LATROBE, PA – Angela Belli, director of the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve (WPNR) at Saint Vincent College, was presented with the 2025 Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators’ Keystone Award. This award recognizes an educator who has dedicated their life to advancing the quality of and opportunity for environmental education in Pennsylvania. Recipients of this award display uncommon and exceptional understanding, passion and commitment to environmental education and serve as an inspiration to other environmental educators.
“The joy of witnessing a child's enthusiasm and curiosity in nature underscores the profound impact of environmental education. It fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world and inspires a shared commitment to its protection,” explained Belli. “By cultivating these vibrant experiences, we not only nurture future stewards of the environment but also strengthen the bond that unites us with the ecosystem that sustains us all¾this is the greatest reward of my profession.”
Belli has been engaged in environmental education for more than 25 years, during which time she has developed and implemented an array of outreach programs in environmental science for Saint Vincent College and led the development of the 50-acre nature reserve. Belli integrates her love of nature, science education, conservation and service to others into the mission and outreach of WPNR and Saint Vincent College. She has extensive experience in conservation biology and education, having conducted research at Powdermill Nature Reserve’s Biological Field Station, assisted in watershed restoration projects and developed and integrated environment and ecology curriculum.
“Angela has mentored and inspired countless students who have become environmental advocates and professionals as well as countless other individuals and visitors to WPNR wanting to foster a love of nature, volunteer as environmental educators or bloom their hobbies into sustainable backyard conservation projects,” explained one of Belli’s nominators. “Her gentle guidance, strong voice and kind heart are an inspiration to all who come across her path, and her teachings, guidance and mentorship sticks with those who work with or under her throughout their career.”
Previously, Belli served as a community outreach assistant with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Pittsburgh Regional Office for the Pollution Prevention Program and a regulatory compliance specialist for Fisher Scientific International Inc. Her guidance in landscape conservation and education relating to the nature reserve and the Monastery Run Improvement Project have been recognized by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Resource Council and Westmoreland County Smartgrowth partnership. In addition, she holds the Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year by PAEE in 2004 and was the recipient of the 2015 Saint Vincent College Projektenmacher Award. She holds a Master of Science in environmental science and management from Duquesne University and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Seton Hill University.
Angela Belli
