“Ask for help.” Carly says, “Find other educators with similar interests and make a plan.”
Through collaboration, Carly has been able to host school-wide recycling events with the help of organizations like Recycle Saline and the support of her school’s administration. One of her most successful projects was a recycled art initiative with the school’s art teacher, culminating in a large bottle cap mural that celebrated sustainability in a creative way.
Carly’s journey as a teacher and as a lifelong lover of the outdoors shows the importance of mentorship, community, and exploration. Her story is a reminder that the outdoors holds endless opportunities for discovery, and with the right guidance and collaboration, we can inspire future generations to connect with nature and with each other in meaningful ways.
