Flint, Michigan – A growing piece of Genesee County’s outdoor education work is gaining statewide recognition. Rose Menzies of Genesee County Parks has received an award highlighting promising professionals who are helping people build stronger connections with the outdoors.
Menzies was honored with the Rising Star Award during the Michigan Alliance for Environmental & Outdoor Education Annual Awards Ceremony in Flint, putting a spotlight on her work expanding environmental education opportunities in the community.
The Rising Star Award is designed for professionals who are still relatively new to environmental and outdoor education but have already demonstrated leadership, innovation and strong practices in the field. MAEOE presents the recognition annually to as many as two people who have worked in the profession for fewer than five years.
Menzies was recognized in particular for her dedication to creating and expanding opportunities for outdoor learning at Flint’s new state park.
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Her work is helping develop experiences that allow both children and adults to spend time outdoors while learning more about the environment around them. Those opportunities are intended not only to provide education, but also to encourage people to explore and develop a closer connection with the natural world.
The award was presented as part of MAEOE’s annual conference, which took place in Flint from Thursday through Sunday. The gathering brings together educators, naturalists and environmental professionals from around Michigan with a shared focus on strengthening environmental literacy and outdoor education.
For Genesee County Parks, the recognition also highlights the people behind efforts to make nature-based education more accessible to the public. Programs and outdoor learning opportunities can introduce residents to local natural spaces while giving them a chance to experience those places in a more meaningful way.
Genesee County Parks celebrated Menzies’ achievement and congratulated her on the statewide recognition, while also acknowledging the work she continues to do for the park system and the wider community.