Earth’s Classroom founders Jody and Bill Miles were recognized this past weekend during the 30th annual Missouri Environmental Education Association (MEEA) Conference in Jefferson City.

The couple operates Earth’s Classroom on Russell and Ginny Blankenship’s land on Pumpstation Road, where Jody grew up and where they have hosted outdoor education programs at her parents’ farm since 1999 for more than 83,000 participants.

They were presented with the Jan Weaver Environmental Education Award, named for MEEA’s first executive director who retired in 2019. The award is presented by nomination to those who demonstrate steadfast dedication to building environmental literacy in Missouri.

“It is a passion of Earth’s Classroom’s to inspire all ages just how unique, phenomenally interesting, and important our natural and cultural resources are,” according to a release from Earth’s Classroom. “These resources have such fascinating stories. Earth’s Classroom thoroughly enjoys sharing them. It was such an honor to be nominated and voted for the Jan Weaver EE Award.”