10/11/2026
🌿 Celebrating Lucy Cleaver — Alabama’s Outstanding Educator of the Year! 🌿
The Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve is proud to celebrate Lucy Cleaver, who was recently recognized by the Alabama Forestry Foundation as their Outstanding Educator of the Year for her dedication to environmental and forestry education through Project Learning Tree!
During her time as Education Coordinator at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve, Lucy made a tremendous impact on the students, families, educators, and community members who visited the Preserve. Through interpretive hikes, school field trips, homeschool programs, and community events, she helped people of all ages discover the incredible natural resources right here in our own backyard.
Lucy embraced the Project Learning Tree curriculum, bringing lessons about forests, wildlife, waterways, and conservation to life through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences. Her passion for connecting people with nature helped young people develop a greater understanding of our environment and the importance of becoming responsible stewards of our natural resources.
Her dedication went beyond the Preserve, too. Lucy became a certified Project Learning Tree facilitator, sharing her knowledge and experience with other educators and helping extend the reach of environmental education throughout our region.
Although Lucy has since returned to the classroom as the Agriscience teacher at Springville High School, the positive impact she made at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve will continue through the countless students and families she inspired.
I was disappointed that I could not attend the award ceremony because I was out of the country, but I am thrilled to see Lucy’s hard work and dedication recognized in this way. A big thanks to Jaresiah Banks for attending this award ceremony representing BCCNP and supporting Lucy along with her Mom, Sue Daughtry. This award is a well-deserved honor and a wonderful reflection of the difference she has made in environmental education.
Congratulations, Lucy! Thank you for the time, passion, and knowledge you shared with Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve and our community. We wish you continued success as you inspire the next generation of agricultural and environmental leaders!
