Sarah Currier, a local educator and longtime teacher at Edgecomb Eddy School, has been named the 2026 Knox-Lincoln Conservation Educator of the Year. The award recognizes exceptional teachers who inspire students through conservation education, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning connected to the natural world. Currier has taught at Edgecomb Eddy School for the past 15 years and will begin a new role at South Bristol School this fall. 

Presented annually by the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), the award honors educators who engage students through place-based, project-based, and outdoor learning focused on ecology, sustainability, natural resources, and community connections. 

Currier was selected for her many years of dedication to advancing conservation education in Maine. Through innovative classroom programs and outdoor learning opportunities, she has helped students explore conservation, sustainability, and ecological stewardship in meaningful ways. 

“Sarah’s work has helped students develop deep connections to their local environment through hands-on, relevant learning experiences,” the Knox-Lincoln SWCD said in announcing the award. “She has sparked curiosity about the natural world while helping students understand the importance of protecting and sustaining the resources around them.” 

A hallmark of Currier’s teaching has been her commitment to partnerships that extend learning beyond the classroom. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with local and national organizations to create enriching educational opportunities for students, including the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and ReTreeUS. 

These partnerships have given students opportunities to take part in real-world environmental projects, gain firsthand experience with conservation practices, and develop a greater appreciation for Maine’s ecosystems and natural resources. 

Currier will be formally recognized during the Knox-Lincoln SWCD Annual Banquet and Conservation Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13 in Hope. The event will honor conservation leaders from across Knox and Lincoln counties who have made significant contributions to environmental stewardship, education, and resource conservation. 

The Conservation Educator of the Year award reflects Currier’s lasting impact on students, schools, and the broader community through conservation-focused education. By connecting young people with the natural world and encouraging them to become informed environmental stewards, Currier continues to help shape the next generation of conservation-minded citizens. 

“Educators play a critical role in shaping future environmental leaders, and Sarah’s dedication stands as an example of how meaningful, hands-on learning can inspire lasting connections to the land, water, and communities we call home,” the organization noted. 

For Currier, the recognition is both a celebration of past accomplishments and an affirmation of her ongoing commitment to helping students learn from—and care for—the world around them.