TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Mary Jo Modica, horticulturist at The University of Alabama Arboretum, recently received the Blanche Dean Award, honoring Alabama’s outstanding nature educator of the year, given by the Alabama Environmental Council.

The Alabama Environmental Council presented the award to Modica during their annual luncheon at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Modica, horticulturist at the UA Arboretum since 1979, has consistently dedicated her time and effort to protecting Alabama’s biodiversity through nature education programs. Modica’s commitment to nature education has paved the way for UA Arboretum projects such as the Children’s Garden and the Tree Platform, a valuable venue for scientific and environmental exploration. Visitors leave with a greater responsibility for protecting native species and the environment for themselves and future generations.

The late Blanche Evans Dean made a significant and lasting impression on Alabama through her writing, teaching and work with state and national organizations. Dean, a Clay County native, earned degrees from Valparaiso University in Indiana and from UA. For almost 30 years, she taught biology in Alabama's public schools; most of that time was spent at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham.

The Alabama Environmental Council is a group of individuals, civic groups and environmental organizations working together under the umbrella of Council activities. The Council is dedicated to the protection of Alabama’s natural heritage. Founded in 1967, it is the only Alabama-based statewide citizen organization committed to the protection and enhancement of the state’s natural environment.