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Every year, Maine TREE selects a partner with the Project Learning Tree program to be recognized with the Stewardship Award. This year, Barry Burgason, a retired wildlife biologist from Huber Resources, is being recognized with the honor.
Barry has been actively involved with Maine Project Learning Tree for over 30 years serving in various capacities, including chairing our steering committee over seven years. He has led many PLT professional development workshops across Maine for formal and non-formal educators. His knowledge of forestry, wildlife biology, and resource management connects PLT lessons in meaningful and engaging ways.
Longtime Maine PLT volunteer facilitator Joanne Alex shared that “Barry has always been an advocate for PLT and has given his time in so many capacities from the steering committee, to the Teacher Tours, to the facilitator trainings and workshops and working with children with guided walks and talks. He is excellent with all ages and brings knowledge, wonder, and excitement about PLT and the natural world.”
Barry guiding participants of “Project Learning Tree for Tree Farmers” in an Activity at Maine Audubon’s Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden in January of 2020.
Our well-known Forests of Maine Teachers Tours have also benefited from Barry’s skills in planning and facilitating the program. His knowledge of forestry resources, natural resource professionals, and local points of interest helped set a standard for high-quality professional development allowing educators to gain an in-depth understanding of the working Maine forest.
In 2019, Barry retired from a long and successful career as a Wildlife Biologist for Huber Resources and prior to that the Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for 17 years. In addition to his professional career, Barry is very active in his community. He volunteers for the Penobscot Conservation Association, serves in his local church, and is an enthusiastic and steadfast supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and its Maine High Adventure Program. He is always willing to put in the extra time and energy to make his community a better place. Barry resides in Old Town with his wife, Carolyn and together, they have raised two wonderful daughters.
The Maine PLT Stewardship Award recognizes someone who has contributed significantly to the mission of Project Learning Tree and its goal to increase awareness of the forest, its dynamic ecological systems, and the human dimensions of forest resource management. Barry exemplifies the PLT motto of “teaching others HOW to think, not WHAT to think,” and Maine TREE is proud to recognize his years of dedication and stewardship of the program.
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