Congratulations to EENC’s 2026 Mini-Grant Awardees

Written By Brooke Wilson, EENC Board Member At-Large

EENC is so proud to be able to offer mini-grants for the 8th year in a row!

There were so many wonderful project proposals this year. We are excited to award grant funds to six members who will receive funds totaling just shy of $1,000. This means that the total awarded grant funds spanning over the last 8 years have reached over $14,000. This was all used in direct support of the creative ideas, professional development, program supply purchases, and so much more that assisted individuals and organizations to help promote the field of Environmental Education.

These project proposals directly align with the mission, vision, and values of EENC. When we consider the reach and impact of what these projects can accomplish, we eagerly look forward to December every year when we get the report of how these mini-grants helped to advance the field of Environmental Education in North Carolina. We could not carry forth our mission without the support of our members, and when we are able to reach out and provide support in return, it makes it all worthwhile.

Check out the full map of all of EENC's Mini-Grant Awardees from over the year by clicking here!

The 2026 EENC Mini-Grant program is made possible by the generous support of the EENC donor community. Without their continued and ongoing support, we would not be able to provide this opportunity.  Consider a donation today to continue this program in years to come!

Curious about what our mini-grant awardees will be doing with their awarded funds? Check out their project plans below and make sure to check back at the end of the year to see all of their accomplishments! 

Awardees

Listed alphabetically by first name

Daniel Woody

• Community Garden Manager, Villages at Washington Terrace

• Project Title: Community Garden at Washington Garden Enhancement Project

“As Community Garden Manager at the Villages at Washington Terrace, I aim to expand and revitalize our community garden to improve food access, environmental literacy, and resident engagement. Southeast Raleigh faces persistent food insecurity, and many residents—especially seniors and those with limited mobility—benefit from hyper‑local access to fresh produce. The project will enhance soil quality, add nutrient amendments, introduce starter plants, and provide educational materials that teach residents how to grow food sustainably.

Workshops will cover soil health, composting, pollinator‑friendly practices, and seasonal planting. These sessions will connect residents to core environmental education principles: understanding ecosystems, conserving resources, and recognizing human impacts on the environment.

This project will also support my professional development through environmental education workshops, strengthening my ability to teach and lead. By improving both the physical garden and the educational programming around it, the project will create a more resilient, informed, and empowered community.”

Darlene McDowell

• High School Science Teacher, Central Carolina Academy

• Project Title: Ocean Life: Innovative Marine Science Labs and Paper Dissections

“This project will promote excellence in environmental education in North Carolina by expanding access to high-quality marine science instructional materials for my students.  This project includes a comprehensive marine science lab manual , a teacher guide, and paper-based marine species dissections that allow students to explore marine anatomy, biodiversity, and ecosystem relationships without requiring preserved specimens.

I want to provide engaging, classroom-ready materials to my students that support inquiry, critical thinking, and environmental awareness.  This project strengthens the quality of marine science education and helps students better understand the ecological systems that influence North Carolina's coastal environment.”

Kayla McCoy

• Director of Soil & Water, Wilkes County

• Project Title: Project SWAT-BMP Lesson Educator Kits

“The Wilkes Soil & Water Conservation District will equip 13 educators with comprehensive hands-on lesson kits during the Project SWAT (Soil, Water, Agriculture Training) Workshop on August 19th. The central lesson, “The ABCs of BMPs for Livestock,” addresses the need to make abstract water quality concepts visible. Using materials like pool noodles and bandanas to simulate cattle and vegetative buffers, students act out the mechanics of erosion and nutrient runoff.

This project empowers teachers to transform classrooms into interactive laboratories, bridging the gap between agricultural production and environmental stewardship. It is rooted in the fundamentals of environmental education by encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving, moving from general awareness to an understanding of specific, actionable solutions (BMPs) grounded in North Carolina’s agricultural context.”

Keshi Satterwhite

• Executive Director, Planning Ahead

• Project Title: Ready Together: Community Education for Extreme Heat and Flood Preparedness

“Many residents in Durham, North Carolina face increasing risks from extreme heat and flooding but lack accessible, locally relevant information about environmental systems and preparedness. Our workshop addresses this need through a community-based environmental education program that helps residents understand how climate change, urban development, and watershed dynamics contribute to environmental hazards in their neighborhoods.

Participants engage in hands-on learning activities, including community mapping and guided discussions, to explore how stormwater systems, land use, and local environmental conditions influence flooding and heat exposure. The workshop connects environmental science concepts to everyday decision-making by teaching practical, low-cost strategies residents can use to protect their health, homes, and communities.

By combining place-based learning with real-world problem solving, the program strengthens environmental literacy, promotes systems thinking, and empowers participants to become informed stewards of their local environment.”

Monique McKoy

• Schools in Parks Specialist, NC State Parks 

• Project Title: Our State Tree Teacher Kits

“I would like to create and distribute classroom-ready kits for an activity I created called “Our State Tree,” centered on NC pine species and their importance in shaping our state. These will be given to teachers who will be a part of the Jones Lake Schools in Parks program for the 2026-27 school year. Many teachers I’ve encountered have expressed interest in this sort of activity but lack the time and resources to develop engaging, curriculum-aligned lessons, especially those requiring materials. 

This project addresses that need by providing kits with lesson plans and student materials. The project will positively impact students by increasing environmental literacy through active learning. Students will explore pine characteristics and ecosystem connections through interactive activities that promote observation and scientific thinking.

This project is grounded in the fundamentals of environmental education by fostering awareness of local ecosystems and building skills for understanding human/environmental interactions. Pine is one of the most recognized trees for students and this helps them form a deeper connection to the resource that has shaped the state they live in.”

Nora Skinner 

• Environmental Programs Coordinator, Town of Apex 

• Project Title: The Peak of Environmental Education!

“This project will establish foundational supplies for Apex’s new Environmental Programs Department, currently led by just one staff member- me! By investing in reusable materials, I will lead engaging, low-barrier programs such as Gyotaku (fish printing), animal track identification, and other environmental crafts. Supplies like track models, laminatable materials, brushes, and fabric or paper will be reused across multiple programs, maximizing impact and cost efficiency. 

As a brand-new position, this initiative fills a gap in community-based environmental education in Apex. These programs will offer accessible opportunities for residents of all ages to connect with nature, build community, and explore the natural world. Grounded in environmental education principles, these experiences will promote lifelong learning and encourage responsible stewardship.”