The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) has recently announced the recipients of its 2015 Maryland Green Schools and Green Center Awards.

According to MAEOE, 16 organizations received Maryland Green Center status, including 3 new green centers. Clearwater Nature Center in Prince George’s County was one of the centers certified as a green center for the first time.

The Gazette.net states

Two Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation sites have been recognized as 2015 Maryland Green Centers by the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education, or MAEOE.

Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro was recertified, while Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton was certified for the first time, according to a Parks and Recreation news release.

The Maryland Green Center Award recognizes public facilities’ efforts in environmental education, best management practices and community engagement, according to the MAEOE website.

Certification is valid for four years and may be renewed.

“This recognition reiterates our endeavor to be a leader in sustainability efforts in the county,” Kyle Lowe, acting division chief of the Natural and Historic Resources division, said in a statement. “Part of the mission of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning commission is to educate the public on the importance of the environment and to preserve green space for future generations. The staffs at Patuxent River Park and Clearwater Nature Center are setting an exceptional example in these areas with their amazing public program offerings and beautiful sites.”

Fifty-two schools were also awarded Maryland Green School status from MAEOE. Sixty schools have maintained their status by recertifying and four schools have achieved sustainable school status.

To read more about the recipients of the 2015 Maryland Green Schools and Green Center Awards or how to apply to become a green school or center, please visit maeoe.org.