
EVENTÂ
SPONSORSHIP
Dear Environmental Education Supporter,
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We invite you to show your support for environmental education in our state by sponsoring Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE) events this year. KACEE unites public agencies, teachers, community organizations, businesses, and individuals behind a common cause - teaching kids how to think, not what to think, about environmental issues through non-biased and science-based EE.
KACEE is a 501(c)3 organization with a vison to grow a healthy, vibrant and resilient Kansas through the power of environmental education. A portion of your sponsorship is tax deductible. Your sponsorship will be recognized in our promotions, reaching 1300+ people across Kansas.
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By sponsoring our fundraising events, you will help offset costs, reduce registration fees, and provide scholarships for educators. Support for environmental education is vital for a healthy environment, vibrant economy, and successful communities.
If environmental education is something that you or your organization deeply values, sponsoring one or more of our events provides the opportunity to live your values and lead your community by example.
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Thank you for your consideration!
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The KACEE Board and Staff
2025- 2027 KACEE Board of Directors (New) Candidates
Bluebird Taylor

Bluebird Taylor-McKown has worked as a naturalist since 2010, working in natural areas from California to Kansas. She studied environmental analysis and design in the School of Social Ecology at the University of California, Irvine, specializing in habitat restoration, conservation, education, and protecting Native American sacred sites. She has worked with policymakers alongside the Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society, and Nature for All to create and maintain environmental education in all of our communities. Today, she continues her work educating on the importance of native habitat restoration, conservation, and biodiversity at the Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center.
Amanda Alessi

Amanda Alessi is the Director of the Great Plains Nature Center (GPNC), the third most visited attraction in the greater Wichita area. With a passion for connecting people to nature, and over 20 years in the field as a naturalist, Amanda loves to inspire curiosity and promote responsible stewardship of natural resources. A skilled community builder, she aligns the strengths of various organizations to achieve shared goals. Representing the City of Wichita, Amanda collaborates with the Center’s partners—US Fish & Wildlife Service, Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, City of Wichita, and Friends of the GPNC. A lifelong nature enthusiast, Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Emporia State University and began her career as an urban naturalist in the Chicago area. She joined the Great Plains Nature Center in 2009 and later earned a master’s degree in public administration and a nonprofit management certificate from Wichita State University. Amanda’s leadership extends beyond the Center. She serves on the board for the Kiwanis Club of Wichita, fostering community service, and on the board of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, where she helps guide the church’s mission. She is also a member of the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association. At home, Amanda is an adventurer with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, exploring art and the great outdoors with their three daughters.
Katie Basiotis

Ms. Basiotis is a wildlife biologist with 20 years of experience in wildlife, habitat, and water resources. Currently at Stantec Consulting Services Inc., she writes technical reports including threatened and endangered species habitat assessments, environmental management plans, and vegetation management plans. Ms. Basiotis was an environmental specialist for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for 6 years, implementing and managing the state’s Clean Water Act Section 319 and Section 401 programs, among others. During her 10-year tenure at the Wildlife Habitat Council, she conducted assessments at over 200 locations throughout the Midwest and eastern United States for habitat enhancement and conservation education opportunities.
Erika Devore
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Erika serves as the Executive Director of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association (KRPA), a position she has held for over 11 years. With more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, her career has been dedicated to advancing health and wellness initiatives. Erika is passionate about the outdoors and is committed to expanding access to outdoor recreation opportunities across Kansas. In addition to her role at KRPA, Erika is a commissioner on the National CAPRA Commission, where she contributes to the accreditation of park and recreation agencies nationwide. She holds degrees from Temple University, Kansas State University, and The University of Kansas Medical Center. Erika resides in Douglas County with her family and a variety of animals, enjoying the vibrant outdoor spaces she works to promote and enhance.
Antonio Barron

As a child and young adult, I always enjoyed being outdoors whether it was in my backyard, in a park, or in some sort of nature trail. In 1998, I graduated from Kansas State University with a BS in Agriculture majoring in Park Resource Management. I entered college wanting to be a teacher and spent 3.5 years in that area until changing to my current degree, which is one reason I am excited to be part of this board. In 2000, I began my career in public service with the City of Winfield, KS Park Department. In my time as a public servant, I have worked for multiple organizations including the City of Lawrence, Lawrence Public Schools, Blue Valley School District in Overland Park, and now Johnson County Government. I began my tenure with Johnson County Government in March of 2023 with over 20 years of experience in local government, all in a facilities and grounds department, with twelve of those years as a director and coordinator. Though out my adult life, I have always enjoyed working with kids. In 1996, I completed a summer practicum at Rock Springs Ranch near Junction City as an Environmental Education Leader. From there I have been involved in several youth programs including being a church youth group sponsor, cabin leader for multiple summer camps, mentor for the Eudora Middle School LinkUp program, and have coached youth in several sports. My family and I enjoy visiting state and national parks, and most times, hiking is our favorite activity. I have been married to my beautiful wife, Audrey, for 25 years and we have three sons, Malachi (21), Micah (20), and Apollo (14).
Shannon Kenyon

Shannon Kenyon is the manager for the NW Kansas Groundwater Management District #4 in Colby, KS. She has been working with Kansas water rights for 13 years with both DWR and GMD 4. She was the GMD 4 assistant manager for four years before taking the manager position last July. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from The Wichita State University, a Master’s degree in Geoscience from Mississippi State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration. Outside of work she spends time on the farm and ranch where she and her husband live in Bogue, Kansas. Much of that time is spent sharing the farming and ranching life with their ten grandkids and Bob the Schnauzer.