by Nasrin Nawa | Nebraska Extension
Lincoln, Neb. —Scott Evans, Nebraska Extension associate and horticulture program coordinator, has been honored with the 2023 Educator Award by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. The accolade recognizes his exceptional efforts in enhancing the knowledge and appreciation of plants among his students.
The Educator Award salutes educators who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to advancing plant knowledge and fostering an appreciation for plants among their students.
Evans' primary focus is on volunteers' management, guiding more than 270 Extension Master Gardeners. He imparts teachings on best management practices in various horticultural areas, including stormwater management and integrated pest management in Douglas-Sarpy counties. Additionally, he shares his expertise through GroBig Red blog posts, the Backyard Farmer show, social media platforms and print media articles.
Nebraska Extension's master gardener volunteers made an impressive total of over 7,000 contacts in 2023 alone.
Evans co-founded the Nebraska Pollinator Habitat Certification initiative and serves on the Bellevue Tree Board. He is a qualified tree risk assessment arborist, certified through the International Society of Arboriculture. He is an essential member of the Nebraska Certified Pollinator Habitat team and an Omaha African Violet and Gesneriad Society board member. He is an inaugural UNL staff senator.
Reflecting on the significance of Extension programs and individuals like Evans, Charles Stoltenow, dean and director of Nebraska Extension, emphasized, "I believe that no one understands the people of Nebraska like the people of Extension, and these Extension programs and people underscore that belief. I'm extremely proud of the value that Extension adds to the lives of Nebraskans."